JDSU OLS-55 1310/1550 nm Dual-Wavelength Smart Optical Laser Source

JDSU OLS-55 1310/1550 nm Dual-Wavelength Smart Optical Laser Source

The JDSU OLS-55 is a handheld dual-wavelength optical laser source designed for testing, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting single-mode fiber optic networks. This version provides nominal wavelengths of 1310 nm and 1550 nm through a single optical port, supporting two of the most widely used wavelengths for telecommunications and optical network testing.

The OLS-55 produces a stable optical signal that can be paired with a compatible optical power meter for insertion loss measurements and end-to-end fiber verification. Its output power is separately adjustable at each wavelength, allowing the source level to be configured for the optical path, receiving instrument, and test application.

The source supports continuous-wave operation and modulated signals at 270 Hz, 1 kHz, and 2 kHz. These tone frequencies can assist with fiber identification and signal detection when used with compatible receiving equipment. Auto-? signal coding allows a compatible JDSU OLP-55 optical power meter to identify the active source wavelength automatically.

A built-in optical isolator and optical power-control system help maintain stable output. The rugged, shock-resistant, and splash-resistant handheld enclosure is designed for field operation, while the graphical SmartStar interface, USB connection, battery power, and optional AC adapter support laboratory, service, and production workflows.

Features and Benefits of the JDSU OLS-55

• Dual-wavelength operation: Provides nominal 1310 nm and 1550 nm laser outputs for testing compatible single-mode fiber optic networks.
• Single optical port: Supplies both wavelengths through one interchangeable optical interface.
• Adjustable output power: Allows each wavelength to be configured separately from -7 dBm to 0 dBm.
• Fine power adjustment: Provides output-level setting resolution of 0.01 dB.
• Stable optical output: Uses optical isolation and power control to support consistent fiber measurements.
• Continuous-wave mode: Supports standard optical power and insertion loss measurements.
• Modulated output: Provides 270 Hz, 1 kHz, and 2 kHz tones for compatible fiber identification and signal-detection applications.
• Auto-? operation: Communicates the active wavelength to a compatible JDSU OLP-55 optical power meter.
• SmartStar graphical interface: Provides menu-oriented operation through a 128 x 64-dot backlit display.
• USB connectivity: Supports remote operation through the client USB interface.
• Field-ready construction: Uses a robust, shock-resistant, and splash-resistant handheld enclosure.
• Flexible power options: Operates from four AA batteries, compatible rechargeable NiMH cells, or an optional worldwide AC adapter.
• Extended battery operation: Provides more than 45 hours of documented operation from dry batteries under the specified conditions.
• Interchangeable adapters: Supports compatible optical adapters from the BN 2150 range for common connector formats.

1310 nm and 1550 nm Single-Mode Testing

The OLS-55 provides nominal source wavelengths of 1310 nm and 1550 nm. These wavelengths are commonly used to evaluate single-mode fiber links, patch cords, connectors, splices, passive components, and installed telecommunications networks.

Testing at both wavelengths can help identify wavelength-dependent loss and bending effects that may not be apparent from a measurement performed at only one wavelength. The source can be paired with a compatible optical power meter to measure end-to-end insertion loss through the fiber path.

The documented nominal wavelength tolerance is typically ±20 nm. Connected patch cords, optical adapters, devices under test, and receiving instruments should support the selected wavelength.

9/125 µm Single-Mode Fiber

The dual-wavelength OLS-55 configuration uses 9/125 µm single-mode fiber. It is intended for use with compatible single-mode reference cables, power meters, connectors, and optical network components.

Maintaining compatible single-mode fiber throughout the measurement setup helps preserve the intended coupling conditions. Multimode patch cords should not be substituted when testing a single-mode network.

Reference cables should be inspected for excessive bending, damage, contamination, and connector wear before measurements begin. Fiber movement after establishing a reference can change the measured optical power.

Adjustable Optical Output

The output power of the 1310 nm and 1550 nm sources can be adjusted separately from -7 dBm to 0 dBm. This allows the user to select an appropriate signal level for the link length, expected path loss, test instrument, and application.

Output power setting resolution is 0.01 dB. Documented output power accuracy is ±0.3 dB at the nominal wavelengths under the specified conditions, excluding connector uncertainty.

The lowest practical output setting should be used when connecting the source to sensitive receivers or detectors. The input-power limit of every connected instrument should be checked before the laser is activated.

