JDSU TB90226-22FP1 TB9 Tunable Grating Filter, 1525–1625 nm, 0.22 nm Bandwidth, FC/PC Front Bulkheads

JDSU TB90226-22FP1 TB9 Tunable Grating Filter, 1525–1625 nm, 0.22 nm Bandwidth, FC/PC Front Bulkheads

The JDSU TB90226-22FP1 is a grating-based tunable optical filter designed for high-performance laboratory and production testing of single-mode fiber optic components and subsystems. It provides a narrow, wavelength-selectable passband that allows users to isolate desired optical signals while suppressing unwanted wavelengths, amplified spontaneous emission, and broadband optical noise.

This TB9 Model 226 configuration supports tuning from 1525 nm to 1625 nm. It provides a nominal -3 dB bandwidth of 0.22 nm, a nominal -20 dB bandwidth of 0.6 nm, and wavelength adjustment with 0.01 nm resolution. The TB90226-22FP1 uses FC/PC optical interfaces with bulkheads mounted on the front panel.

The tunable grating filter can be operated directly from its front-panel keypad or integrated into automated optical measurement systems through GPIB and RS232 interfaces. This combination of narrowband filtering, broad wavelength tuning, remote control, and single-mode connectivity makes the instrument suitable for DWDM device characterization, tunable laser testing, EDFA evaluation, and optical source cleanup.

Features and Benefits of the JDSU TB90226-22FP1

The JDSU TB90226-22FP1 provides precise wavelength-selective filtering for engineers, laboratories, production facilities, and service organizations working with C-band and extended-wavelength optical systems.

• Grating-based optical filter: Uses a tunable grating architecture to provide a narrow passband and strong wavelength-isolation roll-off.
• Broad tuning range: Supports wavelength selection from 1525 nm to 1625 nm.
• Narrow 0.22 nm passband: Provides a nominal -3 dB bandwidth of 0.22 nm for selective optical filtering.
• High spectral rejection: Provides a nominal -20 dB bandwidth of 0.6 nm to help separate the selected wavelength from unwanted spectral content.
• Fine wavelength adjustment: Supports tuning resolution of 0.01 nm.
• Single-mode optical path: Uses single-mode fiber at both the optical input and output.
• FC/PC front bulkheads: Provides accessible front-panel optical interfaces for compatible FC/PC patch cords.
• Standard 300 mW input capability: Supports optical input power up to 300 mW in the standard configuration.
• Front-panel operation: Allows wavelength and filter settings to be controlled from the instrument keypad.
• GPIB and RS232 interfaces: Supports remote operation in automated laboratory and production systems.
• Universal AC power: Operates from 100 V AC to 240 V AC at 50 Hz to 60 Hz.

Narrowband Grating-Based Optical Filtering

The JDSU TB9 Tunable Grating Filter uses a grating-based optical design to select a narrow spectral region while rejecting wavelengths outside the desired passband. The grating architecture provides a steeper wavelength-isolation roll-off than conventional Fabry-Perot etalons or interference filters, making it useful for demanding wavelength-selective measurements.

The TB9 Model 226 provides the narrowest standard passband within the documented TB9 filter family. Its nominal -3 dB bandwidth is 0.22 nm, while its nominal -20 dB bandwidth is 0.6 nm. This combination helps isolate individual optical channels, suppress broadband noise, and separate the desired laser output from surrounding spontaneous-emission content.

The documented -3 dB and -20 dB bandwidth values have a tolerance of ±15%. Actual filter response may vary with wavelength, polarization, temperature, calibration condition, connector loss, and the optical characteristics of the source under test.

1525 nm to 1625 nm Tuning Range

The TB90226-22FP1 is configured for tuning across wavelengths from 1525 nm to 1625 nm. This broad range supports measurements throughout the conventional C-band and into the L-band region used by optical amplifiers, DWDM systems, tunable lasers, and wavelength-selective optical components.

The instrument provides wavelength adjustment with 0.01 nm resolution. Wavelength repeatability is specified at 0.05 nm, while wavelength accuracy is ±0.2 nm after the required one-hour warm-up period.

The documented wide-range configuration may also be used across wavelengths from 1500 nm to 1625 nm. Users should verify the required insertion-loss, polarization-dependent-loss, and passband performance when operating outside the primary 1525 nm to 1625 nm tuning range.

Amplified Spontaneous Emission Filtering

One of the primary applications for the JDSU TB90226-22FP1 is amplified spontaneous emission filtering in erbium-doped fiber amplifier systems. EDFAs can produce broadband ASE in addition to the desired optical signal. This unwanted spectral energy can increase measurement noise and interfere with accurate characterization of optical components.

The tunable grating filter can be adjusted to pass the wavelength under test while rejecting a substantial portion of the surrounding ASE. This allows engineers to evaluate amplifier output, gain behavior, wavelength-dependent performance, and downstream optical components using a more selective optical signal.

The narrow 0.22 nm nominal passband is particularly useful where strong wavelength isolation is required. Input power, insertion loss, passband width, polarization-dependent loss, and connector condition should be considered when configuring an EDFA measurement setup.

Tunable Laser and DFB Source Testing

The JDSU TB90226-22FP1 can be used to suppress spontaneous emission from distributed feedback lasers and tunable laser sources. A laser may produce the desired narrow optical carrier together with lower-level optical energy outside the primary output wavelength.

By tuning the filter to the laser wavelength, users can reduce unwanted spectral content before the signal reaches a wavelength-selective component, optical receiver, optical power detector, or other device under test. This can improve measurement confidence where broadband source content might otherwise influence the result.

