EXFO IQS-9100 1x2 Single-Mode Optical Switch for 9/125 µm Fiber

EXFO IQS-9100 1x2 Single-Mode Optical Switch

The EXFO IQS-9100 is a modular 1x2 optical switch designed for precise and repeatable routing of optical signals through 9/125 µm single-mode fiber. The switch connects one common optical port to either of two selectable input/output ports, allowing compatible optical sources, detectors, components, and measurement instruments to share a controlled optical path.

This bidirectional optical switch is suitable for automated component testing, signal routing, multichannel monitoring, remote measurements, bypass switching, and laboratory or production test-system integration. It helps reduce manual patch-cord changes, simplifies complex optical setups, and improves measurement consistency during repetitive testing.

The 1x2 single-mode configuration operates across wavelengths from 1290 nm to 1570 nm. It provides typical insertion loss of 0.5 dB, maximum repeatability of ±0.01 dB, crosstalk of -80 dB, and maximum optical input power of +24 dBm under the documented operating conditions.

Features and Benefits of the EXFO IQS-9100

• 1x2 optical switching: Routes one common optical port to either of two selectable input/output ports.
• 9/125 µm single-mode fiber: Supports compatible telecom, fiber optic, laboratory, and photonics test systems.
• Bidirectional operation: Allows optical signals to travel through the selected path in either direction.
• 1290 nm to 1570 nm wavelength range: Supports optical testing around commonly used 1310 nm and 1550 nm telecommunications wavelengths.
• Low insertion loss: Provides typical insertion loss of 0.5 dB per switch module, excluding connectors.
• Excellent repeatability: Provides maximum repeatability of ±0.01 dB for consistent automated measurements.
• High channel isolation: Offers crosstalk of -80 dB between optical paths.
• Low backreflection: Supports demanding single-mode measurements where reflected optical power must be controlled.
• High optical input capacity: Accepts input power up to +24 dBm.
• Fast channel selection: Provides a documented switching time of 25 ms.
• Long operating life: Rated for a minimum of 10 million switching cycles.
• Automated control: Supports SCPI commands, LabVIEW drivers, and COM/DCOM libraries through a compatible EXFO platform.

Precise 1x2 Optical Routing

The IQS-9100 1x2 configuration provides a controlled optical connection between one common port and two selectable ports. Only the chosen path is connected through the switch, allowing a source or measurement instrument to address either optical channel without physically reconnecting fiber patch cords.

For example, a tunable laser or broadband source can be connected to the common port while two devices under test are attached to the selectable ports. The switch can then route the source to each device in sequence as part of a manual or automated measurement procedure.

The configuration can also be used in reverse. Two optical signals or devices can be connected to the selectable ports while the common port is connected to a power meter, optical spectrum analyzer, receiver, or other compatible instrument.

9/125 µm Single-Mode Fiber Compatibility

This IQS-9100 configuration is designed for 9/125 µm single-mode fiber. Connected sources, detectors, components, and patch cords should use compatible single-mode fiber to maintain appropriate mode-field and coupling conditions.

The switch operates across wavelengths from 1290 nm to 1570 nm. This range covers commonly used optical test and transmission wavelengths around 1310 nm and 1550 nm.

Single-mode operation makes the switch suitable for testing telecommunications components, optical transmitters, receivers, amplifiers, attenuators, filters, couplers, isolators, circulators, multiplexers, demultiplexers, and other passive or active optical devices.

Low Insertion Loss

The 1x2 single-mode IQS-9100 provides typical insertion loss of 0.5 dB and maximum insertion loss of 1.5 dB. These values apply to the optical switch module and exclude losses introduced by the external connectors.

Low insertion loss helps preserve the available optical power budget when the switch is added to a test system. This is particularly useful when measuring low-output sources, high-loss devices, or systems containing several optical components in series.

The complete path loss also includes the input and output connectors, patch cords, adapters, and any additional components. A reference measurement should include the same cabling and switch path used during the device measurement.

Switching Repeatability

The IQS-9100 1x2 single-mode configuration provides maximum repeatability of ±0.01 dB under the documented conditions. Repeatability is based on repeated switch operation at a constant temperature using a stabilized optical source and power meter.

