Document No.05-081205           FBG Interrogation Analyzer User Manual Rev.3.5 
 
FBG Interrogation Analyzer 
 
User Manual Version 3.5 
 
 
3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1. 
2. 
Table of Contents: 
 
Introduction 
FBG Analyzer Electrical Specifications  
 
 
2.1  Electrical Configuration 
 
2.2  Pin Definition 
 
 
2.3  DC Electrical Specifications 
 
2.4  AC Electrical Specifications 
2.5  Timing Diagrams 
 
 
 
 
Software Interface 
 
 
3.1 
Introduction 
3.2  Direct Interface 
 
 
 
 
3.3  Dual Port RAM 
 
3.4  Output Data Description 
 
3.5  RS232 Interface Commands 
 
 
 
3.6  Using the USB Interface 
 
 
OSADataTypes.h  
VOSE32.h  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4 
5 
6  Mechanical Drawings 
7  Other Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 
4 
4 
5 
7 
7 
8 
10 
10 
10 
15 
19 
21 
22 
23 
27 
29 
30 
 
BaySpec, Inc. 
101 Hammond Avenue, Fremont, CA 94539 
Tel. (510) 661 2008 • Fax: (510) 661 2009 • Web: www.bayspec.com 
November 2006 
 
 
 
 
BaySpec, Inc. 
© Copyright to BaySpec, Inc. 2002-2006 
Document subject to alterations without notice 
 
 
November 2006 
                 Document No.05-081205           FBG Interrogation Analyzer User Manual Rev.3.5 
This  FBG  Interrogation  Analyzer  User  Manual  contains  FBG  hardware,  FBG  software, 
OSADataTypes  file,  and  typical  mechanical  drawings.  It  applies  to  WaveCapture®  FBG 
Interrogation Analyzers and other relevant spectral monitoring products. In the following, the 
term of “FBG Analyzer” will be used for simplicity of description. 
 
1. Introduction 
 
BaySpec's WaveCapture® FBG sensing products are integrated spectral engines embracing the 
essential  functions  of  optical  wavelength  meter,  optical  power  meter  and  optical  spectrum 
analyzer,  providing  rapid  wavelength,  power  and  OSNR  measurements.  From  these 
measurements, one can quickly identify channels and derive channel wavelength shifts, channel 
power distribution, and other critical health monitoring information. 
 
Providing  a  quick  and  accurate  measurement  of  wavelength,  power  and  OSNR  of  optical 
signals with a minature device in both DWDM and CWDM evrironments is challenging work. 
Desktop  Optical  Spectrum  Analyzers  (OSA)  can  do  the  job,  but  they  are  not  suitable  for 
integrating  with  communications  systems  and  field  inspections.  The  field  test  and  system 
monitoring  of  fiber-optic  communications  networks  requires  compact  size,  low  power 
consumption,  high  speed,  high  repeatability,  and  high  reliability.  WaveCapture®  series 
spectral  monitoring  products  are  designed  and  manufactured  to  simultaneously  meet  these 
critical requirements. BaySpec offers the world-smallest FBG Analyzers using high-resolution 
volume phase grating (VPG®) technology and high-efficiency InGaAs array detector. 
 
The  basic  operating  diagram  for 
the  FBG  Analyzer  module 
is 
schematically  shown  in  Figure  1.  
The input light signal coming from 
a  communications  network  or 
collected  from  the  sample  under 
test 
incident  on  a  beam-
collimating lens through an optical 
interface.  The  collimated 
fiber 
beam 
is 
the 
spectral  element 
from 
which 
the  different  wavelength 
components  are  separated.  These 
angularly 
beams 
(wavelength  components)  are  then 
focused onto a photodiode array by 
a  focusing  lens.  Thus,  the  light 
signals at different wavelengths are 
measured 
into 
electrical signals. The electrical outputs are subsequently transmitted to the electronics circuitry 
for  processing  and  output,  from  which  spectral  information  is  obtained.  Figure  2  shows  a 
photograph of the FBG Analyzer. 
 
Fig. 1: Schematic diagram for FBG Analyzer module. 
Detector 
Detector 
Array
Array
then  directed 
to 
and 
converted 
Output
Output
To host
To host
(VPG), 
dispersed 
is 
Input
Input
VPG
VPG
Electronics 
Electronics 
 
BaySpec, Inc. 
© Copyright to BaySpec, Inc. 2002-2006 
Document subject to alterations without notice 
- 1 - 
November 2006 
                 Document No.05-081205           FBG Interrogation Analyzer User Manual Rev.3.5 
 
