Abstract: A system for configuring an optical amplifier in a fiber optic communications network including a safety shutdown input, includes a non-volatile memory for storing optical amplifier parameters. Circuitry is provided for inputting amplifier parameters into the memory and for changing previously stored amplifier parameters. Configuration of the optical amplifier parameters cannot be changed until a hardware control input is actuated. The system also provides for an indication of a mismatch between newly input parameters and previously stored optical amplifier parameters.

Abstract: A system for configuring an optical amplifier in a fiber optic communications network including a safety shutdown input, includes a non-volatile memory for storing optical amplifier parameters. Circuitry is provided for inputting amplifier parameters into the memory and for changing previously stored amplifier parameters. Configuration of the optical amplifier parameters cannot be changed until a hardware control input is actuated. The system also provides for an indication of a mismatch between newly input parameters and previously stored optical amplifier parameters.

Abstract: An optical channel regulator (46) is provided. The optical channel regulator (46) includes a tapped optical coupler (60) receiving an optical line carrying an optical signal. The tapped optical coupler (60) provides substantially all of the optical signal as an output. An electrically variable optical attenuator (64) receives the output of the tapped optical coupler (60) and attenuates the optical signal responsive to a feedback control signal. A second tapped optical coupler (66) receives an output of the attenuator (64). The second coupler (66) provides substantially all of the received optical signal as an output and provides a remaining portion of the optical signal as a tapped output. An optical detector (68) then receives the tapped output and provides an output signal representing the optical signal. A comparator (70) receives the output signal of the optical detector (68) and a reference signal.

Abstract: An optical channel regulator (46) is provided. The optical channel regulator (46) includes a tapped optical coupler (60) receiving an optical line carrying an optical signal. The tapped optical coupler (60) provides substantially all of the optical signal as an output. An electrically variable optical attenuator (64) receives the output of the tapped optical coupler (60) and attenuates the optical signal responsive to a feedback control signal. A second tapped optical coupler (66) receives an output of the attenuator (64). The second coupler (66) provides substantially all of the received optical signal as an output and provides a remaining portion of the optical signal as a tapped output. An optical detector (68) then receives the tapped output and provides an output signal representing the optical signal. A comparator (70) receives the output signal of the optical detector (68) and a reference signal.

Abstract: An optical channel regulator (46) is provided. The optical channel regulator (46) includes a tapped optical coupler (60) receiving an optical line carrying an optical signal. The tapped optical coupler (60) provides substantially all of the optical signal as an output. An electrically variable optical attenuator (64) receives the output of the tapped optical coupler (60) and attenuates the optical signal responsive to a feedback control signal. A second tapped optical coupler (66) receives an output of the attenuator (64). The second coupler (66) provides substantially all of the received optical signal as an output and provides a remaining portion of the optical signal as a tapped output. An optical detector (68) then receives the tapped output and provides an output signal representing the optical signal. A comparator (70) receives the output signal of the optical detector (68) and a reference signal.