Coherent Solutions Ltd. and National Instruments have announced the release of a new portfolio of PXI optical-test modules. The new modules include optical switches, optical-electrical converters, and variable optical attenuators—with more modules to be released throughout 2018. Engineers can combine the new PXI optical-test capability with a range of NI PXI instruments to drive mixed-signal test in various optical-test applications from design through production.
The new optical modules integrate seamlessly with NI’s electrical signal generation and analysis modules and can be automated using similar programming APIs. As a result, engineers can simplify the design of optical test systems from wafer level up to pluggable modules and systems. Engineers can use optical PXI test modules either in standalone PXI systems in the design or characterization lab, or as part of a fully integrated Semiconductor Test System (STS) solution.
“As optical communication technologies continue to provide the backbone for the Internet, data centers, and even 5G and Industrial Internet of Things applications, the optical community requires new test approaches that can lower the cost of test,” said Steve Warntjes, vice president of PXI platform and modular instruments R&D at NI. “We are pleased to broaden the capabilities of the industry’s leading platform for automated test and automated measurement with the innovative optical PXI test capabilities from Coherent Solutions.”
“We’re very excited by this partnership and the new test capabilities that our mixed-signal test systems will enable,” said Coherent Solutions CEO, Andy Stevens. “We have a lot of experience building modular test instruments for our MTP platform, and we believe the partnership with NI is a significant opportunity to meet the rapidly changing needs of our customers.”
He added, “Our market domain and technical expertise, coupled with NI’s leadership in PXI along with their global sales, support, and service infrastructure, will be a great benefit to customers frustrated with the cost and complexity of interfacing electrical and optical test instruments from different vendors. This really is about simplifying mixed-signal testing and enabling new possibilities for customers.”
The new optical test modules launching at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC) are the first products of an extensive optical PXI module roadmap. Coherent Solutions will be demonstrating the new modules at the OFC Exposition in San Diego March 13-15.