Santec PEM-320 Polarization Extinction Ratio Meter

Santec PEM-320 Polarization Extinction Ratio Meter

The Santec PEM-320 Polarization Extinction Ratio Meter is a professional optical test instrument designed to provide accurate, real-time information about the polarization state of light in an optical fiber. It is especially useful for the alignment and characterization of polarization-maintaining fiber and optical components where polarization extinction ratio, optical power, and polarization angle must be monitored together.

Using a rotating polarizer design with a high-sensitivity detector, the PEM-320 supports measurement of high linear polarization extinction ratios up to 40 dB. The instrument simultaneously displays polarization extinction ratio, optical power, and polarization angle, giving engineers and technicians the key parameters needed for precision fiber alignment and optical component setup. This makes the PEM-320 suitable for bench-top laboratory use, production environments, and automated optical alignment systems.

Features and Benefits of the Santec PEM-320 Polarization Extinction Ratio Meter

The Santec PEM-320 Polarization Extinction Ratio Meter provides practical value for professional users who require reliable polarization measurement capability for technical optical workflows.

• Real-time polarization measurement: Displays polarization extinction ratio, optical power, and polarization angle simultaneously for efficient optical alignment and characterization.
• High PER measurement capability: Measures polarization extinction ratios up to 40 dB under supported input power conditions, making it suitable for demanding polarization-maintaining fiber applications.
• Rotating polarizer design: Uses a rotating polarizer and high-sensitivity detector to evaluate the polarization state of light from an optical fiber.
• Offset cancel function: Provides compensation for photodetector dark current to improve accuracy and dynamic range, particularly when working with low optical power levels.
• Remote control interfaces: Includes GPIB and RS-232C communication interfaces for remote operation, automated measurement, and integration into production or alignment systems.
• Analogue data output: Provides analogue output of measured parameters, supporting feedback signals for automated alignment and control-loop applications.
• Selectable measurement speeds: Supports 2.5 Hz, 5 Hz, and 10 Hz measurement speeds for flexibility between dynamic range and faster response requirements.

Advanced Features and Practical Applications

The Santec PEM-320 is designed for users who need to evaluate and optimize the polarization condition of optical signals in fiber-based systems. In polarization-maintaining fiber work, accurate orientation and coupling are critical to minimizing signal degradation and achieving stable optical performance. The PEM-320 helps users observe the parameters required for alignment in real time, reducing the need to switch between separate measurement instruments.

The instrument can operate as a standalone bench-top meter or as part of an automated measurement environment. With GPIB and RS-232C interfaces, the PEM-320 can be fully controlled remotely, and measured parameters can be monitored through the available communication commands. This is particularly valuable in production test stations, automated fiber alignment systems, laboratory research setups, and optical component manufacturing workflows.

The PEM-320 also includes a stopped polarizer function. In applications such as the automatic alignment of the lateral orientation of an optical fiber to a laser light source, the polarizer can be stopped at the angle of either maximum or minimum power transmission. This provides additional flexibility when faster optical power response is required than the rotating measurement mode allows.

Typical Applications

The Santec PEM-320 Polarization Extinction Ratio Meter is suitable for professional applications such as:

• Polarization-maintaining fiber alignment
• Optical component characterization
• Fiber optic laboratory testing
• Automated fiber alignment systems
• Production optical test stations
• Telecom and photonics measurement environments
• Optical power, PER, and polarization angle monitoring

Product Overview

Brand	Santec
Model	PEM-320
Product Category	Polarization Extinction Ratio Meter
Primary Application	Real-time measurement of polarization extinction ratio, optical power, and polarization angle in optical fiber systems
Suitable For	Fiber optic laboratories, optical component production, telecom test environments, automated measurement systems, and photonics applications

 

Specifications

Specification	Details
Wavelength Range	1520 nm to 1600 nm, power calibrated at 1550 nm
Optional Wavelength Ranges	980 nm, 1310 nm, 1480 nm, and 1550 nm bands
PER Range	0 to 30 dB when input power is greater than -30 dBm; 0 to 40 dB when input power is greater than -20 dBm
PER Resolution	0.1 dB when PER is less than 30 dB; 0.3 dB when PER is greater than 30 dB
Power Measurement Range	-40 dBm to +10 dBm
Power Resolution	0.1 dB when power is greater than -30 dBm; 0.3 dB when power is less than -30 dBm
Polarization Angle Resolution	0.45 degrees
Measurement Speed	0.1 s, 0.2 s, and 0.4 s selectable
Measurement Speed Options	2.5 Hz, 5 Hz, and 10 Hz through software control
Operating Temperature	10 °C to 40 °C
Connector Type	FC and SC, SPC polish
Optional Connector Polish	SPC or APC
Communication Interfaces	GPIB and RS-232C
Analogue Output	Analogue output for PER, optical power, and polarization angle
Size	210 mm x 80 mm x 300 mm
Weight	3 kg
Supply Voltage	100 V / 110 V / 230 V / 240 V
Maximum Power	40 W

 

 

Communication and Integration

The Santec PEM-320 supports both GPIB and RS-232C communication protocols, allowing the instrument to be integrated into automated optical test and measurement systems. Remote operation can be used to monitor parameters such as PER, optical power, polarization angle, peak measured power, minimum measured power, and operating status. The RS-232C interface supports full duplex communication at 9600 bps with 8-bit data length, 1 stop bit, no parity, and no flow control.

The analogue interface provides voltage outputs that correspond to measured parameters displayed on the front panel. These outputs can be useful when the PEM-320 is used as part of a feedback system for automated alignment, monitoring, or control applications.

Included Items

Included Item	Details
Power Switch Keys	2 power switch keys
Power Supply Cable	Power supply cable
Analogue Interface Cable	AIF connection cable
Documentation	Operation manual and test report

 

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. This product is listed to help technical buyers, procurement teams, engineers, installers, and service organizations source practical equipment for demanding professional environments.

When available, buyers should review the provided specifications, compatibility details, condition notes, and accessories before purchase to confirm that the product meets their application requirements.