VIAVI Solutions / JDSU MTA 300 Optical Attenuator Cassette

The VIAVI Solutions MTA 300 is a modular optical attenuator cassette engineered for precise signal attenuation in fiber optic communication systems. This cassette delivers >60 dB attenuation with 0.05 dB resolution across the 1200–1700 nm wavelength range, making it ideal for DWDM testing, network simulation, and multichannel equipment validation. Its etalon-free design minimizes distortion while maintaining low PDL and return loss for signal integrity in demanding measurement applications.

– Technical Specifications

• Wavelength Range: 1200–1700 nm
• Fiber Type: Singlemode (9/125 µm)
• Attenuation Range: >60 dB
• Attenuation Resolution: 0.05 dB (nominal)
• Attenuation Repeatability: ±0.005 dB (typical), ±0.02 dB (nominal)
• Attenuation Accuracy: Better than ±0.1 dB
• Polarization Dependent Loss: Low PDL, etalon-free
• Return Loss: Low
• Optical Connectors: SC/APC or FC/PC
• Control Interfaces: Front panel keypad and GPIB remote
• Command Protocol: SCPI compatible
• Software Support: LabVIEW drivers
• Power Input: 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz, single-phase
• Power Consumption: 80 VA maximum

– Key Features

• Etalon-free design eliminates distortion and ringing artifacts
• Low polarization-dependent loss and return loss for signal fidelity
• 0.05 dB resolution with ±0.1 dB accuracy supports fine-grain attenuation control
• Programmable via front panel or remote GPIB interface with SCPI commands
• Cassette architecture allows flexible shelf configuration

– Typical Applications

• DWDM detector range optimization and signal power equalization
• Multichannel transmission equipment factory testing
• Network simulation and dynamic range assessment
• Optical amplifier output conditioning and SNR management
• Test system attenuation in controlled launch conditions

– Compatibility & Integration

The MTA 300 cassette integrates into the VIAVI MTA Series optical attenuator shelf—a 19-inch rack-mountable unit accommodating up to eight cassettes plus one controller. Multiple shelves stack for scalable channel counts up to 16, 32, or 40 channels. LabVIEW driver support enables programmatic integration into automated test environments.