Fig. 2: Photo of WaveCapture® FBG Interrogation Analyzer 
 
 
WaveCapture®  FBG  Interrogation  Analyzer  can  not  only  stand  alone  as  a  miniature 
spectrometer module using its own high-speed electronics and embedded software, but also can 
be  used  as  an  integrated  spectral  element  in  handheld/portable  Optical  Spectrum  Analyzers 
(OSA). These applications, not limited to, include: 
•  Fiber  bragg  grating  interrogation  analysis  in  smart  structures,  oil/gas  exploration 
equipment, aerospace/aeronautics, etc. 
•  Real-time optical performance monitoring of DWDM networks 
•  Optical add/drop monitoring and diagnostics 
•  Remote gain equalization of DWDM systems based on optical power or OSNR 
•  Transmission laser wavelength locking 
•  Real-time system error warning and alarming 
•  EDFA gain balancing 
•  Handheld/portable Optical Spectrum Analyzers 
 
The FBG Analyzer offer the following distinct features and benefits: 
•  Small  size  –  Give  more  flexibility  to  integrate  it  into  customers’  systems.  BaySpec 
provides the world-smallest FBG Analyzer for OEM applications. 
•  Low cost – Innovative design and high production yield make the products at low cost. 
It is afordable and cost effective. 
•  Athermal  –  Without  the  need  of  active  temperature  control  over  the  operating 
temperature range. This results in extremely low power consumption.  
•  High-speed – The module utilizes parallel detection and fast electronics. The devices 
operate independent of data rate and protocol. 
•  Custom design – Customer can tailor the requirements for measurements to optimize 
optical and electric performance and minimize cost. 
•  No moving parts – This greatly increases reliability of the devices and repeatability of 
measurements.  Furthermore,  no  re-calibration  is  required.  This,  along  with  athermal 
operation, makes the FBG Analyzer perfectly suitable for field use. 
 
BaySpec, Inc. 
© Copyright to BaySpec, Inc. 2002-2006 
Document subject to alterations without notice 
- 2 - 
November 2006 
                 Document No.05-081205           FBG Interrogation Analyzer User Manual Rev.3.5 
•  Hermetic packaging – Device can work in various rough environment. 
• 
Fiber-optic interface – Single or multi-mode fiber interface facilitates optical connection 
and keeps high coupling efficiency 
•  RS232/USB/Parallel interface – Multiple options for electric interface a
•  Software upgradeable. 
re available.  
 
For mo
 
re information, please contact BaySpec Applications Support team. 
 
BaySpec, Inc. 
© Copyright to BaySpec, Inc. 2002-2006 
Document subject to alterations without notice 
- 3 - 
November 2006 
ADDRESS BUS 
 
    CONTROL  
   DATA BUS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
                                             RS 232 
 
 
 
 
 
 FBG 
Analyzer 
 
 
 
 
         USB 
 
        + 5 V 
       G.P.I.O.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      HOST 
COMPUTER 
                 Document No.05-081205           FBG Interrogation Analyzer User Manual Rev.3.5 
2. FBG Interrogation Analyzer Electrical Specifications 
2.1 Electrical Configuration 
 
 
The FBG Analyzer is connected to the host computer through a 50-pin connector.  Figure 3 
shows all signals between the FBG Analyzer and a host computer. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fig. 3:  Electrical connections of the FBG Analyzer to a host computer. 
Data Bus:        
Address Bus: 
16-bit wide bi-directional data bus. 
12-bit wide address lines to access the dual-port memory in the FBG 
Analyzer. 
Control signals:  Directly connected communication lines for fast response. 
GPIO: 
General-purpose I/O lines to provide communications with fast response.  
It can be customized by the user. 
Serial communication port. 
Serial communication port. 
RS 232: 
USB: 
     
 
 
BaySpec, Inc. 
© Copyright to BaySpec, Inc. 2002-2006 
Document subject to alterations without notice 
- 4 - 
November 2006 
                 Document No.05-081205           FBG Interrogation Analyzer User Manual Rev.3.5 
2.2 Pin definition 
FBG Analyzer pin definition and assignment are given in Table 1 and Figure 4. 
 
Table 1.  Pin assignment. 
Pin  Name 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
D0 
D1 
D2 
D3 
D4 
D5 
D6 
D7 
D8 
D9 
D10 
D11 
D12 
D13 
D14 
16 
17 
D15 
R/W 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
/CS 
A0 
A1 
A2 
A3 
A4 
A5 
A6 
 
