ModCon Mode controllers for multimode fiber
For source independent mode control fit the ModCon to your light source and
- Improve measurement accuracy
- Ensure stable launch conditions for multimode fiber measurements
- Meet EF requirements of IEC 61280-4-1 OR 85/85 launch conditions required in some aerospace applications.
The ModCon Mode Controller is designed to ensure that whatever source you use to test the loss and bandwidth of your multimode optical fiber network, LED, Laser, OTDR or white light, you launch the same distribution of modes into the fiber. As a result you can eliminate the variations due to the widely different modal characteristics of the sources commonly used in fiber optic measurements and networks.
Measurements of loss and bandwidth in multimode fibers are known to be highly dependent on the modal condition of the light source used for the measurement. For example, OTDR and LS/PM loss measurements can differ significantly simply because an OTDR uses a laser source and not an LED.
Now there is a way to dramatically improve agreement AND ensure you meet international standards at the same time - the ModCon. The ModCon is a passive device which ensures that the correct launch conditions are achieved independent of the light source used. This results in more accurate measurements, better agreement between different test sets, and compliance with international standards. Every ModCon is rigorously tested using Arden's MPX Modal Explorer to ensure that its output meets the standard regardless of the modal distribution of the input.
We produce two main types of Modal Controllers, aimed at the Telecoms and the Aerospace industries
| Telecom ModCon gives an output which complies with the Encircled Flux requirement of IEC 61280-4-1 | Aerospace ModCon gives an 85/85 (Limited Phase Space) launch condition |
 Click on the image for more details |
 Click on the image for more details |
Telecom Mode Controllers
The standard ModCon Mode Controller is available for both 50/125µm and 62.5/125 Graded Index fiber, with either FC, ST, SC or LC connectors. "OEM" style ModCons are smaller than the standard ModCon and are designed for customers who want to package the ModCon inside their own housing. "OEM" ModCons come is single fiber or dual fiber configurations. The MultiWay ModCon is a 12 channel Mode Controller with "MTP" connectors for use with 12 way switches.
We have also produced many special configurations e.g.
- ModCons with different connector styles such as specialist military and aerospace connectors
- MultiWay ModCons with built-in LED light source
- See also our range of OTDR lead-in boxes with "ModCon" inside.
Main features
- Conforms to IEC 61280-4-1
- Works at 850 and 1300 nm
- Reference grade connector on output
Technical specification - Telecom
| Standard | OEM | OEM - Dual | MultiWay | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dims (mm) | 100 x 50 x 25 (plus leads) | 87 x 42 x 12 (plus leads) | 87 x 75 x 12 (plus leads) | 19 inch rack x 1U high x 280 |
| Weight (gm) | 185 | 80 | 120 | 1000 |
| Insertion loss @ 850 and 1300nm | 50µm < 3dB ; 62.5µm <3dB | 50µm < 3dB ; 62.5µm <3dB | 50µm < 3dB ; 62.5µm <3dB | 50µm < 3dB ; 62.5µm <3dB |
| Maximum power throughput | 10mW | 10mW | 10mW | 10mW |
The Modal Launch Conditions for our Telecomm modal controllers is specified in terms of the Encircled Flux (EF). The specification limits are shown below. A Certificate of Conformance or a Test Certificate (850nm only) giving details of how it was measured are available as options.
Encircled Flux (EF) limits for 50 µm core fiber at 850 nm
| Radius ( µm ) | EF lower bound | Target | EF upper bound |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0,2785 | 0,3350 | 0,3915 |
| 15 | 0,5980 | 0,6550 | 0,7119 |
| 20 | 0,9105 | 0,9193 | 0,9295 |
| 22 | 0,9690 | 0,9751 | 0,9812 |
Encircled Flux (EF) limits for 50 µm core fiber at 1300 nm
| Radius ( µm ) | EF lower bound | Target | EF upper bound |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0,2792 | 0,3366 | 0,3940 |
| 15 | 0,5996 | 0,6567 | 0,7138 |
| 20 | 0,9072 | 0,9186 | 0,9300 |
| 22 | 0,9663 | 0,9728 | 0,9793 |
Encircled Flux (EF) limits for 62.5 µm core fiber at 850 nm
| Radius ( µm ) | EF lower bound | Target | EF upper bound |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0,1683 | 0.2109 | 0.2535 |
| 15 | 0.3695 | 0.4390 | 0.5085 |
| 20 | 0.6337 | 0.6923 | 0.7509 |
| 26 | 0.9245 | 0.9350 | 0.9455 |
| 28 | 0.9710 | 0.9783 | 0.9856 |
Encircled Flux (EF) limits for 62.5 µm core fiber at 1300 nm
| Radius ( µm ) | EF lower bound | Target | EF upper bound |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0.1680 | 0.2119 | 0.2558 |
| 15 | 0.3699 | 0.4409 | 0.5119 |
| 20 | 0.6369 | 0.6945 | 0.7521 |
| 26 | 0.9254 | 0.9357 | 0.9460 |
| 28 | 0.9708 | 0.9782 | 0.9856 |
Plot of typical source showing compliance with the EF requirements in IEC 61280-4-1
Ordering information
ModCon - Standard
Standard ModCons come with a 1.2m input tail and a 1.5m output tail. The input and output cables have a 3mm diameter PVC sheath, and contain an Aramid yarn strength member.
