The HP/Agilent 81591B is a 1×2 optical switch module engineered for automated signal routing within Agilent’s Lightwave Solution Platform. This compact, modular component enables flexible optical switching across both single-mode and multimode fiber systems, supporting applications including transceiver/receiver testing and passive optical component characterization.
## Technical Specifications
**Optical Performance**
• Switch configuration: 1×2
• Supported fiber types: Single-mode (9/125 µm SMF) and multimode (62.5/125 µm MMF)
• Single-mode wavelength range: 1270 nm to 1670 nm
• Multimode wavelength range: 700 nm to 1400 nm
• Insertion loss: Typically < 1.0 dB (both SMF and MMF); maximum < 2.0 dB for single-mode
• Polarization dependent loss (PDL): Typically 55 dB for SMF
• Crosstalk: Typically −70 dB
• Repeatability: ±0.020 dB maximum variation over 10,000 random cycles
• Switching time: < 10 ms
• Maximum input power: +20 dBm
**Physical & Environmental**
• Dimensions: 75 mm × 32 mm × 335 mm
• Weight: 0.5 kg
• Operating temperature: 10°C to 45°C
• Storage temperature: −40°C to 70°C
• Humidity: Non-condensing
• Warm-up time: 30 min
## Key Features
• Individually controllable switch positions per module
• Exceptional repeatability: ±0.020 dB over 10,000 cycles ensures stable, reproducible measurements
• Dual fiber-type support enables single platform deployment across diverse test configurations
• Low insertion loss and high return loss maintain signal integrity in precision optical systems
• Lifetime rating exceeds 10 million switching cycles for extended operational reliability
## Connectivity
• Single-mode modules: FC/APC angled connectors (narrow keying)
• Multimode modules: FC/PC straight connectors
## Compatibility & Integration
The 81591B integrates directly into Agilent's Lightwave Solution Platform chassis, including 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B models. Part of the 8159xB product family, it operates as a plug-in module within the platform's modular architecture.
