Unboxing Open Networking: A Look at the Coherent WaveShaper 4000B
Here at The Switch Lab, our focus is typically on the switches, routers, and transceivers that handle data traffic in enterprise and data center networks. However, the underlying physical layer of optical transport is where much of the foundational innovation occurs. For this edition of our series, we're examining a piece of equipment designed for that specific domain.
Today, we're unboxing the Coherent WaveShaper 4000B, a programmable optical filter. Our expert, Barry McGinley, walks us through its hardware and demonstrates its function as a tool for optical research and development.
The Hardware Unboxed
The WaveShaper 4000B is a compact, lab-ready instrument. Coherent Corp. , a well-known name in photonics and lasers (who networking professionals may recognize from their acquisition of Finisar), provides a complete kit to get started.
The package includes:
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The WaveShaper 4000B unit
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A USB drive containing the control application
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Ethernet, USB-B, and power cables
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A Quick Start guide
A key design element is its port configuration: one optical input and four optical outputs. This indicates that the device functions not only as a filter but also as an optical switch, capable of directing the modified signal to one of four paths. The rear of the unit includes the standard power and connectivity ports for network control.
Functionality: What is a WaveShaper?
To understand the WaveShaper's purpose, Barry offers a useful analogy: it functions like a graphic equalizer for light.
Where an audio equalizer manipulates sound frequencies, the WaveShaper manipulates the properties of an optical signal. The device uses a Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) engine to take an incoming signal, separate its constituent wavelengths, and allow for independent control over the amplitude (power) and phase of each one.
This capability is used in several applications, including:
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Research & Development: Testing the performance and tolerance of new optical components.
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Optical Network Emulation: Simulating real-world channel impairments for system-level testing.
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Component Manufacturing: Fine-tuning the output of lasers and other photonic devices.
The WaveShaper allows an engineer to create a specifically tailored optical spectrum for testing and analysis.
The Control Software
The functionality of the WaveShaper is accessed through its control software, which connects to the device via an Ethernet network. The application provides a suite of tools for signal manipulation.
Two primary features demonstrated in the video are:
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Filter Control: The application allows users to apply standard optical filter profiles, such as Gaussian or Band-Pass. From there, parameters including center frequency, bandwidth, and attenuation can be adjusted with high precision (in 1 GHz steps).
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WaveSketch: A notable feature is WaveSketch, which provides a graphical interface. This tool allows an operator to draw a desired filter shape on screen. The software then translates this drawing into instructions for the hardware, which applies that precise profile to the optical signal passing through it.
The software also contains modes for splitting a signal across the four output ports and for pulse shaping, making it a versatile tool for optical labs.
Summary
In summary, the Coherent WaveShaper 4000B is a specialized instrument designed for optical engineers and researchers. Its primary function is to provide programmable, repeatable control over optical signals, enabling detailed testing and development at the physical layer. For teams working on the next generation of optical communication systems, tools like this are essential for validating and refining new technologies.
Have a question about the WaveShaper or other optical test equipment? Contact the team at The Switch Lab at EPS Global today!