JDSU MTA150 Attenuator mainframe W/8 X MTA300 ~ HA9

The JDSU MTA150 is a 19-inch rack-mountable attenuator mainframe designed for automated optical testing and signal conditioning. This configuration pairs the MTA150 chassis with eight MTA300 programmable optical attenuator cassettes, delivering multi-channel attenuation control across the C, L, and extended bands. The modular architecture supports up to eight attenuator or switch cassettes plus one controller cassette, enabling customizable channel density and mixed functionality within a single 2U frame.

The MTA300 attenuator modules provide programmable attenuation exceeding 60 dB with 0.05 dB nominal resolution and ±0.1 dB maximum accuracy. Change rate is less than 6 seconds from 0 to 60 dB. Each module delivers 2.2 dB typical insertion loss, >60 dB typical return loss, and 90 dB isolation.

All modules support bidirectional optics with SC/APC connectors and accept up to 200 mW optical input power.

Technical Specifications

• Form factor: 19-inch rack-mountable, 2U height


• Dimensions: 48.3 × 8.9 × 49.7 cm (W × H × D)


• Weight: Approximately 16 kg


• Power: 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz, 80 VA maximum


• Operating temperature: 0 to 40 °C


• Storage temperature: −40 to 60 °C


• Humidity: Maximum 95% up to 40 °C, decreasing 5% per °C from 40 to 60 °C Attenuator Cassette (MTA300)


• Attenuation range: Programmable >60 dB


• Resolution: 0.05 dB nominal


• Accuracy: ±0.1 dB maximum


• Repeatability: ±0.005 dB typical, ±0.02 dB maximum


• Change rate: 60 dB typical, >57 dB maximum


• PDL: 0.05 dB typical, 0.10 dB maximum (0.03 dB typical, 0.05 dB maximum at 1545–1565 nm)


• Beam isolation: >90 dB


• Operating wavelength: 1200–1700 nm


• Maximum optical input power: 200 mW


• Fiber type: Singlemode (9/125 µm)


• Optical interface: SC/APC


• Bidirectional: Yes

Key Features

• Etalon-free optical design for low distortion


• Integrated beam blocking switch for rapid infinite attenuation


• GPIB control with SCPI command compatibility


• Local control via front panel keypad and LCD display


• LabVIEW drivers available


• Capacity for mixed attenuator and switch cassette configurations

Typical Applications

• Automated optical component testing


• Signal conditioning in production environments


• Multi-channel attenuation in laboratory settings


• Precision optical power level control

Compatibility & Integration The MTA150 mainframe integrates with the JDSU MTA Series components. The platform accepts any combination of attenuator and switch cassettes up to eight units, plus one controller cassette, supporting flexible test system architectures.