Coherent Optical Receiver
Turn-Key Coherent Optical Receiver for Oscilloscope-Based Testing
The CORX Coherent Optical Receiver is a fully integrated, turn-key coherent receiver instrument designed to interface seamlessly with...
Coherent Optical Receiver
Precision Reception for High-Speed Optical Signals with Coherent Optical Receiver (CORX)
Turn-Key Coherent Optical Receiver for Oscilloscope-Based Testing
The CORX Coherent Optical Receiver is a fully integrated, turn-key coherent receiver instrument designed to interface seamlessly with any real-time oscilloscope through four single-ended RF output channels. By mixing the incoming optical test signal with a built-in local laser oscillator (LO), the CORX enables precise coherent detection of polarisation-multiplexed optical signals. This architecture makes it an ideal reference receiver for advanced coherent optical communication testing.
High-Fidelity C-Band IQ Signal Analysis
Optimised for operation in the C-Band, the CORX supports accurate characterisation of IQ-modulated optical signals, including dual-polarisation coherent modulation formats. It is specifically designed for transmitter characterisation, performance benchmarking, and in-depth coherent signal analysis. The stable and repeatable detection performance ensures reliable results for DWDM systems, coherent transceiver validation, and photonics R&D applications.
Scalable Bandwidth for Terabit-Class Optical Signals
The CORX is available with 20 GHz, 40 GHz, and 60 GHz bandwidth options, providing flexibility to match evolving test requirements. These configurations enable the processing of terabit-class optical signals and support baud rates beyond 120 GBaud, making the CORX a future-ready solution for high-speed optical networks. Its scalability and performance make it well-suited for both research laboratories and production test environments focused on next-generation coherent optical systems.
Understanding Coherent Optical Receiver
CORX is a 20/40/60 GHz dual-polarisation IQ receiver with built-in LO and TIA. Perfect for QPSK, 16-QAM, and DWDM signal analysis. Acts as a complete optical interface for real-time oscilloscopes, enabling precise IQ demodulation of high-speed coherent signals. Supports QPSK, 8-PSK, 16-QAM, and higher-order formats for validating complex modulation schemes in research and development. Used for measuring output quality, IQ skew, phase noise, and linearity of optical transmitters and modulators. Enables real-time signal capture and post-processing for testing DSP algorithms in coherent receivers and digital back-ends.
Technical Specifications
Bandwidth Variants
- 20 GHz, 40 GHz, 60 GHz (user selectable at time of order)
RF Specifications
- Low Frequency Cutoff: 1 MHz
- RF Output Swing: 600 mV
- Output Impedance: 50 Ohm
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <5%
- RF CMRR: -20 dBe
- IQ Skew: ±3 ps
- XY Polarisation Skew: ±5 ps
Optical Specifications
- Wavelength Range: 1528 – 1568 nm (C-Band)
- Polarisation Extinction Ratio (PER): >17 dB
- Return Loss (at 1550 nm): 27 dB
- Responsivity: 0.035 A/W
- Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA): 10 dB
Local Oscillator Specs
- Frequency Range: 190.70 – 196.65 THz
- Linewidth: <100 kHz (25 kHz typical)
- Frequency Accuracy: ±0.3 GHz over 24 hours
- Output Power: 10–16 dBm
- Fibre Type: PM PANDA with PER > 20 dB
Connectivity & Control
- Interfaces: USB, Ethernet
- Control: SCPI commands, Built-in web server
- GUI: Web browser GUI (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
Mechanical & Electrical
- Dimensions: 365 × 45 × 275 mm
- Weight: 3 kg
- Power Supply: 100–240 VAC, 1A, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption: 80W
Key Features and Advantages
High-Bandwidth Dual-Polarisation Reception
- Available in 20 GHz, 40 GHz, and 60 GHz bandwidth versions
- Dual polarisation support for full IQ demodulation
- Excellent phase accuracy with ±3 ps IQ skew and ±5 ps XY skew
Ideal for characterising modulated signals with high spectral efficiency in real time.
