JDSU PS3030-13 PS3 Polarization-Dependent Loss Meter with 1310 nm Source

JDSU PS3030-13 PS3 Polarization-Dependent Loss Meter with 1310 nm Source

The JDSU PS3030-13 is a PS3 Series polarization-dependent loss multimeter designed to measure the polarization-dependent loss and average insertion loss of single-mode fiber optic components. This configuration includes an internal 1310 nm Fabry-Perot laser and is optimized for measurements at 1310 nm.

Polarization-dependent loss is the maximum change in a component’s insertion loss across all input polarization states. The PS3030-13 evaluates a device under test using four independent input polarization states, then calculates PDL and average loss analytically using the Mueller matrix method standardized under IEC 61300-3-12.

The instrument measures and displays PDL and average insertion loss simultaneously. It can also perform optical power measurements and supports an external fixed or tunable source through its external optical input. Standard GPIB and RS232C remote interfaces enable integration into automated laboratory, production, and component qualification systems.

Features and Benefits of the JDSU PS3030-13

The JDSU PS3030-13 provides practical measurement capabilities for engineers and technicians evaluating the polarization-dependent performance of single-mode optical components.

• Polarization-dependent loss measurement: Determines the change in insertion loss across multiple input polarization states.
• Average insertion-loss measurement: Calculates and displays average loss across the measured polarization states.
• Simultaneous results: Displays PDL and average insertion loss together for efficient component evaluation.
• Mueller matrix method: Uses four independent polarization states and an analytical matrix calculation standardized under IEC 61300-3-12.
• Internal 1310 nm source: Includes a Fabry-Perot laser with a nominal wavelength of 1310 nm.
• 1310 nm optimization: Configured for measurements within the 1310 nm single-mode optical region.
• External source capability: Accepts a compatible fixed-wavelength or tunable optical source through the external input port.
• Reference compensation: Compensates for changes measured at the internal reference detector to reduce the effect of source-power or coupling drift.
• Remote-control interfaces: Includes standard GPIB and RS232C interfaces for automated measurement systems.
• Rackmount capability: Supports installation in a standard 19-inch equipment rack using the supplied rackmount hardware.

Mueller Matrix PDL Measurement Method

The PS3030-13 measures the loss of the connected device under test at four independent polarization states. The instrument then uses Mueller matrix calculations to determine polarization-dependent loss and average insertion loss.

This method provides an analytical alternative to continuously searching through every possible polarization state. The resulting PDL value represents the difference between the maximum and minimum insertion loss produced by changes in the input polarization state.

The Mueller matrix method used by the PS3 Series is standardized under IEC 61300-3-12 for determining the polarization dependence of attenuation in single-mode fiber optic components.

PDL and Average Insertion-Loss Measurements

The JDSU PS3030-13 supports selectable measurement resolution of 0.01 dB, 0.001 dB, or 0.0001 dB. The appropriate setting can be selected according to the stability, measurement speed, and resolution requirements of the application.

Within the 1250 nm to 1350 nm operating range, maximum PDL absolute accuracy is specified as ±(0.010 dB + 5% of the measured PDL). Typical PDL accuracy is ±(0.004 dB + 2% of the measured PDL) under the documented measurement conditions.

The specified PDL measurement range is 0 dB to 5 dB. Higher PDL values can be measured with reduced accuracy. Average insertion-loss accuracy is specified as ±(0.05 dB + 2% of the measured average loss).

Internal 1310 nm Optical Source

The PS3030-13 includes an internal Fabry-Perot laser with a nominal wavelength of 1310 nm and a specified wavelength tolerance of ±10 nm. The internal source provides an integrated optical signal for PDL and insertion-loss measurements within the applicable single-mode wavelength region.

The full PS30x0 operating wavelength ranges are 1250 nm to 1350 nm and 1455 nm to 1665 nm. This PS3030-13 configuration is specifically optimized for 1310 nm operation.

Specifications are not guaranteed outside the documented operating wavelength ranges. The source, device under test, patch cords, and detector configuration should all be compatible with the selected measurement wavelength.

External Source Measurements

An external fixed or tunable laser source can be connected to the PS3030-13 external input port. This capability supports applications that require a source other than the internal 1310 nm laser, including wavelength-dependent PDL measurements with compatible external equipment.

The instrument provides multiple settings for internal and external source operation. Switching between sources can be controlled using the 5 V port located on the rear of the PS3 meter.

When using an external source, source coherence, modulation, optical reflections, input power, and coupling into the multimeter can affect measurement resolution and accuracy. Users should follow the appropriate measurement procedure and maintain suitable optical power at the front-panel detector.

