The Agilent/Keysight 8153A Lightwave Multimeter Mainframe is a modular optical test instrument designed for power and wavelength measurements across telecommunications and research applications. The mainframe accommodates one or two plug-in modules from the 815xx series, including DFB lasers, LED sources, Fabry-Perot laser sources, power meters, and electrical power sensors. Dual-channel architecture enables simultaneous measurements on independent channels, each with a six-digit main display and eight-character auxiliary display.
The instrument measures optical power from +30 dBm to −110 dBm (1000.00 mW to 0.01 pW) with calibration factor adjustment of ±200.000 dB and reference capability of ±200.000 dBm/dB. Data acquisition supports up to 500 measurement results per channel with selectable averaging times from 20 ms to 60 minutes and total acquisition windows extending to 99:59:59 hours. Analog output bandwidth spans DC to 300−1000 Hz depending on range and optical head, with 0−2 V into open circuit and 600 Ω typical output impedance.
Power sensor modules deliver sensitivities from −70 dBm down to −110 dBm across the 450 nm to 1700 nm wavelength range. External optical heads support power levels from +27 dBm to −90 dBm. Source modules feature variable attenuation from 0 dB to 6 dB in 0.1 dB increments with selectable internal digital modulation at 270 Hz or 1 kHz.
GPIB interface with full SCPI command support enables programmable control of modes and parameters, transferring single measurement results in 20 ms and 100 stored results in under 800 ms. AC power input rated 100−240 Vrms (±10%), 48−66 Hz, 35 VA maximum; optional DC input 12 V to 30 V available. Compact form factor: 89 mm H × 212.3 mm W × 355 mm D, weighing 2.5 kg net.