High repeatability helps reduce variations when an automated system returns to the same channel multiple times. It supports comparative measurements, component screening, production testing, environmental qualification, and other applications requiring stable optical routing.

Measurement repeatability can also be influenced by connector cleanliness, patch-cord movement, source stability, detector stability, temperature, and the complete optical setup.

Crosstalk and Backreflection Performance

Crosstalk is specified at -80 dB, helping limit unwanted optical leakage from the unselected port into the active measurement path. High isolation is important when measuring low-level signals near a much stronger optical source.

Maximum backreflection is specified at -55 dB for the single-mode switch under the documented conditions. The published backreflection value is measured at 1310 nm and 1550 nm with APC connectors.

Actual system backreflection depends on the connector configuration installed on the module, patch-cord polish, connector cleanliness, device under test, and complete optical path.

Bidirectional Optical Operation

The IQS-9100 provides bidirectional fiber-to-fiber switching. Optical signals can travel from the common port to the selected output or from a selected port back to the common connection.

Bidirectional operation supports applications requiring shared optical instruments, reverse-path measurements, automated loss testing, source selection, detector selection, and remote signal routing.

The switch does not amplify, convert, or regenerate the optical signal. It provides a passive switched path between compatible optical ports.

Automated Optical Testing

The IQS-9100 can reduce manual handling in repetitive optical measurements. Software-controlled channel selection allows the switch to become part of an automated test sequence.

The module can be combined with compatible EXFO optical power meters, tunable laser sources, broadband sources, variable attenuators, optical spectrum analyzers, and other IQS instruments. A coordinated system can select a switch path, configure measurement equipment, acquire data, store results, and continue automatically to the next device or channel.

Automation support includes SCPI commands, LabVIEW drivers, and COM/DCOM libraries. Through a compatible EXFO IQS-500 platform, remote control can use GPIB, Ethernet, or RS-232.

Typical Applications

• Automated single-mode component testing
• 1310 nm and 1550 nm optical measurements
• One-to-two optical signal routing
• Bidirectional device testing
• Optical source or detector sharing
• Multi-device characterization
• Optical power monitoring
• Remote fiber optic testing
• Bypass switching
• Laboratory test-system integration
• Production and quality-control testing
• Complex automated optical measurements

Product Overview

Brand	EXFO
Product Series	IQS-9100
Product Category	Single-Mode Optical Switch Module
Switch Configuration	1x2
Fiber Type	9/125 µm single-mode fiber
Operating Wavelength Range	1290 nm to 1570 nm
Operation	Bidirectional
Compatible Platform	EXFO IQS optical test system
Primary Application	Automated routing between one common single-mode optical path and two selectable ports

 

Optical Specifications

Specification	Details
Switch Configuration	1x2
Fiber Type	9/125 µm single-mode
Operating Wavelength Range	1290 nm to 1570 nm
Typical Insertion Loss	0.5 dB per module, excluding connectors
Maximum Insertion Loss	1.5 dB per module, excluding connectors
Maximum Backreflection	-55 dB under the documented APC connector test conditions
Maximum Repeatability	±0.01 dB
Typical Polarization-Dependent Loss	0.05 dB or less
Standard Maximum PDL	0.10 dB
Maximum Input Power	+24 dBm
Crosstalk	-80 dB

 

Switch and Mechanical Specifications

Specification	Details
Switching Time	25 ms
Minimum Switch Life	10 million cycles
Required IQS Slots	One
Width	3.6 cm
Height	12.5 cm
Depth	28.2 cm
Weight	Approximately 0.5 kg or 1.1 lb

 

Environmental Specifications

Specification	Details
Operating Temperature	10 °C to 40 °C
Storage Temperature	-20 °C to 60 °C
Maximum Relative Humidity	80%, non-condensing at 40 °C
Published Specification Temperature	23 °C ±5 °C

 

Available Connector Configurations

Connector Code	Interface
58	FC/APC narrow-key connector
88	SC/APC connector
89	FC/UPC connector
90	ST/UPC connector
91	SC/UPC connector
99	MU/UPC connector
EI-EUI Series	EXFO UPC interface with compatible removable EUI adapter
EA-EUI Series	EXFO APC interface with compatible removable EUI adapter

 

Remote Control and Automation

Function	Details
Local Software Control	Windows-based graphical user interface
Programming Commands	SCPI
Instrument Drivers	LabVIEW
Software Libraries	COM and DCOM
Remote Control with IQS-500	GPIB, Ethernet, and RS-232
Configuration Storage	Multiple-user configuration storage through the compatible host platform

 

Connector Configuration Considerations

The supplied description identifies the module as a 1x2 IQS-9100 optical switch for 9/125 µm single-mode fiber but does not identify the installed connector type or complete ordering code.

