Agilent 8164B Users Guide

Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System

Agilent Technologies

Notices

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No part of this document may reproduced in (including electronic storage and retrieval or translation into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Agilent Technologies GmbH as governed by United States and international copywright laws.

Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH Herrenberger Str. 130 71034 Böblingen

Germany

Manual Part Number

08164-90B15

Edition

Sixth edition, December 2004 Fith edition, July 2003 Fourth edition, February 2002 Third edition, October 2001 Second edition,September 2001 First edition, August 2001

Warranty

This Agilent Technologies instrument product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from date of shipment. During the warranty period, Agilent will, at its option, either repair or replace products that prove to be defective. For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a service facility designated by Agilent. Buyer shall prepay shipping charges to Agilent and Agilent shall pay shipping charges to return the product to Buyer. However, Buyer shall pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products returned to Agilent from another country. Agilent warrants that its software and

firmware designated by Agilent for use with an instrument will execute its programming instructions when properly installed on that instrument. Agilent does not warrant that the operation of the instrument, software, or firmware will be uninterrupted or error free.

Limitation of Warranty

The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by Buyer, Buyer-supplied software or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation outside of the environmental specifications for the product, or improper site preparation or maintenance. No other warranty is expressed or implied. Agilent Technologies specifically disclaims the implied warranties of Merchantability and Fitness for a Particular Purpose.

Exclusive Remedies

The remedies provided herein are Buyer's sole and exclusive remedies. Agilent Technologies shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages whether based on contract, tort, or any other legal theory.

Assistance

Product maintenance agreements and other customer assistance agreements are available for Agilent Technologies products. For any assistance contact your nearest Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Office.

Certification

Agilent Technologies Inc. certifies that this product met its published specifications at the time of shipment from the factory.

Agilent Technologies further certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST (formerly the United States National Bureau of Standards, NBS) to the extent allowed by the Institutes’s

calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other International Standards Organization members.

ISO 9001 Certification

Produced to ISO 9001 international quality system standard as part of our objective of continually increasing customer satisfaction through improved process control.

Safety Notices

CAUTION

A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly per formed or adhered to, could result in damage to the product or loss of important data. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

WARNING

A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly per formed or adhered to, could result in personal injury or death. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Offices

For more information about Agilent Technologies test and measurement products, applicatio ns, services, and for a current sales office listing, viesit our web site:

http://www.agilent.com/comms/lightwave

You can also contact one of the following centers and ask for a test and measurement sales representative.

United States: 1 800 829 4444

1 800 829 4433 (FAX)

Canada: 1 877 894 4414

1888 900 8921 (FAX)

Europe: (31 20) 547 2111

(31 20) 547 2190 (FAX)

Japan: 0120 421 345

0120 421 678 (FAX)

Mexico (52 55) 5081 9469

(52 55) 5081 9467 (FAX)

Australia: 1 800 629 485

1 800 142 134 (FAX)

Asia-Pacific: 800 930 871

800 908 476 (FAX)

Brazil (55 11) 4197 3600

(55 11) 4197 3800 (FAX)

Getting Started 23

Safety Considerations 25

General 26 Operating Environment 26 Line Power Requirements 27 Input/Output Signals 27 Line Power Connectors 28 Instrument Markings 29

Laser Safety Information 30

Laser Safety Labels 34

Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter 36 Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System 37 Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System 38 A Description of the User Interface 39

Password 40 User Interface Features 41 How to Navigate/Modify the Display 43

How to Change the Value of a Parameter 53

How to Select a Parameter 53 How to Accept the New Value of a Parameter 54 How to Make a Big Change to a Continuous Parameter 54 How to Make a Small Change to a Continuous Parameter 55 How to Change a Discrete Parameter 57 How to Set All Parameters to Their Default Values 58 If You Make a Mistake 58 If the Parameter Changes to Different Value 58

A Sample Session 59

How to Measure the Power of a Modulated Signal 60

Additional Information 63

Using the System Utilities 64

How to Set the Backlight 65

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 5

How to Set the Date & Time 66 How to Lock/Unlock the High-Power Laser Sources 68 How to Set the Trigger Configuration 69 How to Configure Startup Applications 70 How to Configure your Foot Pedal 71 How to Set the GPIB Address 72 How to Set the Speed of the Serial Interface 73 How to Update a Module 74 How to Select the Printer Type 75 How to Change the Password 76 If You Forget Your Password 76 How to Get Information About Modules 77 How to Get Information About the Mainframe 79

How to Connect an External Monitor 80 How to Connect a Printer 81

Power Measurement 83

How to Measure Power 84

The Power Value 84 How to Set the Power Unit 85 How to Set the Calibration Offset 87 How to Set the Reference Level 88 How to Set the Wavelength 91 How to Remove Electrical Offsets 91 How to Choose the Range Mode 94 How to Set the Range 95 How to Set the Averaging Time 100 How to Choose the MinMax Mode 101 How to Turn Off MinMax Mode 103 How to Hold the Screen 103 How to Use Triggers 104 Dual Power Meters - Master and Slave Channels 107

Laser Sources 109

How to Use Laser Source Modules 110

The Laser Wavelength Value 110

6 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

How to Enable/Disable Laser Output 111 How to Set Attenuation 112 How to Modulate the Optical Output 113 How to Use the Internal Modulation 114 How to Use Triggers 117

Tunable Lasers 119

What is a Tunable Laser ? 121

How to Set the Power 121 How to Set the Output Power of a CW Signal 122 What is Excessive Power ? 126 How to Set the Laser to the Dark Position 127 The Analog Output 128

How to Set the Wavelength 130

Wavelength Range 130 How to Set the Wavelength Directly 131 How to Set a Relative Wavelength 132

How to Perform a Wavelength Sweep 134

What is a Wavelength Sweep ? 134 How to Set the Wavelength Sweep 135 How to Perform a Sweep 137

How to Modulate a Signal 142

How to Use the Internal Modulation 142 How to Use External Modulation 144 How to Configure the Modulation Output 149

How to Use Triggers 150

How to Use Input Triggering 150 How to Use Output Triggering 152

How to Use Auxiliary Functions 153

Automatic Realignment 153 How to Perform a Lambda Zero 155 Auto Cal Off 156

Compact Tunable Lasers 159

Compact Tunable Laser modules 160

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How to Use a compact Tunable Laser 161

The User Interface 161 SBS Suppression 161

Return Loss Measurement 163

Getting Started With Return Loss 165

What is Return Loss? 165 What is Insertion Loss? 165 Equipment required 166 How to Choose a Light Source 167 Return Loss Modules 168

Calibration Measurements 170 Return Loss Measurement 171

Setup 172 Calibrating the Return Loss Module 176 Calibration using the Agilent 81000BR Reference Reflector 177 Calibration using the Agilent 81610CC Reference Cable 180 How to Measure Return Loss 184 Viewing the Calibration Values 186

A Background to Return Loss Measurement 189

Measuring the Reflected Power from a Component with Known Reflection Factor 189

Measuring the Power Transmitted Through the Reflection Reference 190

Measuring the Power when there are No Reflections 190 Measuring the Power Transmitted Through the Measurement

Patchcord 191 Measuring the Reflections from the DUT 191 Measuring the Power Transmitted Through the DUT 192 Calculating the Return Loss of the DUT 192 Calculating the Front Panel Delta 195 Calculating the Insertion Loss of the DUT 196

Setting Attenuation and/or Power Levels 197

Agilent 8157xA Variable Optical Attenuator modules 198 How to Use a Variable Optical Attenuator module 199

