The Keysight/Agilent/HP 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System is a modular mainframe designed for optical component and fiber optic network testing. It accommodates up to 17 front-loadable optical modules in slim slots, enabling measurement of power, wavelength, and polarization across diverse fiber optic applications. The platform supports a wide range of 8163A-series modules including tunable lasers, fixed-wavelength sources, power sensors, attenuators, optical switches, and return loss measurement modules.
Technical Specifications
• Module capacity: 17 slim slots, front-accessible
• Display: 190 × 300 point monochrome graphical display
• Trigger: True synchronous triggering with configurable hardware input/output trigger ports
• Wavelength sweep: Supported via hp816x_prepareLambdaScan and hp816x_executeLambdaScan functions
• AC power: 100–240 VAC ±10%, 50/60 Hz ±5%, 450 VA maximum
• Fuse: F10.0A/250V fast-acting
• Battery: Disc-shaped Lithium Thionyl Chloride cell
– Key Features
• Multi-module architecture supporting compact tunable lasers, DFB sources, fixed-wavelength lasers, single/dual power sensors, fast power sensors, optical interface modules, return loss modules, attenuators, and optical switches
• Slot numbering 1–17 as marked on front panel
• Dual-channel capability for modules with dual inputs/outputs (e.g., dual power sensors use channels 1 and 2)
• SCPI command support for remote control
– Compatibility & Integration
Compatible with 8163A Lightwave Multimeter series modules. Not compatible with 815xxx series or HP 8153A modules (part numbers below 81600). Remote control via GPIB, RS-232 serial port, and parallel port (Centronics) interfaces enable integration into automated test environments.
