DC-5KHz Driver for NanoSpeed™ Variable Optic Attenuator

(we make custom electronic circuits for all application scenarios)
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The NS VOA Driver provides driving signals for the NS series solid state VOAs. The push-pull output design ensures fast switching time for both rising and falling edges, and it is especially suitable for driving capacitive VOA loads.

The standard driver controls one individual VOA. Drivers that control multiple VOAs also are available, please call Sales at (781) 935-1200 for more information.

DC-5KHz Driver for NanoSpeed™ Variable Optic Attenuator

The NS VOA Driver provides driving signals for the NS series solid state VOAs. The push-pull output design ensures fast switching time for both rising and falling edges, and it is especially suitable for driving capacitive VOA loads. The standard driver controls one individual VOA. Drivers that control multiple VOAs also are available, please call Sales at (781) 935-1200 for more information.
Specs Min Typical Max Unit
Rise Time (Tr)1 85 100 ns
Fall Time (Tf)2 85 100 ns
Switch Speed (Rise) (Sr) 3 200 250 ns
Switch Speed (Fall) (Sf) 4 200 250 ns
Repetition Rate DC 5 KHz
Pulse Width5 1.0 ≥1.0 us
Control Input (TTL pulse) 0 5 V
Power Consumption6 1.5@5KHz W
Power Supply 12 V
Operating Temperature -5 70 ºC
Storage Temperature -40 80 ºC
Electrical Connector SMA
Board Size 2.8(W)x2.0(D)x1(H) Inch

Note:

1: Optic Intensity Change from 10% to 90% intuits

2: Optic Intensity Change from 90% to 10% intuits

3: Switch Speed (Rise): Duration from begin of electronic signal to  end of optic intensity change

4: Switch Speed (Fall): Duration from begin of electronic signal to end of optic intensity change

5: Optical Waveform

6: Dependent on repetition frequency

Spec Sheet (PDF)

Mechanical Drawing

Driver Software


Q: Does NS device drift over time and temperature?
A: NS devices are based on electro-optical crystal materials that can be influenced to a certain range by the environmental variations.  The insertion loss of the device is only affected by the thermal expansion induced miss-alignment.  For extended temperature operation, we offer special packaging to -40 -100 0C.   The extinction or cross-talk value is affected by many EO material characters, including temperature-dependent birefringence,  Vp, temperature gradient, optical power, at resonance points (electronic).  However, the devices are designed to meet the minimum extinction/cross-talk stated on the spec sheets.  It is important to avoid a temperature gradient along the device length.

Q: What is the actual applying voltage on the device?
A: 100 to 400V depending on the version.

Q: How does the device work?
A: NS devices are not based on Mach-Zander Interference, rather birefringence crystal’s nature beam displacement,  in which the crystal creates two different paths for beams with different polarization orientations.

Q: What is the limitation for faster operation?
A: NS devices have been tested to have an optical response of about 300 ps.  However, practical implementation limits the response speeds.    It is possible to achieve a much faster response when operated at partial extinction value.  We also offer resonance devices over 20MHz with low electrical power consumption.