Next Generation Optical Fiber Preform Analyzer Features Significant Design Improvements
Virtually every meter of optical fiber in use today was at some point drawn from an optical fiber preform that was characterized with a Photon Kinetics refractive index profiler such as the 2600 Preform Analyzer. The 2600 has been a cornerstone of the Photon Kinetics preform analysis family since the early 90s and over that time it has undergone a number of significant hardware and software design improvements. However, none of these previous improvements have been as extensive as the ones most recently implemented. Completely redesigned electronics/control hardware plus an entirely new software platform have resulted in the successor to the 2600, the next generation 2650 Preform Analyzer.
The 2650 hardware features a 3rd generation, USB-based, electronics and control package. This package, designed by PK specifically for the 2650, replaces third-party motor electronics/controls and is expected to improve both reliability and long-term support. Like other recently introduced PK products, the new 2650 utilizes the Photon Kinetics Scripting Language (PKSL) software application. Running on Windows™ 10, PKSL not only provides preform measurement technicians with an entirely new, easy-to- use graphic user interface, but it also features script-based programming that provides users with significantly greater flexibility in customizing data acquisition and performing customized post processing of the preform index profile data.
In addition to being installed on all new 2650 Preform Analyzers, the new electronics/control package and PKSL software will also be available as an upgrade for existing 2600 analyzers. Current 2600 customers are strongly encouraged to plan for this upgrade since the introduction of the 2650 marks the beginning of the 5-year support period for the previous generation 2600 Preform Analyzers. “We are pleased to be releasing an important update to this proven industry workhorse with our current generation hardware and software platforms” said Warren Hill, VP of Marketing and Sales. “A key value proposition of virtually all Photon Kinetics products is a very long service life and long-term support. We are continuing that tradition by providing an upgrade path for older 2600 systems, many of which have been fully depreciated, enabling continued use and support at a fraction of the cost of a replacement system”
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