JDSU TB9226-Z-FA C+L-Band Tunable Grating Filter, 1525–1625 nm, FC/APC

JDSU TB9226-Z-FA C+L-Band Tunable Grating Filter, 1525–1625 nm, FC/APC

The JDSU TB9226-Z-FA is a programmable diffraction grating filter designed for high-performance laboratory and production testing of single-mode fiber optic components and subsystems. It provides wavelength-selective optical filtering for isolating desired signals while suppressing amplified spontaneous emission, broadband optical noise, and unwanted spectral content from laser sources.

The TB9226-Z-FA is the wide-range C+L-band version of the TB9226 filter. This configuration provides specified optical performance from 1525 nm to 1625 nm and uses FC/APC optical connectivity. The filter offers a nominal -3 dB bandwidth of 0.25 nm, a nominal -20 dB bandwidth of 0.7 nm, and wavelength adjustment with 0.01 nm resolution.

The instrument can be operated locally through its front-panel keypad or remotely through GPIB and RS232 interfaces. These control options allow the JDSU TB9226-Z-FA to function as a standalone laboratory filter or as part of an automated optical test system containing compatible tunable lasers, optical power meters, spectrum analyzers, switches, and attenuators.

Features and Benefits of the JDSU TB9226-Z-FA

The JDSU TB9226-Z-FA provides precise wavelength-selective filtering for engineers, laboratories, production facilities, and service organizations working with C-band and L-band optical systems.

• C+L-band optical performance: Provides specified optical characteristics from 1525 nm to 1625 nm.
• Grating-based filter design: Uses a programmable diffraction grating to provide a narrow passband and high spectral rejection.
• 0.25 nm nominal -3 dB bandwidth: Supports selective filtering of closely spaced optical wavelengths.
• 0.7 nm nominal -20 dB bandwidth: Helps reject unwanted optical power surrounding the selected passband.
• 0.01 nm wavelength resolution: Supports fine adjustment of the filter wavelength.
• Single-mode optical path: Uses single-mode fiber at both the optical input and output.
• FC/APC optical connectivity: Supports compatible angled-contact FC patch cords for low-reflection optical connections.
• High return loss: Provides return loss greater than 45 dB.
• Front-panel operation: Allows direct wavelength selection and filter control from the integrated keypad.
• Remote test integration: Includes GPIB and RS232 interfaces for automated laboratory and production systems.
• Universal AC power: Operates from 100 V AC to 240 V AC at 50 Hz to 60 Hz.

Wide-Range C+L-Band Filtering

The TB9226-Z-FA is designed to provide specified optical performance across wavelengths from 1525 nm to 1625 nm. This range covers the conventional C-band and extends through the L-band region used by optical amplifiers, DWDM systems, tunable lasers, filters, and wavelength-selective communication components.

The broad specified range allows one instrument to support measurements across numerous optical channels without exchanging fixed optical filters. Users can tune the passband to the required wavelength and evaluate devices throughout the available C+L-band range.

The Z designation identifies the wide-range configuration. This version should not be confused with the standard TB9226 configuration, which is optimized for the narrower 1530 nm to 1570 nm C-band window.

Narrowband Diffraction Grating Filtering

The JDSU TB9 Series uses a diffraction grating to select a narrow spectral region while rejecting wavelengths outside the desired passband. This architecture provides sharper wavelength-isolation roll-off than conventional Fabry-Perot etalons or interference filters.

The TB9226-Z-FA provides a nominal -3 dB bandwidth of 0.25 nm and a nominal -20 dB bandwidth of 0.7 nm. Both bandwidth specifications have a tolerance of ±15%.

This narrow optical response is valuable for isolating a selected laser wavelength, reducing broadband optical noise, suppressing spontaneous emission, and improving the spectral definition of a source used for optical component testing.

Amplified Spontaneous Emission Filtering

The JDSU TB9226-Z-FA can be used for amplified spontaneous emission filtering in erbium-doped fiber amplifier applications. EDFAs can generate broadband ASE in addition to the desired amplified optical signal, increasing optical noise and affecting wavelength-selective measurements.

The tunable filter can be adjusted to pass the required wavelength while rejecting a substantial portion of the surrounding ASE. This supports amplifier characterization, gain testing, wavelength-dependent analysis, source cleanup, and evaluation of optical components positioned after an amplifier.

The wide C+L-band configuration is particularly useful for amplifier systems that operate beyond the conventional C-band. Source power, filter insertion loss, polarization-dependent loss, connector condition, and detector sensitivity should be considered when configuring the complete measurement system.

Spontaneous-Emission Suppression

The TB9226-Z-FA can 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 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, power detector, or other device under test.

For tunable-laser-based measurements, remote control can coordinate the filter wavelength with the optical source. This supports automated wavelength sweeps and channel-based measurements across the C+L-band range.