Typical Applications

The JDSU PS3030-13 PDL Meter is suitable for professional applications such as:

• Polarization-dependent loss measurement
• Average insertion-loss measurement
• Passive optical component qualification
• 1310 nm single-mode component testing
• Optical filter characterization
• Coupler and splitter evaluation
• Fiber Bragg grating testing
• Optical switch characterization
• Fixed-wavelength PDL measurements
• Swept-wavelength PDL measurements using an external source
• Research and development
• Automated laboratory and production testing

Product Overview

Brand	JDSU / JDS Uniphase
Model	PS3030-13
Product Family	PS3 Series Polarization-Dependent Loss Multimeters
Product Category	Polarization-Dependent Loss Meter
Internal Source Wavelength	1310 nm ±10 nm
Optimized Wavelength	1310 nm
Built-In Laser Type	Fabry-Perot laser
Fiber Type	9/125 µm single-mode fiber
Measurement Method	Four-state Mueller matrix calculation
Optical Return-Loss Function	Not included in the PS30x0 configuration
Primary Application	PDL and average insertion-loss measurement of single-mode optical components

 

PDL and Average-Loss Specifications

Specification	Details
Measurement Resolution	0.01 dB, 0.001 dB, or 0.0001 dB
PDL Range	0 dB to 5 dB; higher PDL values may be measured with reduced accuracy
Maximum PDL Accuracy, 1250–1350 nm	±(0.010 dB + 5% of PDL)
Typical PDL Accuracy, 1250–1350 nm	±(0.004 dB + 2% of PDL)
Maximum PDL Accuracy, 1455–1665 nm	±(0.005 dB + 5% of PDL)
Typical PDL Accuracy, 1455–1665 nm	±(0.002 dB + 1% of PDL)
Average-Loss Accuracy	±(0.05 dB + 2% of average loss)
Power Accuracy	±0.25 dB at -10 dBm
PDL Repeatability	±(0.001 dB + 5% of PDL)
Average-Loss Repeatability	±(0.001 dB + 2% of average loss)
Average-Loss Dynamic Range	Greater than 60 dB with the 2 mm InGaAs detector

 

Optical and Interface Specifications

Specification	Details
Operating Wavelength Ranges	1250 nm to 1350 nm and 1455 nm to 1665 nm
Internal Source	1310 nm Fabry-Perot laser
External Optical Input	Supports a compatible external fixed or tunable source
Source Selection Control	5 V rear-panel port for switching between source settings
Remote Interface 1	GPIB
Remote Interface 2	RS232C
Optical OUT Port	FC/APC
Optical IN Port	FC/APC
Front-Panel Detector	FC adapter and detector-cap compatible

 

Electrical, Mechanical, and Environmental 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	-40 °C to 60 °C
Humidity	Maximum 95% relative humidity up to 40 °C, decreasing by 5% per °C from 40 °C to 60 °C

 

Standard Configuration and Accessories

The documented PS3 meter package includes two FC/APC connectors, with one at the OUT port and one at the IN port. It also includes an FC adapter and detector cap for the front-panel detector, two FC/APC-to-FC/PC test jumpers, an AC power cord, and a 19-inch rackmount kit.

GPIB and RS232C remote interfaces are standard. Included accessories for an individual used or surplus instrument should always be confirmed from the product listing because the original accessory package may no longer be complete.

Measurement Setup and Connector Care

All fiber connector end faces should be inspected and cleaned before connection. Dust, residue, scratches, or damaged ferrules can increase insertion loss, alter polarization behavior, reduce measurement repeatability, and contaminate the instrument’s optical ports.

The FC/APC IN and OUT ports should be connected only with compatible angled-contact interfaces. FC/APC connectors should not be mated directly with FC/PC connectors. The supplied or equivalent FC/APC-to-FC/PC test jumpers should be used when connecting compatible equipment with straight-contact interfaces.

Fiber movement can affect polarization-dependent measurements. Patch cords should be positioned carefully and remain stationary during reference and device measurements. The recommended measurement procedure should be followed for the selected source and device under test.

Calibration and Testing Before Shipment

When calibration is technically applicable and supported, the JDSU PS3030-13 is calibrated before shipment. The calibration process may include verification of the internal 1310 nm source, PDL accuracy, average insertion-loss measurements, optical power measurements, measurement repeatability, external source input, detector response, front-panel operation, GPIB communication, and RS232C control.

Following successful calibration, the instrument 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 applicable to the specific instrument, the PS3030-13 receives comprehensive functional and performance testing. This testing may include operation of the internal source, completion of four-state measurements, PDL and average-loss calculations, optical input and output checks, display functions, controls, remote interfaces, and external source selection.

The exact calibration scope, supplied data, test accessories, certificates, and service records should be confirmed before purchase when these items are required for laboratory, manufacturing, regulatory, or quality-management applications.

Buyer Considerations

The JDSU PS3030-13 is a configuration-specific polarization-dependent loss meter. Buyers should confirm that the internal 1310 nm source, 1310 nm optimization, PDL and insertion-loss functions, single-mode fiber compatibility, and FC/APC optical interfaces match the intended measurement application.

The PS3030-13 is a PS30x0 model and does not include the return-loss measurement function provided by PS36x0 multimeters. Buyers requiring integrated return-loss measurements should verify the exact PS3 model and option configuration before purchase.

Buyers should review the condition of the optical ports, detector, internal source, display, controls, external source input, GPIB and RS232C interfaces, calibration status, and included accessories. Only items 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, inspection, cleaning, RF/microwave, electronic test, and photonics applications. The JDSU PS3030-13 supports engineers, laboratories, production facilities, procurement teams, and service organizations that require polarization-dependent loss and insertion-loss measurements for single-mode optical components.

Buyers should review the available product photographs, physical condition, optical interfaces, source operation, included accessories, calibration information, and system compatibility before purchase. Confirming these details helps ensure that the meter matches the intended wavelength, connector configuration, measurement functions, accuracy requirements, and automated test workflow.

Only accessories specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included. Test jumpers, adapters, detector caps, external sources, control cables, interface hardware, software, and supporting optical equipment may be required separately.