The Keysight (formerly Agilent / HP) E6000C is a high-performance Mini-OTDR mainframe designed for installing, commissioning, and maintaining fiber optic networks. It features a bright color TFT display, rugged construction, and modular expandability, supporting a wide range of single-mode and multimode OTDR modules, power meters, visual fault locators, and light sources.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesRS-232C (serial up to 115.2 kbps), Centronics (parallel printer port), Mini-DIN (external keyboard), PCMCIA Type II slot
Display7.2-inch active matrix color TFT LCD (640 × 480 VGA)
Real-Time ClockBuilt-in, provides time and date stamp for traces
User Interface LanguagesEnglish, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Korean

Physical

ParameterValue
Power Supply100 to 240 V AC (±10%), 50 to 60 Hz input via external AC adapter; 18 V DC, 2.0 A output
Operating Temperature0 to +50 °C
Dimensions (W×H×D)290 × 194 × 75 mm
Weight2.8 kg (including battery pack and optical module)

Optical Specifications

ParameterValue
WavelengthsModule dependent (e.g., 1310 nm, 1550 nm, 1625 nm with E6000 series optical modules)
Fiber TypeSingle-mode and Multimode (module dependent)
Dynamic RangeUp to 45 dB (module dependent)
Event Dead ZoneMinimum 3 m (module dependent)
Attenuation Dead ZoneMinimum 10 m (module dependent)
Pulse Widths10 ns to 20 µs (module dependent)
Distance RangesUp to 400 km (module dependent)
Distance Accuracy±(1 m + 10^-5 × distance + sampling resolution)
Loss Resolution0.001 dB
Group Refractive Index Range1.00000 to 2.00000

Integrated Optical Options

ParameterValue
Visual Fault Finder OptionYes, supports optional E6007A Visual Fault Finder sub-module
Optical Power Meter OptionYes, supports optional E6006A Optical Power Meter sub-module
Stabilized Light Source OptionYes, built-in optical module capability (CW or modulated)

Test Management and Analysis

ParameterValue
Measurement ModesAutomatic, Manual, Real-time
Trace File FormatBellcore GR-196 (.SOR)
Internal Memory CapacityUp to 180 traces (Bellcore format)
External Storage SupportPCMCIA Flash/SRAM cards, external E6005A floppy disk drive option
Automated Pass/Fail AnalysisYes, customizable thresholds for splice loss, connector loss, and reflectance

Connectivity and Interfaces

ParameterValue
Serial Interface Connector9-pin D-Sub (male), RS-232C
Parallel Interface Connector25-pin D-Sub (female), Centronics compatible
Keyboard ConnectorMini-DIN
PCMCIA Slots1x Type I/II card slot

Power and Battery

ParameterValue
Battery TypeRechargeable NiMH battery pack (9.6 V, 3.8 Ah)
Battery Operating TimeUp to 8 hours (typical power management enabled)
Battery Charging TimeLess than 3 hours with mainframe switched off
Power ManagementAuto-backlight off, auto-off selectable

Physical Characteristics

ParameterValue
Weight (Mainframe Only)1.8 kg (without battery or optical module)
Enclosure MaterialRugged industrial plastic with shock-absorbing protective rubber bumpers

Environmental and Compliance

ParameterValue
Storage Temperature-20 to +60 °C
Relative Humidity RangeUp to 95% R.H. (non-condensing, at 40 °C)
Shock and Vibration ComplianceMil-T-28800 Class 5 compliant
Laser Safety ClassificationClass 1 / Class 2 (depending on optical options and module installed)

Compatibility

ParameterValue
Supported ModulesAgilent/Keysight E6000 series OTDR modules (e.g., E6001A, E6003A/B, E6005A, E6008B, E6009A)

Performance

ParameterValue
Trace Data PointsUp to 16,000

Connectivity

ParameterValue
External Keyboard SupportStandard mini-DIN PS/2 style keyboard
Direct Printing SupportHP DeskJet, LaserJet, ThinkJet, and EPSON compatible printers via parallel interface

Configurations & Options

ParameterValue
Built-in Instruments OptionsOption 020 (Optical Power Meter), Option 021 (Visual Fault Finder), Option 022 (Power Meter & VFL)

Inputs & Outputs

ParameterValue
External Monitor Output15-pin D-sub (VGA), standard on Option 003 (Color) mainframe

Software & Control

ParameterValue
Companion SoftwareAgilent OTDR Toolkit II for PC-based trace analysis and emulation

Optional Power Meter Specifications

ParameterValue
Optional Power Meter Wavelength Range800 nm to 1650 nm
Optional Power Meter Measurement Range+10 dBm to -70 dBm

Optional Visual Fault Finder Specifications

ParameterValue
Optional VFL Wavelength635 nm ± 10 nm
Optional VFL Output Power1 mW max. (Class II)

Hardware Features

ParameterValue
Module SlotSingle slot for E60xxA/B/C OTDR modules

Technology

Fiber Optic Testing

Applications

Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (OTDR)