The HP 8156A with Option 101 is a programmable optical attenuator engineered for precise control of optical power levels in fiber optic communication systems. This instrument delivers 60 dB attenuation range with 0.001 dB resolution and ±0.05 dB typical linearity, making it ideal for automated testing, receiver performance evaluation, and signal loss simulation. The Option 101 configuration features >45 dB return loss and PC-type connectors, supporting both single-mode and multimode fiber applications across the 1200 nm to 1650 nm wavelength range. With ±0.005 dB repeatability and <0.02 dB typical polarization sensitivity, the 8156A maintains high fidelity in research, development, and production environments. Programmable attenuation sweeps, automatic wavelength correction, and internal modulation at 270 Hz, 1 kHz, or 2 kHz provide flexible test capabilities. The instrument accepts up to +23 dBm maximum input level and delivers switching times of 20–400 ms. HP-IB (GPIB) programming interface enables integration into automated test systems.
Technical Specifications
• Attenuation range: 60 dB (excluding insertion loss)
• Resolution: 0.001 dB
• Wavelength range: 1200 nm to 1650 nm
• Insertion loss (typical): 2.5 dB
• Attenuation accuracy (typical linearity): ±0.05 dB
• Polarization sensitivity (typical): 45 dB
• Maximum input level: +23 dBm
• Repeatability (typical): ±0.005 dB
• Switching time: 20–400 ms
• Internal modulation: CW or pulse-modulated (270 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz)
• Operating temperature: 0°C to +55°C
• Power: 100/120/220/240 V rms, ±10%, 90 VA max, 45–400 Hz
– Key Features
• Automatic wavelength correction for accurate attenuation settings
• Programmable attenuation sweeps (up and down)
• Back reflector mode for component and system reflection sensitivity measurement
• User calibration with storable datapoints
• Monitor output available (Options 121, 221)
• Non-volatile memory backup (≥10 years off-state retention)
– Compatible Fiber Types
• Single-mode: 9/125 µm
• Multimode: 50 µm (Option 350)
• Optical connector: PC (Option 101); requires HP 81000xI Series interface connectors
– Typical Applications
• Automated fiber optic system testing and calibration
• Receiver sensitivity and performance evaluation
• Signal loss simulation in communication networks
• Reflection sensitivity measurement (with external reference reflector)
