JDS Uniphase TB9223 Tunable Optical Grating Filter with FC/PC Connectors

JDS Uniphase TB9223 Tunable Optical Grating Filter with FC/PC Connectors

The JDS Uniphase TB9223 is a tunable optical grating filter designed for wavelength-selective testing in professional fiber optic, telecommunications, photonics, laboratory, and production environments. It passes a selected optical wavelength region while reducing spectral content outside the active passband, making it useful for filtering broadband optical sources and characterizing wavelength-dependent components.

This configuration is identified with FC/PC optical connectors. The TB9223 platform supports a standard tuning range from 1530 nm to 1570 nm and an extended tuning option from 1525 nm to 1625 nm. The installed tuning range must be confirmed from the complete configuration code or through optical testing because the abbreviated designation TB9223+FP does not identify the tuning-range option.

The TB9223 belongs to the JDS Uniphase TB9 Optical Grating Filter family. The platform was offered in 300 mW and 1 W input-power configurations, with front-panel bulkheads or front-panel pigtails. These characteristics are selected through additional order codes that are not present in the abbreviated product name.

The TB9223 is a passive optical filter and requires an external optical source. It does not generate optical power, amplify the input signal, or independently measure wavelength. A compatible optical spectrum analyzer, wavelength meter, or detector is required to observe and characterize the filtered output.

Features and Benefits of the JDS Uniphase TB9223

• Tunable optical filtering: Selects a desired wavelength region from a compatible broadband or multiwavelength optical input.
• Optical grating technology: Provides wavelength-selective transmission for laboratory, production, and component-characterization applications.
• C-band operation: The standard tuning option covers wavelengths from 1530 nm to 1570 nm.
• Optional C/L-band coverage: The TB9223 supports an extended tuning configuration from 1525 nm to 1625 nm.
• FC/PC optical interfaces: The FP connector code identifies FC/PC connectors on both optical ports.
• Broadband source filtering: Converts compatible broadband optical output into a wavelength-selective test signal.
• WDM component testing: Supports spectral evaluation of filters, couplers, multiplexers, demultiplexers, switches, and other optical devices.
• Optical amplifier testing: Can provide wavelength-selective optical input for compatible C-band and L-band amplifier measurements.
• High-power configurations: The TB9 platform supports 300 mW and 1 W maximum input-power options, depending on the complete model code.
• Flexible port arrangements: The product family supports front-panel bulkheads and front-panel pigtails.
• Passive optical operation: Filters the applied optical signal without electrical-to-optical conversion.
• Professional test integration: Suitable for optical laboratories, manufacturing systems, telecommunications testing, and photonics research.

Tunable Optical Grating Filter Operation

The TB9223 uses an optical grating to transmit a selected wavelength region from an applied optical signal. Adjusting the filter changes the center wavelength of the transmitted passband across the supported tuning range.

A compatible broadband source can be connected to the filter input, while an optical spectrum analyzer or other wavelength-sensitive instrument monitors the output. The filter can then be tuned to the wavelength required for the measurement.

This approach allows one broadband source and tunable filter to address multiple wavelength points without requiring a separate fixed-wavelength source for every test condition. The transmitted optical power depends on the source spectrum, selected wavelength, filter insertion loss, connector condition, and external optical path.

Standard C-Band Tuning Range

The standard TB9223 tuning option covers wavelengths from 1530 nm to 1570 nm. This range spans much of the optical C-band used in telecommunications, wavelength-division multiplexing, erbium-doped fiber amplifiers, and photonic component testing.

The standard range is suitable for evaluating C-band filters, couplers, splitters, isolators, circulators, switches, attenuators, multiplexers, demultiplexers, receivers, and optical amplifiers.

The exact center-wavelength setting, tuning accuracy, tuning resolution, optical bandwidth, insertion loss, and rejection performance are not defined by the abbreviated TB9223+FP designation and should be verified from the individual instrument or through spectral testing.

Extended C/L-Band Tuning Option

The TB9223 also supports an extended tuning configuration from 1525 nm to 1625 nm. This option expands coverage beyond the standard C-band and through much of the L-band.

Extended tuning is useful for testing components whose spectral response extends into longer telecommunications wavelengths. It can support C/L-band optical amplifiers, broadband filters, wavelength-selective switches, monitoring devices, and extended-band transmission components.

The extended range is identified separately within a complete TB9 order code. It should not be assumed to be installed unless it is confirmed by the equipment label, option information, or measured tuning response.

FC/PC Optical Connectors

The FP connector code identifies FC/PC connectors on both optical ports. FC/PC interfaces use threaded coupling and non-angled physical-contact ferrules for secure connection to compatible fiber optic patch cords and equipment.

