MPB Communications 1RU-P15F-AC-2-CA 15 dBm Gain-Flattened C-Band Optical Amplifier with SC/APC Connectors

MPB Communications 1RU-P15F-AC-2-CA 15 dBm Gain-Flattened C-Band Optical Amplifier

The MPB Communications 1RU-P15F-AC-2-CA is an AC-powered, rack-mount optical power amplifier designed for laboratory, experimental, and fiber optic transmission test applications. It accepts an optical signal at its input, amplifies the signal through erbium-doped fiber amplification stages, and delivers the amplified signal through its output port.

The P15F model designation identifies a nominal 15 dBm optical output configuration with gain flattening. Because the optical-band position in the supplied model is blank, this configuration is identified as a C-band amplifier. The AC designation specifies a universal AC power supply, while connector code 2 identifies SC/APC optical interfaces. CA is the specific model identification suffix.

Gain flattening makes the amplifier suitable for wavelength-division multiplexing and dense wavelength-division multiplexing applications where controlled amplification across the C-band is required. The amplifier can be installed after compatible transmission equipment to provide post-amplification before the optical signal enters a fiber link or laboratory test path.

The 1RU-P platform combines optical amplification, embedded control electronics, optical power monitoring, alarm reporting, safety controls, and remote communication in a compact rack-mount enclosure. Front-panel controls and indicators provide local operating status, while the RS-232 interface and compatible Craft Terminal software support remote monitoring and configuration.

Features and Benefits of the MPB Communications 1RU-P15F-AC-2-CA

• 15 dBm nominal output: The P15 designation identifies a nominal optical output power of 15 dBm.
• Gain-flattened configuration: The F designation identifies a flattened-gain amplifier for compatible wavelength-division multiplexing applications.
• C-band operation: The blank optical-band position identifies the standard C-band configuration.
• Optical post-amplification: Amplifies a compatible input signal before transmission through a fiber link or test system.
• SC/APC optical interfaces: Connector code 2 identifies angled physical-contact SC connectors.
• Universal AC input: Operates from single-phase power between 100 V and 240 V AC at 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
• Automatic Current Control: ACC mode maintains the selected laser-diode current.
• Automatic Power Control: APC mode maintains the configured optical output-power set point.
• Optical monitoring: Supports monitoring of input power, output power, and calculated optical gain.
• Loss-of-signal protection: Automatically reduces or disables optical output when the input signal falls below the configured threshold.
• Remote safety interlock: Provides a DB15 interface for connection to a compatible external safety circuit.
• RS-232 communication: Supports remote control and monitoring through a front-panel DB9 serial interface.
• Craft Terminal compatibility: Provides access to operating parameters, monitored values, alarms, faults, and control commands.
• Front-panel indicators: Includes Power On, Laser On, Fault, and Loss of Signal status LEDs.

15 dBm Gain-Flattened Optical Output

The 1RU-P15F is configured for a nominal saturated output power of 15 dBm. This output level is approximately 31.6 mW and is intended for compatible optical transmission, component evaluation, laboratory simulation, and amplifier testing applications.

The F suffix identifies a gain-flattened amplifier. Gain flattening is useful in multiwavelength systems because it helps provide a more uniform amplified response across the applicable optical band than an unflattened amplifier configuration.

Actual optical output depends on input power, operating mode, output-power setting, wavelength loading, amplifier condition, connector loss, and the characteristics of the optical signal. Unit-specific performance should be confirmed through the available test report or direct optical evaluation.

C-Band Amplifier Configuration

The model nomenclature uses a blank optical-band designation for C-band operation and the letter L for an L-band-only configuration. The supplied model does not include the L designator and is therefore identified as a C-band amplifier.

The amplifier supports compatible optical signals within the applicable 1RU-P C-band operating region. The connected source, patch cords, devices under test, optical power meters, spectrum analyzers, and receivers must support the wavelengths used in the test system.

The product family safety documentation identifies possible optical emission within the broader 1520 nm to 1620 nm range. This safety range should not be interpreted as the warranted gain-flattened operating band of the individual P15F-CA configuration.

SC/APC Optical Input and Output

Connector code 2 identifies SC/APC optical interfaces. The front panel provides an IN port for the signal from the transmission equipment or optical source and an OUT port for the amplified signal delivered to the fiber link or test system.

SC/APC connectors use an angled physical-contact ferrule to reduce reflected optical power at the interface. Compatible SC/APC single-mode patch cords should be used with both optical ports.

SC/PC and SC/APC connectors must not be directly intermated. Their ferrule geometries are different, and an incorrect connection can cause excessive loss, poor return loss, unstable amplification, and physical damage.

The optical connectors include spring-loaded shutters that help reduce accidental exposure and protect the interfaces from dust when no cable is connected.

Automatic Current and Power Control

The amplifier supports Automatic Current Control and Automatic Power Control operating modes. Optional Automatic Gain Control may also be available on properly configured units.

• ACC mode: Maintains the selected laser-diode pump current at a constant level.
• APC mode: Maintains the configured optical output-power set point.
• AGC mode: Maintains a configured optical gain when the optional function is installed.

