Alcatel-Lucent LAMBDAXTREME WWAA36 Optical Amplifier Module – WMAPUMYAAB

The Alcatel-Lucent LAMBDAXTREME WWAA36 Optical Amplifier Module, designated as S1:5 OA and carrying the product code WMAPUMYAAB, is a high-performance erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) designed for dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) optical transport networks. This module is a critical component in Alcatel-Lucent's LAMBDAXTREME family, offering reliable signal amplification across the C-band with exceptional gain flatness and low noise figure.

Product Overview

This optical amplifier module is engineered for both long-haul and metro DWDM applications, providing up to 22 dB of gain with a typical noise figure below 5 dB. It supports flexible gain adjustment and automatic power control, ensuring stable output power despite input signal variations. The WWAA36 variant is optimized for 36-channel systems, making it ideal for dense channel spacing scenarios.

The module incorporates advanced pump laser redundancy and integrated photodiodes for real-time monitoring of input/output power, gain, and pump current. Its compact S1:5 form factor allows high-density packing in LAMBDAXTREME shelves, reducing rack space while maximizing system capacity.

Key Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Optical Amplifier (OA) Module

• Model: LAMBDAXTREME WWAA36

• Part Number: WMAPUMYAAB

• Operating Band: C-band (1529 nm – 1565 nm)

• Gain Range: 15 dB to 22 dB (adjustable)

• Gain Flatness: ±0.5 dB over full band

• Noise Figure: ≤ 5 dB (typical)

• Output Power: +18 dBm (max)

• Input Power Range: -20 dBm to +5 dBm

• Pump Laser: dual-stage with automatic current control

• Control Interface: I²C and RS-485

• Power Consumption: 25 W typical

Advanced Features

The WWAA36 OA module features a built-in variable optical attenuator (VOA) for precise gain tilt adjustment, enabling dynamic channel equalization. Its transient suppression capability ensures that add/drop events do not cause power spikes or dips, preserving signal integrity. The module also supports both automatic gain control (AGC) and automatic power control (APC) modes, giving network operators flexibility in managing optical performance.

For protection switching, the module includes redundant pump lasers and a fast response time of less than 1 millisecond. Environmental monitoring includes temperature, humidity, and voltage sensors, with alarms triggered upon out-of-range conditions.

Deployment Scenarios

This optical amplifier is commonly deployed in DWDM terminal stations, in-line repeaters, and ROADM nodes. It amplifies aggregate WDM signals before transmission over fiber spans, compensating for attenuation introduced by long cables and passive components. In metro rings, it boosts signals to extend reach between hubs, while in long-haul networks, multiple OAs are cascaded to cross thousands of kilometers.

Integration with Alcatel-Lucent's Network Management System (NMS) allows centralised monitoring and configuration, reducing operational overhead. The module's hot-swappable design enables field replacement without interrupting traffic, a critical requirement for carrier-class availability.

Compatibility and Standards

The WWAA36 is fully compliant with ITU-T G.692 and G.664 recommendations for optical amplifiers and protection mechanisms. It interoperates with other LAMBDAXTREME modules, including MUX/DEMUX, optical switches, and dispersion compensation units. The module supports both standard single-mode fiber and dispersion-shifted fiber, ensuring broad applicability in heterogeneous networks.

Maintenance and Diagnostics

Onboard diagnostics provide detailed performance data, including total input/output power per channel, gain ripple, and optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) estimation. The module generates performance monitoring (PM) and threshold crossing alerts (TCA) for proactive maintenance. Firmware upgrades can be performed in-service via the control bus, ensuring minimal disruption.

Conclusion

The Alcatel-Lucent LAMBDAXTREME WWAA36 Optical Amplifier Module (WMAPUMYAAB) is a mature, high-reliability solution for optical transport networks. Its combination of high gain, low noise, and advanced control features makes it indispensable for modern DWDM systems, enabling higher capacity and longer distances while simplifying network management.