General Photonics PDLE-101

The General Photonics PDLE-101 is a precision Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL) emulator that provides dynamic control and real-time testing of polarization states in high-speed fiber optic systems. It emulates PDL scenarios across discrete values, sweeps, and random variations—essential for validating 40 Gb/s and 100 Gb/s transceiver tolerance, measuring coherent receiver PDL tracking speed, and developing polarization compensation algorithms.

## Technical Specifications

**PDL Control**
• Dynamic range: 0.1 dB to 20 dB
• Resolution: 0.1 dB
• Accuracy: ± (0.1 dB + 1% of PDL)
• Switching time: 5 ms maximum, 1 ms typical
• Waveforms: Sine, Square, Triangle, Random
• Real-time update with user-selectable speeds

**Optical Performance**
• Wavelength: C-Band or L-Band (other ranges available on request)
• Maximum insertion loss: 2 dB @ PDL = 0 dB, excluding connectors
• Return loss: >50 dB
• Residual PMD: <0.1 ps @ PDL = 0 dB
• Fiber type: SMF-28
• Optical power handling: 500 mW
• Connector options: FC/PC, FC/APC, SC/PC, SC/APC

**Physical and Environmental**
• Dimensions: 2U, 19" half rack width, 14" (L) × 8.5" (W) × 3.5" (H)
• Weight: 6.2 lb
• Operating temperature: 0 to 40 °C
• Storage temperature: -20 to 60 °C
• Power supply: 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz (16 W)

## Key Features

• Front panel keypad and LCD display for direct operator control
• Remote interfaces: RS-232, USB, Ethernet, GPIB
• Fast PDL switching—1 ms typical response for dynamic test scenarios
• Sub-0.1 ps residual PMD ensures minimal unintended polarization effects

## Typical Applications

• PDL tolerance validation of high-speed transceivers
• PDL tracking speed and recovery time characterization
• Coherent receiver algorithm development and testing
• Silicon photonics and PIC component assessment
• System-level PDL response measurement

## Compatibility & Integration

Supports standard SMF-28 fiber with multiple connector options. Multi-protocol remote control enables integration into automated test benches and laboratory environments.