Perkin Elmer FD440

The PerkinElmer FD440 is a precision portable fiber optic test instrument for measuring chromatic dispersion and relative spectral attenuation in field, laboratory, and manufacturing environments. Built as a two-unit system—Transmitter and Receiver—it employs the Double Demodulation method, a variant of Differential Phase Shift measurement that uses wavelength modulation to achieve enhanced temperature immunity and measurement speed. The instrument operates across dual wavelength bands for chromatic dispersion (1250–1350 nm and 1500–1600 nm, standard configuration) and spectral attenuation (1200–1350 nm and 1450–1650 nm), with a near-infrared laser delivering maximum 700 microwatts peak optical power at 1550 nm ±20 nm in continuous-wave mode.

– Technical Specifications

• Measurement Method: Double Demodulation variant of Differential Phase Shift
• Operating Wavelength—Chromatic Dispersion: 1250–1350 nm and/or 1500–1600 nm
• Operating Wavelength—Spectral Attenuation: 1200–1350 nm and 1450–1650 nm
• Laser Output: 700 microwatts peak optical power, CW; center wavelength 1550 nm ±20 nm
• Fiber Length Range: 80–120+ km
• Dynamic Range: High
• Compatible Fiber Types: All fiber types including dispersion-shifted, dispersion-flattened, and dispersion-compensated designs
• Fiber Identification: Via Lambda Zero and Dispersion Slope parameters

– Key Features

• Two-unit configuration: Transmitter (9 lb / 4 kg) and Receiver (19 lb / 9 kg)
• Receiver dimensions: 14″ W × 4″ H × 17″ D (37 × 10 × 43 cm)
• Transmitter dimensions: 14″ W × 4″ H × 13″ D (37 × 10 × 32 cm)
• AC mains powered: 90–260 V, 48–62 Hz auto-ranging
• Power consumption: Receiver 120 W max; Transmitter 40 W max
• Fuse rating: 2.0 A (T), 240 Vac, 20 mm (both units)
• Removable air filters for maintenance
• Operating environment: 0–35°C, 0–70% RH non-condensing

– Typical Applications

Field measurements, research, quality control, type approval, and incoming inspection within fiber optics manufacturing and deployment.

– Compatibility & Integration

IEEE 488 bus control via IBM-compatible personal computer. Dual fiber optic connectors for customer test fiber or cable interfacing. Dedicated COMMS link connects Receiver to Transmitter units.