The Keysight/Agilent/HP 8164B Lightwave Mainframe is a modular test platform for optical component and system characterization. It accommodates one high-end tunable laser source slot and four compact module slots for power meters, return loss modules, tunable lasers, or fixed sources. The mainframe delivers true synchronous triggering across all channels at rates to 100 kHz, with external digital modulation capability at 1 MHz (50% duty cycle). A graphical active color display (640 × 480 points visible, 4 updates/second) provides real-time measurement visualization, with optional VGA output for external monitors.
Technical Specifications
Module Architecture
• One slot for high-end tunable laser source (TLS)
• Four slots for compact plug-in modules
Triggering & Synchronization
• True synchronous triggering on all channels
• Maximum trigger rate: 100 kHz
• External digital modulation: 1 MHz (50% duty cycle)
• Extended system trigger and clocking architecture
Display & Readout
• Graphical active color display: 640 × 480 points visible
• Update rate: 4 updates per second
• VGA connector for external monitor
• Power meter display resolution: 0.0001 dB/dBm, 0.01 pW to 10 pW
• User-definable readout to 6.5 digits
Data Management
• Integrated floppy disk for setup and data logging
Power Requirements
• AC 100 to 240 V ±10%, 50/60 Hz
– Key Features
• Supports 8153A Series, 8163A/B Series, and 816xxA tunable laser sources
• GPIB interface (SCPI standard, 300 kB/sec burst rate)
• 10/100BASE-T Ethernet for remote programming
• RS-232 serial interface: up to 115200 bps
• Centronics parallel printer port
• Physical dimensions: 145 mm H × 426 mm W × 545 mm L
– Typical Applications
• Passive component test
• Laser and detector characterization
• Stability monitoring
• Loss over wavelength measurement
• Return loss analysis
– Compatibility & Integration
The 8164B is the only 816xB mainframe capable of hosting 816xxA tunable laser sources. Full GPIB accessibility with code compatibility to the HP 8153A Lightwave Multimeter (reference Programming Guide part 08164-90B65 or 08764-91026).