Other configurations are availble on request.
| Part number | Description |
|---|---|
| MC-FC-50-S | Mode controller in 50/125µm fiber with FC connectors |
| MC-FC-62-S | Mode controller in 62.5/125µm fiber with FC connectors |
| MC-SC-50-S | Mode controller in 50/125µm fiber with SC connectors |
| MC-SC-62-S | Mode controller in 62.5/125µm fiber with SC connectors |
| MC-ST-50-S | Mode controller in 50/125µm fiber with ST connectors |
| MC-ST-62-S | Mode controller in 62.5/125µm fiber with ST connectors |
| MC-LC-50-S | Mode controller in 50/125µm fiber with LC connectors |
| MC-LC-62-S | Mode controller in 62.5/125µm fiber with LC connectors |
| MC-FC/LC-50-S | Mode controller in 50/125µm fiber with FC connector on input and LC connector on output |
| MC-FC/LC-62-S | Mode controller in 62.5/125µm fiber with FC connector on input and LC connector on output |
| MC-FC/SC-50-S | Mode controller in 50/125µm fiber with FC connector on input and SC connector on output |
| MC-FC/SC-62-S | Mode controller in 62.5/125µm fiber with FC connector on input and SC connector on output |
| MC-FC/ST-50-S | Mode controller in 50/125µm fiber with FC connector on input and ST connector on output |
| MC-FC/ST-62-S | Mode controller in 62.5/125µm fiber with FC connector on input and ST connector on output |
ModCon - OEM
OEM ModCons have a smaller package (credit card sized), with bare fiber tails or connectors. They are intended to be used inside other instrumentation or packaging.
| Part number | Description |
|---|---|
| MC-OEM-BF/BF-50-500 | Mode controller in OEM style housing; 50/125µm fiber; tails 500mm long in 900µm buffer tubing; no connector on input; no connector on output |
| MC-OEM-BF/BF-62-500 | Mode controller in OEM style housing; 62.5/125µm fiber; tails 500mm long in 900µm buffer tubing; no connector on input; no connector on output |
| MC-OEM-BF/FC-50-500 | Mode controller in OEM style housing; 50/125µm fiber; tails 500mm long in 900µm buffer tubing; no connector on input; FC/PC connector on output |
| MC-OEM-BF/FC-62-500 | Mode controller in OEM style housing; 62.5/125µm fiber; tails 500mm long in 900µm buffer tubing; no connector on input; FC/PC connector on output |
ModCon - OEM Dual fiber
OEM Dual fiber incorporates 50/125 and 62.5/125µm fiber mode controllers in the same housing. They are intended to be used inside other instrumentation or packaging.
| Part number | Description |
|---|---|
| MC-OEM-BF/BF-5062-500 | Mode controller in OEM style housing, dual fiber (50/125µm 62.5/125µm fibers); tails 500mm long in 900µm buffer tubing; no connector on input; no connector on output |
| MC-OEM-BF/BF-5062-1000 | Mode controller in OEM style housing, dual fiber (50/125µm 62.5/125µm fibers) tails 1000mm long in 900µm buffer tubing; fiber in 900µm tubing; no connector on input; no connector on output |
| MC-OEM-BF/FC-5062-500 | Mode controller in OEM style housing, dual fiber (50/125µm 62.5/125µm fibers); tails 500mm long in 900µm buffer tubing; no connector on input; FC/PC connector on output |
| MC-OEM-BF/FC-5062-1000 | Mode controller in OEM style housing, dual fiber (50/125µm 62.5/125µm fibers); tails 1000mm long in 900µm buffer tubing; no connector on input; FC/PC connector on output |
ModCon - MultiWay
Multiway ModCons are ideal for conditioning 12 way switches or for efficient testing of ribbon structures. Standard configurations are in a 19 inch rack, 1U high with either a single MPO style receptacle for the input and output, or with individual FC or SC connectors.
