Ando AQ3540-11 2x16 Single-Mode Optical Channel Selector with FC/PC Connectors

Ando AQ3540-11 2x16 Single-Mode Optical Channel Selector

The Ando AQ3540-11 is a programmable 2x16 optical channel selector designed for automated routing of single-mode optical signals. It provides two selectable common I/O ports, identified as COM1 and COM2, together with sixteen selectable channel ports identified as CH1 through CH16.

The bidirectional optical architecture allows a signal applied to either common port to be routed to a selected channel. The selector can also be used in the reverse direction, allowing signals connected to the individual channel ports to be directed toward either common port. This flexibility supports optical source selection, receiver selection, multi-device testing, reference-path measurements, and automated optical network configurations.

The AQ3540-11 operates across wavelengths from 1200 nm to 1650 nm and uses 10/125 µm single-mode optical fiber. The standard AQ3540-11 configuration is equipped with FC/PC optical connectors and includes an IEEE-488-compatible GPIB interface for integration into automated laboratory and production test systems.

Features and Benefits of the Ando AQ3540-11

• 2x16 optical configuration: Provides two selectable common I/O ports and sixteen individually selectable channel ports.
• Bidirectional operation: Routes optical signals from either common port to a selected channel or from a selected channel toward either common port.
• Wide wavelength coverage: Supports compatible optical signals from 1200 nm to 1650 nm.
• Single-mode fiber design: Uses 10/125 µm single-mode optical fiber for telecom and photonics applications.
• FC/PC optical connectors: Provides secure threaded interfaces for compatible single-mode patch cords.
• Low insertion loss: Provides insertion loss of 4.5 dB or less, with a typical value of 2.5 dB.
• Repeatable channel selection: Provides selection repeatability within 0.03 dB peak-to-peak, with a typical value of 0.01 dB peak-to-peak.
• High optical return loss: Provides return loss of at least 40 dB when used with suitable physical-contact connectors.
• Low polarization dependence: Provides typical polarization-dependent loss of 0.02 dB peak-to-peak.
• High channel isolation: Provides crosstalk of -65 dB or less under the applicable measurement conditions.
• Long switching life: The optical selection mechanism has a typical life of 10 million cycles.
• IEEE-488 automation: Supports integration with compatible controllers and automated optical measurement software.

Two Common Ports and Sixteen Selectable Channels

The AQ3540-11 contains two common optical ports and sixteen channel ports. A compatible optical source can be connected to COM1 and a second source can be connected to COM2, allowing either source path to be directed toward a selected channel.

The selector can also be arranged with multiple optical sources, devices, or fiber paths attached to CH1 through CH16. In this configuration, a selected channel can be routed toward either COM1 or COM2 for measurement by connected optical instruments.

The two-common-port configuration provides greater routing flexibility than a conventional 1x16 optical switch. It can support source and detector selection, measurement and reference paths, primary and secondary instruments, or other dual-path optical test arrangements.

Bidirectional Optical Signal Routing

The terms common port and channel port describe the physical arrangement of the selector and do not restrict the direction of optical transmission. Optical signals can travel through a selected connection in either direction.

In a typical source-distribution application, an optical source is connected to a common port and routed sequentially to several devices under test. In a receiver-selection application, multiple incoming optical signals can be connected to the channel ports and directed toward a common optical power meter, optical spectrum analyzer, wavelength meter, or other compatible instrument.

Bidirectional operation allows the AQ3540-11 to be used in configurable systems for insertion-loss measurement, spectral characterization, optical power monitoring, fiber testing, source comparison, and channel verification.

1200 nm to 1650 nm Wavelength Range

The Ando AQ3540-11 supports optical signals across wavelengths from 1200 nm to 1650 nm. This range includes commonly used single-mode fiber wavelengths around 1310 nm, 1480 nm, 1550 nm, and 1625 nm.

The broad wavelength range makes the selector suitable for telecommunications, wavelength-division multiplexing, optical amplifier, fiber sensing, passive component, and laboratory photonics applications.

Connected sources, receivers, patch cords, attenuators, and devices under test should use compatible single-mode fiber and operate within the supported wavelength range.