Built-In Tunable Local Oscillator (LO)
- C-Band LO: 190.70–196.65 THz (1528–1568 nm)
- Linewidth: <100 kHz (25 kHz typical)
- Output Power: 10–16 dBm, fine-tuned in 1 MHz steps
- Polarisation-maintaining PANDA fibre (PER > 20 dB)
This integrated LO simplifies coherent mixing without needing external laser sources.
Integrated Transimpedance Amplifiers (TIAs)
Each IQ output channel features a high-speed TIA with:
- 600 mV RF output swing
- 50 Ohm output impedance
- Low distortion: <5% THD
- Support for low-power signals
Connect directly to high-bandwidth oscilloscopes or digitizers.
Web-Based GUI & Remote Automation
- Browser-based GUI accessible via Ethernet
- USB and Ethernet control with SCPI command compatibility
- No external software needed
- Easy integration into automated test benches using Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB
Compact, Rack-Mountable Design
- 1U (1HE) chassis: 365 x 45 x 275 mm
- Weight: 3 kg
- Fits standard 19” racks – perfect for labs, universities, and telecom testbeds
Applications Across Industries
Optical Front-End for Real-Time Oscilloscopes
Provides a complete coherent receiver interface for high-speed scopes:
- Enables phase- and amplitude-resolved signal capture
- Suitable for QPSK, 8-PSK, and 16-QAM signal analysis
- High output fidelity for precise DSP recovery
DWDM Transmission and Receiver Testing
Use CORX to validate:
- Multi-channel DWDM links
- Coherent detection and demodulation schemes
- Channel selectivity and frequency accuracy
Its built-in LO and wide C-band tuning range support channel-by-channel DWDM validation.
Advanced Modulation Format Testing
- Full IQ signal separation and linear output response
- Ideal for modulation format development and BER analysis
- Supports lab-grade and production testing environments
Reference Receiver for Optical Component Characterisation
Perfect for:
- Testing optical IQ modulators, DACs, filters, and amplifiers
- Measuring signal-to-noise ratio, linearity, and response bandwidth
- Ensuring compliance with coherent interface standards
DSP Algorithm Development & Validation
- Supports DSP simulation and real-time validation
- Ideal for algorithm refinement in coherent receivers and digital back-ends
Use in academic and industrial research to accelerate innovation in signal recovery.
Why Choose United Spectrum Instruments?
- Wide bandwidth options (20 / 40 / 60 GHz)
- Integrated tunable LO – no need for external laser
- Built-in TIAs – clean and amplified signal outputs
- Browser-based GUI & SCPI for remote control and automation
- 1U compact design with full C-band coverage
- Backed by United Spectrum Instruments’ support in India
FAQs
What is the main advantage of the built-in local oscillator in CORX?
It simplifies setup by removing the need for external LO lasers and guarantees stable, phase-coherent signal mixing within the C-band.
Can the CORX be used with any real-time oscilloscope?
Yes, the CORX delivers high-fidelity IQ outputs through 50 Ohm interfaces compatible with most scopes and A/D converters.
Is the CORX suitable for production environments?
Yes. Its compact design, SCPI automation, and web-based GUI make it ideal for automated optical test setups in both R&D and production lines.
Can I automate tests with Python or LabVIEW?
Absolutely. The SCPI-compatible command set allows full automation with Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, and other platforms.
Who distributes CORX in India?
United Spectrum Instruments is the official distributor of CORX in India, providing sales, integration support, and after-sales service across telecom, defence, and research verticals.
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FAQs
What is the main advantage of the built-in local oscillator in CORX?
It simplifies setup by removing the need for external LO lasers and guarantees stable, phase-coherent signal mixing within the C-band.
Can the CORX be used with any real-time oscilloscope?
Yes, the CORX delivers high-fidelity IQ outputs through 50 Ohm interfaces compatible with most scopes and A/D converters.
Is the CORX suitable for production environments?
Yes. Its compact design, SCPI automation, and web-based GUI make it ideal for automated optical test setups in both R&D and production lines.
Can I automate tests with Python or LabVIEW?
Absolutely. The SCPI-compatible command set allows full automation with Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, and other platforms.
Who distributes CORX in India?
United Spectrum Instruments is the official distributor of CORX in India, providing sales, integration support, and after-sales service across telecom, defence, and research verticals.
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