8 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

The User Interface 199 How to Control the Shutter 202 How to Set Attenuation 203 How to Set a Power Level 207 How to Compensate for Wavelength Dependencies in your test

setup How to Use the Power Control Feature 216 Attenuator Menu Options 217 Attenuator Status Indicators 218

212

Switching Optical Routes 219

Agilent 8159xB Optical Switch modules 220 How to Use an Optical Switch module 221

The User Interface 221 Dependent and Independent Routing 223 How to set Route A 224 How to set Route B 224 How to Toggle the Switch path 225

Typical Applications 226

Selecting a Laser Source 226 Selecting Measurement and Calibration Paths 227 Inserting or Bypassing an Optical Component 227 Selecting one of several DUTs in a parallel test setup 228 Selecting one of several instruments 228

Applications 229

Working with Application Graphs 231

How to Set Markers 233 How to Zoom In 233 How to Zoom Out 234 To Switch the Grid On/Off 234 How to Use Legends 235 How to Select the Samples Display 237 How to Read Curve Values 239

The Logging Application 242

How to Set Up a Logging Function 243

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 9

Running a Logging Application 248 Analysing a Logging Application 250 On-Screen Messages 253

The Stability Application 254

How to Set Up a Stability Function 256 Running a Stability Application 260 Analysing a Stability Application 262 On-Screen Messages 265

The PACT Application 266

What is the PACT ? 266 How to Set Up PACT 267 How to Measure the Reference 270 How to Perform a Loss Measurement 272 Analysing a PACT Measurement 276 On-Screen Messages 277

The Pmax Curve 278

What is the Pmax Curve ? 278 How to View the Pmax Curve 278

The Return Loss Application 279

Starting the Application 279 Measuring Return Loss 279 Measuring Return Loss and Insertion Loss 280 On-Screen Messages 280 Configuration 281 User Interface 281

Recording Measurement Results 283

Printing Application Measurement Results 283 Saving Application Measurement Results to Diskette 285

Installation and Maintenance 287

Safety Considerations 289 Initial Inspection 290 AC Line Power Supply Requirements 291

Line Power Requirements 291 Line Power Cable 292 Changing the Battery 295

10 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Changing the Fuse 295

Operating and Storage Environment 296

Temperature 296 Humidity 297 Altitude 297 Pollution Protection 297 Storage and Shipment 297 Instrument Cooling 298 Storage Position 300 Carrying the Instrument 301

Using Modules 302

How to Fit and Remove Modules 302 Adding a Connector Interface 307 Protecting Empty Module Slots 308

Input and Output Connectors 310

The Remote Interlock (RIL) connector 311

GPIB Interface 312

Cables and Adapters 312 Connector 313

GPIB Logic Levels 314 Serial Interface 315 Parallel Port, PCMCIA Slot, Keyboard connector and 24V DC

Output

316

Claims and Repackaging 317

Return Shipments to Agilent Technologies 317

Accessories 319

Instrument and Options - Agilent 8163A/B 320

Modules 321

Instrument and Options - Agilent 8164A/B 324

Modules 325 Agilent 81645A Filler Module 328 Options 328

Instrument and Options - Agilent 8166A/B 329

Modules 330

GPIB Cables and Adapters 333

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 11

Specifications and Regulations Compliance 335

Agilent 8163A Specifications 337 Agilent 8163B Specifications 338 Agilent 8164A Specifications 339 Agilent 8164B Specifications 340 Agilent 8166A Specifications 341 Agilent 8166B Specifications 342 Declarations of Conformity 343

Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter 344 Agilent 8163B Lightwave Multimeter 345 Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System 346 Agilent 8164B Lightwave Measurement System 347 Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System 348 Agilent 8166B Lightwave Multichannel System 349

Regulations Information 350

Safety Canada 350 EMC Canada 350 EMC Australia/New Zealand 350

Performance Tests 351

Equipment Required 352

Tes t Re cor d 353 Test Failure 353 Instruments Specifications 353

Performance Test Instructions 354

Display/Key Functional Test 355 Module Interaction Test 358 GPIB Interface Test (Optional) 360

Test R ecor d 361

Error Messages 379

SYST:ERR? 380 Screen Status Messages 382

12 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Mainframes 383

8163A 383 8163B 384 8164A 384 8164B 385 8166A 385 8166B 386

Errors appearing on pop-up menus 387

Error on Module 387 Error 390

Tunable Laser Sources 391

Initialization Tests 391 Selftests 396

Return Loss Meters 400 Powermeters & Interface Modules with Optical Head 404 Fixed Laser Sources (Fabry Perot) 409 DFB Laser Sources 412 Attenuator Modules 414 Optical Switch modules 417

Cleaning Instructions 421

Safety Precautions 423 Why is it important to clean optical devices ? 424 What do I need for proper cleaning? 425

Standard Cleaning Equipment 425 Additional Cleaning Equipment 428

Preserving Connectors 431 Cleaning Instrument Housings 432 Which Cleaning Procedure should I use ? 433 How to clean connectors 434 How to clean connector adapters 436 How to clean connector interfaces 437 How to clean bare fiber adapters 438 How to clean lenses 439

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 13

How to clean instruments with a fixed connector interface 440 How to clean instruments with an optical glass plate 441 How to clean instruments with a physical contact interface 442 How to clean instruments with a recessed lens interface 443 How to clean optical devices which are sensitive to mechanical

stress and pressure

444

How to clean metal filters or attenuator gratings 445 Additional Cleaning Information 446

How to clean bare fiber ends 446 How to clean large area lenses and mirrors 446

Other Cleaning Hints 448

Firmware Upgrades 451

Firmware Upgrade Process 452

How to Get a Firmware Upgrade 453 How to Upgrade Firmware 455

Index 463

14 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

List of Figures

Figure 1 Class 1 Safety Label -

Agilent 81650A/51A/52A/54A/11A/12A/13A/14A . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Figure 2 Class 1M Safety Label - Agilent 81655A/6A/7A, 81662A/3A,

81600B family, (81480B/82B/ 81640B/42B/80B/82B/72B),

81980A/40A/89A/49A, (81649A/89A/89B). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Figure 3 The Agilent 8163B Lightwave Multimeter Mainframe . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Figure 4 The Agilent 8164B Lightwave Measurement System Mainframe . .37 Figure 5 The Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System Mainframe 38 Figure 6 The Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System User

Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Figure 7 The Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter User Interface . . . . . . . 40

Figure 8 The Agilent 8163B’s Overview Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Figure 9 The Agilent 8164A/B’s Overview Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Figure 10 The Agilent 8166A Overview Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Figure 11 The Cursor Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Figure 12 The Modify Knob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Figure 13 The Agilent 8163B’s Details Screen for a Power Sensor Channel . .46 Figure 14 The Agilent 8164A/B’s Details Sreen for a Tunable Laser Channel 47

Figure 15 The Agilent 8166A Details Screen for a Power Sensor Channel . . . . 47

Figure 16 The Agilent 8163B/6B Menu for a Power Sensor Channel . . . . . . . .48

Figure 17 The Agilent 8164A/B Menu for Power Sensor Channel . . . . . . . . . .48

Figure 18 The Agilent 8163B System Configuration Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Figure 19 The Agilent 8164A/B System Configuration Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Figure 20 The Agilent 8164A/B Help Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Figure 21 The Agilent 8164A/B Help Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Figure 22 The Applications Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Figure 23 The First Digit Before the Decimal Point is Highlighted First . . . . . . 55

