The Keysight (formerly HP/Agilent) 8153A Lightwave Multimeter is a modular mainframe designed for precise optical power, loss, and return-loss measurements. Supporting up to two plug-in modules or optical head interfaces, this dual-channel system offers a flexible platform with NIST-traceable calibration, making it an essential standard for optical component evaluation in laboratory and production environments.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | HP-IB (IEEE-488.2 / GPIB) |
| Display | Dual-channel LCD; six-digit main display and eight-character auxiliary display per channel |
Mainframe System Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Module Slots | 2 slots |
| Display Power Range | +30 to -110 dBm |
| Data Acquisition Memory Capacity | 500 measurement results per channel |
Optical Power Sensor Module Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Sensor Wavelength Ranges | 450 to 1020 nm, 800 to 1700 nm (sensor dependent) |
| Power Sensor Display Resolution (Logarithmic) | 0.001 dB / 0.001 dBm |
| 81530A Wavelength Range | 450 to 1020 nm |
| 81530A Power Measurement Range | +3 to -100 dBm |
| 81531A Power Measurement Range | +3 to -90 dBm |
| 81532A Power Measurement Range | +3 to -110 dBm |
| 81536A Power Measurement Range | +3 to -70 dBm |
Optical Head Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Optical Head Wavelength Ranges | 450 to 1020 nm, 900 to 1700 nm, 800 to 1650 nm |
| Optical Head Display Resolution (Logarithmic) | 0.001 dB / 0.001 dBm |
Interfaces & Connectivity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GPIB Interface Compatibility | HP-IB (IEEE-488.2) |
Environmental & Safety Compliance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature Range | -40 to +70 °C |
Analog Output
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Analog Output Voltage Range | 0 V to 2 V (into open circuit) |
| Analog Output Impedance | 600 Ω (nominal) |
| Analog Output Bandwidth | ≥ 10 Hz (sensor/head dependent) |
Power Requirements
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 55 VA max. |
| Line Voltage Settings | 100 V / 120 V / 220 V / 240 V RMS (±10% switchable) |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Humidity Range | < 95% R.H. (from 0 °C to 40 °C) |
Interfaces
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GPIB Interface Subsets | SH1, AH1, T6, L4, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT1, C0 |
Measurement Capabilities
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Wavelength Setting Range | 450 to 1700 nm |
| Wavelength Setting Resolution | 1 nm |
Mainframe Display
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Simultaneous Display Channels | Up to 2 channels |
Power Sensor Modules
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| 81531A Wavelength Range | 800 nm to 1700 nm |
| 81532A Wavelength Range | 800 nm to 1700 nm |
| 81536A Wavelength Range | 800 nm to 1700 nm |
Optical Heads
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| 81520A Wavelength Range | 450 nm to 1020 nm |
| 81521B Wavelength Range | 900 nm to 1700 nm |
| 81524A Wavelength Range | 800 nm to 1650 nm |
| 81525A Wavelength Range | 800 nm to 1650 nm |
| 81533B & 81520A Power Measurement Range | +10 dBm to -100 dBm |
| 81533B & 81521B Power Measurement Range | +3 dBm to -80 dBm |
| 81533B & 81524A Power Measurement Range | +3 dBm to -110 dBm |
Source Modules
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Source Modulation Frequencies | 270 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz (internal square wave) |
Compliance & Safety
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Laser Safety Class | Class 1 (with most source modules), up to Class 3A (module dependent) |
Technology
Fiber Optic Measurement
Applications
Optical power, insertion loss, and return loss characterization of fiber-optic components