EXFO IQ-2600-89 C-Band Tunable Laser Module with FC Connector Adapter

EXFO IQ-2600-89 C-Band Tunable Laser Module with FC Connector Adapter

The EXFO IQ-2600-89 is a modular C-band tunable laser source designed for optical component characterization, DWDM testing, EDFA analysis, receiver evaluation, production measurements, and photonics research. It operates from 1520 nm to 1570 nm and provides continuous wavelength tuning with a display resolution of 0.01 nm.

The IQ-2600 combines a medium-coherence tunable laser source and a broadband amplified spontaneous emission source in one module. Users can select the tunable operating mode for wavelength-dependent measurements or switch to ASE mode for broadband optical loss testing.

The module is designed for integration into a compatible EXFO IQ-200 Optical Test System. The host platform supplies power, control, software access, sweep programming, data coordination, and system integration with compatible optical power meters, wavelength meters, switches, polarization controllers, and other test modules.

The -89 configuration identifies an EXFO EUI-89 FC narrow-key removable connector adapter. The underlying universal optical baseplate may be UPC or APC, depending on the installed configuration. Buyers should verify the baseplate polish and the complete optical interface before selecting patch cords.

Features and Benefits of the EXFO IQ-2600-89

The EXFO IQ-2600-89 provides flexible C-band optical signal generation for professional users who require repeatable wavelength sweeps, stable output power, strong side-mode suppression, and modular test-system integration.

• 1520 nm to 1570 nm tuning range: Covers a broad portion of the C-band for DWDM component and optical amplifier testing.
• Continuous wavelength tuning: Sweeps across the complete operating range without restricting measurements to fixed channel positions.
• 0.01 nm display resolution: Supports precise wavelength selection for filters, multiplexers, gratings, receivers, and detectors.
• Greater than 65 dB signal-to-SSE ratio: Provides high dynamic range for measuring crosstalk and low-level spectral response in passive DWDM components.
• Medium-coherence output: Helps reduce interference effects at connector end faces and within passive optical components.
• Tunable and ASE modes: Combines a narrowband tunable source and a broadband ASE source in one optical module.
• At least +4 dBm tunable output: Provides useful optical power across the complete wavelength range, with a typical level of +5 dBm.
• Stable optical output: Supports repeatable characterization, qualification, alignment, and automated production measurements.
• Programmable sweep functions: Supports continuous and step-by-step wavelength sweeps through the compatible software environment.
• FC narrow-key adapter: The EUI-89 removable adapter supports compatible FC optical connections.

Continuous C-Band Wavelength Tuning

The EXFO IQ-2600 provides continuous wavelength tuning from 1520 nm to 1570 nm. This range supports testing across the C-band and allows engineers to characterize optical response as a function of wavelength.

The displayed tuning resolution is 0.01 nm. Wavelength can be adjusted manually in incremental steps or controlled through programmed sweep functions. Users can select wavelength values in nanometres or optical frequency values in terahertz through the compatible software interface.

The maximum continuously tunable sweep rate is 2.5 nm per second. The source can perform continuous sweeps or step-by-step measurements, depending on the requirements of the connected instruments and device under test.

Medium-Coherence Tunable Output

The IQ-2600 uses an erbium fiber ring laser that produces a medium-coherence optical output. The published effective spectral width is approximately 1 GHz, corresponding to about 0.01 nm and an approximate coherence length of 10 cm.

The specified typical full-width at half-maximum spectral linewidth is 0.05 nm. These values describe different methods of characterizing the source output and should be interpreted according to the applicable measurement procedure.

Medium coherence can help reduce interference effects that may occur with high-coherence external-cavity lasers. Reflections between connector end faces and internal component interfaces can create interference fringes, measurement ripple, and unstable results. The IQ-2600 output is designed to reduce these effects during passive component testing.

