JDSU mEDFA-A15500-M100-MFA MAP C-Band Erbium-Doped Fiber Pre-Amplifier with FC/APC Connectors

JDSU mEDFA-A15500-M100-MFA MAP C-Band Erbium-Doped Fiber Pre-Amplifier with FC/APC Connectors

The JDSU mEDFA-A15500-M100-MFA is a C-band erbium-doped fiber amplifier module designed for the JDSU Multiple Application Platform. This configuration functions as a single-channel optical pre-amplifier and supports operation across wavelengths from 1528 nm to 1565 nm.

The mEDFA-A15500 provides greater than 14 dBm of saturated output power, greater than 37 dB of small-signal gain, and a maximum noise figure below 3.5 dB under the documented measurement conditions. Its low-noise pre-amplifier design makes it suitable for increasing the level of weak optical signals while limiting additional impairment within compatible laboratory, development, and manufacturing systems.

This configuration uses FC/APC optical connectors, as identified by the MFA connector option. The module is intended for installation in a compatible MAP platform and is not a standalone benchtop amplifier. When installed in a suitable MAP-200 chassis, it can be integrated with other optical modules and automated through the platform’s supported control interfaces and instrument drivers.

Features and Benefits of the JDSU mEDFA-A15500-M100-MFA

The JDSU mEDFA-A15500-M100-MFA provides practical amplification for professional users who require controlled C-band gain in modular optical test systems.

• C-band pre-amplifier configuration: Designed to increase the level of compatible single-channel optical signals before detection, analysis, or additional processing.
• 1528 nm to 1565 nm operating range: Supports optical amplification across a broad portion of the C-band.
• Greater than 14 dBm saturated output power: Provides useful output power for pre-amplifier emulation and optical system experiments.
• Greater than 37 dB small-signal gain: Supports applications involving comparatively weak input signals.
• Low noise figure: Provides a specified maximum noise figure below 3.5 dB under the documented test conditions.
• Low polarization-dependent loss: Maximum PDL below 0.2 dB helps limit gain variation associated with the input polarization state.
• Low polarization-mode dispersion: Maximum PMD below 0.5 ps supports demanding optical transmission and component-testing applications.
• FC/APC optical interfaces: Uses angled-contact FC connectors for compatible low-reflection single-mode optical connections.
• Modular MAP platform format: Installs in a compatible MAP system for dense, configurable optical test integration.
• Automation support: Can be automated when used with compatible MAP-200 LXI interfaces and IVI drivers.

C-Band Single-Channel Pre-Amplifier

The mEDFA-A15500 is configured as a single-channel pre-amplifier. A pre-amplifier is typically positioned before a receiver, detector, analyzer, or other downstream element to increase the strength of a comparatively low-level optical signal.

The documented operating wavelength range extends from 1528 nm to 1565 nm. This range supports compatible C-band optical systems, telecom components, transmission experiments, and laboratory measurement setups.

The pre-amplifier configuration differs from the booster and in-line versions available in the mEDFA-A1 family. Booster amplifiers are generally intended to increase optical launch power, while pre-amplifiers are optimized for increasing weaker signals before detection or further processing.

High Small-Signal Gain

The JDSU mEDFA-A15500 provides minimum small-signal gain greater than 37 dB. This value is specified with an input power of -30 dBm under the documented measurement conditions.

High small-signal gain is useful in test systems involving weak optical inputs, receiver sensitivity experiments, transmission-loss emulation, and optical signal-to-noise ratio studies. The actual gain achieved in a complete system depends on the input wavelength, input power, optical connector condition, amplifier operating state, and other system parameters.

Users should ensure that downstream optical equipment can accommodate the amplified output. External attenuation may be required when the receiving instrument or device under test has a lower maximum input-power rating.

Low-Noise Optical Amplification

The mEDFA-A15500 provides a specified maximum noise figure below 3.5 dB. The noise figure is measured with an input power of -30 dBm under the documented conditions.

A low noise figure is important in pre-amplifier applications because every optical amplifier adds some noise to the amplified signal. Limiting this additional noise helps preserve optical signal quality and supports more useful receiver, transmission, and OSNR measurements.

The measured optical signal-to-noise ratio of a complete setup also depends on the source, input signal level, optical bandwidth, external filtering, connector reflections, fiber losses, detector characteristics, and measurement instrument configuration.

MAP-200 Platform Integration

The JDSU mEDFA-A15500-M100-MFA is a modular amplifier intended for installation in a compatible Multiple Application Platform chassis. The MAP-200 platform is designed to provide configurable photonic-layer test capability with Ethernet connectivity and support for compatible LXI and IVI-based automation.

Modular implementation allows the amplifier to be combined with other compatible optical devices in a shared platform. Depending on the installed modules, a MAP system may contain optical sources, switches, attenuators, power meters, filters, and other equipment required for a particular laboratory or production workflow.

The module requires a compatible chassis and supporting control environment. The chassis, controller, interface hardware, software, cables, drivers, and other optical modules should not be considered included unless specifically identified in the product listing.