Figure 24 Averaging Time Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Figure 25 Connecting the Instrument for the Sample Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Figure 26 The Agilent 8163B/6B Configuration Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Figure 27 The Agilent 8164A/B System Configuration Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Figure 28 Entering a Backlight Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Figure 29 Editing the Date and the Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Figure 30 Unlocking the Instument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Figure 31 Changing the Triggering Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Figure 32 Enabling/Disabling the Foot Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Figure 33 Entering a GPIB Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Figure 34 Selecting a Baudrate for the Serial Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Figure 35 Module Update mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Figure 36 Selecting a Printer Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Figure 37 Slots with Installed Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Figure 38 Viewing Information About a Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Figure 39 Viewing Information About the Mainframe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Figure 40 Rear Panel of the Agilent 8164B Lightwave Measurement System . 80

Figure 41 The Number of Digits Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Figure 42 Selecting the Power Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Figure 43 Referencing Another Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Figure 44 Module Channels that are Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 15

Figure 45 Zeroing Sreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Figure 46 Zeroing Fails, if the Power Meter Receives Input Light. . . . . . . . . . . 93

Figure 47 Auto-Range Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Figure 48 Manual Range Mode - Within Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Figure 49 Out of Range - Power Greater Than Upper Power Limit . . . . . . . . . . 97

Figure 50 Out of Range - Power Less Than Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Figure 51 Range Value Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Figure 52 Measurement with Tavg ~1 second . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Figure 53 The Window and Refresh Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Figure 54 MinMax Mode Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Figure 55 Power Module Channel is Held - Overview Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Figure 56 Input Trigger Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Figure 57 Output Trigger Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Figure 58 Menu of Parameters for a Fixed Wavelength Laser Source . . . . . . 110

Figure 59 Dual-Wavelength Laser Source Outputs Both Wavelength . . . . . . 111

Figure 60 The Power Sensor Details Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Figure 61 The Modulated Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Figure 62 Output Trigger Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Figure 63 Setting Hogh Power parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Figure 64 Setting Low SSE parameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Figure 65 Setting Attenuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Figure 66 Excessive Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Figure 67 Output Power and the Analog Output in <Manual ATT.> Mode . . 128

Figure 68 Specified and Permitted Wavelength Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Figure 69 Setting a Relative Wavelength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Figure 70 The Parameters for a Stepped Wavelength Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Figure 71 Repeat Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Figure 72 Executing a Stepped Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Figure 73 Pausing a Stepped Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Figure 74 Performing a Manual Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Figure 75 The Modulated Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Figure 76 External Digital Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Figure 77 External Analog Modulation and Output Powr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Figure 78 Wavelength Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

Figure 79 Input Trigger Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Figure 80 Output Trigger Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

Figure 81 Realign Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

Figure 82 l Zeroing Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Figure 83 Updated Tunable Laser channel Details including SBS

Suppression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

Figure 84 Measuring Return Loss and Insertion Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Figure 85 The Contents of the Agilent 81610A Return Loss module . . . . . . . 168

Figure 86 The Contents of the Agilent 81611A and Agilent 81612A Return

Loss modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

Figure 87 The Contents of the Agilent 81613A Return Loss modules . . . . . . 169

Figure 88 Return Loss Measurement Setup - External Source used . . . . . . . 172

Figure 89 Return Loss Measurement Setup - Internal Source used . . . . . . . . 172

Figure 90 Agilent 8161x Details Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

Figure 91 Reflectance Calibration using RL Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175

Figure 92 Termination Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175

Figure 93 Reflectance Calibration - External Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

Figure 94 Reflection Calibration - Internal Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

16 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Figure 95 Measuring the Reflection Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178

Figure 96 Termination Calibration - External source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179

Figure 97 Termination Calibration - Internal Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179

Figure 98 Measuring the Return Loss of the Reference Cable -

External Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180

Figure 99 Measuring the Return Loss of the Reference Cable -

Internal Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180

Figure 100 Power Transmitted through the Reference Cable -

External Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181

Figure 101 Power Transmitted through the Reference Cable -

Internal Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181

Figure 102 Power Transmitted through the Measurement Patchcord -

External Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182

Figure 103 Power Transmitted through the Measurement Patchcord -

Internal Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182

Figure 104 Measuring the Termination Parameter - External Source . . . . . . . .183

Figure 105 Measuring the Termination Parameter - Internal Source . . . . . . . .183

Figure 106 Measuring the Return Loss of the DUT

(in this example: a Connector Pair) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184

Figure 107 Measuring the Power Transmitted through the DUT

(a Connector Pair) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184

Figure 108 The Calibration Parameters Screens - Return Loss Diode . . . . . . . .186

Figure 109 The Calibration Parameters Screens - Monitor Diode . . . . . . . . . . .187

Figure 110 The Calibration Parameters Screens - User Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188

Figure 111 Measuring the Power from a Component with a Known

Reflection Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

Figure 112 Measuring the Power transmitted through the Reflection

Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190

Figure 113 Measuring the Power with the Connector Terminated . . . . . . . . . .190

Figure 114 Measuring the Power transmitted through the Measurement

Patchcord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191

Figure 115 Measuring the Reflections from the Device Under Test . . . . . . . . . 191

Figure 116 Measuring the Power transmitted through the Device Under Test 192

Figure 117 Generalization of a Return Loss Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195

Figure 118 81576A/77A Attenuator module power control loop . . . . . . . . . . . .198

Figure 119 81570A/71A/73A Attenuator module, 8164A/B GUI Overview . . .199

Figure 120 81570A/71A/73A Attenuator module, 8164A/B GUI Details . . . . .200

Figure 121 Attenuation factor set to 4.000 dB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203

Figure 122 81570A/71A/73A - Attenuation factor applied with no offset . . . .205

Figure 123 81570A/71A/73A Attenuation Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205

Figure 124 81576A/77A Setting P

after calibration using [PM->Off] . . . . . 211

SET

Figure 125 The λ Offset Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .213

Figure 126 Extrapolation and Interpolation of Offset Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215

Figure 127 81570A/71A/73A Attenuator Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .217

Figure 128 81576A/77A Attenuator Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .217

Figure 129 Agilent 81594B Optical Switch module

( 1x4, angled contact connectors) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .220

Figure 130 Optical Switch module, User Interface Overview display . . . . . . . . .221

Figure 131 Optical Switch module, 8164A/B User Interface Details . . . . . . . . .222

Figure 132 Laser Source selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

Figure 133 Measurement Path selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .227

Figure 134 Circuit selection with crossover switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 17

Figure 135 DUT selection in a parallel test setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228

Figure 136 Test instruments selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228

Figure 137 The Application Graph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231

Figure 138 The Graph Legend Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236

Figure 139 Samples Display - <Line> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237

Figure 140 Samples Display - <Samples> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238

Figure 141 Samples Display - <Samples & Line> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238

Figure 142 The Lock to Curve Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239

Figure 143 Lock to Samples On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240

Figure 144 Lock the Samples Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241

Figure 145 Example Logging Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242

Figure 146 The Applications Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

Figure 147 The Agilent 8164A/B Logging Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244

Figure 148 The Agilent 8163B Logging Modules Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . 244

Figure 149 The Agilent 8163B Logging Parameter Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . 245

Figure 150 The Logging Measurement Screen - Measurement Running . . . . 248

Figure 151 The Logging Measurement Screen - Measurement Completed . . 249

Figure 152 The Agilent 8164A/B Logging Analysis Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250

Figure 153 The Agilent 8163B Logging Analysis Screen - First Screen . . . . . . 251

Figure 154 The Agilent 8163B Logging Analysis Screen - Second Screen . . . 252

Figure 155 Example Stability Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254

Figure 156 The Agilent 8164A/B Stability Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256