Optical Output Stability

Short-term signal stability is specified at ±0.02 dB within 15 minutes. Long-term stability is specified at ±0.2 dB within eight hours under the documented ambient conditions.

Stable output supports comparative insertion loss measurements and extended field-testing procedures. Measurement results can also be influenced by connector cleanliness, adapter condition, reference-cable movement, receiving-instrument stability, and temperature changes.

The source and optical power meter should be allowed to stabilize before precision measurements are recorded. The reference setup should remain mechanically unchanged throughout the test sequence.

Continuous-Wave and Modulated Modes

The OLS-55 supports continuous-wave output for conventional optical power and insertion loss measurements. In continuous-wave mode, the source provides a steady optical signal at the selected wavelength and power level.

Modulated output is available at 270 Hz, 1 kHz, and 2 kHz. Compatible optical power meters and fiber identifiers can detect these tones to distinguish the active source from other signals or to identify a selected fiber within a cable system.

The receiving instrument must support the chosen modulation frequency. Tone detection should be verified before it is relied upon for field identification or network troubleshooting.

Auto-? Wavelength Identification

The Auto-? function applies signal coding that allows a compatible JDSU OLP-55 optical power meter to identify the active wavelength automatically. This reduces the need to change the wavelength setting manually on the receiving meter.

Automatic wavelength recognition can improve workflow efficiency and reduce errors caused by mismatched source and power-meter settings. The receiving instrument must support the JDSU Auto-? function.

Compatibility with other optical power meters should be confirmed before automatic wavelength identification is expected. The OLS-55 can still operate in continuous-wave or modulated mode with suitable non-Auto-? equipment.

SmartStar Graphical Interface

The OLS-55 uses the JDSU SmartStar graphical user interface for menu-oriented operation. The 128 x 64-dot display provides clear access to source settings and can show multiple laser status screens.

A switchable backlight improves display visibility in equipment rooms, network cabinets, and other low-light work environments. Dedicated controls provide access to power, wavelength, output level, modulation, and menu functions.

An automatic power-off function turns the instrument off after approximately 20 minutes to conserve battery power. This function can be disabled when uninterrupted operation is required.

Interchangeable Optical Interface

The OLS-55 uses interchangeable optical adapters from the BN 2150 range. Available adapter formats include ST, SC, FC, DIN, and LC, allowing the source interface to be configured for common fiber optic connector families.

Adapters are available for flat or angled physical-contact systems. The installed adapter and ferrule polish must match the connected reference cable.

Physical-contact and angled physical-contact connectors should not be directly intermated. Mismatched connector geometries can cause excessive insertion loss, unstable measurements, poor return loss, and physical damage.

USB Remote Operation

A client USB interface supports remote operation of the OLS-55 through compatible equipment and software. This can assist with controlled laboratory procedures, data collection, device configuration, and repeatable test workflows.

The supported K804 USB connection cable, software, drivers, and computer equipment should be considered included only when specifically identified in the product listing.

Battery and AC Operation

The OLS-55 can operate from four 1.5 V AA dry batteries or four 1.2 V AA NiMH rechargeable cells. Documented operating time from dry batteries is greater than 45 hours with one wavelength active and the output set to -7 dBm.

An optional worldwide-compatible SNT-121A AC adapter supports line-powered operation. The instrument also provides an integrated fast-charging function with a documented charging time of approximately two hours for compatible rechargeable cells.

Actual battery life depends on battery type, age, charging condition, display-backlight use, active wavelength, output level, temperature, and automatic power-management settings.

Field-Ready Handheld Design

The OLS-55 is designed for field operation with a robust, shock-resistant, and splash-resistant enclosure. A protective dust cap covers the optical interface when the source is not connected.

The compact handheld design supports use in telecommunications rooms, data centers, service vehicles, production areas, and outdoor network-maintenance environments within the specified operating limits.

Compatible belt bags, soft carrying bags, and hard cases were available to protect the source and associated accessories during storage and transport.

