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

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

The JDSU TB9226-Z-FP 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 a desired signal while suppressing amplified spontaneous emission, broadband optical noise, and unwanted spectral content from laser sources.

The TB9226-Z-FP is the wide-range C+L-band version of the TB9226 filter. Its documented optical characteristics apply across wavelengths from 1525 nm to 1625 nm. The instrument provides 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.

This configuration uses FC/HPC optical connectivity for compatible straight-contact FC single-mode patch cords. The filter can be operated locally through its front-panel keypad or remotely through GPIB and RS232 interfaces, allowing integration into automated optical test systems.

Features and Benefits of the JDSU TB9226-Z-FP

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

• C+L-band optical performance: Provides specified filter characteristics across wavelengths from 1525 nm to 1625 nm.
• Grating-based filtering: Uses a programmable diffraction grating to provide a narrow passband and high rejection of unwanted wavelengths.
• 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 energy surrounding the selected passband.
• 0.01 nm wavelength resolution: Supports fine adjustment of the selected filter wavelength.
• Single-mode optical path: Uses single-mode fiber at both the optical input and output.
• FC/HPC optical connectivity: Supports compatible straight-contact FC single-mode patch cords.
• High return loss: Provides return loss greater than 45 dB.
• Front-panel operation: Allows direct wavelength selection and instrument control from the integrated keypad.
• Remote automation: Includes GPIB and RS232 interfaces for laboratory and production integration.
• Universal AC operation: Operates from 100 V AC to 240 V AC at 50 Hz to 60 Hz.

C+L-Band Optical Filtering

The Z designation identifies the wide-range TB9226 configuration with documented optical specifications from 1525 nm to 1625 nm. This range covers the conventional C-band and extends through the L-band region used by tunable laser sources, optical amplifiers, DWDM systems, and wavelength-selective components.

The broad specified range allows one instrument to support testing across numerous optical channels without exchanging fixed filters. Users can position the passband at the required wavelength and evaluate components throughout the C+L-band operating region.

The instrument documentation also identifies an overall tuning-control range of 1460 nm to 1575 nm. The 1525 nm to 1625 nm range defines the warranted optical specification range for the wide-range TB9226-Z configuration. These ranges describe different aspects of the documented instrument performance and should be considered separately when planning an application.

Narrowband Diffraction Grating Filter

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

The TB9226-Z-FP 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 response is useful for isolating selected laser wavelengths, reducing broadband optical noise, suppressing spontaneous emission, and improving the spectral definition of optical signals used for component testing.

Amplified Spontaneous Emission Filtering

The JDSU TB9226-Z-FP can be used for amplified spontaneous emission filtering in erbium-doped fiber amplifier systems. 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 optical amplifier characterization, gain testing, wavelength-dependent analysis, source cleanup, and evaluation of components positioned after an amplifier.

The C+L-band configuration is suitable 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-FP 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 positioning the filter passband at 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 with the optical source. This supports automated wavelength selection, channel-based measurements, and wavelength-dependent component testing.

WDM and DWDM Component Testing

The JDSU TB9226-Z-FP 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-selective measurements, insertion-loss testing, passband evaluation, and spectral-rejection analysis.

Typical Applications

The JDSU TB9226-Z-FP 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-FP
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
Documented Tuning-Control Range	1460 nm to 1575 nm
Fiber Configuration	Single-mode fiber input and output
Connector Type	FC/HPC
Primary Application	Narrowband wavelength-selective filtering across C-band and L-band optical systems

 

TB9226-Z-FP Optical Specifications

Specification	Details
Specified Optical Range	1525 nm to 1625 nm
Documented Tuning-Control Range	1460 nm to 1575 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 Specification Range	1525 nm to 1625 nm
Connector Code	FP
Connector Type	FC/HPC

 

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/HPC Optical Interface

The TB9226-Z-FP uses FC/HPC optical connectivity. Compatible straight-contact FC single-mode patch cords should be used for the optical input and output.

FC/HPC and FC/APC connectors use different end-face geometries and should not be mated directly. The connector polish and key configuration should be verified before connecting the filter to an optical source, amplifier, device under test, or power meter.

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 the 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 instrument should be connected using clean, compatible single-mode FC/HPC 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-FP 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, 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-FP 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/HPC interface, insertion loss, and polarization-dependent-loss performance match the intended optical system.

The Z designation identifies the wide-range configuration. The TB9226-Z-FP should not be confused with the standard TB9226 C-band model or the TB9226-Z-FA version equipped with FC/APC connectivity.

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-FP Tunable Grating Filter is listed to help engineers, laboratory personnel, production facilities, procurement teams, and service organizations source narrowband optical filtering equipment for professional test systems.

Buyers should review the available product photographs, physical condition, FC/HPC 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-compatible patch cables, rack hardware, optical sources, power meters, GPIB cables, RS232 cables, and automation software may be required separately.