The Keysight/Agilent/HP 8153A Lightwave Multimeter is a modular mainframe for optical power and wavelength measurements in fiber optic communication systems. Two slots accommodate single or dual-slot plug-in modules, enabling flexible configuration as a power meter, light source, loss test set, or return loss test set. The dual-channel architecture features independent six-digit main displays and eight-character auxiliary displays per channel, with measurement capabilities from +30 dBm to −110 dBm (1000.00 mW to 0.01 pW).
Technical Specifications
Mainframe
• Display: Dual-channel with six-digit main and eight-character auxiliary display per channel
• Power Measurement Range: +30 dBm to −110 dBm (1000.00 mW to 0.01 pW)
• Calibration Factor (Display Offset): ±200.000 dB
• Reference: ±200.000 dBm/dB
• Data Acquisition Memory: 500 results per channel (≥20 ms/data point)
• Data Averaging Time: 20 ms to 60 minutes (selectable)
• Total Acquisition Time: 20 ms to 99:59:59 hours (selectable)
• Operating Temperature: 0 °C to +55 °C
• Storage Temperature: −40 °C to +70 °C
• Humidity: <95% RH (0 °C to +40 °C)
• Power Input: AC 100–240 Vrms (±10%, 48–66 Hz), 35 VA max; optional DC 12–30 V
• Dimensions: 89 mm H × 212.3 mm W × 355 mm D (3.5" × 8.36" × 14.0")
• Weight: 2.5 kg net (4.5 kg shipping)
Optical Power Meter Modules (example InGaAs type)
• Sensor: InGaAs
• Wavelength Range: 1250–1600 nm (other types: 450–1700 nm)
• Power Range: +3 dBm to −80 dBm (other modules: +10 dBm to −110 dBm)
• Dynamic Range: Up to 65 dB
• Relative Uncertainty: ±0.25 dB (0–50 dB) / ±0.50 dB (50–60 dB)
• Total Uncertainty (Typical): ±0.40 dB (0–50 dB) / ±0.65 dB (50–60 dB)
• Warm-up Time: 5 minutes
Optical Source Modules (example specifications)
• Output Attenuation: 0–6 dB continuously adjustable in 0.1 dB steps
• Internal Digital Modulation: 270 Hz, 1 kHz (selectable)
– Key Features
• Dual-slot modularity accommodates one dual-slot or two single-slot modules
• HP-IB programmability with SCPI command support
• Fast data transfer: 20 ms for single measurement; <800 ms for 100 results from memory
• Extended acquisition and averaging capabilities for statistical analysis
• Compact form factor with dual independent measurement channels
– Typical Applications
• Fiber optic system characterization and testing
• Optical power and wavelength verification
• Return loss and insertion loss measurements
• Laboratory and field deployment testing
– Compatibility & Integration
HP-IB interface with function codes SH1, AH1, T6, L4, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT1, C0, E2. All modes and parameters are programmable via SCPI command set.
