A Guide to All Optical Amplifiers in FMT Series
Updated at Dec 3rd 20241 min read
The modern era of rapid and high-bandwidth communication is heavily reliant on fiber-optic systems. When signals travel across long distances, they inevitably degrade due to various loss mechanisms within the optical channels they traverse. This gradual attenuation weakens the transmitted signals as they propagate through the communication medium. The persistent challenge of signal degradation over ultra-long distances through fiber-optic cables necessitates the strategic use of amplification processes to boost signal strength.
An optical amplifier can directly amplify an optical signal, without the need for conversion to an electrical signal. It has become an extremely important device that supports long-distance optical transmission. As an important component of FS optical networking family, the FMT Series contains many types of optical amplifiers, including C-band EDFA, Extended C-band EDFA, arrayed EDFA, SOA, high power amplifier, etc. To avoid mistakes in the purchase, we are going to study and learn about these amplifiers now.
EDFA (Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier)
EDFA (Erbium-doped Fiber Amplifiers) is now most commonly used to compensate the loss of an optical fiber in long-distance optical communication. C-band, Extended C-band and Arrayed DWDM EDFA Amplifiers are among the FMT Series specialist products for DWDM Networks.
C-Band DWDM EDFA
C-band EDFA amplifier is the most used amplifier. The C-band (Conventional Band) ranges from 1530nm to 1565nm and represents the conventional band, the primary wavelength band used for optical communication especially in a long-distance transmission system. The wavelength of the FMT Series C-band EDFA amplifier is from 1528nm-1564nm, which covers the most amplification needs of C-band. Its wide application makes the FMT C-band EDFA one of the best-selling products in FS's optical transport equipment.
The Key Features of FS C-band DWDM EDFA
High Gain: The FMT C-band EDFA can achieve high gain levels, up to 32dB or more, effectively amplifying the input optical signal in the DWDM system and extending the transmission distance. You can customize the gain value of EDFA for your link.
Low Noise: The noise figure measures the additional noise introduced by the amplifier, which influences the quality of signal. As EDFA features 4.5dB low noise, it improves the signal-to-noise ratio and reduces the bit error rate. Additionally, a low noise figure and high gain are critical standards for assessing EDFA performance, especially for long-distance transmission.
AGC Operation Mode: The FMT C-band EDFA supports AGC operation mode, which stands for Automatic Gain Control mode. It's a feedback control system that automatically adjusts the gain of the amplifier to maintain a consistent output signal level, regardless of variations in the input signal power. AGC mode helps to maintain a constant output level, and prevent signal distortion or saturation.
Various Types: You can find a full range of options in FMT C-band EDFA, including Pre-Amplifiers (PA), Booster Amplifiers (BA), and In-line Amplifiers (LA). You are free to choose different EDFA depending on your needs.
Highly Integrated: The C-band EDFA can work with OEO, OLP, DCM, etc., in the FMT Series 1U/2U/4U platform, achieving miniaturization and integration of DWDM System. It can build a DWDM network with a compact structure and small size, which reduces rack space and power consumption.
Real-time Management: With FMT Series MonitorOnline System, you can check important data, alarms, reports, and much more information about the equipment anytime and anywhere.
Application Case of C-band DWDM EDFA
In DWDM Networks, PA, BA, and LA are deployed at the receiving end, transmitting end, and intermediate points respectively. Three different EDFA types can be used depending on the transmission distance and loss. They can be applied to most requirements of optical transmission, which contributes to optimizing network performance for extending the reach.
Figure 1: The Application of DWDM EDFA
Extended C-band DWDM EDFA
Extended C-Band EDFAs are specifically designed to amplify signals within the extended C-Band wavelength range. The Extended C-Band refers to an extended wavelength range within the C-Band spectrum in optical fiber communication. It typically spans from approximately 1525nm to 1565nm, beyond the traditional C-Band range of 1530nm to 1565nm. The FMT Series offers Extended C-Band EDFA for extending the reach of a metro or regional network.
The Key Features of FS Extended C-band EDFA
Increased Capacity: The FMT Extended C-Band EDFA supports 1528nm-1568nm and provides additional wavelengths for transmitting data. This expanded range allows for up to 96 channels to be amplified in a single fiber, effectively increasing the overall capacity of the system.
Improved Network Flexibility: The Extended C-Band EDFA supports 100GHz (48CH) or 50GHz (96CH), which offers broader wavelength range and higher channel densities. Operators can allocate wavelengths more flexibly and optimize network resources to meet the requirements of optical networks.
