Ando AQ8201-43 1x12 Single-Mode Optical Switch Module with FC/APC Connectors

Ando AQ8201-43 1x12 Single-Mode Optical Switch Module with FC/APC Connectors

The Ando AQ8201-43 OSW Module is a 1x12 optical switch designed for the Ando AQ8200 Series Optical Test and Measurement System. It routes one single-mode optical input to one of twelve selectable output ports, providing automated signal-path control for DWDM component evaluation, optical amplifier testing, laboratory research, production testing, and other professional fiber optic applications.

The AQ8201-43 operates across wavelengths from 1480 nm to 1620 nm and uses 9/125 µm single-mode fiber. It is equipped with FC/Angled PC optical interfaces and provides insertion loss of 1.5 dB or less, optical return loss of 55 dB or more, optical isolation of 70 dB or more, and typical repeatability of ±0.02 dB under the specified measurement conditions.

This module occupies two slots in a compatible AQ8200 Series frame. It requires a supported Ando system controller or frame controller for power, switch-path selection, display functions, and integration into automated optical test configurations. The AQ8201-43 is not designed to operate as a standalone optical switch.

Features and Benefits of the Ando AQ8201-43 OSW Module

The Ando AQ8201-43 provides flexible optical signal routing for engineers, technicians, laboratories, production facilities, and automated test systems that require repeatable selection among twelve single-mode optical paths.

• 1x12 switch configuration: Routes one optical input to one of twelve selectable output ports.
• Wide DWDM wavelength coverage: Supports optical signals from 1480 nm to 1620 nm.
• Single-mode fiber design: Uses 9/125 µm single-mode fiber for compatible telecom and photonics systems.
• Low insertion loss: Provides insertion loss of 1.5 dB or less under the specified test conditions.
• High optical isolation: Provides optical isolation of 70 dB or more between optical paths.
• High return loss: Provides optical return loss of 55 dB or more.
• Repeatable path selection: Provides typical repeatability of ±0.02 dB after the specified warm-up period.
• Low polarization dependence: Provides typical polarization-dependent loss of 0.05 dB peak-to-peak.
• FC/APC optical connections: Uses FC/Angled PC interfaces for compatible single-mode optical test systems.
• Modular system integration: Installs in a compatible Ando AQ8200 Series frame and occupies two module slots.
• Automated test support: Enables controller-based optical routing for complex laboratory and production measurement sequences.

1x12 Optical Signal Routing

The Ando AQ8201-43 provides one optical input and twelve selectable optical outputs. The module connects the input signal to one output at a time, allowing a compatible AQ8200 Series controller to select the required optical path without repeated manual reconnection of patch cables.

This configuration can be used when one optical source must be routed to multiple devices under test, measurement channels, receivers, optical components, or production fixtures. It can also be used in reverse-path applications when the test procedure and optical configuration support that arrangement.

Automated signal routing can help reduce connector handling, shorten setup time, and improve consistency across repetitive measurement sequences. The twelve-output architecture is particularly useful in multi-device test systems, DWDM evaluation platforms, and production environments where several optical paths must be selected from a common source.

DWDM Component Testing

The AQ8200 Series was developed for the general evaluation of DWDM optical devices and communication components. The AQ8201-43 can form part of a modular system used to evaluate optical MUX and DEMUX devices, arrayed waveguide gratings, fiber Bragg gratings, filters, optical amplifiers, and other active or passive optical components.

With a wavelength range of 1480 nm to 1620 nm, the AQ8201-43 supports optical routing across common C-band and L-band test regions. This makes the module suitable for systems that combine tunable or fixed-wavelength sources, optical attenuators, optical power meters, return-loss modules, and optical spectrum analyzers.

The module does not perform optical power measurement or wavelength analysis by itself. Those functions require compatible measurement modules or external instruments. The AQ8201-43 provides the controlled optical routing needed to direct signals through the required test paths.

AQ8200 Series System Integration

The Ando AQ8201-43 is designed for installation in compatible AQ8200 Series frames. It occupies two module slots and requires a supported controller or frame system for operation.

The AQ8200 Series allows users to combine optical sources, power meters, attenuators, switches, couplers, and return-loss measurement modules in a configurable platform. This modular design supports both compact laboratory systems and larger automated configurations containing multiple frames.

Depending on the selected controller and expander-frame arrangement, an AQ8200 Series system can support a substantial number of modules. Buyers should verify available frame capacity, controller compatibility, system cabling, firmware requirements, and the number of free slots before purchasing the AQ8201-43.

Typical Applications

The Ando AQ8201-43 1x12 Optical Switch Module is suitable for professional applications such as:

• DWDM optical component evaluation
• Automated single-mode optical signal routing
• Optical MUX and DEMUX testing
• Arrayed waveguide grating characterization
• Fiber Bragg grating testing
• Optical filter evaluation
• EDFA and optical amplifier testing
• Multi-device production testing
• Optical source distribution
• Receiver and detector selection
• Laboratory research and development
• Automated fiber optic measurement systems

Product Overview

Brand	Ando
Model	AQ8201-43
Product Category	Modular Optical Switch
Switch Configuration	1 input x 12 outputs
System Family	AQ8200 Series Optical Test and Measurement System
Slot Width	Two slots
Fiber Type	9/125 µm single-mode fiber
Optical Connector	FC/Angled PC
Primary Application	Routing one single-mode optical input to one of twelve selectable outputs
Suitable For	DWDM testing, optical component characterization, production testing, laboratory research, and automated optical systems

