Yokogawa AQ6150 -10-D/FC Optical Wavelength Meter

The Yokogawa AQ6150 is a high-precision, Michelson interferometer-based optical wavelength meter designed for accurate spectral measurement of optical sources used in telecom and photonics applications. Operating across a wide wavelength range from 1270 nm to 1650 nm, it achieves an exceptional wavelength accuracy of ±1 pm, making it a vital instrument for testing DFB-LDs, tunable lasers, optical transceivers, and WDM system components.

This specific configuration (AQ6150-10-D/FC) features the Standard Accuracy Model (-10), a UL/CSA standard power cord (-D), and a FC optical connector interface (/FC). Capable of simultaneous multi-peak measurement for up to 1024 wavelengths, the AQ6150 delivers fast measurement cycles that optimize throughput in both R&D and high-volume manufacturing environments.

Model & Option Code Breakdown

• AQ6150: Optical Wavelength Meter Mainframe.

• -10: Standard Accuracy Specification (±1 pm wavelength accuracy).

• -D: UL/CSA Standard Power Cord (120 V AC).

• /FC: FC-type Optical Input Connector Adapter (FC/PC).

Technical Features & Hardware Capabilities

Sub-Picometer Resolution & ±1 pm Accuracy

Utilizing a precision Michelson interferometer and an internal reference laser, the AQ6150-10 offers a wavelength accuracy of ±1 pm with a display resolution as fine as 0.0001 nm (0.1 pm). This allows optical engineers to precisely monitor frequency stability, laser chirp, and thermal wavelength drift in dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) networks.

Multi-Wavelength Measurement (Up to 1024 Channels)

Unlike single-wavelength meters, the AQ6150 can measure up to 1024 optical wavelengths simultaneously. It automatically identifies spectral peaks, measures power levels, and calculates optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) and channel spacing for multi-channel WDM systems, optical comb generators, and multi-line laser diodes.

High-Speed Sweep and High Throughput

With a measurement acquisition and processing time as fast as 0.2 seconds, the AQ6150 significantly reduces test cycle times in automated production lines. Coupled with auto-sweep and built-in analysis routines, it streamlines transceiver alignment and laser tuning workflows.

Optical Power Measurement & Coherence Capabilities

• Power Measurement Accuracy: ±0.5 dB across the operating wavelength band.

• Dynamic Range: -40 dBm to +10 dBm input power sensitivity.

• Coherence & Linewidth Analysis: Provides spectral linewidth estimations and side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) analysis directly from the front panel or remote software interface.

Real-World Applications

• DWDM Component & System Testing: Measure exact channel wavelengths, power levels, and spacing in 50 GHz or 25 GHz grid DWDM systems.

• Tunable Laser Calibration: Verify wavelength accuracy and mode-hop-free tuning performance across the C and L bands.

• Optical Transceiver Production (QSFP28 / SFP+): Validate output wavelength compliance for CWDM4, DWDM, and silicon photonics optical transmitters.

• Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) Sensing: Track minor wavelength shifts induced by thermal or mechanical strain in optical sensing arrays.

Technical Comparison: Yokogawa AQ6150 vs. Alternative Wavelength Meters

Engineers evaluating optical wavelength meters frequently compare the Yokogawa AQ6150 against instruments like the Keysight (Agilent) 86120C and EXFO WA-1500 / LWM-6500.

Practical Comparison Insights:

1. Higher Multi-Channel Capacity: The AQ6150 handles up to 1024 simultaneous optical peaks, compared to 200 channels on the Keysight 86120C. This makes it far more effective for characterizing ultra-dense optical comb sources and complex WDM multiplexers.

2. Measurement Speed: With an update rate of approximately 0.2 seconds, the AQ6150 is more than twice as fast as older Michelson-based meters, making it preferable for high-volume automated manufacturing lines (ATE).

3. Power Measurement Precision: Offering ±0.5 dB optical power accuracy, the AQ6150 reduces the need for a separate optical power meter during routine laser power and wavelength verification.

Specifications

• Model Code: AQ6150-10-D/FC

• Wavelength Range: 1270 nm to 1650 nm

• Wavelength Accuracy: ±1 pm (Standard Model -10)

• Wavelength Display Resolution: 0.0001 nm (0.1 pm)

• Input Power Range: -40 dBm to +10 dBm

• Max Number of Wavelength Inputs: 1024 channels

• Measurement Time: Approx. 0.2 seconds

• Optical Connector: FC/PC (/FC adapter included)

• Power Supply: 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz (-D UL/CSA power cord)

• Display: Color TFT LCD display

• Communication Interfaces: GP-IB, Ethernet, USB, RS-232

What’s in the Box

• 1x Yokogawa AQ6150 Optical Wavelength Meter Mainframe

• 1x FC Optical Interface Adapter (/FC)

• 1x AC Power Cord (-D)

• Optical Connector Dust Cap

• Quick Reference User Guide