Figure 2: The Wavelength of Extended C-band EDFA
Application Case of Extended C-band DWDM EDFA
The wide amplification bandwidth is the biggest advantage of FMT Extended C-band DWDM EDFA. Moreover, the 17dB and 26dB amplifiers share the same features of basic C-band EDFA, such as 4.5dB low noise, AGC operation mode, small-size integration, remote management, etc. Therefore, they are used in exactly the same way. The broadband performance makes it more suitable for large-capacity transmission or future-oriented networks.
Arrayed DWDM EDFA
An Arrayed Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA) is a multi-channel optical amplifier that integrates multiple single-channel EDFA units into one module. The FMT Series arrayed DWDM EDFA integrates 2 or 4 EDFAs, supports 40 Channels or 48 Channels, and is used for cascaded amplification of signals, typically in ROADM systems.
The Key Features of FS Arrayed DWDM EDFA
2/4 Ways Signal Amplification: FMT arrayed EDFAs are designed to amplify signals across 2 or 4 ways simultaneously in DWDM System. Each EDFA unit within the array is responsible for amplifying specific wavelength ranges, collectively providing high gain amplification for multi-channel optical signals, which is suitable for multipoint-to-multipoint connections or multi-channel connections in point-to-point transmission.
Ease of Maintenance: Arrayed EDFA means an all-in-one design in which multiple EDFAs with parallel functions are integrated into one module. Compared with the traditional single-channel EDFA, it is more convenient in cabling and management. It also saves more rack space.
Various Options: FMT Series offers 2 or 4 ports Arrayed Booster Amplifiers or Arrayed Pre-Amplifiers, 40 Channels or 48 Channels, LC or SC connector, and support gain selection from 16db to 32db. And, there are two options for installation: plug-in module or 1U 19" rack mount, which can be customized according to your needs.
Application Case of Arrayed DWDM EDFA
Integrated Amplification in P2P Connection
Using a 2-channel arrayed EDFA is very practical in point-to-point solution. In this case, two groups of Mux/Demxu interconnects, and four links can be amplified with arrayed EDFA. A 2-channel BA at the transmitting end can amplify two signals and a 2-channel PA at the receiving end can amplify the other two signals. Compared to using single-channel EDFAs, it allows simultaneous amplification of four signals, reducing rack space by 50% and simplifying deployment complexity and management.
Figure 3: Integrated Amplification in P2P Connection
EDFA Array in ROADM System
This is a large-scale network deployment of four-site interconnection. Signals from Site A-C are transmitted to Site D, and they must be amplified before being split by PLC. Otherwise, the loss will be too high to be accepted by OSW. Therefore, arrayed EDFA is very useful as it can amplify up to 4 channels. Each EDFA components work independently but can be integrated into one module for unified management. Arrayed edfa, PLC and OSW together enable the wavelength adjusted as you want, making the solution more flexible and future-oriented.
Figure 4: EDFA Array in ROADM System
SOA (Semiconductor Optical Amplifier)
SOA (Semiconductor Optical Amplifier) are semiconductor devices that amplify optical signals directly, designed to be used in general applications to increase optical launch power to compensate for loss of other optical devices.
The Key Features of FS SOA
Operation Wavelength: The FMT Series 1310nm SOA supports 1290nm-1330nm amplification. Compared with DWDM EDFA, it can directly work on 1310nm without considering converting it into DWDM signals. It is suitable for fiber access networks, short-distance transmission, and laboratory research.
APC or AGC Mode: The SOA can choose APC or AGC operation mode. One maintains a constant output power level, ensuring stable performance even with input power variations. The other adjusts gain to maintain a constant output signal level, ensuring consistent signal quality. Operators can choose them depending on the specific requirements of the application.
Various Options: The SOA offers 10dB-14dB gain options and input power range of -15~+6dBm. It supports 1U 19" rack mount and plug-in module for working with third-party network equipment or highly integrated with FMT Series products.
Application Case of SOA
100G Transmission over 10km
Involving long distances or high-loss optical fibers, an SOA optical amplifier can be utilized on the receiving end of a traditional 100GBE- LR4 optical link to boost the weak optical power signal, ensuring it meets the equipment's reception requirements. This setup extends the transmission range beyond the standard 10km limitation.
