The Keysight/Agilent/HP 83440C is a DC-coupled optical-to-electrical converter that transforms modulated optical signals into electrical waveforms across the 1300 nm and 1550 nm bands. Operating to 20 GHz, this unamplified InGaAs photodiode detector enables direct analysis of optical pulses using standard electrical test instruments—oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and similar equipment. The hermetically sealed design prioritizes signal integrity with minimal distortion, direct front-panel mounting, and a universal optical interface paired with precision 3.5 mm microwave coaxial output.
Technical Specifications
Optical Input
• Wavelengths: 1300 nm, 1550 nm
• Universal optical interface; adapter options (e.g., FC/PC 81000FI) may be required
Electrical Output
• Connector: Precision 3.5 mm microwave coaxial
• Impedance: 50 Ω (with Option H50)
Performance
• Bandwidth (3 dB optical): DC to 20 GHz
• Pulse response (FWHM): 22 ps (fast), less than 13 ps (calculated from bandwidth)
• Rise/fall time (10–90%): less than 15 ps (calculated)
• DC responsivity (1300 nm): 35 V/W minimum; (1550 nm): 20 V/W minimum
• Deflection factor (Agilent 54120 oscilloscope): 1300 nm at 50 µW/div or 29 µW/div; 1550 nm at 67 µW/div or 31 µW/div
• Noise equivalent power: 2 µW RMS maximum
• System aberrations (2 ps FWHM pulse): 20% peak-to-peak maximum, <12% typical; or 10% peak-to-peak maximum, 5% typical
Power
• DC bias input: +10 to +15 VDC
Physical
• Length: 105 ±0.2 mm; Width: 30 mm; Height: 21 mm
• Weight: Approximately 0.14 kg
– Key Features
• Hermetically sealed InGaAs photodiode eliminates external contamination
• DC-coupled architecture supports low-frequency and transient analysis
• Unamplified design minimizes added noise and distortion
• Direct mounting configuration reduces connector losses
• 50 Ω output impedance matches standard microwave instrumentation
– Typical Applications
• Optical modulation index and eye-diagram measurements
• High-speed optical signal time-domain characterization
• Frequency-domain spectral analysis of optical channels
• Pulse-parameter extraction and waveform fidelity assessment
– Compatibility & Integration
The 83440C integrates directly with Agilent/Keysight oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers via its 3.5 mm coaxial output. Universal optical connector mounting accepts most standard fiber interfaces with appropriate adapters.
