A WDM EDFA (Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier) with a 16x19 configuration is a high-power optical amplifier integrated with a Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) combiner. As of 2026, these are critical components in high-capacity CATV and FTTH (GPON/XGS-PON) networks, used to amplify 1550nm video signals and combine them with 1310/1490nm data signals for delivery over a single fiber.
Configuration Breakdown
16 Input Ports (PON): Designed to receive data signals from an OLT (Optical Line Terminal) at 1310/1490nm.
19 Output Ports: The combined signals (Data + Video) are distributed across 19 output ports to serve multiple fiber nodes or end-users.
WDM Integration: Internally multiplexes the 1550nm CATV analog/digital signal with the OLT's data wavelengths.
Key Technical Specifications
Feature Typical Specification
Output Power per Port Usually ranges from 17 dBm to 23 dBm per port.
Operating Wavelength 1530nm – 1565nm (C-band) for amplification.
Pass-through Wavelength 1310nm / 1490nm (for GPON) or 1270nm / 1577nm (for XGS-PON).
Noise Figure Low noise, typically < 5.0 dB (at 0 dBm input).
Optical Return Loss ≥ 45 dB.
Pump Laser High-performance JDSU or II-VI cooling-type pump lasers.
Advanced Features
Dual Power Supplies: Most 2026 models feature hot-swappable AC/DC redundant power supplies (110V/220V) for zero-downtime reliability.
APC, ACC, and ATC Control: Features Automatic Power Control (APC), Automatic Current Control (ACC), and Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) to ensure stable output power and laser longevity.
Network Management: Equipped with an SNMP (RJ45) interface and an RS232 console port for remote monitoring of laser status, power levels, and temperatures via a web GUI or management software.
LCD Front Panel: Provides real-time status updates and allows for manual configuration of parameters.
Applications in 2026
Triple Play Services: Delivering high-speed internet, VoIP, and CATV over a single fiber using a single device.
High-Density FTTH: Efficiently splitting a single CATV source to serve up to 19 different areas or high-rise buildings.
Large-Scale GPON/XGS-PON: Used by Tier-2 and Tier-3 ISPs to maintain high-quality video signals across long-distance distribution networks.
