YOKOGAWA AQ6150B/AQ6151B Optical Wavelength Meter



YOKOGAWA AQ6150B/AQ6151B Optical Wavelength Meter

Overview

The "Beginner's Guide" (6th Edition, document number IM AQ6150B-02EN) for YOKOGAWA AQ6150B/AQ6151B optical wavelength meters introduces the core functions of the two instruments (measuring light source optical characteristics, supporting single wavelength/multi wavelength detection), preparation before use (packaging content inspection, indoor installation requirements, power connection and power on/off process), basic operations (panel button/mouse/keyboard operation, parameter and string input), maintenance points (firmware updates, daily cleaning, component replacement cycles), and key specifications (wavelength range 900-1700nm, wavelength accuracy up to ± 0.2ppm, etc.), while emphasizing safety precautions (anti electric shock, anti laser eye injury). And provided user registration, technical support contact information, and access to relevant manuals.

Preparation before use

1. Packaging content inspection

After unboxing, it is necessary to confirm that the host, standard accessories, and optional accessories are complete. The standard accessories are as follows (optional accessories need to be purchased separately):

Category, Part Name, Model/Part Number, Quantity, Key Explanation

Host AQ6150B/AQ6151B Host -1 Confirm that the back nameplate model is consistent with the order, and record the instrument number (to be provided when contacting the dealer)

Standard Attachment - Power Supply Cord A1006WD (UL/CSA) 1 needs to be matched with regional standards, such as A1064WD for China and A1009WD for Europe; Suffix - Y without power cord

Standard attachment - Other rubber foot pads A9088ZM 2 sheets A9088ZM includes 2 foot pads for fixing instruments to prevent sliding

Standard attachments - Introduction to manuals, IM AQ6150B-02EN, etc. 1 copy each, including download request document, Chinese document, European Language Safety Manual, and global contact information list

Optional accessories - connector AQ9441 connector adapter (FC) AQ9441-FC - for optical input interface, also available in SC model (AQ9441-SC)

2. Instrument installation requirements

Installation environment: For indoor use only, avoid flammable and explosive environments, high vibration/high dust areas, direct sunlight or near heat sources

Placement requirements: Horizontal and stable tabletop, anti tilt; A ventilation gap of ≥ 20cm should be reserved between the bottom air inlet and the back air outlet to prevent internal overheating

Anti impact: When handling, turn off the power, disconnect all cables, and hold the handles on both sides with both hands to avoid falling (to prevent damage to the internal interferometer)

Rack installation: A separate rack kit (EIA standard 751535-E3, JIS standard 751535-J3) needs to be purchased, and the bottom should be supported and not obstruct the ventilation holes during installation

3. Power connection and power on/off

Power specifications: Rated voltage 100-240V AC, frequency 50/60Hz, maximum power consumption ≈ 100VA; allowable voltage range 90-264V AC, frequency 48-63Hz

Power on/off process:

Connect the power cord in the shutdown state (grounded, using a three pin socket);

Turn on the back MAIN POWER switch, and the front POWER light will turn orange;

After waiting for a few seconds, press the front POWER switch, the light turns green, and the instrument starts initialization (displaying STEP 1/6 to STEP 6/6);

To shut down, first press the front POWER switch, confirm the pop-up window, and then click "Yes". After the POWER light turns orange, turn off the MAIN POWER switch.

Basic Operations

1. Control method

Panel button operation:

Function area: including measurement control keys (REPEAT/SINGLE/STOP), function keys (PLAY/SEARCH/SETUP, etc.), and auxiliary keys (PRT SCN/LOCAL);

DATA ENTRY: Enter parameters using the numeric keypad, arrow keys, COARSE key, delete with BACK SPACE key, and confirm with ENTER key.

Mouse/keyboard operation:

Mouse: Left click=panel button operation, right-click to display function key list, can execute menu selection;

External keyboard: supports shortcut key mapping (such as [SHIFT]+[F1] to start display settings, [ALT]+[N] to switch COARSE/FINE mode), can input file names, labels, etc.

2. Core operating procedures

Parameter input:

Numerical input: Press the soft key with parameters, enter through the numeric keypad or arrow keys to adjust, confirm with the ENTER key (automatically reset to the nearest valid value if it exceeds the range);

String input: When entering a label/file name, a on-screen keyboard pops up, and characters can be selected using arrow keys. It supports cursor movement, insertion/deletion operations.