Insertion Loss and Selection Repeatability

The AQ3540-11 provides insertion loss of 4.5 dB or less, with a typical value of 2.5 dB. These values apply under the documented measurement conditions using the common port and a suitable master cable.

Selection repeatability is specified at 0.03 dB peak-to-peak or less, with a typical value of 0.01 dB peak-to-peak. The repeatability specification is based on repeated channel selections at 1310 nm or 1550 nm with a constant polarization state.

Repeatable path selection supports automated measurements in which channels are repeatedly selected and compared. Complete system repeatability also depends on source stability, detector performance, patch-cord movement, connector cleanliness, polarization changes, and reference procedures.

Optical Return Loss, Crosstalk, and Polarization Dependence

The single-mode AQ3540-11 provides optical return loss of 40 dB or more when used with suitable physical-contact connectors. Actual system return loss also depends on patch cords, connector condition, adapters, devices under test, and other reflective components in the optical path.

Crosstalk is specified at -65 dB or less. This channel isolation helps reduce unwanted optical coupling between selected and unselected paths during sensitive measurements.

Typical polarization-dependent loss is 0.02 dB peak-to-peak at 1550 nm under the applicable wavelength-correction conditions. Low polarization dependence helps reduce switching variation when the input signal’s state of polarization changes.

Channel Selection and Local Operation

The AQ3540 includes a two-digit, seven-segment channel display for identifying the active channel. A rotary encoder supports direct channel selection from the front panel.

Local operation allows users to configure the optical path during system setup, troubleshooting, equipment verification, and individual component testing without requiring a connected computer.

The front-panel arrangement also provides access to remote and local selection functions. The exact available controls and indicators should be verified on the individual unit.

GPIB Remote Control

The AQ3540-11 includes an IEEE-488-compatible GPIB interface for automated control. A compatible computer or instrument controller can select optical paths and coordinate switching with external sources, receivers, analyzers, and data-acquisition equipment.

Automated software can select a channel, allow the switch to settle, acquire a measurement, store the result, and continue through the remaining channels. This reduces manual patch-cord handling and supports repeatable production and qualification procedures.

Remote-operation details depend on the interface configuration, command set, controller, communication cable, and test software used with the selector.

Typical Applications

• Automated single-mode optical signal routing
• Multi-device insertion-loss measurements
• Optical source and receiver selection
• 1310 nm and 1550 nm component testing
• Wavelength-division multiplexing system evaluation
• Optical amplifier testing
• Multi-fiber and multicore cable measurements
• Optical network equipment inspection
• Production and quality-control automation
• Laboratory photonics measurements
• Telecommunications equipment development
• Fiber optic research and system integration

Product Overview

Brand	Ando
Model	AQ3540-11
Product Category	Programmable Optical Channel Selector
Switch Configuration	2x16
Common I/O Ports	Two, COM1 and COM2
Selectable Channel Ports	Sixteen, CH1 through CH16
Applicable Optical Fiber	10/125 µm single-mode fiber
Wavelength Range	1200 nm to 1650 nm
Optical Connectors	FC/PC
Remote Interface	IEEE-488-compatible GPIB
Primary Application	Bidirectional routing between two common ports and sixteen single-mode optical channels

 

Optical Specifications

Specification	Details
Switch Configuration	2x16
Wavelength Range	1200 nm to 1650 nm
Optical Fiber	Single-mode 10/125 µm
Insertion Loss	4.5 dB or less
Typical Insertion Loss	2.5 dB
Selection Repeatability	0.03 dB peak-to-peak or less
Typical Selection Repeatability	0.01 dB peak-to-peak
Optical Return Loss	40 dB or more
Typical Polarization-Dependent Loss	0.02 dB peak-to-peak
Crosstalk	-65 dB or less
Adjacent-Channel Switching Time	500 ms or less
Typical Selector Life	10 million cycles

 

Electrical and Physical Specifications

Specification	Details
Channel Display	Two-digit, seven-segment display
Local Channel Selection	Rotary encoder
Remote Interface	IEEE-488-compatible GPIB
AC Input	100 V to 120 V AC or 200 V to 240 V AC
Line Frequency	50 Hz or 60 Hz
Power Consumption	Approximately 50 VA
Dimensions	Approximately 283 mm wide x 132 mm high x 350 mm deep
Mass	Approximately 6 kg