High Signal-to-SSE Ratio

The EXFO IQ-2600 provides a signal-to-source-spontaneous-emission ratio greater than 65 dB. The signal-to-total-SSE ratio is greater than 40 dB.

Strong suppression of source spontaneous emission supports high-dynamic-range measurements on DWDM components. It helps users distinguish the intended tunable signal from the lower-level optical background produced by the source.

This performance is useful when measuring channel crosstalk, filter isolation, multiplexer leakage, out-of-band transmission, and other low-level responses located away from the selected wavelength.

Tunable and ASE Operating Modes

The IQ-2600 can operate as a tunable laser source or a broadband ASE source. The operating mode is selected through the compatible software controls.

In tunable mode, the module supplies a controlled optical signal at a selected wavelength between 1520 nm and 1570 nm. This mode supports wavelength sweeps, component transfer-function measurements, receiver sensitivity testing, amplifier characterization, and calibration workflows.

In ASE mode, the source provides broadband output across the 1520 nm to 1570 nm range. ASE-mode output power is at least +5 dBm. This mode is useful for broadband optical loss testing and characterization of passive WDM components.

Optical Output Power and Stability

In tunable mode, the IQ-2600 provides a typical optical output of +5 dBm and a minimum output of +4 dBm across the complete tuning range. Power flatness is less than 0.5 dB over the 1520 nm to 1570 nm range.

Optical power stability over 15 minutes is ±0.01 dB, representing a maximum-to-minimum variation of 0.02 dB. One-hour stability is ±0.05 dB, representing a maximum-to-minimum variation of 0.10 dB, under constant-temperature conditions.

In ASE mode, power stability over eight hours is ±0.05 dB, representing a total maximum-to-minimum variation of 0.10 dB. Stable output supports repeatable wavelength-dependent measurements and long automated test sequences.

Wavelength Accuracy, Repeatability, and Stability

Wavelength uncertainty is specified at ±0.15 nm. Wavelength repeatability is ±0.02 nm, corresponding to a total variation of 0.04 nm.

One-hour wavelength stability is ±0.01 nm under constant-temperature conditions, corresponding to a total maximum-to-minimum variation of 0.02 nm.

For precision measurements, the module should be allowed to warm up for one hour. Published specifications apply at 23 °C after the specified warm-up period unless another condition is stated.

Flexible Software Control

The IQ-2600 software supports manual and programmed control of optical wavelength and output power. Users can adjust wavelength through incremental settings or by moving the cursor within the application display.

Continuous and step-by-step sweep parameters can be configured for automated wavelength-dependent measurements. The optical signal power can also be reduced by 3 dB by lowering the current supplied to the laser pump.

Software control allows the tunable source to operate with compatible power meters, optical switches, polarization controllers, wavelength meters, and devices under test. This flexibility supports both laboratory measurements and automated production systems.

Passive DWDM Component Characterization

The EXFO IQ-2600-89 is well suited for measuring the wavelength-dependent response of filters, multiplexers, demultiplexers, fiber Bragg gratings, couplers, and other passive DWDM components.

A typical measurement system combines the IQ-2600 with one or more compatible EXFO IQ-1600 high-speed optical power meters. The source sweeps across the selected wavelength range while the power meters record the optical response at multiple component outputs.

Optional system components may include an optical switch, wavelength meter, polarization controller, and PDL meter. A complete configuration can measure insertion loss, channel isolation, crosstalk, passband shape, wavelength response, polarization-dependent loss, and multiple output channels.

EDFA Testing

The broad tuning range and stable output support wavelength-dependent characterization of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers. The source can be used to investigate gain, noise contribution, and saturation behaviour across the C-band.

Tunable mode supplies a controlled signal for measuring amplifier response at selected wavelengths. ASE mode provides a broadband source for compatible amplifier and passive-component measurements.

Appropriate optical power meters, spectrum analyzers, attenuators, couplers, switches, and reference measurements may be required for a complete EDFA test configuration.