Typical Applications

The JDSU mEDFA-A15500-M100-MFA is suitable for professional applications such as:

• C-band optical pre-amplifier emulation
• Single-channel optical transmission testing
• SONET and SDH system experiments
• Optical signal-to-noise ratio measurements
• Receiver sensitivity testing
• Weak-signal amplification before detection
• Fiber optic component characterization
• Optical communication research and development
• Telecom laboratory testing
• Automated optical test systems
• Production testing and quality control
• Photonics system development

Product Overview

Brand	JDSU / JDS Uniphase
Model	mEDFA-A15500-M100-MFA
Base Product Code	MEDFA-A15500
Product Family	MAP Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier, mEDFA-A1 Series
Product Category	Modular Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier
Amplifier Type	Pre-amplifier
Optical Band	C-band
Input Signal Configuration	Single channel
Connector Type	FC/APC
Platform Compatibility	Compatible JDSU MAP platform
Primary Application	Low-noise amplification of single-channel C-band optical signals

 

Optical Specifications

Specification	Details
Operating Wavelength Range	1528 nm to 1565 nm
Input Signal	Single channel
Minimum Saturated Output Power	Greater than 14 dBm
Saturated Output-Power Test Condition	Measured at 1550 nm with -4 dBm input power
Maximum Noise Figure	Less than 3.5 dB
Noise-Figure Test Condition	Measured with -30 dBm input power
Minimum Small-Signal Gain	Greater than 37 dB
Small-Signal Gain Test Condition	Measured with -30 dBm input power
Input Monitor	No
Output Monitor	No
Maximum Polarization-Dependent Loss	Less than 0.2 dB
Maximum Polarization-Mode Dispersion	Less than 0.5 ps
Typical Input Isolation	Not applicable
Typical Output Isolation	32 dB
Specified Reference Conditions	1550 nm and 23 °C

 

Configuration Details

Configuration Field	Selected Configuration
Base Option	MEDFA-A15500
Base Option Description	14 dBm C-band single-channel pre-amplifier
Connector Option	MFA
Connector Type	FC/APC
Additional Model Designation	M100

 

Mechanical and Environmental Specifications

Specification	Details
Dimensions	4.06 cm wide x 13.26 cm high x 37.03 cm deep
Dimensions in Inches	1.6 in wide x 5.22 in high x 14.58 in deep
Weight	1.3 kg
Weight in Pounds	2.87 lb
Operating Temperature	0 °C to 40 °C
Storage Temperature	-30 °C to 60 °C
Humidity	Maximum 95% relative humidity, non-condensing, from 0 °C to 45 °C

 

FC/APC Optical Interfaces

The MFA option identifies FC/APC optical connectors. Compatible 9/125 µm single-mode FC/APC patch cords should be used for connection to the amplifier input and output.

FC/APC and FC/PC connectors use different ferrule end-face geometries and should not be mated directly. Direct mating between angled-contact and straight-contact interfaces can damage the connectors, increase optical loss, and produce undesirable reflections.

All connector end faces should be inspected and cleaned before connection. Contamination can increase insertion loss, produce instability, raise backreflection, and transfer debris to the module’s optical interfaces.

System Integration and Automation

The JDSU mEDFA-A15500-M100-MFA can be automated when installed in a compatible MAP-200 system using supported LXI-compliant interfaces and IVI drivers. This capability enables the amplifier to participate in repeatable test sequences with other compatible modules and instruments.

An automated system may coordinate amplifier operation with optical sources, switches, attenuators, power meters, spectrum analyzers, receivers, or other devices. The exact control functions depend on the installed chassis, controller, firmware, drivers, and software environment.

Buyers should verify chassis compatibility, available MAP slots, controller configuration, firmware support, interface hardware, software versions, and driver availability before integrating the module into an existing system.

Laser Safety

The MAP EDFA is classified as a Class 3B laser product when installed and operated in a compatible MAP chassis. Invisible optical radiation may be present at the amplifier output and at connected fiber ends.

Users should avoid direct exposure to the optical beam and should never look into the module ports or connected fibers. Optical viewing instruments can increase the potential hazard.

The module should be operated only by trained personnel using appropriate laser-safety procedures, compatible fiber optic equipment, protective covers, and applicable facility controls.

Calibration and Testing Before Shipment

When calibration is technically applicable and supported, the JDSU mEDFA-A15500-M100-MFA is calibrated or characterized before shipment. The process may include verification of operating wavelength range, saturated output power, small-signal gain, noise figure, polarization-dependent loss, isolation, and basic module control.

Following successful calibration or characterization, the module may include a calibration label, calibration certificate, and associated test data, depending on the selected service and equipment condition.

If formal calibration is unavailable or not applicable, the module receives comprehensive functional and performance testing. This testing may include chassis recognition, amplifier enable and disable operation, optical input and output verification, gain evaluation, output-power testing, connector inspection, alarm checks, and supported control functions.

The exact calibration scope, supplied optical data, compatible chassis, test conditions, documentation, 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 mEDFA-A15500-M100-MFA is a configuration-specific modular optical amplifier. Buyers should confirm that the C-band operating range, single-channel pre-amplifier design, greater than 14 dBm saturated output, greater than 37 dB small-signal gain, FC/APC connectors, and MAP platform requirements match the intended application.

The mEDFA-A15500 should not be confused with the booster, in-line, DWDM, or L-band configurations in the mEDFA-A1 family. These models have different operating wavelength ranges, output-power ratings, gain specifications, noise figures, monitor functions, and isolation characteristics.

Buyers should review the condition of the optical interfaces, module enclosure, chassis connector, amplifier operation, output level, alarms, calibration status, firmware compatibility, 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 mEDFA-A15500-M100-MFA helps engineers, laboratories, production facilities, procurement teams, and service organizations implement low-noise C-band optical amplification in modular test environments.

Buyers should review the available product photographs, physical condition, FC/APC interfaces, MAP chassis compatibility, included accessories, calibration information, and application requirements before purchase.

Only accessories and system components specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included. The MAP chassis, controller, optical patch cords, software, drivers, interface hardware, attenuators, power meters, and other supporting test equipment may be required separately.