Figure 5: 100G Transmission over 10km
500G DWDM Network Solution
In DWDM System, the SOA is deployed at the 1310nm port of DWDM Multiplexer. This configuration allows for the enhancement of optical signals at this wavelength, making it compatible with both 10G and 100G systems. The SOA's integration not only boosts signal strength but also provides a convenient solution for system design, especially in long-distance optical fiber communication systems.
Figure 6: 500G DWDM Network Solution
High Power Optical Amplifier
High-power amplifier can provide higher output power than standard EDFA, which is suitable for long-haul optical communication systems where signal strength is crucial. The FMT Series High Power Amplifier supports 1540nm-1564nm, and is most used in the transmission of video, voice and CATV systems.
The Key Features of FS High Power EYDFA
High Output Power: Based on EYDFA (Er/Yb double-clad fiber amplifier) technology, the FMT Series high power amplifier delivers high output power up to 23dBm, which reduces signal loss or attenuation.
Multiple Output Ports: The high power EYDFA supports 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64 ports options. This feature allows for flexible expansion of the system based on the specific requirements of the application, making it suitable for various fiber optic communication systems with different channel counts and bandwidth needs.
Integrated WDM: You can choose whether the EYDFA integrates Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) technology or not. With WDM, it allows multiplexing CATV signals and PON signals into single fiber. The integrated system reduces the need for additional infrastructure and equipment, leading to cost savings and optimized resource utilization.
Application Case of 1550nm High Power EYDFA
In CATV and PON networks, CATV signals (1550nm) and GPON signals are multiplexed by EYDFA, compensating signal attenuation before signal splitting, and then further distributed via PLC to various devices, such as for TV and PC, which extends CATV and PON network coverage in cities.
Figure 7: 1550nm High Power EYDFA in CATV and PON Networks
The Comparasion of FMT Series Optical Amplifiers
Types | FS P/N | Product Description | Operation Wavelength | Housing | Application |
C-band EDFA | FMT26PA-EDFA, 26dB Gain C-band DWDM EDFA Pre-amplifier, 16dBm Output | 1528nm~1564nm | Plug-in Module | DWDM Network | |
FMT20PA-EDFA, 20dB Gain C-band DWDM EDFA Pre-amplifier, 13dBm Output | 1528nm~1564nm | Plug-in Module | DWDM Network | ||
Customized Pre-Amplifier EDFA for DWDM Solution | 1528nm~1564nm | Plug-in Module 1U 19" Rack Mount | DWDM Network | ||
FMT17BA-EDFA, 17dB Gain C-band DWDM EDFA Booster Amplifier, 17dBm Output | 1528nm~1564nm | Plug-in Module | DWDM Network | ||
Customized Booster EDFA for DWDM Solution | 1528nm~1564nm | Plug-in Module 1U 19" Rack Mount | DWDM Network | ||
Customized In-Line EDFA for DWDM Solution | 1528nm~1564nm | Plug-in Module 1U 19" Rack Mount | DWDM Network | ||
Extended C-band EDFA | FMT26PA-51EDFA, 26dB Gain Extended C-Band DWDM EDFA Pre-amplifier, 20dBm Output | 1528nm~1568nm | Plug-in Module | DWDM Network | |
FMT17BA-51EDFA, 17dB Gain Extended C-Band DWDM EDFA Booster Amplifier, 20dBm Output | 1528nm~1568nm | Plug-in Module | DWDM Network | ||
Arrayed EDFA | Customized Multiports DWDM Array EDFA Pre-amplifier | 1528nm~1568nm | Plug-in Module 1U 19" Rack Mount | DWDM Network ROADM System | |
Customized Multiports DWDM Array EDFA Booster Amplifier | 1528nm~1568nm | Plug-in Module 1U 19" Rack Mount | DWDM Network ROADM System | ||
SOA | Customized 1310nm Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA) | 1290nm~1330nm | Plug-in Module 1U 19" Rack Mount | 1310nm Amplification | |
High Power Amplifier | Customized FTTx PON High Power 1550nm EYDFA | 1540nm~1564nm | Plug-in Module 1U 19" Rack Mount | CATV System PON Network |
Conclusion
FMT Series optical amplifiers can customize gain, output power, input power, connectors, packaging, etc., and support remote visual management. With different package options, it supports high integration with FMT Series optical transport equipment, or works independently with other network equipment. Whether you are using fiber amplifiers for long-distance transmission, DWDM systems, or other fiber applications, we can provide you with professional selection services and technical support.