Exfo IQ-3100 Variable Attenuator
The EXFO IQ‑3100 Variable Attenuator provides adjustable optical attenuation from 0 to >50 dB. It is used for emulating fiber loss and protecting receivers during test procedures.
- Model
- Exfo IQ-3100
- Calibration
- Available on request
- Price
- $1,670
- Status
- In stock
- RFQ ref
- IQ-3100
This unit
The EXFO IQ-3100 Variable Attenuator is a programmable optical attenuator engineered to deliver precise control of optical signal levels across diverse test and measurement applications. This module provides repeatable attenuation with fine resolution and exceptional linearity, serving critical functions in BER testing, component characterization, fiber loss emulation, and receiver protection. Fully programmable through a Windows environment, it combines advanced design with high-quality components to meet the demands of engineers, system integrators, and optical laboratories.
Technical Specifications
Attenuation Range: 0 to >50 dB (specific models up to 100 dB)
Attenuation Modes: Absolute, Relative, X+B
Attenuation Steps: Up to 100 repeatable steps
Dwell Time per Step: Up to 1000 hours
Resolution: 0.005 dB to 0.01 dB
Linearity: ± 0.1 dB
Repeatability: ± 0.03 dB
Spectral Uniformity: ± 0.1 dB (1520–1570 nm)
Insertion Loss: 1.5–3.0 dB typical; maximum 1.8–4.5 dB depending on model and fiber type
Wavelength Range: 1200–1650 nm (singlemode); 700–1350 nm (multimode)
Maximum Input Power: 25–55 dBm
Polarization Dependent Loss: 0.2 dB @ 20 dB attenuation; up to 0.3 dB @ 50 dB attenuation
Shutter Isolation: >100 dB
Monitor Output: Typically -14.5 dB
Operating Temperature: 0–31 °C (linearly decreasing to 50% at 40 °C)
Calibration Wavelengths: 1310 nm and 1550 nm (singlemode); 850 nm and 1300 nm (multimode)
Key Features
Achieves repeatable attenuation steps with dwell times extending to 1000 hours
Three attenuation modes enable absolute value, relative adjustment, and X+B offset control
Spectral uniformity maintained across C-band and extended wavelength ranges
Connector options include FC/APC, FC/UPC, and FC/PC configurations
Typical Applications
Bit-Error Rate (BER) testing and optical margin analysis
EDFA and OFA characterization
System and component loss simulation
Accurate power-level monitoring and instrument calibration
DUT input power modification with spectral preservation
Receiver protection during high-power test procedures
Compatibility & Integration Fully programmable module offering Windows-based control. Suitable for singlemode and multimode fiber installations across telecommunications, component testing, and laboratory environments.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Range (dBm) | 25–55 dBm (maximum input power) | Wavelength Range: 1200–1650 nm (singlemode) |
Exfo IQ-3100 — Repair & Calibration Service
Aumictech offers NIST-traceable calibration and repair for the Exfo IQ-3100. Calibration covers attenuation accuracy at 5 or more set values across the full range (0 to rated maximum dB), attenuation linearity, wavelength-dependent attenuation at 1310 nm, 1490 nm, and 1550 nm, insertion loss at minimum attenuation (0 dB position), and polarization-dependent loss (PDL) where applicable. All calibrations ship with a NIST-traceable certificate. Turnaround is typically 1–3 business days after receipt.
Common Exfo IQ-3100 faults: motor and gear mechanism wear (attenuation steps or loss of smooth control), optical port contamination, EEPROM calibration data corruption. Most common faults are motor or gear mechanism wear on variable attenuators causing attenuation steps or loss of smooth control, optical port contamination reducing dynamic range, and EEPROM calibration data corruption on digitally controlled models.
Exfo IQ-3100 price
This Exfo IQ-3100 is listed at $1,670. Calibration is available separately from $450. Contact us for volume pricing or if you need multiple units.
Exfo IQ-3100 calibration cost
NIST-traceable calibration for the Exfo IQ-3100 is $450 (standard — pass/fail certificate and calibration sticker) or $650 (full measured data at every test point, reference standards documented, traceability chain included). Calibration for this instrument covers attenuation accuracy at 5 or more set values across the full range (0 to rated maximum dB), attenuation linearity, wavelength-dependent attenuation at 1310 nm, 1490 nm, and 1550 nm, insertion loss at minimum attenuation (0 dB position), and polarization-dependent loss (PDL) where applicable. Turnaround is 1 to 3 business days after receipt. See full calibration details →