 

Environmental Specifications

Specification	Details
Operating Temperature	0 °C to 50 °C
Storage Temperature	-10 °C to 60 °C
Maximum Humidity	85% RH or less

 

AQ3540 Single-Mode Configurations

Model	Configuration	Optical Connector
AQ3540-01	1x16 standard single-mode selector	FC/PC
AQ3540-02	1x16 standard single-mode selector	SC/PC
AQ3540-11	2x16 single-mode selector with two common ports	FC/PC
AQ3540-12	2x16 single-mode selector with two common ports	SC/PC
AQ3540-22	1x16 high-return-loss single-mode selector	SC/APC
AQ3540-31	1x32-capable single-mode expansion configuration	FC/PC
AQ3540-32	1x32-capable single-mode expansion configuration	SC/PC

 

Connection and Measurement Considerations

The complete model should be confirmed as AQ3540-11. Other AQ3540 configurations use different channel arrangements, connector types, insertion-loss limits, and return-loss specifications.

All FC/PC connectors should be inspected and cleaned before mating. Dust, oil, damaged ferrules, and fiber fragments can increase insertion loss, reduce return loss, alter repeatability, and transfer contamination to connected patch cords.

FC/PC interfaces should only be connected to compatible physical-contact connectors. Angled-polish connectors should not be directly mated to the FC/PC ports.

The system should be referenced after the optical source, selector, detector, and connected equipment have reached stable operating conditions. Patch cords should remain stationary during precision measurements to reduce polarization and bend-related power variations.

Calibration Before Shipment

When applicable and selected, the Ando AQ3540-11 can be calibrated before shipment. Calibration may include channel mapping, insertion loss, selection repeatability, optical return loss, crosstalk, polarization-dependent loss, switching time, and GPIB-controlled channel operation.

Calibration should be performed at representative single-mode wavelengths such as 1310 nm and 1550 nm using suitable optical sources, power meters, return-loss equipment, master cables, and reference procedures.

Buyers requiring formal calibration should confirm the requested wavelengths, optical test points, connector requirements, switching paths, certificate type, measurement uncertainty, and availability of recorded data before purchase.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The Ando AQ3540-11 receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Testing may include AC power operation, startup, channel-display condition, rotary encoder operation, local and remote controls, GPIB communication, COM1 and COM2 selection, and switching through all sixteen channel positions.

Optical testing may include continuity between both common ports and CH1 through CH16, insertion-loss measurements, repeated channel selection, return-loss evaluation, crosstalk checks, and switching-time verification using suitable single-mode equipment.

The FC/PC connectors may be inspected for contamination, damaged threads, worn alignment sleeves, loose adapters, scratched ferrules, or other defects that could affect optical performance.

The exact testing scope depends on the available single-mode optical sources, wavelengths, power meters, return-loss equipment, polarization-control equipment, GPIB controller, reference cables, and calibration standards.

Buyer Considerations

Buyers should verify that the product is the AQ3540-11 2x16 model with 10/125 µm single-mode fiber and FC/PC connectors. The complete model suffix is important because the AQ3540 family includes 1x16, 2x16, high-return-loss, and expansion-capable versions.

The condition of COM1, COM2, and all sixteen channel ports should be reviewed. Channel labeling, local selection, display operation, GPIB communication, optical continuity, switching repeatability, and enclosure condition should also be confirmed.

Only the optical channel selector, power cord, GPIB cable, optical patch cords, connector caps, connection cable, manual, 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, inspection, cleaning, electronic test, RF/microwave, photonics, and automated optical measurement applications. The Ando AQ3540-11 supports engineers, laboratories, optical component manufacturers, production facilities, service organizations, and quality teams requiring flexible single-mode optical signal routing.

Buyers should review the product photographs, physical condition, complete model designation, connector condition, channel operation, GPIB interface, optical test results, calibration status, included cables, documentation, and accessories before purchase.