The IQS-9100 was available with several fixed and removable connector configurations, including FC/UPC, FC/APC, SC/UPC, SC/APC, ST/UPC, MU/UPC, DIN, HMS-10/AG, and E-2000 interfaces.

The complete model label and product photographs should be reviewed before compatible patch cords are selected. Connector polish must match the installed switch interfaces. UPC and APC connectors should not be directly intermated.

Platform and System Requirements

The IQS-9100 is a plug-in optical switch module and requires a compatible EXFO IQS optical test platform. The host system provides power, module recognition, software control, channel selection, configuration storage, and available remote interfaces.

The IQS-500 Intelligent Test System supports modular optical testing for manufacturing, automation, optical qualification, and research. The IQS-9100 was also available for compatible IQ-200 Optical Test System configurations.

The switch should not be considered a standalone instrument. A compatible controller or mainframe and suitable EXFO application software are required for normal operation.

Connection and Measurement Considerations

The common port and both selectable ports should be inspected and cleaned before every connection. Contamination can introduce additional loss, reduce repeatability, increase backreflection, and damage mating connectors.

The switch is designed for 9/125 µm single-mode fiber. Using incompatible multimode fiber can change optical coupling conditions and produce results that do not represent the intended single-mode system.

Optical input power should remain at or below the documented +24 dBm maximum. The output of connected lasers, amplifiers, and high-power optical sources should be verified before connection.

For accurate comparative measurements, both switch paths should be referenced using the same source, detector, wavelength, patch cords, and connector configuration used during the final test.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The EXFO IQS-9100 receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Testing may include installation in a compatible IQS platform, module recognition, manual channel selection, software control, bidirectional continuity, and available remote-control functions.

Optical testing may include continuity through both switched paths, insertion-loss comparison, repeatability, switching response, crosstalk, and operation at representative single-mode wavelengths such as 1310 nm and 1550 nm.

The optical connectors may be inspected for contamination, damaged threads, worn alignment sleeves, loose adapters, or other conditions that could affect optical coupling and measurement stability.

The exact testing scope depends on the installed connector configuration, compatible IQS platform, software version, stabilized optical sources, calibrated optical power meters, single-mode reference cables, and supporting test equipment.

Calibration Before Shipment

When technically applicable and selected, the EXFO IQS-9100 can be calibrated or performance-verified before shipment. Calibration may include insertion loss, channel repeatability, crosstalk, backreflection, switching time, and optical path operation at representative single-mode wavelengths.

Calibration should identify the installed connector configuration and both selectable switch paths. Measurements may be performed using stable optical sources, calibrated optical power meters, return-loss equipment, and suitable 9/125 µm single-mode reference cables.

Buyers requiring formal calibration should confirm the desired wavelengths, connector configuration, measurement points, certificate type, recorded readings, and measurement uncertainty before purchase.

Buyer Considerations

Buyers should confirm that the module is a 1x2 IQS-9100 configured for 9/125 µm single-mode fiber. Other IQS-9100 versions support different channel counts, multimode fiber, and several connector configurations.

The complete ordering code should be reviewed to identify the installed connector and determine whether a low-PDL option is present. Low-PDL configurations were available for selected single-mode models but should not be assumed without the applicable LP designation.

The condition of the common port, both switched ports, module connector, retaining hardware, enclosure, and identification label should be reviewed before purchase.

Only the optical switch module, host platform, connector adapters, single-mode patch cords, software, manuals, calibration records, 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 test, inspection, cleaning, electronic test, RF/microwave, and photonics applications. The EXFO IQS-9100 1x2 single-mode optical switch supports engineers, laboratories, optical component manufacturers, production facilities, system integrators, and automated test environments.

Buyers should review the product photographs, complete model code, optical connector configuration, fiber type, switching operation, insertion loss, host-platform compatibility, calibration status, included accessories, and available testing information before purchase.