MBC

MBC-AN-LAB
Ditherless Modulator Bias Controller

The iXblue MBC-AN-LAB is an automatic bias controller specially designed to lock the operating
point of LiNbO3 Mach-Zehnder modulators at the quadrature point and ensure a stable
operation over time and environmental conditions.

Unlike classical dither signal based bias controllers, the MBC-AN-LAB does not superimpose
any tone signal to the optical modulated signal. It is designed for application where such a tone
signal is not desired and typically for analog applications where a high purity carrier is required.

Principle
The iXblue MBC-AN-LAB bias controllers is based on the comparison of the optical power
before and after the Mach-Zehnder modulator. It uses tap couplers and photodiodes with a
proportionnal integrator feed back loop to lock the operating point of the modulator at the
Quad+ or Quad- position.
The iXblue MBC-AN-LAB is operated from a user supplied PC.

FEATURES Performance Highlights

Parameter Min Typ Max Unit
• Designed for Mac-Zehnder modulators
• Quad modes DC bias voltage -10 - +10 V
• High stability and sensitivity Locking point QUAD-, QUAD+ -

Optical output power stability - ± 0.1 - dB
APPLICATIONS
Control Remote -
• RFoF links
• Electronic warfare
• Analog communications

OPTIONS

• Internal photodiode and tap coupler

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 MODULATOR BIAS CONTROLLER | MBC-AN-LAB SERIES | 2/5

MBC-AN-LAB
Ditherless Modulator Bias Controller
Bias Control Characteristics
Parameter Symbol Condition Min Typ Max Unit
Timing
Autotest Auto Automatic scan 25 30 40 s
Initialisation - After an autoset - 10 - s
Start up - - 10 - 30 s
QUAD+, QUAD-
Optical output power stability - Over 2h and modulator temperature - ± 0.1 - dB
controlled

Electrical Characteristics
Parameter Symbol Condition Min Typ Max Unit
DC Bias Voltage Vbias - -10 - +10 V
Automatic locking point - Customer choice QUAD- (-50%), QUAD+ (+50%) -

Absolute Maximum Ratings

Stresses in excess of the absolute maximum ratings can cause permanent damage to the device. These are absolute stress ratings
only. Functional operation of the device is not implied at these or any other conditions in excess of those given in the operational
sections of the data sheet. Exposure to absolute maximum ratings for extended periods can adversely affect device reliability.

Parameter Symbol Condition Min Max Unit

Operating temperature - - -10 +45 °C
Storage temperature - - -40 +70 °C

Output Power Stability Graphical User Interface

1
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
Pout (dBm)

0
-0,2
-0,4
-0,6
-0,8
-1
0 5 10 15
Time (Hours)

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MODULATOR BIAS CONTROLLER | MBC-AN-LAB SERIES | 3/5

MBC-AN-LAB
Ditherless Modulator Bias Controller
Optical Characteristics - MBC-AN-LAB with embedded tap-couplers

Parameter Symbol Condition Min Typ Max Unit

Optical input power range for MBC-AN-LAB version AN & BN, with embedded optical tap couplers
We estimate 8 dB of optical insertion loss (5 dB from the modulator and 3 dB from the tap couplers)
Wavelength λ MBC-AN-LAB-A1 1530 1550 1625 nm
MBC-AN-LAB-A2 1270 1310 1320 nm
MBC-AN-LAB-A3 980 1060 1150 nm
MBC-AN-LAB-A1 850 900 980 nm
MBC-AN-LAB-B1 800 830 850 nm
MBC-AN-LAB-B1 760 780 800 nm

