The Agilent Keysight 8156A-101 is a low-power optical attenuator module engineered for precise attenuation control across fiber optic systems in research and production environments. It delivers 60 dB attenuation range with 0.001 dB resolution and 45 dB return loss. Settling time ranges from 20 ms to 400 ms depending on attenuation setting, while polarization-dependent loss remains <0.02 dB peak-to-peak.
Technical Specifications
• Attenuation Range: 60 dB (excluding insertion loss)
• Attenuation Resolution: 0.001 dB
• Attenuation Accuracy (linearity): 45 dB
• Insertion Loss: 2.5 dB typical
• Maximum Input Level: +23 dBm (200 mW)
• Settling Time: 20 ms to 400 ms
• Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL): <0.02 dB peak-to-peak typical
• Power Requirements: 100/120/220/240 Vrms ±10%, 90 VA maximum
• Operating Temperature: 0 °C to 55 °C
• Storage Temperature: -40 °C to 80 °C
• Humidity: 60 dB isolation
• Back reflection capability via optional Agilent #1000BR backreflector
• GPIB (HPIB) control interface with SCPI command set and Agilent #15AA compatibility mode
– Typical Applications
• Optical power level testing and validation in single-mode fiber systems
• Wavelength-dependent attenuation measurements across telecom C and L bands
• Automated production testing via GPIB integration
• Return loss characterization with backreflector option
– Compatibility & Integration
Control via HPIB (GPIB) with full SCPI support enables straightforward integration into automated test systems. Interface function codes: SH1, AH1, T6, L4, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT0, C0. Dimensions 89 mm H × 212.3 mm W × 345 mm D; net weight 5.3 kg.