| Part number | Description |
|---|---|
| MC-MW-12-FC-50 | Mode controller, 12 way in 50/125µm fiber with FC connectors on input and output; 19 inch rack mountable enclosure |
| MC-MW-12-FC-62 | Mode controller, 12 way in 62.5/125µm fiber with FC connectors on input and output; 19 inch rack mountable enclosure |
| MC-MW-12-MTP-50 | Mode controller, 12 way in 50/125µm fiber with MTP connectors on input and output; 19 inch rack mountable enclosure |
| MC-MW-12-MTP-62 | Mode controller, 12 way in 62.5/125µm fiber with MTP connectors on input and output; 19 inch rack mountable enclosure |
| MC-MW-12-SC-50 | Mode controller, 12 way in 50/125µm fiber with SC connectors on input and output; 19 inch rack mountable enclosure |
| MC-MW-12-SC-62 | Mode controller, 12 way in 62.5/125µm fiber with SC connectors on input and output; 19 inch rack mountable enclosure |
| MC-MW-08-FC-50 | Mode controller, 8 way in 50/125µm fiber with FC connectors on input and output; 19 inch rack mountable enclosure |
| MC-MW-08-FC-62 | Mode controller, 8 way in 62.5/125µm fiber with FC connectors on input and output; 19 inch rack mountable enclosure |
| MC-MW-04-FC-50 | Mode controller, 4 way in 50/125µm fiber with FC connectors on input and output; 19 inch rack mountable enclosure |
| MC-MW-04-FC-62 | Mode controller, 4 way in 62.5/125µm with FC connectors on input and output; 19 inch rack mountable enclosure |
Aerospace ModCons
Our Modal Controllers for Aerospace are available in 50/125µm and 62.5/125µm Graded Index fiber, with either FC, ST, SC or LC connectors.
Main features
- Conforms to 85/85 launch conditions
- Works at 850 and 1300 nm
- Reference grade connector on output
- Rugged Aluminium enclosure
Technical specification - Aerospace
| Insertion loss @ 850 and 1300nm | 50µm < 5dB ; 62.5µm <5dB |
|---|---|
| Maximum power throughput | 10mW |
| Dims (mm) | 66 x 105 x 33 (2.5 x 4.1 x 1.3 inch) |
| Weight (gm) | 500 (1.1 lb) |
The Modal Launch Conditions for our Aerospace modal controllers is specified in terms of the width of the Near Field Pattern at 5, 15 and 75% of the maximum. The specification limits are shown below. A Certificate of Conformance or a Test Certificate(850 and 1300nm) giving details of how it was measured are available as options.
Launch condition for Modal Controllers in 62.5/125 fiber
| Intensity (% of max) | Maximum value (µm) | Minimum value (µm) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 55 | 51 |
| 15 | 52 | 45 |
| 75 | 33 | 20 |
Launch condition for Modal Controllers in 50/125 fiber
| Intensity (% of max) | Maximum value (µm) | Minimum value (µm) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 44.0 | 40.8 |
| 15 | 41.6 | 36.0 |
| 75 | 26.4 | 16.0 |
Plot of typical source showing compliance with the Near Field Width requirements for 85/85 launch condition
Ordering information - Aerospace ModCons
| Part number | Description |
|---|---|
| MC-FC-50-E-85 | Mode control patchcord with FC connectors in "Eurocard" case to deliver an 85/85% modal launch into 50/125µm fiber from an 850 or 1300nm light source |
| MC-FC-62-E-85 | Mode control patchcord with FC connectors in "Eurocard" case to deliver an 85/85% modal launch into 62.5/125µm fiber from an 850 or 1300nm light source |
| MC-LC-50-E-85 | Mode control patchcord with LC connectors in "Eurocard" case to deliver an 85/85% modal launch into 50/125µm fiber from an 850 or 1300nm light source |
| MC-LC-62-E-85 | Mode control patchcord with LC connectors in "Eurocard" case to deliver an 85/85% modal launch into 62.5/125µm fiber from an 850 or 1300nm light source |
| MC-SC-50-E-85 | Mode control patchcord with SC connectors in "Eurocard" case to deliver an 85/85% modal launch into 50/125µm fiber from an 850 or 1300nm light source |
| MC-SC-62-E-85 | Mode control patchcord with SC connectors in "Eurocard" case to deliver an 85/85% modal launch into 62.5/125µm fiber from an 850 or 1300nm light source |
| MC-ST-50-E-85 | Mode control patchcord with ST connectors in "Eurocard" case to deliver an 85/85% modal launch into 50/125µm fiber from an 850 or 1300nm light source |
| MC-ST-62-E-85 | Mode control patchcord with ST connectors in "Eurocard" case to deliver an 85/85% modal launch into 62.5/125µm fiber from an 850 or 1300nm light source |
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Email: enquiries@ardenphotonics.com |
| Tel +44 (0) 121 733 7721 | Last Updated: 2011-11-01 |
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