General Photonics PDL-201 Polarization Dependent Loss PDL Meter C+L Band Fiber

General Photonics PDL-201 Polarization Dependent Loss PDL Meter C+L Band Fiber: Fast, Accurate PDL, Insertion Loss, and Power Measurement in a Single Instrument

The General Photonics PDL-201 Polarization Dependent Loss PDL Meter C+L Band Fiber — marketed as the PolaChex™ PDL Multimeter — uses a patented maximum and minimum search method (compliant with TIA/EIA-455-198) to simultaneously measure Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL), Insertion Loss (IL), and optical power of a device under test in just 30 ms. It is aimed at engineers characterizing passive devices, DWDM components, and fiber sensor components in both manufacturing environments and laboratories.

Key Features and Benefits of the General Photonics PDL-201 Polarization Dependent Loss PDL Meter C+L Band Fiber

• Patented max/min search method — Systematically searches for maximum and minimum transmissions to assure measurement accuracy for devices with both low and high PDL values, unlike polarization scrambling methods with large measurement uncertainty.
• 30 ms measurement speed — Fast simultaneous PDL, IL, and power measurement supports high-throughput production test workflows.
• Wide 1260 to 1620 nm wavelength range — Covers O, E, S, C, and L bands without wavelength calibration, a clear advantage over PDL meters based on the Mueller Matrix method.
• 0 to 45 dB PDL dynamic range — Handles everything from low-PDL passive components to highly polarization-sensitive devices in one instrument.
• 0.01 dB PDL resolution — Fine resolution supports characterization of low-PDL components where measurement precision is critical.
• Bright OLED graphic display — Clear front-panel readout for bench-top operation.
• Analog PDL output — 0 to 4V PDL monitor voltage with user-configurable PDL range for easy integration in automated measurement stations.
• Simultaneous optical power measurement — Reports absolute power alongside PDL and IL, with ±0.25 dB accuracy.
• Multiple communication interfaces — USB, Ethernet, RS-232, and GPIB support integration into automated test systems.
• Compact 2U half-rack form factor — Fits into standard 19" racks or benchtop setups.

Advanced Capabilities

The PDL-201's patented maximum and minimum search method is what makes it accurate across the full 0 to 45 dB PDL dynamic range. Polarization scrambling-based PDL meters have large measurement uncertainty, particularly at the extremes of the PDL range, while Mueller Matrix-based instruments require wavelength calibration when changing source wavelengths. The max/min search approach delivers ±(0.01 + 5% of PDL) dB accuracy across the entire PDL range without requiring wavelength calibration, making the instrument equally suitable for characterizing near-zero-PDL passive components and near-fully-polarizing devices on the same instrument.

Simultaneous three-parameter measurement is the other technical strength worth calling out. Rather than requiring separate test setups for PDL, IL, and power, the PDL-201 reports all three parameters from a single connection in 30 ms. Combined with the wide 1260 to 1620 nm wavelength range that requires no recalibration between wavelengths, this makes the instrument particularly efficient for wavelength-dependence characterization of DWDM components and fiber sensor components — measurements that would otherwise require multiple test setups or lengthy calibration cycles between wavelengths.

Calibration and Quality Assurance

Every General Photonics PDL-201 is calibrated prior to shipping to OEM specifications. The order includes a Calibration Certificate, Calibration Label, and full Calibration Data. This means the instrument arrives traceable, audit-ready, and ready to use straight out of the box — no need to schedule a calibration cycle before putting it into service.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Wavelength Range	1260 to 1620 nm
Resolution	0.01 dB
PDL Accuracy (10 sample average, at 23 ±5°C)	± (0.01 + 5% of PDL) dB
PDL Repeatability (10 sample average)	± (0.005 + 2% of PDL) dB
PDL Dynamic Range (for input power = 0 dBm)	0 to 45 dB
IL Accuracy (10 sample average, power meter mode with user-defined reference)	± (0.01 + 5% of IL) dB
IL Repeatability (10 sample average)	± (0.005 dB + 2% of IL) dB
IL Dynamic Range (for input power = 0 dBm)	0 to 45 dB
Optical Power Range (at DUT output port)	-40 to +6 dBm
Optical Power Accuracy	±0.25 dB
Wavelength Calibration for Power Measurement	1260 to 1360 nm and 1440 to 1620 nm
Measurement Speed	30 ms/measurement for input > -30 dBm
Operating Temperature	0 to 50 °C
Storage Temperature	-20 to 70 °C
Front Panel Display	OLED graphic display
Optical Connector Type	Light source and DUT input: APC; DUT output: Free space adapter
Analog Output	0 to 4V PDL monitor voltage (0 to 3.5V linear with PDL, 4V indicates power low); user-configurable PDL range
Power Supply	100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz
Communication Interfaces	USB, Ethernet, RS-232, and GPIB
Dimensions	2U, 19" half rack width; 14" (L) × 8.5" (W) × 3.5" (H)
Available Connector Types (ordering options)	FC or SC