EXFO FTBx-1750-OHS-2 Dual-Channel High-Performance Optical Power Meter Interface Module

EXFO FTBx-1750-OHS-2 Dual-Channel Optical Power Meter Interface

The EXFO FTBx-1750-OHS-2 is a dual-channel optical power meter interface module developed for use with EXFO OHS-1713-UH remote optical heads. It installs in a compatible EXFO LTB-2, LTB-8, or LTB-12 platform and provides the interface, acquisition, control, and data-management functions required for remote optical power measurements.

The module is designed to operate with up to two remote optical heads. Moving the detector close to the device under test can simplify equipment layouts, reduce fiber routing between the measurement point and the platform, and improve flexibility in research, manufacturing, and automated test stations.

The FTBx-1750-OHS-2 does not contain an integrated optical detector. Optical measurements require one or two compatible OHS-1713-UH heads and the appropriate interface cables. When equipped with these Ultra-High-Power optical heads, the system supports measurements from +37 dBm to -55 dBm across wavelengths from 850 nm to 1660 nm.

Features and Benefits of the EXFO FTBx-1750-OHS-2

• Dual-channel operation: Connects up to two OHS-1713-UH remote optical heads for single-channel or simultaneous dual-channel measurements.
• Remote detector placement: Allows the measurement heads to be positioned close to optical amplifiers, sources, switches, and other devices under test.
• Ultra-high-power capability: Supports input power up to +37 dBm when used with compatible OHS-1713-UH optical heads.
• Wide power range: The compatible OHS-1713-UH head measures optical power from +37 dBm to -55 dBm.
• Fast acquisition: Supports continuous sampling at up to 5208 samples per second per channel.
• Rapid stabilization: Provides a typical stabilization time of 0.3 ms with the OHS-1713-UH head.
• Min/Max measurements: Tracks minimum and maximum optical power values over a defined period.
• TTL triggering: Includes a user-configurable 0 V to 5 V TTL-type trigger input for synchronized acquisition.
• Web-based interface: Supports convenient configuration and status monitoring through a compatible LTB platform.
• Automation support: Provides SCPI commands and IVI-compliant instrument drivers for automated test integration.
• Flexible remote control: Supports Ethernet, RS-232, Telnet, and GPIB operation through the compatible host platform and required adapters.
• Interchangeable calibrated heads: Individually calibrated optical heads can be moved between compatible modules or test stations.

Dual-Channel Remote Measurement Architecture

The FTBx-1750-OHS-2 provides two remote-head interface ports. Users can perform measurements with one optical head or acquire power data simultaneously from two connected heads.

This architecture is useful when comparing two optical paths, monitoring the input and output of a device, evaluating multiple amplifier ports, or measuring power at separate locations within an automated test fixture.

Acquired data can be stored on the compatible LTB platform or saved to an accessible network location. The dual-channel configuration can reduce the need to reconnect a single detector between measurement points and supports faster production and qualification workflows.

OHS-1713-UH Ultra-High-Power Optical Head

The OHS-1713-UH is the compatible remote head specified for the FTBx-1750-OHS interface module. It combines an InGaAs detector with an integrating cavity and a 9 mm input aperture.

The head operates from 850 nm to 1660 nm and measures optical power from +37 dBm to -55 dBm. This range supports high-power optical amplifiers, broadband sources, transmitters, passive devices, and lower-level optical signals within one measurement system.

Measurement uncertainty is specified at ±(4% + 3 nW) under the documented conditions. Typical polarization-dependent responsivity is ±0.008 dB, helping reduce variations associated with changes in the state of polarization.

High-Speed Data Acquisition

The FTBx-1750-OHS-2 supports continuous-mode peak acquisition at up to 5208 samples per second per channel. High sampling speed is valuable for monitoring switching transitions, source fluctuations, amplifier behavior, production processes, and optical alignment procedures.

The compatible OHS-1713-UH head provides a typical stabilization time of 300 µs. This fast response helps shorten the delay between a change in optical power and the availability of a valid measurement.

Actual system throughput depends on the active channel count, software configuration, data transfer, averaging, trigger settings, host-platform performance, and complete automated test sequence.

Min/Max Data Acquisition

The Min/Max measurement function records the minimum and maximum optical power detected on each active channel during a defined measurement interval.

This function can be used to monitor source-power drift, identify brief optical variations, compare changing signal levels, and evaluate the polarization-dependent loss of a component when combined with an appropriate polarization-control arrangement.

Minimum and maximum values provide a concise indication of how much the optical signal changed during the selected test period.

External Triggering

The FTBx-1750-OHS configuration provides a user-configurable trigger input accepting 0 V to 5 V TTL-type signals. Triggered measurements can be synchronized with an external optical switch, production fixture, source controller, device under test, or other automated equipment.

External triggering supports consistent measurement timing and helps align optical power acquisition with a specific event in the test sequence. Trigger polarity, timing, cabling, and software settings should be configured for the connected equipment.

Local and Remote Operation

The module operates through a compatible EXFO LTB platform. Supported LTB-8 and LTB-12 configurations allow local control using the platform display, keyboard, and mouse.

A web-based graphical interface provides power meter configuration and status monitoring. The same application can be accessed remotely using a web browser when the host platform is connected to an appropriate network.

Remote automation is supported through SCPI commands and IVI-compliant drivers. Telnet control is available through the built-in LAN interface of the host platform, while GPIB operation requires a compatible GPIB-to-USB adapter.

