Ando AQ6317C optical spectrum analyzer repair

The AQ6317C is the refined version of Ando’s flagship OSA - same 600 to 1750 nm range as the B model, with the RBW floor tightened to 0.01 nm and improved wavelength accuracy. It was the instrument of choice in DWDM labs and photonics R&D for years. Ando no longer exists as a repair resource, and Yokogawa’s coverage doesn’t extend back to this hardware.

Failure patterns on the AQ6317C mirror the B closely. The grating motor mechanism wears over time and either stalls or produces erratic sweep behavior. The CRT display ages and loses brightness or horizontal uniformity. Wavelength readings drift outside the ±0.01 nm spec - tighter than the B, which means drift is more likely to become a measurement problem. Board-level capacitor failures on the sweep control card are common and often responsible for intermittent boot issues.

We bench-test each incoming AQ6317C with calibrated DFB sources at 1310 and 1550 nm, check sweep speed and trace repeatability, and use a broadband source to check sensitivity across the full span. Repair is component-level throughout. We replace failed components on the board, clean and realign the optical path, and adjust the monochromator to factory tolerances. NIST-traceable calibration completes the service; the cal cert includes pre- and post-repair data.

Flat-rate estimate: $100, applied toward the repair. Turnaround 1–3 days. International shipping available.