Receiver and Detector Measurements

The IQ-2600 can perform spectral sensitivity measurements on optical receivers and detectors. The tunable output allows the response of a device to be evaluated at selected wavelengths across the 1520 nm to 1570 nm range.

These measurements can help characterize detector responsivity, receiver wavelength sensitivity, filter-assisted receiver response, and wavelength-dependent performance in laboratory and production environments.

The optical output level, device input-power limit, measurement bandwidth, receiver response, and connected test equipment should be considered when configuring the measurement system.

Typical Applications

The EXFO IQ-2600-89 Tunable Laser Module is suitable for professional applications such as:

• DWDM filter characterization
• Optical multiplexer and demultiplexer testing
• Fiber Bragg grating measurements
• Passive optical component characterization
• Channel isolation and crosstalk measurements
• EDFA gain, noise, and saturation evaluation
• Optical receiver spectral sensitivity testing
• Photodetector wavelength-response measurements
• Optical component alignment
• Measurement instrument calibration
• Automated production testing
• Fiber optic and photonics research

Product Overview

Brand	EXFO
Model	IQ-2600-89
Base Model	IQ-2600
Product Category	Modular C-Band Tunable Laser Source
Operating Modes	Tunable laser and broadband ASE source
Wavelength Range	1520 nm to 1570 nm
Connector Adapter	EXFO EUI-89 FC narrow-key removable adapter
Universal Baseplate	UPC or APC, depending on the installed configuration
Platform	Compatible EXFO IQ-200 Optical Test System
Primary Application	C-band characterization of passive DWDM components, EDFAs, receivers, and detectors

 

Tunable Mode Specifications

Specification	Details
Wavelength Range	1520 nm to 1570 nm
Display Tuning Resolution	0.01 nm
Typical Spectral Linewidth	0.05 nm FWHM
Wavelength Uncertainty	±0.15 nm
Wavelength Repeatability	±0.02 nm, total variation of 0.04 nm
One-Hour Wavelength Stability	±0.01 nm, total variation of 0.02 nm
Signal-to-SSE Ratio	Greater than 65 dB
Signal-to-Total-SSE Ratio	Greater than 40 dB
Maximum Sweep Rate	2.5 nm per second across the complete range
Typical Output Power	+5 dBm
Minimum Output Power	+4 dBm across the complete range
15-Minute Power Stability	±0.01 dB, total variation of 0.02 dB
One-Hour Power Stability	±0.05 dB, total variation of 0.10 dB
Power Flatness	Less than 0.5 dB across the tuning range

 

ASE Mode Specifications

Specification	Details
ASE Wavelength Range	1520 nm to 1570 nm
ASE Output Power	At least +5 dBm
Eight-Hour Power Stability	±0.05 dB, total variation of 0.10 dB
Primary ASE Application	Broadband loss testing of passive WDM components

 

Mechanical and Environmental Specifications

Specification	Details
Dimensions	12.1 cm high x 7.6 cm wide x 26.2 cm deep
Dimensions in Inches	4.75 in high x 3 in wide x 10.31 in deep
Weight	1.2 kg
Weight in Pounds	2.6 lb
Operating Temperature	0 °C to 40 °C
Storage Temperature	-40 °C to 60 °C
Relative Humidity	0% to 95%, non-condensing
Specified Warm-Up Time	One hour
Laser Classification	Class 1 laser product

 

Connector Configuration

Configuration Item	Details
Adapter Code	89
Removable Adapter	EXFO EUI-89
Connector Family	FC narrow key
Available Universal Baseplates	EI UPC Universal Interface or EA APC Universal Interface
Installed Connector Polish	Configuration dependent; verify the universal baseplate before use

 

The -89 designation identifies the removable FC narrow-key adapter but does not independently establish whether the optical baseplate is UPC or APC. The module label, installed baseplate, optical interface markings, and product photographs should be checked before a compatible patch cord is connected.