The selected operating mode can be monitored and configured through the supported communication interface. Output-power settings in APC mode can be expressed in dBm or milliwatts.

Optical and Internal Parameter Monitoring

The internal control system monitors operating parameters required for amplifier supervision and protection. Available monitored values include optical input power, optical output power, calculated optical gain, enclosure temperature, pump temperature, pump current, thermoelectric cooler current, and laser back-facet power.

An optional output backreflection measurement may be available on specially configured units. This function should only be listed when verified on the individual amplifier.

Remote monitoring helps technicians evaluate amplifier condition, confirm operating settings, investigate alarms, and record relevant information during laboratory or production use.

Loss-of-Signal Protection

The 1RU-P platform monitors the optical input for a loss-of-signal condition. When input power drops below the configured threshold, the amplifier enters an automatic power-reduction state.

In the factory-default Automatic Laser Shutdown configuration, pump current is reduced to zero when a loss-of-signal condition is detected. A customized Power Mute configuration may instead limit the optical output to approximately 5 mW.

The yellow LOS indicator illuminates when the input power is below the configured alarm threshold. When a valid optical signal returns and the recovery condition is met, the amplifier can return to its selected operating mode.

Remote Safety Interlock and Key Switch

A DB15 remote interlock interface is provided for connection to a compatible safety circuit. Interlock pins 14 and 15 must be closed before the optical output can be enabled.

The interlock can be connected to an external device such as a laboratory door switch. Opening the interlock immediately disables the optical output and causes the red Fault indicator to flash.

After an open interlock is restored, the front-panel key switch must be returned to the OFF position before the amplifier can be enabled again. Turning the key switch to ON starts a 10-second delay before the optical output becomes active.

Front-Panel Status Indicators

Four LEDs provide visible operating information:

• Power On: Illuminates green when the internal power supply is active.
• Laser On: Flashes green during the 10-second startup delay and remains green when the optical output is enabled.
• Fault: Indicates an open interlock, temperature fault, current fault, watchdog fault, or another detected operating problem.
• LOS: Illuminates yellow when optical input power is below the configured loss-of-signal threshold.

RS-232 Communication

The amplifier provides an RS-232C serial interface through a female DB9 connector. The documented default communication rate is 9600 baud.

The serial interface supports monitoring and control through compatible terminal software or the 1RU-P Craft Terminal graphical interface. Available commands can report the amplifier model, serial number, firmware revision, operating mode, optical input power, output power, gain, pump currents, temperatures, alarms, faults, and system state.

Supported commands also allow authorized users to enable or disable the laser diodes, select an operating mode, configure an output-power set point, retrieve event information, save settings, and restore factory defaults.

Typical Applications

• C-band optical signal amplification
• DWDM transmission experiments
• Gain-flattened multiwavelength testing
• Optical post-amplifier emulation
• Fiber optic transmission-system development
• Optical component characterization
• Receiver sensitivity and link-budget testing
• Laboratory optical power experiments
• Production and quality-control testing
• Telecommunications research and development

Product Overview

Brand	MPB Communications
Model	1RU-P15F-AC-2-CA
Product Series	AC-Powered 1RU-P Series
Product Category	Gain-Flattened Optical Power Amplifier
Nominal Output Power	15 dBm
Gain Configuration	Flattened
Optical Band	C-band
Optical Connectors	SC/APC
Power Supply	Universal AC input
Standard Communication	RS-232
Primary Application	C-band optical post-amplification and DWDM laboratory testing

 

Model Configuration Breakdown

Model Element	Configuration
1RU-P	Rack-mount optical power amplifier series
15	15 dBm nominal optical output power
F	Gain-flattened amplifier
Blank Band Code	C-band configuration
AC	100 V to 240 V AC universal power input
Blank Key-Switch Code	Front-panel key switch installed
Blank Ethernet Code	No Ethernet interface identified in the supplied model
2	SC/APC optical connector type
CA	Specific model identification code

 

Supported Operating and Monitoring Functions

Function	Details
Automatic Current Control	Maintains the configured pump-laser current
Automatic Power Control	Maintains the configured optical output power
Automatic Gain Control	Optional and only applicable when installed
Input-Power Monitoring	Available in milliwatts and dBm
Output-Power Monitoring	Available in milliwatts and dBm
Gain Monitoring	Available as a linear ratio and in dB
Loss-of-Signal Protection	Automatic laser shutdown or factory-customized power mute
Remote Interlock	DB15 interface using pins 14 and 15

 

Electrical Specifications

Specification	Details
AC Input Voltage	100 V to 240 V AC ±10%
Line Frequency	50 Hz to 60 Hz
Typical Current at 115 V AC	0.10 A for P13 through P17 models
Maximum Current at 115 V AC	0.12 A for P13 through P17 models
Typical Power Consumption	12 W at beginning of life and 25 °C ambient temperature
Maximum Documented Power Consumption	14 W at end of life and 40 °C case temperature
Line Fuses	Two quick-acting F2.5A, 250 V, 5 x 20 mm fuses