Input optical power OPIN MBC-AN-LAB-A1 Manual-Set +6.4 - +26 dBm

@ 1550 nm
Auto-Set +6.4 - +16.4 dBm
MBC-AN-LAB-A2 Manual-Set +6.7 - +25 dBm
@ 1310 nm
Auto-Set +6.7 - +16.7 dBm
MBC-AN-LAB-A3 Manual-Set +7.9 - +23.8 dBm
@ 1060 nm
Auto-Set +7.9 - +17.9 dBm
MBC-AN-LAB-A4 Manual-Set +5.5 - +23.6 dBm
@ 950 nm
Auto-Set +8.5 - +18.5 dBm
MBC-AN-LAB-B1 Manual-Set +9.2 - +23.5 dBm
@ 850 nm
Auto-Set +9.2 - +19.2 dBm
MBC-AN-LAB-B2 Manual-Set +9.2 - +23.5 dBm
@ 780 nm
Auto-Set +9.2 - +19.2 dBm

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MODULATOR BIAS CONTROLLER | MBC-AN-LAB SERIES | 4/5

MBC-AN-LAB
Ditherless Modulator Bias Controller
Optical Characteristics - MBC-AN-LAB with no embedded tap-couplers

Parameter Symbol Condition Min Typ Max Unit

At Photodiode input ports (MBC-AN-LAB version A0 & B0, no embedded optical tap couplers
Considering 5 dB modulator insertion loss
Wavelength λ MBC-AN-LAB-A0 900 - 1600 nm
MBC-AN-LAB-B0 600 - 900 nm
Input optical power OPIN MBC-AN-LAB-A0 Manual-Set -15 - +6 dBm
@ 1550 nm
Auto-Set -15 - -5 dBm
MBC-AN-LAB-A0 Manual-Set -14.7 - +5.3 dBm
@ 1310 nm
Auto-Set -14.7 - -4.7 dBm
MBC-AN-LAB-A0 Manual-Set -13.5 - +3.8 dBm
@ 1060 nm
Auto-Set -13.5 - -3.2 dBm
MBC-AN-LAB-A0 Manual-Set -12.8 - +3.6 dBm
@ 950 nm
Auto-Set -12.8 - -2.8 dBm
MBC-AN-LAB-B0 Manual-Set -12.2 - +3.5 dBm
@ 850 nm, @ 780 nm
Auto-Set -12.2 - -2.2 dBm

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 MODULATOR BIAS CONTROLLER | MBC-AN-LAB SERIES | 5/5

MBC-AN-LAB
Ditherless Modulator Bias Controller

Dimensions

Dimensions (W x H x D) 220 mm x 220 mm x 52 mm

Power supply (rear panel) 100 V - 120 V / 220 V - 240 V automatic switch, 50 Hz - 60 Hz

Interfaces

Photodiode Input / coupler input FC/APC connector

Bias output BNC Female connector

Communication USB

Remote control

Minimum computer requirements Windows XP SP3

Computer configuration Recommended Windows XP-SP3, W7, W8

Ordering information
A0: no coupler, 900 nm to 1600 nm
B0: no coupler, 600 nm to 900 nm
A1: integrated coupler, 1530 nm to 1625 nm
A2: integrated coupler, 1270 nm to 1330 nm
A3: integrated coupler, 980 nm to 1150 nm
A4: integrated coupler, 850 nm to 980 nm
B1: integrated coupler, 800 nm to 850 nm
MBC-AN-LAB-�
B2: integrated coupler, 760 nm to 800 nm

About us
02-2022_ED2 / SP-0158-MB-02

iXblue Photonics produces specialty optical fibers and Bragg Ixblue reserves the right to change, at any time and without notice, the spe-
gratings based fiber optics components and provides optical cifications, design, function or form of its products described herein. All state-
ments, specification, technical information related to the products herein are
modulation solutions based on the company lithium niobate given in good faith and based upon information believed to be reliable and
(LiNbO3) modulators and RF electronic modules. accurate at the moment of printing. However the accuracy and complete-
iXblue Photonics serves a wide range of industries: sensing and ness thereof is not guaranteed. No liability is assumed for any inaccuracies
instruments, defense, telecommunications, space and fiber and as a result of use of the products. The user must validate all parameters
for each application before use and he assumes all risks in connection with
lasers as well as research laboratories all over the world. the use of the products

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