Posted to News on 16th Apr 2025, 16:00
Next-generation optical power meter modules
Yokogawa Test and Measurement announces the launch of the AQ23211A and AQ23212A optical power meter modules (OPMs) as additions to the AQ2300 Series - a multi-application test system for manufacturers of semiconductor devices and optical components such as optical fibres.
Available in both 1-channel and 2-channel variations, these modules inherit the functionality and high reliability of the predecessor AQ2200 Series while offering new features such as a synchronous connection function between the OPMs and source measure unit (SMU), faster communication speeds within the frame, and faster file transfer speeds outside the frame. By providing a converged, single-chassis photonics-electronics measuring solution, the AQ2300 Series delivers substantial space and time savings for customers.
Development of the AQ23211A and AQ23212A OPMs was driven by the need for faster and more accurate optical measurements in the fields of photonics and electronics. Yokogawa aimed to create a solution that meets the increasing demand for high-speed data acquisition and large-volume data transfer in optical power measurements.
Fast sampling and data transfer
The AQ23211A/AQ23212A OPMs feature a 20us averaging time a substantial improvement from the previous 100us. This enhancement enables faster and more accurate data collection that improves measurement efficiency.
Additionally, the transfer time for files containing up to 100,001 data points is now less than one second, enabling high-speed, large-volume data transfer. For optical power logging measurements, the maximum number of data points has increased from 20,001 to 1,000,001. These improvements make the AQ23211A and AQ23212A OPMs highly efficient and precise, offering significant time and cost savings.
Synchronisation with SMU
Part of the development ambition was for the new OPMs to also integrate seamlessly with the already released AQ23811A SMU inside the single-frame AQ2300 Series modular multi-application test system. The SMU offers high-quality pulse waveform generation (50s width), high interoperability, and the ability to perform simultaneous voltage and current measurements. Users can easily synchronise the SMU and OPMs within the frame without any wiring requirements, providing a convenient and space-saving photonics-electronics convergence measurement solution that flexibly meets various application requirements.
According to Yokogawa's research, the AQ2300 Series modular multi-application test system hosting both the SMU and new AQ23211A/AQ23212A OPMs in a single chassis is the first such solution available on the market. The frame features a digital I/O interface that can link to external devices, enabling the AQ2300 to receive measurement start signals and transmit measurement end signals. This feature enhances the system's flexibility and adaptability, making it suitable for small and medium-sized measurement systems.
