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EDFA optical amplifier board

Optical amplifiers EDFA (Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier) are optical amplifiers used in modern data transmission systems, especially in DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) networks. They allow to effectively amplify a signal without the need for its optoelectronic conversion, ensuring data transmission over distances of thousands of kilometers with minimal losses and an acceptable level of distortion, depending on the EDFA amplifiers used, their number and dispersion compensators (DCM - Dispersion Compensation Module). Losses can be ~ 0.2 dB / km for fiber of the G.652 standard.
The principle of EDFA is based on the use of fiber doped with erbium ions (Er³⁺), which, when pumped by light at a wavelength of 980 nm or 1480 nm (ITU-T G.662), go into an excited state and amplify the passing signal in the range from 1528 to 1565 nm (C-band). This method of amplification provides high stability, low noise level and the ability to simultaneously amplify several channels.

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Main types of EDFA

Booster EDFA – installed immediately after the transmitter, increases the signal power before entering the transmission line (output power 13-24 dBm).

Line EDFA (linear) – used in the middle of the route to compensate for signal attenuation (attenuation 10-20 dB).

Pre-amplifier EDFA – amplifies a weak signal before the receiver (sensitivity ~-30 dBm).

Dual EDFA (double) – combines the functions of a preamplifier and a booster.

Middle Stage Access (MSA) – a variant with access to the middle point (for OADM – Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer).

Single Fiber EDFA – supports transmission and reception over one fiber.

Technical specifications

Parameter	Value
Wavelength range	1528–1565 nm (C-band)
Output power/gain	13–24 dBm / 8–35 dB
Gain (Line EDFA)	up to 35 dB
Gain plane	< 1 dB
Noise level (NF)	< 5 dB
Control modes	AGC, APC, ACC (Automatic Gain Control, Power Control, Current Control)
OSC (Optical Supervisory Channel) support	Yes
Monitoring support	Yes (SNMP/WEB GUI/CLI)
Interfaces	SC/UPC, LC/UPC, SC/APC, etc.
Power	220 V / -48 V
Temperature range	0 … +50 °C (for outdoor use it can be -40 … +70 °C)

Advantages of EDFA

Does not require conversion of optical signal into electrical signal
Low noise level (< 5 dB)
High output power (up to 24 dBm)
Compatible with DWDM (C-band)
Support all control modes
Compatibility with Cisco, Huawei, Juniper and other equipment thanks to MSA standards
Easy to integrate into your existing network

Where is the technology applied

DWDM EDFAs, often in combination with other equipment including optical transceivers, are used in telecommunications and data communications applications.

Fiber-optic trunk and regional communication lines
Data processing centers (DPC)
Long Range CCTV Systems
Multimedia and broadcasting networks
Underwater and intercity communication lines

Due to their reliability and high efficiency, EDFA amplifiers have become indispensable as they provide stable signal transmission over long distances.

How to choose EDFA amplifier

The selection of an EDFA amplifier should be based on a number of factors:

Where will the amplifier be installed? (start/middle/end of the route)
What is the required output power?
Is OSC or monitoring supported?
Single or double fiber?
What are the requirements for noise level and gain plane?
Is there a temperature/power limit?

Careful analysis of these parameters will allow you to select the optimal amplifier model for a specific application, taking into account the operating conditions and project goals.

The above-mentioned models of erbium-based DWDM.ME optical amplifiers support all conventional applications in extended optical link, among which are:

Booster amplifier

BA Booster, which is characterised by high input power, high gain and high output. Its application is mainly focused on the transmit end of the DWDM system to increase the optical power of the wave multiplexing system.

Line amplifier

LA line amplifier is characterised by low input power, low gain and high output. It is used in the middle between two network nodes of DWDM system to amplify the transmitted power.

Preamplifier

PA preamplifier has low input power, low output and high gain. Its main purpose is to connect to a DWDM system to amplify the received optical power and also to compensate for losses in the multiplexer adjacent to the optical receiver.