Figure 157 The Agilent 8163B Stability Module Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257

Figure 158 The Agilent 8163B Stability Parameter Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . 258

Figure 159 The Stability Measurement Screen - Measurement Running . . . . 260

Figure 160 The Stability Measurement Screen - Measurement Completed . . 261

Figure 161 The Agilent 8164A/B Stability Analysis Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

Figure 162 The Agilent 8163B Stability Analysis Screenn - First Screen . . . . . 263

Figure 163 The Agilent 8163A/B Stability Analysis Screen - Second Screen . 264

Figure 164 The PACT Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267

Figure 165 PACT Reference Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270

Figure 166 Connection Prompt Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271

Figure 167 PACT Reference Measurement Finished Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272

Figure 168 PACT Measurement Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273

Figure 169 Low Dynamic Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274

Figure 170 High Dynamic Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275

Figure 171 The PACT Measurement Screen - Measurement Completed. . . . . 275

Figure 172 The PACT Analysis Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276

Figure 173 The Pmax Curve Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278

Figure 174 Main Screen of the Return Loss Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281

Figure 175 The Printing in Progress Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283

Figure 176 Printed Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284

Figure 177 The File Name Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285

Figure 178 Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter System Power Key . . . . . 292

Figure 179 Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System Power Key . . 292 Figure 180 Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System Power Key . . . 293

Figure 181 AC Power Requirement Markings - Agilent 8163A/B . . . . . . . . . . . 294

Figure 182 AC Power Requirement Markings - Agilent 8164A/B . . . . . . . . . . . 294

Figure 183 AC Power Requirement Markings - Agilent 8166A/B . . . . . . . . . . . 294

Figure 184 Correct Operating Position of the 8163A/B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298

Figure 185 Correct Operating Position of the Agilent 8164A/B . . . . . . . . . . . . 299

Figure 186 Correct Operating Position of the Agilent 8166A/B . . . . . . . . . . . . 299

18 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Figure 187 Storing the Agilent 8164A/B on its Back Legs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300

Figure 188 Carry the Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System

using this Strap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .301

Figure 189 How to Remove a Front-Loadable Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302

Figure 190 How to Insert a Front-Loadable Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303

Figure 191 Back Panel of Agilent 8164B Lightwave Measurement System . . .304

Figure 192 Side View of a Back-Loadable Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304

Figure 193 Removing a Back-Loadable Module from the Agilent 8164A/B . . .305

Figure 194 Fitting a Back-Loadable Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .306

Figure 195 Adding a Connector Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .307

Figure 196 Fitting a Blind Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .308

Figure 197 Rear Panel of the Agilent 8163B Lightwave Multimeter System . .310 Figure 198 Rear Panel of the Agilent 8164B Lightwave Measurement

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .310

Figure 199 Rear Panel of the Agilent 8166B Lightwave Multichannel System 311

Figure 200 GPIB Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .313

Figure 201 Mainframe Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354

Figure 202 Firmware Upgrade Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .454

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 19

20 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

List of Tables

Table 1 Standard Laser Source Modules - Laser Safety Information . . . . . . .30

Table 2 High Power Laser Source Modules - Laser Safety Information . . . . 30

Table 3 DFB Laser Source Modules - Laser Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Table 4 Backloadable Tunable Laser Modules - Laser Safety Information . .32 Table 5 Backloadable Tunable Laser Modules (discontinued) -

Laser Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Table 6 Compact Tunable Laser Modules - Laser Safety Information . . . . . . 33

Table 7 Compact Tunable Laser Modules (discontinued)-

Laser Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Table 8 Return Loss Modules - Laser Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Table 9 Upper Power Limits and Resolution for Various Power Ranges . . . .99

Table 10 Parameters that can only be set using the master channel . . . . . .107

Table 11 The Agilent compact TLS family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160

Table 12 High Return-Loss Patchcords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

Table 13 The Agilent 8157xA Variable Optical Attenuator family . . . . . . . . . .198

Table 14 Attenuator Status Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

Table 15 The Agilent 8159xB Optical Switch family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .220

Table 16 Logging Application On-Screen Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253

Table 17 Stability Application On-Screen Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265

Table 18 PACT Application On-Screen Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .277

Table 19 Return Loss Application On-Screen Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280

Table 20 Specified Temperature Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .296

Table 21 Equipment Required for Performance Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .352

Table 22 Reference Wavelength and Power Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .359

Table 23 Cleaning Instructions for Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .421

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 21

22 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Getting Started

This chapter introduces the features of the Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter, the Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, and the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System. Here you will find a quick description of the instrument, how to use the user interface and how to perform a simple sample session

The central element of the instrument is the Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter, the Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, and the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System mainframes. You customize the instrument using plug-in modules and changeable fiberconnector interfaces. You can use this instrument as a tunable laser source and also to take associated measurements.

Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Operating Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Line Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Input/Output Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Line Power Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Instrument Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Laser Safety Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Laser Safety Labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System. . . . . 37

Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System . . . . . 38

A Description of the User Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

User Interface Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

How to Navigate/Modify the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 23

Getting Started

How to Change the Value of a Parameter . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

How to Select a Parameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

How to Accept the New Value of a Parameter. . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

How to Make a Big Change to a Continuous Parameter . . . . .54

How to Make a Small Change to a Continuous Parameter . . .55

How to Change a Discrete Parameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

How to Set All Parameters to Their Default Values. . . . . . . . . .58

If You Make a Mistake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

If the Parameter Changes to Different Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

A Sample Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

How to Measure the Power of a Modulated Signal . . . . . . . . .60

24 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Safety Considerations Getting Started

Safety Considerations

The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation, service, and repair of this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies Inc. assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.

This product has been designed and tested in accordance with IEC Publication 61010-1, Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory. Use, and has been supplied in a safe condition. The instruction documentation contains information and warnings that must be followed by the user to ensure safe operation and

to maintain the product in a safe condition.

Safety Symbols

CAUTION

WARNING

The caution sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction of the product. Do not proceed beyond a caution sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

The warning sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in injury or loss of life. Do not proceed beyond a warning sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 25

Getting Started Safety Considerations

General

This is a Safety Class 1 instrument (provided with a protective earth terminal) and has been manufactured and tested according to international safety standards.

Before operation, you should review the instrument and manual for safety markings and instructions. You must follow these to ensure safe operation and to maintain the instrument in safe condition.

Some Agilent 8164B circuits and some Agilent 8166B circuits are powered whenever the instrument is connected to the AC power source. To disconnect from the line power, disconnect the power cord either at the rear power inlet or at the AC line power source (receptacle). One of these must always be accessible. If the instrument is in a cabinet, it must be disconnected from the line power by the system’s line power switch.

WARNING

To avoid hazardous electrical shock, do not perform electrical tests when there are signs of shipping damage to any portion of the outer enclosure (covers, panels, and so on).

Operating Environment

The Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, and Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System are not designed for outdoor use. To prevent potential fire or shock hazard, do not expose the instrument to rain or other excessive moisture.

26 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Safety Considerations Getting Started

Line Power Requirements

CAUTION

The Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter System complies with overvoltage category II and can operate from the single-phase AC power source that supplies between 100 V and 240 V at a frequency in the range 50 to 60 Hz.The maximum power consumption is 120 VA with all options installed.

The Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System complies with overvoltage category II and can operate from any single-phase AC power source that supplies between 100 V and 240 V at a frequency in the range from 50 to 60 Hz. The maximum power consumption is 270 VA with all options installed.

The Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System complies with overvoltage category II and can operate from any single-phase AC power source that supplies between 100 V and 240 V at a frequency in the range from 50 to 60 Hz. The maximum power consumption is 450 VA with all options installed.