Typical Applications

• Single-mode fiber optic insertion loss testing
• 1310 nm and 1550 nm network verification
• Fiber optic installation and commissioning
• Telecommunications network maintenance
• Connector and patch cord testing
• Splice-loss evaluation
• Fiber identification using modulated tones
• Optical continuity checking
• FTTx and access-network testing
• Data center fiber verification
• Laboratory optical measurements
• Production and quality-control testing

Product Overview

Optical Specifications

Operating Modes and Interface Specifications

Power, Physical and Environmental Specifications

Ordering Configurations

Compatible Optical Adapters and Accessories

Measurement Setup

The OLS-55 should be paired with a compatible optical power meter and reference cables suitable for 9/125 µm single-mode fiber and the selected wavelength. The source and meter must use matching connector types and ferrule polish.

All optical interfaces should be inspected and cleaned before connection. The source should then be set to 1310 nm or 1550 nm, and the output level should be adjusted for the receiving instrument and expected path loss.

A reference measurement should be established using the same source setting, reference cables, power meter, and adapters intended for the final test. The reference connections should remain stable after the reference value has been recorded.

For bi-wavelength loss testing, the procedure should be completed at both 1310 nm and 1550 nm. Results should be recorded separately for each wavelength because link loss can vary across the optical spectrum.

Connector Inspection and Cleaning

The interchangeable adapter, source port, reference cable, and receiving-meter connector should be inspected before use. Contaminated end faces should be cleaned using an approved fiber optic procedure and reinspected before mating.

Clean optical interfaces help preserve output power, measurement stability, connector condition, and repeatable insertion loss results. A contaminated reference cable can transfer debris to both the source and power meter.

The protective dust cap should remain installed whenever the source interface is not in use. Dust caps should also be kept clean to avoid recontaminating the optical connection.

Laser Safety

The optical output may contain invisible infrared laser radiation at 1310 nm or 1550 nm. Users should not look into the source port, connector, adapter, patch cord, or exposed fiber end.

The source should be disabled before optical connectors are inspected, cleaned, attached, or removed. Appropriate fiber optic laser-safety procedures should be followed throughout the measurement process.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The JDSU OLS-55 receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Evaluation may include battery operation, AC-adapter operation when available, startup, display condition, backlight, front-panel controls, automatic power-off, USB communication, and optical output at both 1310 nm and 1550 nm.

Optical testing may include output-power measurement, output adjustment, continuous-wave operation, modulation at 270 Hz, 1 kHz, and 2 kHz, Auto-? coding, short-term stability, and comparison with suitable wavelength and power references.

The optical interface, interchangeable adapter, dust cap, USB connector, battery compartment, charging function, display, controls, enclosure, labels, and included accessories may be inspected for contamination, damage, corrosion, or excessive wear.

The exact testing scope depends on the installed PC or APC configuration, optical adapter, available reference cables, calibrated power meters, wavelength measurement equipment, batteries, AC adapter, USB cable, and supported receiving instruments.

Calibration Before Shipment

When technically applicable and selected, the JDSU OLS-55 can be calibrated or performance-verified before shipment. Evaluation may include output wavelength, output power, power-setting accuracy, power-setting linearity, short-term stability, long-term stability, modulation frequencies, and Auto-? operation.

Calibration documentation should identify the instrument model and serial number, installed optical adapter, connector polish, wavelength, selected output level, reference cable, optical power meter, wavelength meter, recorded measurements, environmental conditions, and applicable uncertainty.

Buyers requiring formal calibration should specify the 1310 nm and 1550 nm test points, desired output-power settings, modulation modes, connector configuration, certificate format, recorded results, and required measurement uncertainty before purchase.

Buyer Considerations

Buyers should confirm whether the OLS-55 is the BN 2279/01 physical-contact version or the BN 2279/21 angled physical-contact version. The supplied product name confirms the 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelength configuration but does not identify the connector polish.

The listing should identify the installed interchangeable adapter and any included batteries, rechargeable cells, AC adapter, USB cable, operating manual, belt bag, cleaning supplies, calibration report, or carrying case.

Only the optical laser source and accessories specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included.

Why Buy from AssetRelay?

AssetRelay supplies professional equipment and product solutions for fiber optic, telecom, laboratory, production, optical testing, photonics, inspection, cleaning, electronic testing, RF/microwave, and technical research applications. The JDSU OLS-55 provides dependable dual-wavelength optical signals for installers, network technicians, service organizations, telecommunications contractors, laboratories, production facilities, and quality-assurance teams.

Buyers should review the product photographs, 1310 nm and 1550 nm output operation, PC or APC configuration, installed optical adapter, output stability, modulation modes, USB operation, battery condition, calibration status, functional test results, and included accessories before purchase.