Ando AQ4320A 1480-1580nm Tunable Laser Source

The Ando AQ4320A is a tunable laser source operating across the 1480–1580 nm wavelength band, engineered for optical communications testing, fiber amplifier characterization, and DWDM system evaluation. It delivers wavelength resolution of 0.001 nm with absolute accuracy of ±0.1 nm and relative accuracy of ±0.035 nm (typical), supported by wavelength stability of ±100 MHz/h. Optical output reaches +10 dBm typical at 1550 nm, with power stability of ±0.01 dB over 5 minutes and ±0.3 dB over 8 hours.

The instrument features a 200 kHz spectral linewidth, -145 dB/Hz RIN, and built-in wavelength calibration. Internal and external modulation modes support frequencies from 0.2 to 300 kHz (internal) and up to 300 MHz (external), while direct modulation accommodates rates up to 5%. Wavelength sweep speed reaches 100 nm/sec maximum.

Remote operation via GPIB or RS-232C enables integration into automated test platforms. Output terminates in FC/PC connectors (50 dB return loss minimum) compatible with standard 9/125 µm SMF. The unit operates from +10 to +35 °C and requires 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, drawing approximately 150 VA.

Technical Specifications

• Wavelength range: 1480–1580 nm


• Wavelength resolution: 0.001 nm


• Absolute wavelength accuracy: ±0.1 nm


• Relative wavelength accuracy: ±0.035 nm (typical)


• Wavelength stability: ±100 MHz/h (typical)


• Optical output: +10 dBm typical at 1550 nm; +3 dBm minimum (1480–1580 nm)


• Power stability: ±0.01 dB (5 min), ±0.05 dB (1 h), ±0.3 dB (8 h)


• Output accuracy: ±1 dB


• Output reproducibility: ±0.04 dB


• Output level flatness: ±0.1 dB


• Spectral linewidth: 200 kHz (typical)


• RIN: -145 dB/Hz (typical)


• Sweep speed: 100 nm/sec maximum

Key Features

• Internal modulation (0.2–300 kHz) with 10 Hz resolution steps


• External modulation supporting 100 kHz to 300 MHz


• Direct modulation at 5% or less


• FC/PC connector with ≥50 dB optical return loss


• GPIB and RS-232C remote control interfaces

Compatibility & Integration

• Compatible with standard 9/125 µm single-mode fiber


• Operates +10 to +35 °C


• Power: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 150 VA typical


• Dimensions: 425 mm (W) × 177 mm (H) × 450 mm (D); 20 kg mass