Compatible Connector Adapters

The IQ-2600 family supports removable EXFO universal connector adapters selected for the installed EI or EA baseplate. Documented adapter choices include DIN 47256, HMS-10/AG, FC narrow key, ST, SC, and E-2000.

Some adapter types are limited to the EI UPC Universal Interface. The EUI-89 FC narrow-key adapter can be used with the appropriate universal baseplate configuration.

UPC and APC connectors should not be mated directly. Their ferrule end-face geometries differ, and incompatible mating can increase optical loss, create reflections, damage connectors, and reduce measurement repeatability.

IQ-200 Optical Test System Integration

The EXFO IQ-2600 is a modular source designed for operation within a compatible IQ-200 Optical Test System. The module is not a standalone benchtop laser source and requires an appropriate EXFO platform for power and control.

The IQ-2600 can be combined with compatible optical power meters for simultaneous measurements on multiple component channels during a single wavelength sweep. Optional optical switches can expand the number of paths included in an automated test setup.

Additional compatible instruments may include wavelength meters, polarization controllers, and PDL meters. The exact supported configuration depends on the available IQ-200 platform, controller, software, interfaces, and installed modules.

Optical Connector Care

All optical connectors and adapters should be inspected and cleaned before connection. Dust, residue, scratched ferrules, or incorrect connector mating can introduce loss, reflection, interference, and unstable measurement results.

The installed universal baseplate and removable EUI-89 adapter should remain protected when not in use. Patch cords should be selected according to the connector family, ferrule polish, fiber type, and optical power requirements of the complete measurement system.

Connected fibers should be routed with suitable bend-radius control and strain relief. Excessive pulling or bending can change optical loss and interfere with wavelength-dependent component measurements.

Calibration and Testing Before Shipment

When calibration is technically applicable and supported, the EXFO IQ-2600-89 is calibrated before shipment. Calibration may include verification of wavelength uncertainty, wavelength repeatability, wavelength stability, output power, power flatness, power stability, sweep operation, and ASE-mode functionality.

Following successful calibration, the module may include a calibration label, calibration certificate, and associated measurement data, depending on the selected calibration service and equipment condition.

If formal calibration is unavailable or not included, the module receives comprehensive functional and performance testing. Testing may include IQ-200 platform recognition, tunable-mode output, ASE-mode output, wavelength selection, continuous and stepped sweeps, optical power response, software control, and inspection of the universal baseplate and EUI-89 adapter.

The exact calibration scope, wavelengths tested, connector configuration, supplied optical data, compatible IQ-200 platform, software, documentation, and service records should be confirmed before purchase when these items are required for laboratory, production, regulatory, or quality-management applications.

Buyer Considerations

The EXFO IQ-2600-89 is a configuration-specific modular tunable laser source. Buyers should confirm that the 1520 nm to 1570 nm tuning range, output power, spectral characteristics, sweep rate, ASE mode, IQ-200 platform requirement, and connector configuration match the intended application.

The -89 adapter code identifies an FC narrow-key removable connector adapter. It does not by itself confirm whether the installed universal baseplate is UPC or APC. Buyers should verify the baseplate before selecting FC/PC, FC/UPC, or FC/APC patch cords.

The compatible IQ-200 mainframe, controller, software, optical power meters, wavelength meter, optical switches, polarization equipment, patch cords, and other system components should not be considered included unless specifically identified in the product listing.

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 EXFO IQ-2600-89 supports engineers, laboratories, manufacturing facilities, procurement teams, and service organizations that require continuous C-band wavelength tuning for DWDM components, optical amplifiers, receivers, and photodetectors.

Buyers should review the available product photographs, physical condition, EUI-89 adapter, universal baseplate, IQ-200 compatibility, optical output, included accessories, calibration information, and application requirements before purchase.

Only accessories and system components specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included. A compatible EXFO IQ-200 Optical Test System, controller, software, optical patch cords, power meters, switches, wavelength meters, and related test equipment may be required separately.