Exfo IQS 3100 BM EI Variable Attenuator

The Exfo IQS 3100 is a benchtop variable optical attenuator (VOA) module. It provides precise and reliable control of optical signal power levels for various fiber optic testing and measurement applications. Featuring a broad wavelength range and low insertion loss, it is suitable for use in research, development, and manufacturing environments.

Model
Exfo IQS-3100
Calibration
Available on request
Price
$1,630
Status
In stock
RFQ ref
IQS-3100
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This unit

The Exfo IQS 3100 BM EI is a benchtop variable optical attenuator (VOA) module engineered for precise optical signal power control in fiber optic testing and measurement. It delivers repeatable attenuation up to 100 dB with ±0.1 dB spectral uniformity and ultra-low insertion loss. The module supports both singlemode and multimode fiber, operating across broad wavelength ranges with programmable control via GPIB, Ethernet, or RS-232 when integrated with the IQS-500 chassis. Three attenuation modes - absolute, relative, and X+B reference - enable flexible measurement workflows, while a high-isolation shutter protects personnel and sensitive optical components. Integrated monitor output provides accurate power-level monitoring at the receiver end.

Technical Specifications

Attenuation Range: Up to 100 dB maximum

Spectral Uniformity: ±0.1 dB

Insertion Loss: Ultra-low

Attenuation Modes: Absolute (includes insertion loss), relative (0.00 dB reference), X+B (variable reference)

Attenuation Steps: Programmable sequences up to 100 steps

Wavelength Range (Singlemode): 1200 to 1650 nm (measured at 1310 nm and 1550 nm)

Wavelength Range (Multimode): 850 nm and 1300 nm

Monitor Output: Available for receiver-end power monitoring

Optical Connectors: FC/APC (singlemode), FC/PC (multimode); customization available

High-Isolation Shutter: Included

Key Features

Programmable control with LabVIEW drivers, SCPI commands, and COM/DCOM libraries

Remote operation via GPIB (IEEE-488.1, IEEE-488.2), Ethernet, and RS-232

Supports 9/125 µm singlemode, 50/125 µm and 62.5/125 µm multimode fibers

Repeatable attenuation stepping for automated test sequences

Typical Applications

Bit-error-rate (BER) testing

EDFA characterization

System or component loss simulation

Instrument calibration and linearity measurement

Optical margin analysis

Transceiver testing and system verification

Compatibility & Integration The IQS 3100 BM EI integrates with the IQS-500 chassis for full remote control. Exfo Universal Interface (EUI) connector adapters are available separately for alternative fiber terminations.

Specifications

ParameterValue
Wavelength Range1200 to 1650 nm (singlemode)

Exfo IQS-3100 — Repair & Calibration Service

Aumictech offers NIST-traceable calibration and repair for the Exfo IQS-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.

Standard Cal
$450
Pass/fail cert + NIST sticker
Cal with Data
$650
Full NIST cert with measured values

Common Exfo IQS-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 IQS-3100 price

This Exfo IQS-3100 is listed at $1,630. Calibration is available separately from $450. Contact us for volume pricing or if you need multiple units.

Exfo IQS-3100 calibration cost

NIST-traceable calibration for the Exfo IQS-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 →

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