The Agilent/Keysight 83427A Chromatic Dispersion Test Set is a specialized instrument for precise measurement of chromatic dispersion in single-mode optical fibers. It characterizes how different wavelengths travel at different speeds through fiber, a critical parameter affecting data transmission quality and bandwidth in high-speed optical networks. The 83427A identifies and quantifies dispersion to support fiber selection and implementation of dispersion compensation techniques, ensuring signal integrity across long-haul and high-speed communication links.
Technical Specifications
• Measurement Type: Chromatic Dispersion
• Fiber Type: Single-Mode Fiber (SMF)
• Wavelength Range: 1310 nm and 1550 nm bands
• Measurement Method: Time-of-Flight (TOF) or Phase Shift methods
• Dispersion Measurement Accuracy: Specified in picoseconds per nanometer (ps/nm)
• Light Source: Integrated or external tunable laser or broadband source
• Detector: High-sensitivity optical detector optimized for telecommunications wavelengths
• Data Acquisition: Internal processing and data logging
• Power Requirements: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• Warm-up Time: Required for stable operation after power-on
• Fiber Connector Types: FC/APC, SC/APC or equivalent standard optical connectors
• Form Factor: Benchtop instrument
• User Interface: Front-panel controls with results display
• Connectivity: GPIB, Ethernet, or USB interfaces for data transfer and instrument control
– Key Features
• Dedicated input/output ports for fiber under test and reference connections
• Internal signal processing with integrated data logging
• Supports standard telecommunications wavelength bands
• Compatible with installed and manufactured optical fiber characterization
– Typical Applications
• Long-haul optical network fiber characterization
• High-speed transmission link dispersion assessment
• Optical fiber selection and qualification
• Dispersion compensation technique validation
• Fiber optic testing laboratory measurements
– Compatibility & Integration
The 83427A interfaces with laboratory infrastructure via standard optical connectors and integrates into automated test systems through GPIB, Ethernet, and USB connectivity. Front-panel operation enables standalone measurement capability.