WDM and DWDM Component Testing

The JDSU TB9226-Z-FA is suitable for wavelength-selective testing of WDM and DWDM components. The filter can isolate the desired optical channel before or after the device under test.

Typical devices may include optical filters, multiplexers, demultiplexers, wavelength-selective switches, couplers, fiber Bragg gratings, arrayed waveguide gratings, optical amplifiers, and other active or passive photonic components.

The tunable filter can be coordinated with a compatible laser source, optical power meter, optical spectrum analyzer, optical switch, or variable optical attenuator. This supports wavelength sweeps, channel-by-channel measurements, insertion-loss testing, passband evaluation, and spectral-rejection analysis.

Typical Applications

The JDSU TB9226-Z-FA Tunable Grating Filter is suitable for professional applications such as:

• C+L-band wavelength-selective filtering
• 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
• Automated laboratory and production testing

Product Overview

Brand	JDSU / JDS Uniphase
Model	TB9226-Z-FA
Product Family	TB9 Series Tunable Grating Filters
Base Filter Model	TB9226
Product Category	Programmable Single-Mode Tunable Grating Filter
Wavelength Configuration	C+L-band
Specified Optical Range	1525 nm to 1625 nm
Fiber Configuration	Single-mode fiber input and output
Connector Type	FC/APC
Primary Application	Narrowband wavelength-selective filtering across the C+L-band range

 

TB9226-Z-FA Optical Specifications

Specification	Details
Specified Optical Range	1525 nm to 1625 nm
Nominal -3 dB Bandwidth	0.25 nm
-3 dB Bandwidth Tolerance	±15%
Nominal -20 dB Bandwidth	0.7 nm
-20 dB Bandwidth Tolerance	±15%
Insertion Loss	7.0 dB or less
Polarization-Dependent Loss	0.5 dB or less
Wavelength Resolution	0.01 nm
Return Loss	Greater than 45 dB
Wavelength Repeatability	0.05 nm
Wavelength Accuracy	0.2 nm

 

Configuration Details

Configuration Field	Selected Configuration
Base Model	TB9226
Wide-Range Designation	Z
Optical Range	1525 nm to 1625 nm C+L-band configuration
Connector Code	FA
Connector Type	FC/APC

 

Control and Automation Interfaces

Control Method	Details
Local Control	Front-panel keypad
Parallel Remote Interface	GPIB
Serial Remote Interface	RS232
Automation Application	Remote wavelength selection and coordination 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, decreasing by 5% per °C from 40 °C to 50 °C

 

FC/APC Optical Interface

The TB9226-Z-FA uses an FC/APC optical interface. Compatible single-mode FC/APC patch cords should be used for connection to the filter.

FC/APC and FC/PC connectors use different end-face geometries and should not be mated directly. The angled-contact interface should be connected only to compatible FC/APC cables and adapters.

All optical 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 filter should be allowed to stabilize before measurements requiring its documented wavelength accuracy and repeatability. The desired wavelength should be selected through the front-panel keypad or remote interface before optical power is applied.

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

The complete optical test setup should be evaluated for source power, connector compatibility, filter insertion loss, detector sensitivity, and device-under-test limits before operation.

Calibration and Testing Before Shipment

When calibration is technically applicable and supported, the JDSU TB9226-Z-FA 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 operation, and remote-interface control.

Following successful calibration, the instrument 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 instrument, the unit receives comprehensive functional and performance testing. This process may include wavelength tuning across the available C+L-band range, optical transmission checks, filter-response evaluation, connector inspection, keypad operation, display functions, GPIB communication, and RS232 control.

This testing helps verify that the equipment 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.

Buyer Considerations

The JDSU TB9226-Z-FA is a configuration-specific C+L-band tunable grating filter. Buyers should confirm that the 1525 nm to 1625 nm specified optical range, 0.25 nm nominal passband, FC/APC interface, insertion loss, and polarization-dependent-loss performance match the intended optical system.

The Z designation identifies the wide-range C+L-band version. The TB9226-Z-FA should not be confused with a standard TB9226 C-band configuration that uses the same base filter model but has different documented optical specifications.

Buyers should review the connector arrangement, optical interface condition, wavelength-tuning operation, filter transmission, front-panel controls, remote interfaces, calibration status, service history, and included accessories before purchase.

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 JDSU TB9226-Z-FA Tunable Grating Filter is listed to help engineers, laboratory personnel, production facilities, procurement teams, and service organizations source narrowband C+L-band optical filtering equipment for professional test systems.

Buyers should review the available product photographs, physical condition, FC/APC interface, included accessories, calibration information, and application requirements before purchase. Confirming these details helps ensure that the filter matches the intended wavelength range, passband width, fiber type, connector polish, and automated test workflow.

Only accessories specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included. FC/APC patch cables, rack hardware, optical sources, power meters, GPIB cables, RS232 cables, and automation software may be required separately.