The connector end faces should be inspected and cleaned before every connection. Dust, oil, cleaning residue, and fiber debris can increase insertion loss, create unwanted reflections, alter the transmitted spectrum, and damage mating optical surfaces.

FC/APC patch cords should not be connected directly to FC/PC interfaces. The angled and non-angled ferrule geometries are incompatible and can cause excessive loss, poor return loss, unstable measurements, or physical damage.

Bulkhead and Pigtail Port Options

The TB9 platform supports front-panel bulkhead and front-panel pigtail configurations. A bulkhead configuration provides removable optical connections directly at the instrument panel. A pigtail configuration provides attached optical leads that can be routed to external test equipment or fiber-management hardware.

The abbreviated TB9223+FP designation confirms the connector family but does not identify the port style. The complete model code or physical instrument should be reviewed to determine whether the FC/PC connectors are mounted as front-panel bulkheads or fitted to front-panel pigtails.

Input-Power Configurations

The TB9 Optical Grating Filter family includes two documented input-power configurations. The standard configuration supports up to 300 mW, while the high-power configuration supports up to 1 W.

The abbreviated TB9223+FP model does not identify which input-power configuration is installed. The input-power rating must be checked before connecting a high-power source, optical amplifier, or other elevated-power optical signal.

Exceeding the supported input level can damage the filter or affect its optical performance. The optical power should be measured with a suitable power meter before the source is connected.

Broadband Optical Source Filtering

The TB9223 can be used with a compatible amplified spontaneous emission source or another broadband optical source to produce a wavelength-selective output. The source must provide adequate spectral power density throughout the wavelength region required by the application.

An optical spectrum analyzer can display the filtered output and help verify the selected center wavelength, transmitted bandwidth, passband shape, insertion loss, and out-of-band suppression.

A reference spectrum should be recorded through the intended optical path before a device under test is added. This helps separate the response of the source and tunable filter from the transmission characteristics of the device.

WDM and DWDM Component Testing

The tunable grating filter can support wavelength-dependent measurements of WDM and DWDM components. The filter is adjusted to selected wavelengths while a compatible detector or spectrum analyzer measures the response of the connected device.

Typical devices include multiplexers, demultiplexers, optical filters, add-drop components, couplers, splitters, isolators, circulators, switches, attenuators, and wavelength-sensitive receivers.

The filter passband should be considered in relation to the channel spacing and spectral width of the device under test. Accurate channel measurements require appropriate source coverage, analyzer resolution, optical referencing, and connector management.

Optical Amplifier Testing

The TB9223 can be incorporated into compatible optical amplifier measurement systems. A broadband input can be filtered to provide a selected wavelength region for evaluating amplifier gain, output response, saturation behavior, and wavelength dependence.

The standard tuning option supports C-band measurements, while the extended option can support testing across both C-band and L-band wavelengths. The installed tuning option must be confirmed before the instrument is assigned to a specific amplifier application.

A complete amplifier test system may also require optical attenuators, switches, couplers, isolators, power meters, and an optical spectrum analyzer. Every component must remain within its supported wavelength and optical power limits.

Typical Applications

• Broadband optical source filtering
• C-band wavelength selection
• C/L-band wavelength selection with the extended tuning option
• WDM and DWDM component characterization
• Optical filter transmission testing
• Multiplexer and demultiplexer evaluation
• Optical coupler and splitter testing
• Isolator and circulator characterization
• Optical amplifier testing
• Wavelength-dependent insertion-loss measurements
• Photonics research and development
• Optical component production testing

Product Overview

Brand	JDS Uniphase
Model	TB9223+FP
Product Series	TB9 Series
Product Category	Tunable Optical Grating Filter
Filter Model	223
Connector Type	FC/PC
Standard Tuning Range	1530 nm to 1570 nm
Available Extended Tuning Range	1525 nm to 1625 nm
Port Style	Verify front-panel bulkheads or front-panel pigtails
Input-Power Rating	Verify 300 mW or 1 W configuration
Primary Application	Tunable wavelength selection and broadband optical filtering

 

Documented Tuning Options

Tuning Code	Wavelength Range	Applicability
1	1530 nm to 1570 nm	Standard TB9 tuning range
2	1525 nm to 1625 nm	Available for supported TB9226 and TB9223 models

 

Documented Input-Power Options

Input-Power Code	Maximum Input-Power Configuration
0	300 mW
P	1 W

 

Documented Port Options

Port Code	Port Configuration
1	Bulkheads on the front panel
3	Pigtails on the front panel

 

Documented Connector Options

Connector Code	Connector Type
NC	No connector
FP	FC/PC
FA	FC/APC
SC	SC/PC
SP	ST/PC
SU	SC/APC

