JDSU

OLA-55

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JDSU OLA-55 is a portable tunable optical attenuator. JDSU OLA-55 operates at calibrated wavelengths of 1310 nm, 1550 nm, and 1625 nm. JDSU OLA-55 provides a maximum attenuation of 60 dB.^[1]

OLA-55 — tehencom.com — Fig. 01OLA-55tehencom.com^[1]

Plate 01JDSU OLA-55 SMART Optical Level Attenuator
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Plate 02JDSU OLA-55 M SMART Optical Fiber Attenuator
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Plate 03Sunday With Ola 55
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Performance

0.8 dB^[1]

Optics

Portable tunable optical attenuator^[1]

What it is

The JDSU OLA-55 is a portable tunable optical attenuator used in fiber optic test and measurement applications. The OLA-55 is designed for use with singlemode fiber and is calibrated at 1310 nm, 1550 nm, and 1625 nm wavelengths, while operating across a broader range of 1260 nm to 1650 nm.^[1]

How it works

General reference — not yet source-verified

Portable tunable optical attenuators such as the JDSU OLA-55 operate by inserting a controlled loss into the optical path, typically using a variable neutral-density filter, a mechanical shutter, or a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) that blocks or scatters a portion of the light. The attenuation level is set by the user, often via a rotary knob or keypad, and is displayed on a built-in screen. The device is inserted between the optical source and the device under test.

Applications

Specifically, the OLA-55 is intended for use with singlemode fiber in the 1260 nm to 1650 nm wavelength range, covering the O-, E-, S-, C-, and L-bands commonly used in long-haul and metro optical networks.^[1]

What do the numbers mean?

Optics & imaging10

Type: Portable tunable optical attenuator^[1]
Calibrated wavelengths: 1310 nm, 1550 nm, 1625 nm^[1]
Product type: Portable tunable optical attenuator^[1]
Calibrated wavelengths: 1310, 1550, 1625 nm^[1]
Category: Portable tunable optical attenuator^[1]
Maximum optical power: Works with powers up to +23 dBm^[1]
Operating wavelength range: 1260-1650 nm^[1]
Operating wavelengths: 1260 - 1650 nm^[1]
Device type: Portable tunable optical attenuator^[1]
Wavelengths (calibrated): 1310, 1550, 1625 nm^[1]

Performance1

Attenuation accuracy: 0.8 dB^[1]

Configuration & options13

Fiber type: Singlemode^[1]
Maximum attenuation: 60 dB^[1]
Insertion loss: 2–2.5 dB^[1]
Maximum input power: +23 dBm^[1]
Insertion loss: 2 to 2.5 dB^[1]
Maximum input power: Up to +23 dBm^[1]
Portability: Portable^[1]
Model: OLA-55^[1]
Maximum operating power: Up to +23 dBm^[1]
Operating power: Works with powers up to +23 dBm^[1]
Operating power: up to +23 dBm^[1]
Power handling: Works with powers up to +23 dBm^[1]
Works with powers up to: +23 dBm^[1]

Vintage & configurations

Documented models & variants

Designation	Generation	Vintage	Changes	Source
OLA-55M	—	—	Adds operating wavelength range 1260–1650 nm and specifies insertion loss as less than 2.5 dB.	tehencom.com^[1]
OLA-54	—	—	multimode fiber type (50/125 µm), calibrated wavelengths at 850 and 1300 nm	tehencom.com^[1]
JDSU OLA-54	—	—	Singlemode vs multimode variant: OLA-54 uses calibrated wavelengths 850 and 1300 nm and multimode 50/125 µm fiber, while OLA-55 uses singlemode fiber and calibrated wavelengths 1310, 1550, and 1625 nm.	tehencom.com^[1]
JDSU OLA-55M	—	—	Operating wavelengths 1260-1650 nm, calibrated wavelengths 1310, 1550, 1625 nm, insertion loss less than 2.5 dB	tehencom.com^[1]

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What replaced it?

siblingJDSU OLA-54— Multimode (50/125 µm) variant with calibrated wavelengths 850 nm, 1300 nmsource^[1]
siblingJDSU OLA-55M— Listed in the same catalog as a portable tunable optical attenuator with calibrated wavelengths 1310, 1550, 1625 nm, operating wavelengths 1260-1650 nm, singlemode fiber, 60 dB maximum attenuation, insertion loss less than 2.5 dB, attenuation accuracy 0.8 dB, and powers up to +23 dBm.source^[1]

Where are the manuals?

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Not publicly documented

Field notes

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Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum attenuation of the JDSU OLA-55?

The maximum attenuation is 60 dB.^[1]

What fiber type does the OLA-55 support?

The OLA-55 supports singlemode fiber.^[1]

Which calibrated wavelengths are available for the OLA-55?

The calibrated wavelengths are 1310 nm, 1550 nm, and 1625 nm.^[1]

What is the attenuation accuracy of the OLA-55?

The attenuation accuracy is 0.8 dB.^[1]

What is the insertion loss of the OLA-55?

The insertion loss is 2 dB to 2.5 dB.^[1]

Can the OLA-55 handle high optical power?

Yes, it works with optical powers up to +23 dBm.^[1]

Not publicly documented

The following facts about the OLA-55 are absent from this record as of this revision. First-hand knowledge or a citation closes a gap; every submission is reviewed before publication.

No publicly documented production dates or lifecycle milestones (introduction, end of production, EOL) for the OLA-55 are on record.
Answerable by: OEM historical records or a trade-press announcement
The control-system platform and OS era of the OLA-55 are not on record.
Answerable by: an engineer who operated it or OEM installation records
No publicly documented failure modes or field errata for the OLA-55 are on record.
Answerable by: a field service engineer, process engineer, or maintenance technician
The process node or technology generation of the OLA-55 is not on record.
Answerable by: an OEM datasheet or a fab qualification report
No publicly documented compatible parts, consumables, or accessories for the OLA-55 are on record.
Answerable by: an OEM parts catalog or a service engineer