Input/Output Signals

CAUTION

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 27

There are two input BNC connectors: the Remote Interlock Connector and the Trigger Input, see “Input and Output Connectors” on page 310. These are TTL inputs. A maximum of 5 V can be applied as an external voltage to either of these input connectors.

There is one output BNC connector: the Trigger Output, see “Input and Output Connectors” on page 310. This is a TTL output. Do not apply an external voltage to this connector.

Getting Started Safety Considerations

Line Power Connectors

In accordance with international safety standards, the instrument has a three-wire power cable. When connected to an appropriate AC power receptacle, this cable earths the instrument cabinet. The type of power cable shipped with each instrument depends on the country of destination. Please refer to “Accessories” on page 319 for the part numbers of available power cables.

WARNING

To avoid the possibility of injury or death, you must observe the following precautions before switching on the instrument.

• Insert the power cable plug only into a socket outlet provided with a protective earth contact. Do not negate this protective action by the using an extension cord without a protective conductor.

• Do not interrupt the protective earth connection intentionally.

• Do not remove protective covers. Operating personnel must not remove instrument covers. Component replacement and internal adjustments must be made only by qualified service personnel.

• Instruments that appear damaged or defective should be made inoperative and secured against unintended operation until they can be repaired by qualified service personnel.

• Defective, damaged, or malfunctioning laser sources must be returned to an Agilent Technologies Service Center.

Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or fumes. Operation of any electrical instrument in such an environment constitutes a definite safety hazard.

28 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Safety Considerations Getting Started

Instrument Markings

The instruction manual symbol. The product is marked with this warning symbol when it is necessary for the user to refer to the instructions in the manual.

The laser radiation symbol. This warning symbol is marked on products which have a laser output.

The AC symbol is used to indicate the required nature of the line module input power.

The ON symbols are used to mark the positions of the instrument power line switch.

The OFF symbols are used to mark the positions of the instrument power line switch.

The CE mark is a registered trademark of the European Community.

The CSA mark is a registered trademark of the Canadian Standards Association.

The C-Tick mark is a registered trademark of the Australian Spectrum Management Agency.

This text denotes the instrument is an Industrial Scientific and

ISM1-AISM1-A

Medical Group 1 Class A product.

Frame or chassis terminal.

Protective conductor Terminal

Caution, risk of electric shock.

Magnetic fields may interfere with a pacemaker

Caution, hot surface

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 29

Getting Started Laser Safety Information

Laser Safety Information

The laser sources specified by this user guide are classified according to IEC 60825-1 (2001).

The laser sources comply with 21 CFR 1040.10 except for deviations pursuant to Laser Notice No. 50 dated 2001-July-26.

Initial Safety Information for Laser Source Modules

Table 1 Standard Laser Source Modules - Laser Safety Information

Agilent 81650A Agilent 81651A Agilent 81652A2Agilent 81654A

Laser type FP-Laser

InGaAsP

Wavelength (±15nm) 1310 nm 1550 nm 1550/1625 nm 1310/1550 nm

Max. CW output power

Beam waist diameter 9 µm 9 µm 9 µm 9 µm Numerical aperture 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Laser Class according to

IEC 60825-1 (2001)- International Max. permissible CW output power 15.6 mW 10 mW 10 mW 15.6 mW/10 mW

Max. CW output power is defined as the highest possible optical power that the laser source can produce at its

output connector.

Discontinued

<1.8 mW <1.8 mW <1.8 mW <1.8 mW

1 1 1 1

Table 2 High Power Laser Source Modules - Laser Safety Information

Laser Type FP-Laser

Wavelength (±15nm) 1310 nm 1550 nm 1310/1550 nm

Max. CW output power

Beam waist diameter 9 µm 9 µm 9 µm Numerical aperture 0.1 0.1 0.1 Laser Class according to

IEC 60825-1 (2001)- International Max. permissible CW output power 52 mW 163 mW 52 mW/163 mW

Max. CW output power is defined as the highest possible optical power that the laser source can produce at its

output connector. .

FP-Laser InGaAsP

Agilent 81655A Agilent 81656A Agilent 81657A

InGaAsP

<28 mW <28 mW <28 mW

1M 1M 1M

FP-Laser InGaAsP

30 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Laser Safety Information Getting Started

Table 3 DFB Laser Source Modules - Laser Safety Information

Agilent 81662A Agilent 81663A

Laser Type CW DFB Laser

with built-in isolator

Wave len gth range 1500 - 1650 nm

see display

Max. CW output power 1 <15 mW <28 mW

Beam waist diameter 9 µm 9 µm Numerical aperture 0.1 0.1 Laser Class according to

IEC 60825-1 (2001)- International Max. permissible CW output power 163 mW 163 mW

Max. CW output power is defined as the highest possible optical power that the laser source can produce at its out

put connector.

1M 1M

CW DFB Laser with built-in isolator

1500 - 1650 nm see display

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 31

Getting Started Laser Safety Information

Initial Safety Information for Tunable Laser Modules

Table 4 Backloadable Tunable Laser Modules - Laser Safety Information

81660B #200 81600B #160 81600B #150 81600B #140 81600B #130 81600B #142 81600B #132

Laser Type EC-Laser

InGaAsP

Wavelength range

Max. CW output

power

Beam waist di ameter

Numerical aper ture

Laser Class

according to IEC 60825-1 (2001)- Intl.

Max. permissible CW output power

Max. CW output power is defined as the highest possible optical power that the laser source can produce at its output connector.

1440 - 1640 nm 1495 - 1640 nm 1450 - 1590 nm 1370 - 1495 nm 1260 - 1375 nm 1370 - 1495 nm 1260 - 1375 nm

<15 mW <15 mW <15 mW <15 mW <15 m W <15 mW <15 mW

9 µm 9 µm 9 µm 9 µm 9 µm 9 µm 9 µm

0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M

163 mW 163 mW 163 mW 52 mW/

EC-Laser InGaAsP

163 mW

EC-La ser InGa AsP

52 mW/

163 mW

EC-La ser InGa AsP

52 mW/

163 mW

EC-Laser InGaAsP

52 mW/

163 mW

Table 5 Backloadable Tunable Laser Modules (discontinued) - Laser Safety Information

Agilent 81480B Agilent 81482B Agilent 81680B Agilent 81682B Agilent 81640B Agilent 81642B Agilent 81672B

Laser Type FP-Laser

InGaAsP

Wavelength range 1370-1495 nm 1370-1495 nm 1460-1580 nm 1460-1580 nm 1495-1640 nm 1495-1640 nm 1260-1375 nm

Max. CW output

power

Beam waist diameter 9 µm 9 µm 9 µm 9 µm 9 µm 9 µm 9 µm Numerical aperture 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Laser Class

according to IEC 60825-1 (2001)- Intl.

Max. permissible CW output power

Max. CW output power is defined as the highest possible optical power that the laser source can produce at its output connector.

<15 mW <15 mW <15 mW <15 mW <15 mW <15 mW <15 mW

1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M

52 mW/ 163 mW

FP-Laser InGaAsP

52 mW/ 163 mW

FP-Laser InGaAsP

163 mW 163 mW 163 mW 163 mW 52 mW

FP-Laser InGaAsP

32 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Laser Safety Information Getting Started

Table 6 Compact Tunable Laser Modules - Laser Safety Information

Agilent 81980A Agilent 81940A Agilent 81944A Agilent 81989A Agilent 81949A

Laser Type ECL-Laser

InGaAsP

Wavelength range 1465 nm-1575 nm 1520 nm-1630 nm 1520 nm-1630 nm 1465 nm-1575 nm 1520 nm-1630 nm

Max. CW output power 1 20 mW 20 mW 20 mW 20 mW 20 mW

Beam waist diameter 9 µm 9 µm 9 µm 9 µm 9 µm Numerical aperture 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Laser Class according to

IEC 60825-1 (2001)- International Max. permissible CW output power 163 mW 163 mW 163 mW 163 mW 163 mW

Max. CW output power is defined as the highest possible optical power that the laser source can produce at its output connector.