 

AQ8201-43 Optical Specifications

Specification	Ando AQ8201-43 Details
Number of Channels	1x12
Wavelength Range	1480 nm to 1620 nm
Insertion Loss	1.5 dB or less
Optical Return Loss	55 dB or more
Optical Isolation	70 dB or more
Polarization-Dependent Loss	0.05 dB peak-to-peak typical
Repeatability	±0.02 dB typical
Applicable Fiber	Single-mode 9/125 µm
Optical Connector	FC/Angled PC

 

Specification Conditions

The insertion loss, optical return loss, optical isolation, and polarization-dependent-loss specifications are defined at constant temperature using a master cord, including the connector, at a wavelength of 1550 nm.

The repeatability specification is a typical value measured after a one-hour warm-up period. The principal optical specifications are assured at a fixed ambient temperature of 25 °C ±3 °C.

Actual system performance may be affected by connector cleanliness, patch-cord quality, fiber routing, wavelength, temperature, connector mating, backreflection, and the condition of the switch mechanism.

Environmental and Mechanical Specifications

Specification	Details
Operating Temperature	5 °C to 40 °C
Storage Temperature	0 °C to 50 °C
Humidity	85% relative humidity or less, non-condensing
Dimensions	Approximately 79.5 mm wide x 130 mm high x 339 mm deep
Weight	Approximately 1.0 kg
Module Width	Two AQ8200 Series slots
Warm-Up for Repeatability Specification	One hour

 

Compatible AQ8200 Series Frames

System Component	Relevant Capacity
AQ8202-01 System Controller	Controls an AQ8202 Expander Frame configuration with up to 40 modules
AQ8202 Expander Frame	Accepts up to 10 modules
AQ8203 Halfsize Frame	Accepts up to three modules and can control expanded configurations
AQ8204 Frame Controller	Accepts up to eight modules and can control expanded configurations

 

Because the AQ8201-43 occupies two slots, available frame space should be calculated accordingly. The maximum number of AQ8201-43 modules in a frame depends on the frame model, other installed modules, and system configuration.

Connector Compatibility and Optical Care

The Ando AQ8201-43 uses FC/Angled PC optical connectors. The specified angled-contact interface is identified as a step-type connector manufactured by Seikoh Giken or an equivalent design.

Only compatible FC/APC patch cords and mating interfaces should be used. FC/APC and FC/PC connector end faces have different geometries and should not be mated directly.

All optical connectors should be inspected and cleaned before mating. Contamination can increase insertion loss, reduce return loss and isolation, cause measurement instability, and transfer debris to the module’s optical interfaces.

Fiber patch cords should be routed with appropriate bend-radius control and strain relief. Excessive bending, pulling, or lateral force at the connectors can affect optical performance or damage the module and cable interfaces.

System Configuration and Buyer Considerations

The Ando AQ8201-43 is a plug-in optical switch module and requires a compatible AQ8200 Series frame and controller. It does not provide standalone operation, local power, or independent control outside the supported system platform.

Buyers should confirm the compatibility and condition of the intended AQ8202-01, AQ8202, AQ8203, or AQ8204 system components. Available module slots, controller firmware, expansion cables, frame power capacity, and automation requirements should be reviewed before installation.

The AQ8201-43 should not be confused with the AQ8201-414 or AQ8201-418. The AQ8201-414 provides a 1x4 configuration, the AQ8201-418 provides a 1x8 configuration, and the AQ8201-43 provides a 1x12 configuration in a wider two-slot module.

Calibration and Testing Before Shipment

When calibration is technically applicable and supported, the Ando AQ8201-43 is calibrated before shipment. The calibration or verification process may include insertion loss, optical return loss, optical isolation, polarization-dependent loss, path repeatability, and switch operation across the available output ports.

Following successful calibration, the module may include a calibration label, calibration certificate, and related calibration data, depending on the equipment configuration and calibration service.

If formal calibration is unavailable or not applicable to the specific module, the unit receives comprehensive functional and performance testing. This process may include compatible-frame recognition, input-to-output path selection, operation of all twelve switch positions, connector inspection, optical continuity, and evaluation of available optical performance.

This testing helps verify that the module operates correctly and that its available functions have been evaluated before it is released for shipment. The exact calibration scope, documentation, test data, and service records should be confirmed before purchase when these items are required for laboratory, production, regulatory, or quality-management applications.

Why Buy from AssetRelay?

AssetRelay supplies professional equipment and product solutions for fiber optic, telecom, laboratory, production, inspection, cleaning, RF/microwave, electronic test, and photonics applications. The Ando AQ8201-43 1x12 Optical Switch Module is listed to help engineers, laboratory personnel, production facilities, procurement teams, and service organizations source optical signal-routing equipment for professional test systems.

Buyers should review the available product photographs, physical condition, optical connector condition, included accessories, calibration information, and AQ8200 Series compatibility before purchase. Confirming these details helps ensure that the module matches the intended wavelength range, fiber type, connector polish, switching configuration, and automated test workflow.

Only accessories specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included. The compatible frame, system controller, expansion cables, FC/APC patch cords, optical sources, sensors, cleaning supplies, and automation equipment may be required separately.