 

Configuration Details to Verify

Configuration Item	Required Verification
Complete Part Number	Confirm the full model and option code from the instrument label
Input-Power Rating	Confirm the 300 mW or 1 W version before applying optical power
Tuning Range	Confirm the 1530 nm to 1570 nm or 1525 nm to 1625 nm option
Port Style	Confirm front-panel bulkheads or front-panel pigtails
Optical Bandwidth	Verify from the individual unit or spectral test results
Insertion Loss	Measure at the wavelengths required by the application
Passband Shape	Verify with a compatible broadband source and optical spectrum analyzer
Out-of-Band Rejection	Confirm through unit-specific optical testing

 

Measurement Setup and Referencing

A compatible broadband source should be connected to the filter input, and an optical spectrum analyzer or wavelength-sensitive detector should be connected to the output. Both source and measurement instrument must cover the selected tuning range.

A reference spectrum should be recorded before a device under test is inserted. The reference and device measurements should use the same source, filter settings, spectrum-analyzer resolution, averaging, connector interfaces, and optical path.

The filter can then be adjusted to the desired wavelength. The output spectrum can be used to evaluate center wavelength, transmitted bandwidth, insertion loss, passband shape, and unwanted spectral transmission.

When a high-power source is used, the filter input rating and analyzer input limit must be checked before the optical output is enabled. External attenuation may be required to protect sensitive measurement equipment.

Connector Inspection and Cleaning

Both FC/PC interfaces and all connected patch cords should be inspected before use. Contaminated end faces should be cleaned using an approved fiber optic procedure and reinspected before mating.

Clean optical interfaces help preserve insertion loss, spectral response, measurement repeatability, and connector condition. Contamination can distort the measured passband or create reflections within the test path.

Protective caps should remain installed whenever the ports are not in use. Dust caps should also remain clean so they do not transfer contamination back to the optical interfaces.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The JDS Uniphase TB9223 receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Evaluation may include tuning-control operation, mechanical response, optical continuity, and inspection of the FC/PC input and output interfaces.

Optical testing may include transmission at representative wavelengths, tuning across the installed range, center-wavelength verification, insertion-loss comparison, passband evaluation, optical-bandwidth measurement, and out-of-band response when suitable equipment is available.

The FC/PC connectors, bulkheads or pigtails, controls, enclosure, model label, option markings, and mechanical components may be inspected for contamination, damage, excessive wear, or conditions that could affect optical transmission and tuning.

The exact testing scope depends on the complete configuration, input-power option, tuning-range option, port style, available broadband source, calibrated wavelength meter, optical power meter, optical spectrum analyzer, and requested test points.

Calibration Before Shipment

When technically applicable and selected, the JDS Uniphase TB9223 can be calibrated or performance-verified before shipment. Evaluation may include center-wavelength accuracy, tuning range, optical bandwidth, insertion loss, passband shape, and out-of-band response at selected wavelengths.

Calibration should use suitable traceable wavelength and optical power measurement equipment. Documentation should identify the filter model and serial number, connector configuration, source, input power, tuning settings, analyzer resolution bandwidth, recorded measurements, and environmental conditions.

Buyers requiring formal calibration should specify the desired wavelengths, optical-bandwidth measurement method, input-power levels, connector configuration, certificate type, recorded results, and required measurement uncertainty before purchase.

Buyer Considerations

Buyers should confirm the complete model and option code from the TB9223 instrument label. The abbreviated TB9223+FP designation confirms the filter model and FC/PC connector type but does not identify the input-power rating, port style, or tuning-range option.

The product listing should identify whether the instrument uses front-panel bulkheads or pigtails and whether it covers the standard 1530 nm to 1570 nm range or the extended 1525 nm to 1625 nm range.

Optical bandwidth, insertion loss, tuning accuracy, passband shape, and out-of-band rejection should be represented only when supported by unit-specific documentation or test results.

Only the tunable optical grating filter, power cord, optical patch cords, manuals, calibration records, and accessories specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included.

Why Buy from AssetRelay?

AssetRelay supplies professional equipment and product solutions for fiber optic, telecom, laboratory, production, optical test, photonics, electronic test, RF/microwave, inspection, cleaning, and technical research applications. The JDS Uniphase TB9223 provides tunable wavelength selection for optical component manufacturers, amplifier developers, telecommunications laboratories, production facilities, system integrators, universities, and research organizations.

Buyers should review the product photographs, complete option code, tuning range, input-power rating, FC/PC connector condition, bulkhead or pigtail configuration, calibration status, functional test results, and included accessories before purchase.