Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-circuit biasing of a modulated laser and bit error rate testing of an optical transmitter and/or optical receiver under the control of a test controller. The test controller is communicably coupled to an interface of a module under test, as well as to external test equipment. The test controller modifies operational parameters of the modulated laser, in order to obtain a desired output power and to obtain a predetermined extinction ratio. The operational parameters of the laser include a laser bias current, an electro-absorption modulator offset bias current and a modulation depth. The disclosed test controller also determines whether the optical transmitter and/or receiver exhibit acceptable bit error rates. The disclosed test controller uses a variable optical attenuator, in combination with an erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) to control an optical signal to noise ratio for a signal terminating at either the transmitter or the receiver of the optical transceiver under test.

Abstract: A method of optimizing SBS suppression is disclosed for use in an optical communication system including a light guide for transmitting light and means for producing phase modulation of the light using at least first and second tones. In the method, an operational region of SBS suppression is established as a function of the phase modulation of the light such that the operational region identifies combinations of first and second phase modulation levels at which optimum SBS suppression is achieved for the first and second tones. Thereafter, based on the operational region, the first and second phase modulation levels are adjusted such that the system operates with optimum SBS suppression. In one aspect, a contour map and associated method are introduced.

Abstract: A method of optimizing SBS suppression is disclosed for use in an optical communication system including a light guide for transmitting light and means for producing phase modulation of the light using at least first and second tones. In the method, an operational region of SBS suppression is established as a function of the phase modulation of the light such that the operational region identifies combinations of first and second phase modulation levels at which optimum SBS suppression is achieved for the first and second tones. Thereafter, based on the operational region, the first and second phase modulation levels are adjusted such that the system operates with optimum SBS suppression. In one aspect, a contour map and associated method are introduced.

Abstract: A method of optimizing SBS suppression is disclosed for use in an optical communication system including a light guide for transmitting light and means for producing phase modulation of the light using at least first and second tones. In the method, an operational region of SBS suppression is established as a function of the phase modulation of the light such that the operational region identifies combinations of first and second phase modulation levels at which optimum SBS suppression is achieved for the first and second tones. Thereafter, based on the operational region, the first and second phase modulation levels are adjusted such that the system operates with optimum SBS suppression. In one aspect, a contour map and associated method are introduced.