The Agilent 81577A Variable Optical Attenuator Module is a plug-in instrument for the Agilent/Keysight Lightwave Solution Platform that delivers precise, controlled optical signal attenuation across the 1200 nm to 1700 nm band. Operating with single-mode 9/125 µm SMF28 fiber, the module attenuates signals from 0 dB to 60 dB with ±0.1 dB accuracy and 0.001 dB resolution. It integrates a built-in power meter, photodiode feedback circuit, and electronic shutter to enable direct output power control, automatic input power correction, and simplified referencing—eliminating the need for external instrumentation during receiver testing and system margin validation.
Technical Specifications
• Attenuation Range: 0 dB to 60 dB
• Wavelength Range: 1200 nm to 1700 nm (single-mode)
• Fiber Type: Single-mode 9/125 µm SMF28
• Attenuation Accuracy: ±0.1 dB
• Resolution: 0.001 dB
• Wavelength Flatness: < 0.05 dB
• Return Loss: Typically 57 dB
• Maximum Input Power: +33 dBm or 2 W
• Repeatability: < 10 mdB
• Polarization-Dependent Loss (PDL): Low
• Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD): Low
• Chromatic Dispersion (CD): Low
– Key Features
• Integrated power control with photodiode feedback maintains set output power independent of input variations
• Built-in power meter enables transmission power setting rather than attenuation-only operation
• Electronic shutter protects downstream equipment and simplifies power meter zeroing without optical path disruption
• Built-in calibration capability reduces measurement uncertainty across multi-wavelength test scenarios
• Angled connector interface for optimized return loss performance
– Typical Applications
• Optical receiver sensitivity and saturation testing
• System margin analysis in fiber optic networks
• Power level simulation and dynamic range verification
– Compatibility & Integration
The 81577A occupies two slots in Agilent/Keysight 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B Lightwave Solution Platform mainframes. Angled connector provides versatile interface integration within multi-slot chassis configurations.
