MPX-1 Encircled Flux meter

The MPX-1 Modal Explorer provides real-time measurement of Encircled Flux at 850nm. Simply connect your source and patchcord to the MPX, and it will measure their Modal Launch Conditions in real-time.

Standards compliant - have confidence in its accuracy

Encircled Flux is now widely accepted as the preferred way to specify modal filling by IEEE, TIA and IEC. Measurement of Encircled Flux is defined in FOTP-203 - the "Modal Explorer" is the most standards-compliant measurement system available today and has been chosen by major standards labs in the USA and Europe as the basis for their critical measurements.

Robust and reliable - ready for production

Its compact size and solid design make it the tool of choice in cable makers, fiber optic instrument companies and VCSEL, laser and LED source makers. In use in factories every day, major players in the industry rely on the Modal Explorer. This version of software also supports the MPX API – a new way to access data and control the MPX programmatically. This enables automated testing and incorporation of the MPX into automated test routines.

Images
Latest Software
Technical Specification
Latest Software
Document Downloads
Ordering Information

Release v8.0 of MPX software is applicable to users of both MPX1 ( 850nm ) and MPX2 (1300nm ) with a USB 2.0 interface between computer and MPX optical unit. We strongly recommend all applicable users to upgrade. This version of software also supports the MPX API – a new way to access data and control the MPX programmatically. This enables automated testing and incorporation of the MPX into automated test routines. Please contact support@ardenphotonics.com to get a quotation.

Please note – some early MPX-1s had an analog camera. ( serial number 1052 and lower ) and these units are not supported by the Version 8.0 software. If you have an analog MPX-1 and you want to take advantage of the latest software we can offer a hardware upgrade as well. Please contact us on the email address above to get a quotation.

Main features:

Feature Benefit
MPX API A new way to control and access data from the MPX programmatically to enable automated testing and enable incorporation of the MPX into integrated test routines (additional license required).
New Aerospace Templates New alternative template type to allow aerospace users to specify maximum and minimum radial widths for a set of given intensities.
Windows 10 32/64 bit processor support Can run on all the latest Windows computers. So there is no problem fitting in with your company’s IT departments requirements.
Larger Field of View Field of view increased by 16% to make fiber positioning and calibrating easier.
110µm maximum core diameter Increased maximum custom core diameter – can now create templates for fibers with cores of up 110µm.

Screen shots

 

Measure Mode

Aerospace Mode

Inspect Mode

Measure Mode with menu

Calibration Mode

Review Mode

Software Version Feature Guide

Software version number V 4.2 V 5.0 V 6.0 V 6.1 V 7.0 V 8.0
Release date Jan 2009 Jul 2010 Sep 2011 Feb 2012 Nov 2013 May 2016
Applicable User Manual Issue number 9 11 13 14 15 16
Zoom full view
Line profile
Power calibration
External centroid reference
MPD and MTF measurement
False colour display
Configurable EF templates
12-bit data analysis
Normalised intensity, radial collapsed intensity
Password protection for entry into engineering mode
Easy switching between 62.5µm and 50µm fber types
Convenient shutter speed control
Display EF as a table with the EF template
Calculate and display EF at any radius
Compact zipped data file
Mode-field diameter measurement
Review up to 10 EF data sets at once
MPX-2 camera cooling temperature monitor
Selectable centroid tracking
Improved optimization control
Improved power indicator
Customized core diameter with EF template
Support 32-bit and 64-bit processors
Customizable Excel format report
MFD and nominal core diameter overlayed onto live image
One click export of MPX data
Improved support for IEEE templates
Improved “Optimize” range control
Saves multiple reviewed files
Displays Relative EF
New EF template graph
MPX-2 calibration pack control up-dated
Improved image display performance
New keyboard shortcuts
Supports Windows 10
New Aerospace Template
16% Increased Field of View
110µm maximum core diameter
MPX API  support
MPX-1
Wavelength 850 nm (EF measurement range is from 400 to 1100 nm but End Face Inspection and Focusing is at 850 nm)
Dimensions 260(W) x 270(D) x 90(H) mm
Weight 2.5 kg
Dynamic range 60 dB
Image sensor CCD array, 12-bit, 4.65 µm square pixels
Maximum core diameter 110 µm
Maximum source power Approx 10 mW (depends on power density,fibre type etc.)
Input connector adaptors available Universal 2.5 mm ferrule; LC (both supplied as standard) FC, ST, SC, MTP, bare fiber (optional)
End face inspection and focusing 850 nm
Built-in reference source 850 nm LED, FC connector, over-filled (110 µm core diameter; 0.37 N.A.)
Power External switched mode power supply (supplied)
Connection to computer USB 2.0 (USB B to USB A: 2 m cable supplied)
Operating temperature 10 – 30 °C
Computer requirements (minimum specification) 2 GB RAM ; USB 2.0 port – note system may not work with USB 3
Operating systems supported Windows 7/8/10, 32bit or 64bit

MPX Datasheet (A4)

MPX Datasheet (US)

White paper
Part number Description
MPX-1 MPX-1 system for modal analysis of multimode fibers at 850nm, including optical unit, cables, software package and user manual. System is supplied with a universal 2.5mm connector adaptor and an LC connector adaptor. Computer not included. See product specification for information about computer configuration.
Options
MPX-API MPX API software add on, designed for accessing and controlling the MPX for automated testing (additional license required)
MPX-CC-01 Rigid carrying case for MPX-1
MPX-CP01 Chrome-on-Glass calibration artefact and software package for MPX-1 and MPX-2 to enable user calibration traceable to NPL standards. Includes Chrome-on-Glass artefact, software CD and operation instructions
MPX-CAU250 Input connector adaptor for 2.5mm diameter ferrule connectors, universal (supplied as standard with MPX-1 and MPX-2)
MPX-CALC Input connector adaptor for LC connectors (supplied as standard with MPX-1 and MPX-2)
MPX-CAFC Input connector adaptor for FC connectors
MPX-CAFC/APC Input connector adaptor for FC/APC connectors
MPX-CASC Input connector adaptor for SC connectors
MPX-CASC/APC Input connector adaptor for SC/APC connectors
MPX-CAST Input connector adaptor for ST connectors
MPX-CAMTP Input connector adaptor for MTP connectors
MPX-CAMT Input connector adaptor for MT ferrule
MPX-CAMTRJ Input connector adaptor for MTRJ connectors
MPX-SR3-OM12-FC Fiber shaker with 2 fibers ( 1 x OM1 and 1 x OM2 ); FC/PC connectors on input and output
MPX-SR3-OM12-LC Fiber shaker with 2 fibers ( 1 x OM1 and 1 x OM2 ); LC/PC connectors on input and output
MPX-SR3-OM34-FC Fiber shaker with 2 fibers ( 1 x OM3 and 1 x OM4 ); FC/PC connectors on input and output
MPX-SR3-OM34-LC Fiber shaker with 2 fibers ( 1 x OM3 and 1 x OM4 ); LC/PC connectors on input and output
MPX-UEW3 MPX extended warranty covering parts and labour for 3 years from purchase, return to base. Cover excludes camera.
APL-LC Laptop computer, pre-installed with application software
APL-DC Desktop computer, pre-installed with application software

Related Products

MPX-2 Encircled Flux meter
MPX-CP01 User Calibration Artefact
MPX-SR3 Fiber Shaker