Fiber optic connection:

Clean the fiber end face: Use NTT-AT special cleaning agent, press and rotate to wipe (ensure no dust, avoid damaging the instrument optical interface);

Connecting the instrument: Connect the fiber optic cable to the "Optical INPUT" interface. If an attenuator/amplifier is required, it should be connected in series between the light source and the instrument, and the power offset (POWER OFFSET) should be set to match the actual power.

Maintenance and Calibration

1. Firmware update

Update purpose: To enhance the functionality and usability of the instrument, the latest firmware (. UPD format) needs to be downloaded from the Yokogawa official website;

Update method:

USB update: Create an "Update" folder in the USB root directory, place the firmware file, and execute it through System → System Information → Update (USB);

Network update: Connect to the PC via Ethernet, copy the firmware to the internal Update directory of the instrument, and execute it through Update (NETWORK);

Attention: Do not turn off the power during the update. The instrument will automatically restart after the update, and the settings data will be initialized (backup is required in advance).

2. Daily maintenance

External cleaning: After power off, wipe the body and operation panel with a dry cloth, and prohibit chemicals such as benzene and diluents (to avoid discoloration and deformation);

Optical interface cleaning:

Connector adapter: Insert a rod-shaped cleaning agent into the optical interface and rotate it for cleaning;

Fiber end face: After power off, remove the adapter and wipe the plug end face with an alcohol swab (use a new swab each time).

3. Component replacement cycle

Key Explanation of Component Name Replacement Cycle/Service Life

LCD backlight ≈ 50000 hours (normal use) may experience brightness degradation after reaching its lifespan, and dealers need to be contacted for replacement

Internal reference light source (He Ne laser) ≈ 40000 hours (recommended to replace 30000 hours). When the lifespan is approaching, the REF Laser STATION LED turns orange, and when it malfunctions, it turns red (needs to be replaced immediately)

Optical input internal plug ≈ 2 years (normal use) Frequent plugging and unplugging may cause wear and affect measurement accuracy

The cooling fan should be replaced regularly every 7 years to prevent the instrument from overheating

Backup battery (lithium battery) for 7 years to store settings data, to be replaced promptly upon expiration

Safety and Compliance

1. Safety Warning

Warning (risk of fatal/serious injury):

Laser or instrument optical input interfaces that cannot be directly measured (may cause blindness);

Grounding must be used, and ungrounded extension cords are prohibited;

Do not use in flammable and explosive environments, and do not disassemble the instrument by yourself (there is high pressure inside).

CAUTION (Minor Injury/Equipment Damage Risk):

The instrument is a Class A industrial equipment, which may cause radio interference when used in residential areas and needs to be resolved by the user themselves;

Avoid strong light with an input power of ≥+18dBm (which may damage internal optical components), and connect the light source after the instrument is started.

2. Compliance requirements

Environmental compliance: Complies with the EU WEEE Directive (must not be mixed with household waste for disposal) and the Battery Directive (lithium batteries must be recycled separately);

Laser compliance: The built-in laser light source is Class 1 (compliant with IEC 60825-1:2014), with a maximum laser power of 5mW for AQ6150B and 15mW for AQ6151B, both with a wavelength of 633nm;

Regional compliance: Taiwan region needs to check the restricted substance information of power cord (A1100WD) (designated link on the official website).

Key specification parameters

The core specifications of AQ6150B/AQ6151B are as follows (specific to model and suffix):

Specification category specific parameters

Applicable to fiber optic SM (ITU-T G.652)

Wavelength range standard type 1270-1650nm, extended type 1200-1700nm, wide range type 900-1700nm

The wavelength accuracy of AQ6150B is up to ± 0.7ppm, and AQ6151B is up to ± 0.2ppm (1550nm, normal update rate)

Minimum power range -40dBm (1200-1600nm), maximum+10dBm, safe input power+18dBm

Power accuracy ± 0.5dB (1550nm, -10dBm)

Measurement time normal update rate ≤ 0.3s, fast update rate ≤ 0.2s

Display device 5.7-inch color LCD (resolution 640 × 480 pixels)

Interface GP-IB, Ethernet, USB (2 in front and 2 in back), VGA output

The working environment temperature is 5-35 ℃, and the humidity is 20-85% RH (without condensation); Performance guarantee temperature 10-30 ℃