 

Communication Interfaces

Interface	Details
Standard Serial Interface	RS-232C through a female DB9 connector
Default Serial Rate	9600 baud
Communication Format	ASCII command and response interface
Control Software	Compatible 1RU-P Craft Terminal software
Ethernet	Optional 10Base-T interface on ETH-equipped models; not identified in the supplied model code

 

Physical and Environmental Specifications

Specification	Details
Chassis Width Without Brackets	17.17 in or 436 mm
Chassis Height for 19-Inch or 23-Inch Installation	3.5 in or 88.9 mm
Chassis Depth	10.12 in or 257 mm
Maximum Weight	4 kg
Operational Temperature	0 °C to 40 °C
Storage Case Temperature	-40 °C to 85 °C
Rack Compatibility	19-inch TIA, 23-inch ANSI, or ETSI 600 mm with appropriate brackets

 

Optical Safety Classification

The P15F configuration has a nominal output below or equal to 17 dBm and falls within the documented Hazard Level 1M group for the 1RU-P series. The product contains invisible infrared sources and must be used with appropriate fiber optic laser-safety procedures.

The optical output must be disabled before a fiber is connected, disconnected, inspected, or cleaned. Optical connectors must never be viewed directly through a microscope or other magnifying instrument while the amplifier is enabled.

The SC/APC shutters reduce accidental free-space exposure when no fiber is installed, but the shutters do not replace proper safety practices, interlock controls, connector inspection procedures, or trained operation.

Installation and Operation

The amplifier can be installed in a compatible 19-inch TIA, 23-inch ANSI, or ETSI 600 mm rack using the appropriate mounting brackets. Sufficient clearance should be maintained for cooling and cable routing.

SC/APC single-mode patch cords should be inspected and cleaned before connection. The amplifier must be disabled before either optical port is connected or disconnected.

At power-up, the optical amplifier defaults to the OFF state. The remote interlock must be closed, software enable must be active, and the front-panel key switch must be turned to ON before the 10-second startup sequence begins.

Input power should be increased gradually. When the unit operates in ACC or APC mode at output levels above 7 dBm, input power should not be increased by more than 3 dB at a time.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The MPB Communications 1RU-P15F-AC-2-CA receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Evaluation may include AC power operation, startup sequencing, key-switch operation, remote interlock response, LED indicators, RS-232 communication, firmware reporting, alarm reporting, fault monitoring, and Craft Terminal control.

Optical testing may include input and output continuity, SC/APC interface inspection, amplifier enable and disable operation, input-power monitoring, output-power monitoring, gain calculation, Automatic Current Control, Automatic Power Control, loss-of-signal response, and operation at representative C-band wavelengths.

The SC/APC shutters, optical bulkheads, DB15 interlock connector, DB9 serial connector, AC input, fuse tray, rocker switch, key switch, indicators, cooling openings, enclosure, rack brackets, model label, and laser-warning labels may be inspected for contamination, damage, or excessive wear.

The exact testing scope depends on the available C-band sources, optical power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, SC/APC reference cables, interlock hardware, serial communication equipment, and requested input and output power levels.

Calibration Before Shipment

When technically applicable and selected, the MPB Communications 1RU-P15F-AC-2-CA can be calibrated or performance-verified before shipment. Evaluation may include input-power monitor accuracy, output-power monitor accuracy, saturated output power, optical gain, gain flatness, wavelength response, operating-mode control, loss-of-signal thresholds, and internal temperature monitoring.

Calibration documentation should identify the amplifier model and serial number, source wavelengths, input power levels, output power, optical gain, operating mode, SC/APC reference cables, measurement instruments, test procedure, recorded values, and applicable measurement uncertainty.

Buyers requiring formal calibration should specify the desired C-band wavelengths, input power levels, output-power set points, gain-flatness measurements, operating modes, certificate format, recorded results, and required measurement uncertainty before purchase.

Buyer Considerations

Buyers should confirm the complete model label as MPB Communications 1RU-P15F-AC-2-CA. The model identifies 15 dBm nominal output, gain flattening, C-band operation, universal AC power, SC/APC optical connectors, and the CA model identifier.

The listing should identify whether the interlock assembly, RS-232 cable, AC power cord, rack brackets, mounting screws, Craft Terminal software, user manual, test-data report, SC/APC patch cords, and calibration records are included.

The SC/APC connector condition, optical output, gain response, front-panel controls, alarm indicators, interlock, serial interface, internal fans or cooling system, firmware revision, and calibration status should be reviewed before purchase.

Only the optical amplifier 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 testing, photonics, electronic testing, RF/microwave, inspection, cleaning, and technical research applications. The MPB Communications 1RU-P15F-AC-2-CA provides gain-flattened C-band amplification for telecommunications laboratories, DWDM developers, component manufacturers, production facilities, system integrators, universities, and research organizations.

Buyers should review the complete model label, 15 dBm output configuration, C-band gain flattening, SC/APC optical interfaces, operating modes, interlock, RS-232 communication, calibration status, functional test results, and included accessories before purchase.