Typical Applications

• EDFA and EYDFA output-power measurements
• High-power optical amplifier testing
• Optical source characterization
• Input and output power monitoring
• Dual-path comparative measurements
• Fiber optic component manufacturing
• Optical switching measurements
• Source drift monitoring
• Polarization-dependent loss evaluation
• Automated optical test equipment
• Production and quality-control testing
• Photonics research and development

Product Overview

Brand	EXFO
Model	FTBx-1750-OHS-2
Product Category	Dual-Channel Optical Power Meter Interface Module
Number of Channels	Two
Detector Configuration	External remote optical heads required
Compatible Optical Head	EXFO OHS-1713-UH
Compatible Platforms	EXFO LTB-2, LTB-8, and LTB-12
Maximum Sampling Rate	Up to 5208 samples per second per channel
Maximum Supported Optical Power	+37 dBm with a compatible OHS-1713-UH head
Primary Application	High-speed dual-channel remote optical power measurement

 

FTBx-1750-OHS-2 Interface Specifications

Specification	Details
Number of Interface Ports	Two
Compatible Head	OHS-1713-UH
Sampling Rate	Up to 5208 samples per second per channel
Trigger Input	0 V to 5 V TTL type
Analog Output	Not specified for the OHS interface configuration
Module Weight	0.35 kg or 0.8 lb
Module Dimensions	50 mm high x 159 mm wide x 175 mm deep
Operating Temperature	0 °C to 40 °C
Storage Temperature	-40 °C to 70 °C
Relative Humidity	0% to 80%, non-condensing

 

OHS-1713-UH Optical Head Specifications

Specification	Details
Detector Type	InGaAs detector with integrating cavity
Input Aperture	9 mm
Wavelength Range	850 nm to 1660 nm
Power Range	+37 dBm to -55 dBm
Uncertainty	±(4% + 3 nW) under the documented conditions
Typical Polarization-Dependent Responsivity	±0.008 dB
Linearity from +35 dBm to +30 dBm	±0.11 dB
Linearity from +30 dBm to +5 dBm	±0.05 dB
Linearity from +5 dBm to -22 dBm	±0.015 dB
Wavelength Resolution	0.01 nm
Typical Stabilization Time	0.3 ms
Supported Fiber Sizes	5/125 µm to 62.5/125 µm
Optical Head Weight	0.5 kg or 1.1 lb

 

Remote Control and Automation

Control Method	Details
Web Interface	Web-based graphical user interface through the host LTB platform
Ethernet	Available through the compatible LTB platform
Telnet	Supported over the platform LAN interface
RS-232	Available through supported LTB platform configurations
GPIB	Available with a compatible GPIB-to-USB adapter
Programming Commands	SCPI
Instrument Drivers	IVI-compliant drivers

 

Compatible Interface Cables

Accessory	Description
GP-3010B	1 m optical head interface cable
GP-3011B	2 m optical head interface cable

 

Operating and Compatibility Considerations

The FTBx-1750-OHS-2 is an interface module and does not perform optical measurements without a compatible remote head. One or two OHS-1713-UH optical heads and suitable GP-3010B or GP-3011B interface cables are required to create a complete measurement system.

Each OHS-1713-UH head is individually calibrated. A head can be moved between compatible modules or test stations while retaining its individual calibration information. Calibration status and certificate validity should still be confirmed before controlled or traceable measurements.

Unless otherwise specified, documented performance applies at 1550 nm and 23 °C ±1 °C after a 20-minute warm-up. For optical power above +35 dBm, the maximum operating temperature is limited to 30 °C.

The connector adapter installed on the optical head should match the fiber and connector used by the device under test. Available adapter families include FC, SC, ST, LC, MTP, E-2000, MU, Diamond, SMA, DIN, universal ferrule, and bare-fiber adapter interfaces.

Calibration Before Shipment

When technically applicable and selected, the EXFO FTBx-1750-OHS-2 and included OHS-1713-UH optical heads can be calibrated before shipment. Calibration may include optical power accuracy, measurement linearity, wavelength response, interface-channel recognition, trigger input, sampling operation, and communication with a compatible LTB platform.

Because the detector is located in the remote head, optical calibration records should identify the serial number of each OHS-1713-UH head. A calibration of the interface module alone does not replace detector calibration for the optical heads.

Buyers requiring formal calibration should confirm whether the requested service applies to the interface module, one optical head, both optical heads, or the complete platform-based measurement system. Requested wavelengths, power levels, connector adapters, recorded data, measurement uncertainty, and certificate type should also be specified.

Buyer Considerations

Buyers should confirm that the product is the two-channel FTBx-1750-OHS configuration. The OHS designation indicates a power meter interface intended for external optical heads rather than a model with integrated front-panel detectors.

The listing should clearly identify whether one or two OHS-1713-UH heads are included. Interface cables and connector adapters should also be verified because these components are required for a complete optical measurement setup.

A compatible EXFO LTB-2, LTB-8, or LTB-12 platform is required. The host platform, remote heads, interface cables, connector adapters, GPIB adapter, software, and other automation accessories should not be considered included unless specifically identified.

Only the interface module, optical heads, interface cables, connector adapters, LTB platform, calibration certificates, documentation, 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 FTBx-1750-OHS-2 supports engineers, laboratories, optical component manufacturers, production facilities, and system integrators that require fast dual-channel remote optical power measurement.

Buyers should review the product photographs, physical condition, channel configuration, included optical heads, interface cables, connector adapters, LTB platform compatibility, calibration status, and available testing information before purchase.