 
/RESET 
 
/CMD_RDY   
/DATA_RDY  
/ERROR 
 
/CS 
 
R /W 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Description 
I/O 
I/O  Data (LSB) 
I/O 
I/O 
I/O 
I/O 
I/O 
I/O 
I/O 
I/O 
I/O 
I/O 
I/O 
I/O 
I/O 
I/O 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
I/O  Data (MSB) 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
Read / write 
Chip select 
Address 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Pin 
Name 
26  A7 
27  A8 
28  A9 
29  A10 
30  A11 
/DAT_RDY 
31 
/ERR 
32 
33 
INT/GPIO2 
34  Reserved 
35  Reserved 
36 
/CMD_RDY
37  Reserved 
38  Reserved 
39 
40  Reserved 
/RESET 
41  AVCC 
42  AVCC 
43  VCC 
44  AGND 
45  DGND 
46  DGND 
47  USB D+ 
48  USB D- 
49  RXD 
50  TXD 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
Description 
I/O 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
O  Data ready from device 
O  Error from device 
I/O  Reserved 
O  Reserved 
Reserved 
I 
I 
Command ready from host 
O  Reserved 
O  Reserved 
I 
I 
Reset 
Reserved 
3V - 5V Power Supply 
(analog) (optional) 
3V - 5V Power Supply 
(analog) (optional) 
3V – 5V Power Supply 
(digital) 
PWR 
PWR 
PWR 
PWR  Analog Ground  
PWR  Digital Ground  
PWR  Digital Ground 
I/O  USB serial port 
I/O 
I 
O 
  
RS232 serial port 
  
Hardware reset/shutdown line. 
Command is ready for the unit. 
Data is ready for the host to read. 
Command received by the unit has error. 
The unit is selected by the host. 
Read or write from the host. 
 
 
 
BaySpec, Inc. 
© Copyright to BaySpec, Inc. 2002-2006 
Document subject to alterations without notice 
- 5 - 
November 2006 
                 Document No.05-081205           FBG Interrogation Analyzer User Manual Rev.3.5 
Fig. 4(a): 50-pin right angle connector mechanical dimensions. 
 
 
 
 
 
Fig. 4(b): Optional 50-pin straight connector mechanical dimensions. 
 
 
 
 
The connectors shown on the above diagrams are standard ones.  The customers can specify the 
type of connectors and the length of the pins depends on the desired mounting and connecting 
schemes.   
 
 
 
 
BaySpec, Inc. 
© Copyright to BaySpec, Inc. 2002-2006 
Document subject to alterations without notice 
- 6 - 
November 2006 
                 Document No.05-081205           FBG Interrogation Analyzer User Manual Rev.3.5 
2.3 DC Electrical Specifications 
 
Power, Reset and RS232 requirements 
Supply Voltage 
Name  Parameter 
Vdd 
Idd5  Supply Current (Vdd = 5V, TEC cooling off) 
Idd3  Supply Current (Vdd = 3.3V, TEC cooling off) 
Idd5t  Supply Current (Vdd = 5V, TEC cooling = max) 
Idd3t  Supply Current (Vdd = 3.3V, TEC cooling = max) 
Iddq  Supply Current, shutdown mode 
Input low voltage 
Vil 
Vih 
Input high voltage 
Vol  Output low voltage 
Voh  Output high voltage 
Rsd  RESET# input pullup resistance (Note 1) 
Vrx  RS232 input levels 
Vtx  RS232 output levels 
Min 
3.0 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-0.3* 
2.0 
0.0 
2.4 
- 
0/+2.4
±5 
Typ.  Max  Unit 
5.0 
V 
5.5* 
mA 
360 
450 
550 
mA 
675 
1600  mA 
1260 
1600  mA 
1150 
0.5 
mA 
V 
- 
V 
- 
V 
0.1 
3.3 
V 
ohm 
10K 
V 
±5 
V 
±5.4 
1 
0.8 
3.6* 
0.4 
3.5 
- 
±25* 
±6 
 
 
 
 
*Voltages exceeding these limits may cause permanent damage to the device. 
 
Note 1: Open drain input; pulled up to Vdd. 
 
2.4 AC Electrical Specifications 
 
Host Parallel Interface Timing Requirements 
CS# high or RD/WR# low to data bus high impedance 
Data and address setup time before CS# rising 
Name  Parameter 
Tac  Data access time from address valid 
Tdv  Data valid time after address change 
Toe  CS# low and RD/WR# high to data bus driven 
Tz 
Ts 
Tsw  RD/WR# setup time before CS# falling (Note 1) 
Th  Data, address, RD/WR# hold time after CS# rising 
Tch  CS# high time after write 
Tii 
CMD_RDY pulse width 
Tio  DAT_RDY, ERR pulse width 
Trst  RESET pulse width 
Min 
9 
8 
2 
2 
30 
0 
0 
15 
30 
100 
25 
Max 
35 
- 
15 
15 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
Unit 
ns 
ns 
ns 
ns 
ns 
ns 
ns 
ns 
ns 
ns 
ms 
These timing requirements apply at the pins of the 50-pin host interface connector. 
 
Note 1:  On write cycles, RD/WR# should be low before CS# goes low to prevent the FBG 
Analyzer from momentarily driving the data bus. 
 
 
BaySpec, Inc. 
© Copyright to BaySpec, Inc. 2002-2006 
Document subject to alterations without notice 
- 7 - 
November 2006