The HP/Agilent 8153A Lightwave Multimeter Mainframe is a dual-channel optical measurement instrument that accepts two plug-in HP 815xx series modules for flexible fiber optic testing configurations. It delivers precision optical power measurements across a dynamic range of +30 dBm to −110 dBm, with independent six-digit main displays and eight-character auxiliary displays per channel. The mainframe stores up to 500 measurement results per channel with 20 ms data acquisition resolution and selectable averaging from 20 ms to 60 minutes. Dual-channel architecture supports simultaneous measurement of different optical wavelengths and power levels, making it ideal for component characterization, system alignment, and field diagnostics in fiber optic applications.
Technical Specifications
• Measurement Range: +30 dBm to −110 dBm (1000.00 mW to 0.01 pW)
• Display: Dual-channel; six-digit main display plus eight-character auxiliary display per channel
• Data Acquisition: 500 results per channel; 20 ms per data point; averaging selectable 20 ms to 60 minutes
• Calibration Factor Offset: ±200.000 dB
• Reference Range: ±200.000 dBm/dB
• Module Slots: 2 slots for HP 815xx plug-in modules
• Power Supply: AC 100–240 Vrms, ±10%, 48–66 Hz, 35 VA maximum; DC Option 050 supports 12 V to 30 V input
• Physical: 89 mm H × 212.3 mm W × 355 mm D; 2.5 kg net weight
• Operating Temperature: 0 °C to +55 °C
• Storage Temperature: −40 °C to +70 °C
• Humidity: <95% RH (0 °C to +40 °C)
– Key Features
• Dual independent measurement channels with real-time simultaneous display
• HP-IB interface with SCPI command support for automation and remote control
• Internal data logging with 500-point memory per channel
• Sub-millisecond measurement transfer time (<800 ms for 100 results)
• Wide dynamic range accommodates high-power and ultra-low-power measurements
– Typical Applications
• Fiber optic component insertion loss and return loss characterization
• Laser and LED optical power measurement and stability monitoring
• Wavelength-dependent power measurement across 450 nm to 1700 nm
• System integration testing and field service diagnostics
– Compatibility & Integration
Accepts HP 815xx series modules including power sensor modules (81530A, 81531A, 81532A, 81536A), external measurement heads (81520A, 81521B, 81524A, 81525A), and optical light sources (81541MM, 81542MM, 81551MM, 81552SM, 81553SM, 81554SM).