The filter is also useful in tunable-laser-based systems that require wavelength selection across multiple C-band and L-band channels. GPIB or RS232 control can coordinate the filter wavelength with the optical source during automated sweeps and channel-by-channel measurements.

WDM and DWDM Component Characterization

The JDSU TB90226-22FP1 is suitable for wavelength-selective testing of WDM and DWDM components. Potential devices under test include optical filters, multiplexers, demultiplexers, wavelength-selective switches, optical couplers, fiber Bragg gratings, arrayed waveguide gratings, optical amplifiers, and other passive or active photonic devices.

The filter can help isolate the desired optical channel before or after the device under test. Its narrow passband and broad wavelength tuning allow the same instrument to be used across many optical channels without exchanging fixed optical filters.

For automated testing, software can coordinate the tunable filter with a laser source, optical switch, optical power meter, variable optical attenuator, or optical spectrum analyzer. The resulting system can support wavelength sweeps, passband evaluation, channel-by-channel measurements, insertion-loss testing, and out-of-band-rejection analysis.

Typical Applications

The JDSU TB90226-22FP1 Tunable Grating Filter is suitable for professional applications such as:

• Amplified spontaneous emission filtering
• EDFA characterization and testing
• Spontaneous-emission suppression
• DFB laser source cleanup
• Tunable laser testing
• WDM and DWDM component characterization
• Optical filter evaluation
• MUX and DEMUX testing
• Fiber Bragg grating measurements
• Arrayed waveguide grating testing
• Wavelength-selective optical measurements
• Automated laboratory and production testing

Product Overview

Brand	JDSU / JDS Uniphase
Model	TB90226-22FP1
Product Family	TB9 Tunable Grating Filter
Filter Model	226
Product Category	Single-Mode Tunable Grating Filter
Fiber Configuration	Single-mode fiber input and output
Connector Type	FC/PC
Port Configuration	Front-panel bulkheads
Primary Application	Narrowband wavelength-selective filtering from 1525 nm to 1625 nm
Suitable For	Optical laboratories, DWDM testing, EDFA characterization, tunable laser systems, production testing, and photonics research

 

Model 226 Optical Specifications

Specification	JDSU TB90226-22FP1 Details
Tuning Range	1525 nm to 1625 nm
Extended Usable Range	1500 nm to 1625 nm
Nominal -3 dB Bandwidth	0.22 nm
-3 dB Bandwidth Tolerance	±15%
Nominal -20 dB Bandwidth	0.6 nm
-20 dB Bandwidth Tolerance	±15%
Insertion Loss, 1525–1625 nm	7.0 dB or less
Polarization-Dependent Loss, 1525–1625 nm	0.5 dB or less
Maximum Standard Input Power	300 mW
Maximum High-Power Configuration	1 W when specifically configured for high-power operation
Wavelength Resolution	0.01 nm
Return Loss	Greater than 45 dB
Wavelength Repeatability	0.05 nm
Wavelength Accuracy	±0.2 nm after the specified warm-up period

 

Control and Automation Interfaces

Control Method	Details
Local Control	Front-panel keypad
Remote Interface	GPIB
Serial Interface	RS232
Automation Application	Remote wavelength selection and integration with compatible optical test equipment

 

Electrical, Environmental, and Mechanical Specifications

Specification	Details
Input Voltage	100 V AC to 240 V AC
Line Frequency	50 Hz to 60 Hz
Maximum Power Consumption	80 VA
Dimensions	21.2 cm wide x 8.9 cm high x 35.5 cm deep
Rack Format	19-inch rack compatible, 2U high, half-rack width
Weight	4 kg
Operating Temperature	10 °C to 40 °C
Storage Temperature	0 °C to 50 °C
Humidity	Maximum 95% relative humidity up to 40 °C, non-condensing
Warm-Up Time for Accuracy Specification	One hour
Recommended Calibration Period	One year

 

FC/PC Front-Panel Optical Interfaces

The TB90226-22FP1 uses FC/PC optical connectors with bulkheads mounted on the front panel. Compatible FC/PC single-mode patch cords should be used for the optical input and output.

FC/PC and FC/APC connectors have different end-face geometries and should not be mated directly. The connector type and polish should be verified before connecting the filter to a source, device under test, or optical power meter.

All connector end faces should be inspected and cleaned before mating. Contamination can increase insertion loss, reduce return loss, introduce instability, and affect the measured filter response.

Measurement Preparation

The tunable filter should complete its specified one-hour warm-up period before measurements requiring the stated wavelength accuracy. The desired filter wavelength should be selected from the front panel or through the GPIB or RS232 interface.

The optical source should remain within the specified input-power limit. The standard Model 226 configuration supports input power up to 300 mW. A 1 W limit applies only to units specifically configured for high-power operation.

The filter should be connected using clean, compatible single-mode patch cords. Fiber movement, connector contamination, polarization changes, and temperature variations can affect insertion loss and measurement repeatability.

Calibration and Testing Before Shipment

When calibration is technically applicable and supported, the JDSU TB90226-22FP1 is calibrated before shipment. The calibration process may include verification of wavelength accuracy, wavelength repeatability, tuning resolution, passband width, insertion loss, polarization-dependent loss, front-panel control, and remote-interface operation.

Following successful calibration, the instrument may include a calibration label, calibration certificate, and related calibration data, depending on the equipment configuration and calibration service. The recommended calibration period for the tunable grating filter is one year.

If formal calibration is unavailable or not applicable to the specific instrument, the unit receives comprehensive functional and performance testing. This process may include wavelength tuning across