1M 1M 1M 1M 1M

ECL-Laser InGaAsP

Table 7 Compact Tunable Laser Modules (discontinued)- Laser Safety Information

Agilent 81689A Agilent 81689B Agilent 81649A

Laser Type FP-Laser

InGaAsP

Wavelength range 1400-1620 nm 1400-1620 nm 1400-1620 nm

Max. CW output power 1 <15 mW <15 mW <15 mW

Beam waist diameter 9 µm 9 µm 9 µm Numerical aperture 0.1 0.1 0.1 Laser Class according to

IEC 60825-1 (2001)- International Max. permissible CW output power 163 mW 163 mW 163 mW

Max. CW output power is defined as the highest possible optical power that the laser source can produce at its output connector.

1M 1M 1M

FP-Laser InGaAsP

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 33

Getting Started Laser Safety Information

Initial Safety Information for Return Loss Modules

Table 8 Return Loss Modules - Laser Safety Information

Agilent 81611A 2Agilent 81612A 2Agilent 81613A Agilent 81614A

Laser type FP-Laser

InGaAsP

Wavelength ( ± 15nm) 1310 nm 1550 nm 1550/1625 nm 1310/1550 nm

Max. CW output power 1 <1.8mW <1.8mW <1.8mW <1.8mW Beam waist diameter 9 µm 9 µm 9 µm 9 µm

Numerical aperture 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

Laser Class according to IEC 60825-1 (2001) Interna tional

Max. permissible CW output power 15.6 mW 10 mW 10 mW 15.6 mW/10 mW

Max. CW output power is defined as the highest possible optical power that the laser source can prodcue at its output connector

Discontinued

1 1 1 1

FP-Laser

InGaAsP

FP-Laser

InGaAsP

FP-Laser

InGaAsP

Laser Safety Labels

Laser class 1 label

Figure 1 Class 1 Safety Label - Agilent 81650A/51A/52A/54A/11A/12A/13A/14A

34 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Laser Safety Information Getting Started

Laser class 1M label

Figure 2 Class 1M Safety Label - Agilent 81655A/6A/7A, 81662A/3A, 81600B family, (81480B/82B/ 81640B/42B/80B/82B/72B),

81980A/40A/89A/49A, (81649A/89A/89B).

A sheet of laser safety labels is included with the laser module as required. In order to meet the requirements of IEC 60825-1 we recommend that you stick the laser safety labels, in your language, onto a suitable location on the outside of the instrument where they are clearly visible to anyone using the instrument

WARNING

Please pay attention to the following laser safety warnings:

• Under no circumstances look into the end of an optical cable attached to the optical output when the device is operational. The laser radiation can seriously damage your eyesight.

• Do not enable the laser when there is no fiber attached to the optical output connector.

• The laser is enabled by pressing the gray button close to the optical output connector on the front panel of the module. The laser is on when the green LED on the front panel of the instrument is lit.

• The use of other optical instruments with this product will increase the hazard to your eyes.

• The laser module has built-in safety circuitry which will disable the optical output in the case of a fault condition.

• Refer servicing only to qualified and authorized personnel.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 35

Getting Started Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter

Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter

Figure 3 The Agilent 8163B Lightwave Multimeter Mainframe

The Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter is a high-performance optical multimeter for the characterization and evaluation of optical components.

It’s modular format makes it flexible enough to meet changing needs when measuring optical power, power loss, or return loss for single or multimode components.

The Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter mainframe has two slim module slots. The system can host up to two front-loadable modules, of any combination of the following types:

• compact Tunable Laser modules, such as the the Agilent 81689A,

• fixed wavelength Laser Sources, such as the Agilent 81650A,

• DFB Source modules, such as the Agilent 81662A

• Power Sensors, both dual and single, such as the Agilent 81635A,

• Fast Power Sensor Modules, such as the Agilent 81637B,

• Interface Modules for Optical Heads, such as the Agilent 81618A,

• Return Loss Modules, such as the Agilent 81610A

• Attenuator Modules, such as the Agilent 81570A

• Optical Switch Modules. such as the Agilent 81591B

The front-loadable module slots also support all modules designed for the 8153A Lightwave Multimeter.

36 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System Getting Started

Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System

Figure 4 The Agilent 8164B Lightwave Measurement System Mainframe

The Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System mainframe has one large and four slim module slots.

The system can host:

1 one back-loadable Tunable Laser module, such as the Agilent 81672B

2 and up to four front-loadable modules, of any combination of the following types:

• compact Tunable Laser modules, such as the the Agilent 81689A,

• fixed wavelength Laser Sources, such as the Agilent 81650A,

• DFB Source modules, such as the Agilent 81662A

• Power Sensors, both dual and single, such as the Agilent 81635A,

• Fast Power Sensor Modules, such as the Agilent 81637B,

• Interface Modules for Optical Heads, such as the Agilent 81618A,

• Return Loss Modules, such as the Agilent 81610A

• Attenuator Modules, such as the Agilent 81570A

• Optical Switch Modules. such as the Agilent 81591B

The front-loadable module slots also support all modules designed for the 8153A Lightwave Multimeter.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 37

Getting Started Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System

Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System

Figure 5 The Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System Mainframe

The Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System has 17 slim module slots.

The system can host up to seventeen front-loadable modules, of any combination of the following types:

• compact Tunable Laser modules, such as the the Agilent 81689A,

• fixed wavelength Laser Sources, such as the Agilent 81650A,

• DFB Source modules, such as the Agilent 81662A

• Power Sensors, both dual and single, such as the Agilent 81635A,

• Fast Power Sensor Modules, such as the Agilent 81637B,

• Interface Modules for Optical Heads, such as the Agilent 81618A,

• Return Loss Modules, such as the Agilent 81610A

• Attenuator Modules, such as the Agilent 81570A

• Optical Switch Modules. such as the Agilent 81591B

The front-loadable module slots do not support any modules designed for the 8153A Lightwave Multimeter, that is, modules with part numbers less than 81600.

38 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

A Description of the User Interface Getting Started

A Description of the User Interface

Figure 6 and Figure 7 show the user interface of the Agilent 8164A/B, the Agilent 8163A/B and Agilent 8166A/B, respectively, and the names used in this manual to describe the groups of keys.

Power Key

Display

Cursor Key

Hardkeys

Figure 6 The Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System User Interface

Softkeys

Enter

Key

Numerical Keypad

Channel

Key

Modify Knob

The Agilent 8163A/B and the Agilent 8166A/B do not provide the following two features of the Agilent 8164A/B’s user interface:

•the Modify Knob, and

• the Numerical Keypad.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 39

Getting Started A Description of the User Interface

Display

Softkeys

Cursor Key

NOTE

Hardkeys

Figure 7 The Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter User Interface

Enter Key

Power Key Channel Key

Password

When you use this instrument with high-power Laser Source modules or Tunable Laser modules, you must enter the password to unlock the instrument.

The default password is 1234.

If You Forget Your Password

If you forget your password, contact your nearest Agilent Technologies Sales/Service Office. Find contact details by accessing http://www.agilent.com/ on the internet.

