The Keysight (formerly Agilent / Hewlett-Packard) 8156A is a high-performance programmable optical attenuator designed for single-mode and 50 µm multimode fiber applications in telecommunications R&D and manufacturing. It offers a 60 dB attenuation range with 0.001 dB resolution, operating continuously without ranging. Accommodating a maximum input power of +23 dBm across a 1200 nm to 1650 nm wavelength range, the 8156A can be heavily customized through various hardware options to provide tailored return loss characteristics, built-in monitor paths, and specific connector interfaces.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | GPIB |
| Warm-up Time | 1 hour |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 100-240 Vrms ±10%, 50/60 Hz, 60 VA max |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +55 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 212.3 × 89 × 345 mm |
| Weight | 5.3 kg |
Optical Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Wavelength Range | 1200 nm to 1650 nm |
| Fiber Type | 9/125 µm single-mode; 50/125 µm multimode (configuration dependent) |
| Maximum Input Power | +23 dBm |
| Return Loss | 60 / 45 / 35 dB (Single-mode, option dependent); 22 dB (Multimode) |
Attenuation Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Attenuation Range | 60 dB |
| Attenuation Resolution | 0.001 dB |
| Attenuation Ranging | Continuous (without ranging) |
Shutter and Monitor Options
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Monitor Paths | Built-in monitor paths (Options 121, 221) |
Interfaces and Connectivity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Optical Connector Interface | Straight contact (Options 100, 101, 121, 350); Angled contact (Options 201, 221) |
| Remote Control Interfaces | GPIB (all modes and parameters fully programmable) |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Attenuation Transition Time | < 20 ms |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | -40 to +70 °C |
| Relative Humidity | Up to 95% RH (0 °C to +40 °C) |
Technology
Programmable Optical Attenuation
Applications
Fiber Optic R&D, Production Test, Fast Telecommunication Systems