The EXFO IQ-206 is an optical test system expansion unit that extends the IQ-200 series platform with six modular slots for EXFO IQ test modules. It scales laboratory and manufacturing test capabilities by supporting up to four linked expansion units for a total of 24 module slots. Control is achieved via IQ-203 Control Unit with SCSI connection or direct PC control using an IQ-206 PC Expansion Card (ISA or PCI) with Windows-compatible IQ-200 Software.
## Technical Specifications
• **Module Capacity:** 6 slots per expansion unit
• **Maximum System Expansion:** Up to 4 IQ-206 units linked to one IQ-200 Optical Test System; total capacity of 24 single-slot IQ modules
• **Control Interfaces:** SCSI connection to IQ-203 Control Unit or PC expansion card control
• **Communication:** GPIB (IEEE-488.2), RS-232, OLE/OCX controls, LabVIEW drivers
• **Display:** Sequential position display
• **Power:** Supplied from IQ-203 Control Unit or PC expansion card
• **Architecture:** Standard PC architecture
## Key Features
• Modular six-slot design accommodates diverse EXFO IQ test modules
• Dual control architecture: dedicated IQ-203 mainframe or standalone PC operation
• Scalable to 24 total modules across four expansion units
• Windows-compatible software suite
• Automated testing support with multiple communication protocols
• Sequential position tracking for module identification
## Typical Applications
Optical component characterization, multiparameter system testing, automated test sequences, fiber optic cable qualification, and wavelength-dependent loss and dispersion analysis in production and R&D environments.
## Compatibility & Integration
The IQ-206 integrates with the EXFO IQ-200 Optical Test System and connects to the IQ-203 Control Unit mainframe. Compatible modules span power meters (IQ-1100, IQ-1200, IQ-1500), light sources (IQ-2100, IQ-2300, IQ-2400, IQ-2600), attenuators and reflectors (IQ-3100, IQ-3300), return loss meters (IQ-3200), PDL/OL analyzers (IQ-3400), polarization controllers (IQ-5100), optical spectrum analyzers (IQ-5200), wavelength meters (IQ-5300), PMD analyzers (IQ-5500), EDFAs (IQ-6100), OTDRs (IQ-7100), fiber-optic switches (IQ-9100), and utility modules (IQ-9600).