40 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

A Description of the User Interface Getting Started

User Interface Features

Introducing Softkeys

A softkey is a key whose function changes depending on the keys that you have pressed before. The function of the softkey is shown on the display to the left of the softkey.

Introducing Hardkeys

A hardkey is a key that always has the same function.

Special Module States

Besides parameter or measurement values, you may also see some texts instead.

<empty>The slot is empty.

<unknown>The installed module is not supported by the firmware revision.

Slot and Channel Numbers

Each module is identified by a slot number and a channel number.

You can use slot and channel numbers:

• to identify each channel in the overview screen with a number at the side of the screen,

• to identify each channel in the Details screen with a tab at the top of the screen,

• to identify the channel when referencing the power measured by another channel, see “How to Reference Another Power Measurement Channel” on page 89,

• to identify the channel when using an application, see “Applications” on page 229, and

• to identify a channel when using a GPIB command, see the Agilent 8163A/B

Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System Programming Guide for m ore

information on GPIB commands.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 41

Getting Started A Description of the User Interface

The slot number represents the module’s position in the mainframe. Frontloadable modules are numbered:

• from one to two from left to right for the Agilent 8163A/B,

• from one to four from left to right for the Agilent 8164A/B, and

• from one to seventeen from left to right for the Agilent 8166A/B.

These numbers are displayed on the front panel beside each module slot. The Agilent 8164A/B slot for back-loadable modules is numbered zero.

NOTE

Modules with two channels, for example, the Agilent 81635A Dual Power Sensor, use the channel number to distinguish between these channels.

The channel number of single channel modules is always one.

42 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

A Description of the User Interface Getting Started

How to Navigate/Modify the Display

Overview Screen

Figure 8 shows the overview screen for the Agilent 8163B Lightwave Multimeter, this screen is shown immediately after start-up. It shows the most important parameters of all installed modules.

Figure 8 The Agilent 8163B’s Overview Screen

NOTE

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 43

The display of the Agilent 8163A and the Agilent 8166A is black and white only.

Figure 8 shows the overview screen for the Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, this screen is shown immediately after start-up. It shows the most important parameters of all installed modules

Getting Started A Description of the User Interface

Figure 9 The Agilent 8164A/B’s Overview Screen

Figure 10 shows the overview screen for the Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, this screen is shown immediately after start-up. It shows the module slots that are occupied.

Figure 10 The Agilent 8166A Overview Screen

44 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

A Description of the User Interface Getting Started

How to Use the Cursor Key

Figure 11 The Cursor Key

You can move the highlighted marker between parameters using the [Cursor] hardkey.

When editing a parameter, see “How to Change the Value of a Parameter” on page 53, the up and down cursor keys can be used to increment and decrement the value of a digit and the left and right cursor keys can be used to move the highlighted digit left and right.

NOTE

How to Use the Numerical Keypad

The Numerical Keypad is only available if you use the Agilent 8164A/B.

You can use the Numerical Keypad to change the value of a parameter. See “How to Change the Value of a Parameter” on page 53.

How to Use the Modify Knob

The Modify Knob is only available if you use the Agilent 8164A/B.

Figure 12 The Modify Knob

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 45

Getting Started A Description of the User Interface

You can use the Modify Knob to navigate around the display. When you turn the Modify Knob through one click, one action is performed.

Turning the Modify Knob clockwise moves the highlighted marker right and then down. Turning the Modify Knob anti-clockwise moves the highlighted marker left and then up.

You can use the Modify Knob to change the value of a parameter. See “How to Change the Value of a Parameter” on page 53.

How to Change Channel

You can navigate between module channels by pressing the Channel hardkey. You can use this key when either the overview screen or the details screen is displayed.

How to Access the Details Screen

You can access the parameters of a module that are not shown on the overview screen by pressing Channel to select the channel and pressing the [Details] softkey. You should see the Details screen as shown in Figure 13 , Figure 14 , or Figure 15 .

Figure 13 The Agilent 8163B’s Details Screen for a Power Sensor Channel

46 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

A Description of the User Interface Getting Started

Figure 14 The Agilent 8164A/B’s Details Sreen for a Tunable Laser Channel

Figure 15 The Agilent 8166A Details Screen for a Power Sensor Channel

If more than 3 modules are inserted in the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System, the user interface cannot display each channel number in the details screen. The arrow indicates that undisplayed channels can be accessed by pressing the Channel hardkey.

To return to the overview screen press the [Overview] softkey.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 47

Getting Started A Description of the User Interface

How to Access the Menu

Press the [Menu] softkey to access all the parameters and functions that apply to a module. Figure 16 and Figure 18 show the type of menu you should see for a Power Sensor channel.

Figure 16 The Agilent 8163B/6B Menu for a Power Sensor Channel

Figure 17 The Agilent 8164A/B Menu for Power Sensor Channel

48 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

A Description of the User Interface Getting Started

How to Change the System Configuration

Press the Config hardkey to access all the system configuration parameters that can be changed. Figure 18 and Figure 19 show the menu you should see. See “Additional Information” on page 63 for more details.

Figure 18 The Agilent 8163B System Configuration Menu

Figure 19 The Agilent 8164A/B System Configuration Menu

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 49

Getting Started A Description of the User Interface

How to Get Help

Press the Help hardkey any time you need more information. The instrument displays online documentation for the currently selected parameter.

Figure 20 The Agilent 8164A/B Help Screen

Press the [Index] softkey to access the Index of help topics.

Figure 21 The Agilent 8164A/B Help Index

50 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

A Description of the User Interface Getting Started

Press the [Back] softkey to return to the last Help topic you accessed.

You can scroll through the text using the up and down cursor keys. The scroll bar displays the current position in the text.

Cross-references within the text allow you to access relevant topics. Cross-references are underlined. If a cross-reference is highlighted, it is selected. Use the left or right cursor keys to move to another crossreference. If you press the "Enter" hardkey or the [OK] softkey, you will jump to the chosen cross-reference.

Press the [Print] softkey to print the current help page. See “How to Connect a Printer” on page 81 for more information on printing.

Press the [Close] softkey to leave the online documentation and resume your task.

How to Access Applications

You can access these applications for the Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter or Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System by pressing the Appl hardkey, the Applications Menu appears, as shown in Figure 22 . See “Applications” on page 229 for further details.

Figure 22 The Applications Menu

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 51

Getting Started A Description of the User Interface

NOTE

These applications are not available for the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System.

The Return Loss Application is only available for the Agilent 8163B Lightwave Multimeter.

After you exit from the application, any modules selected by these applications will automatically be preset, all parameters will be set to their default values for the selected modules.

52 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

How to Change the Value of a Parameter Getting Started

How to Change the Value of a Parameter

What follows is a description of the various ways of changing the value of parameters. Examples in which particular parameter values are changed are given with the parameter descriptions.

Parameters can be either:

• continuous, you may choose any value within a given range, or

• discrete, you may choose a value from a menu.

How to Select a Parameter

You can select the parameter from the following screens:

• from the Details screen, after pressing the [Details] softkey,

• from the Menu screen, after pressing the [Menu] softkey, or,

• for the Agilent 8163A/B and Agilent 8164A/B, from the Overview screen.

To start editing a parameter, you move to it and:

•press the Enter hardkey,

• press the [Edit] softkey,

• press the Modify Knob (if you are using the Agilent 8164A/B), or,

• for numerical parameters only, type a digit on the numerical keypad (if you are using the Agilent 8164A/B).

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 53

Getting Started How to Change the Value of a Parameter

How to Accept the New Value of a Parameter

When you have changed the value of a parameter, to accept this change:

• press the Enter hardkey,

• press the [OK] softkey,

• or, press the Modify Knob (if you are using the Agilent 8164A/B).

These keys all perform the same purpose. All references to pressing Enter throughout this User’s Guide, refer to one of these three actions.

How to Make a Big Change to a Continuous Parameter

If you are changing the value of a parameter completely, type in the value on the numerical keypad (if you are using the Agilent 8164A/B), and press Enter.

To change the output power from 100 µW to 755 µW:

1 Press the [Menu] softkey.

2 Move to Power, using the cursor key, and press Enter.

3 Type 755.000 on the numerical keypad and press Enter.

54 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

How to Change the Value of a Parameter Getting Started

How to Make a Small Change to a Continuous Parameter

For small changes to a parameter use the up and down cursor keys, the numerical keypad (if you are using the Agilent 8164A/B), or the modify knob (if you are using the Agilent 8164A/B).

Move to the parameter and then:

1 Press [Edit]. The first digit before the decimal point will be highlighted first, as

shown in Figure 23 .

Figure 23 The First Digit Before the Decimal Point is Highlighted First

2 If you want to select another digit to edit, use the left or right cursor key.

3 Enter the new value for the digit by using the numerical keypad, the up and down

cursors or turning the modify knob.

4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 to continue editing the value.

5 When you have finished editing the value, press Enter. The edited value

becomes the new value of the parameter.

To change the wavelength from 1540.000 nm to 1525.000 nm:

1 Move to the wavelength parameter for a Tunable Laser module and press [Edit].

The most significant digit is highlighted.

2 Press the left cursor once to highlight the digit four.

3 Press the down cursor twice to change the value of the digit to two.

4 Press the right cursor once to move the cursor one digit right.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 55

Getting Started How to Change the Value of a Parameter

5 Press the up cursor five times to change the value of the digit to five. Press Enter

to end the editing.

56 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

How to Change the Value of a Parameter Getting Started

How to Change a Discrete Parameter

For discrete parameters, you may choose a particular values within a given range.

For a Power Sensor module:

1 Move to the Power Sensor channel and press the [Details] softkey.

2 Move to the [AvgTime] parameter and press Enter.

3 Move to 1 s, by using the cursor key, and press Enter.

1 Move to the Power Sensor channel and press the [Menu] softkey.

2 Move to the <Averaging Time> parameter and press Enter. You see the screen

in Figure 24 .

3 Move to <1 s>, by using the cursor key, and press Enter.

Figure 24 Averaging Time Menu

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 57

Getting Started How to Change the Value of a Parameter

How to Set All Parameters to Their Default Values

Press Preset to set all parameters to their default values.

If You Make a Mistake

If you make a mistake while you are editing a parameter, you can cancel the editing, and retain the previous value for the parameter by pressing the [Cancel] softkey.

If the Parameter Changes to Different Value

If you press Enter or the [OK] softkey and the parameter changes to a different value, then you tried to enter a value outside the calibrated range. The new value is the nearest valid value to the value you entered.

58 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

A Sample Session Getting Started

A Sample Session

This sample session shows you how to measure the power of a modulated signal at a single wavelength.

The sample session is written for the Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter or Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, the Agilent 81689A Tunable Laser module, and the Agilent 81632A Power Sensor. To perform the sample session as described here, you also need a patchcord (if you are using the 81000AI Connector interface, then a Diamond HMS-10/Agilent/HRL to Diamond HMS-10/Agilent patchcord, Agilent 81109AC).

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 59

Getting Started A Sample Session

How to Measure the Power of a Modulated Signal

We want to measure the power of a 1540 nm signal, modulated by a 100 kHz square wave, at 500 µW.

1 Make sure that all your connectors, and connector interfaces are clean.

2 Make sure that the Optical Output of the Laser Source is not active.

3 Connect the output of the Laser Source to the input of the Power Sensor module,

as shown in Figure 25 . You must connect the correct fiber end connector for your Tunable Laser module:

a For straight contact connectors, use a straight contact fiber end connector

with a black sleeve.

b For angled contact connectors with a green sign beside the Tunable Laser

module’s optical output connector, use an angled contact fiber end connector with a green sleeve.

Power

Sensor

TLS

Figure 25 Connecting the Instrument for the Sample Session

4 Make sure the instrument is powered up.

5 How to set the wavelength for the Power Sensor module:

a Move to the wavelength parameter, [λ], for the Power Sensor module and

press Enter.

60 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

A Sample Session Getting Started

b Enter 1540.000 and press Enter.

6 How to set the averaging time for the Power Sensor module:

a Move to the measurement averaging time, [Tavg], and press Enter.

b Move to <1s>, using the cursor key, and press Enter.

7 For the Pow er S ensor m odule, make su re that Wa tts are the s electe d Powe r Unit

and that the instrument is in automatic ranging mode. To change these settings:

a Move to the power parameter, [P], and press the

[Power Unit] softkey.

b Move to <W>, using the cursor key, and press Enter.

c Move to the [Range Mode] parameter and press Enter.

d Move to <Auto>, using the cursor key, and press Enter.

8 How to set the wavelength for the Tunable Laser module:

a Move to the wavelength parameter, [λ], for the Tunable Laser module and

press Enter.

b Enter 1540.000 and press Enter.

9 How to set the modulated power for the Tunable Laser module:

a If power is not displayed in Watts, move to the [P] parameter and press the

[Power Unit] softkey.

b Move to <W>, using the cursor key, and press Enter.

c Move to the [P] parameter and press Enter.

d Enter 500.000. e Change units to µW, if necessary, using the [Unit+] or [Unit−] softkey.

f Press Enter.

10 How to set the modulation frequency for the Tunable Laser module:

a Select the [Frequency] parameter and press Enter.

b Enter 100.000 and press Enter.

11 For the Tunable Laser module, press the button beside the Optical Output. The

green LED should switch on to indicate that the laser is now active.

You should notice that the power reading is approximately half the value set on the Tunable Laser module. This is because the output is modulated by a square wave with a 50% duty cycle.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 61

Getting Started A Sample Session

62 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Additional Information

This chapter describes the system functions of the Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter, the Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, and the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System. Here you will find out how to set the configuration settings and how to connect an external monitor.

Using the System Utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

How to Set the Backlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

How to Set the Date & Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

How to Lock/Unlock the High-Power Laser Sources . . . . . . . .68

How to Set the Trigger Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

How to Configure Startup Applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

How to Configure your Foot Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

How to Set the GPIB Address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

How to Set the Speed of the Serial Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

How to Update a Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

How to Select the Printer Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

How to Change the Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

If You Forget Your Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

How to Get Information About Modules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

How to Get Information About the Mainframe . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

How to Connect an External Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

How to Connect a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 63

Additional Information Using the System Utilities

Using the System Utilities

Press the Config hardkey to access configuration information for your mainframe. You see the screens in Figure 26 and Figure 27 .

Figure 26 The Agilent 8163B/6B Configuration Menu

Figure 27 The Agilent 8164A/B System Configuration Menu

64 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Using the System Utilities Additional Information

You can move to any of the menu items by using the cursor key or the Modify knob. Select an item by pressing Enter or the [OK] softkey.

How to Set the Backlight

The Backlight and menu option allows you to change the appearance of the screen.

NOTE

The Backlight menu option is supported by the Agilent 8163A/B and Agilent 8166A/B but not by the Agilent 8164A/B.

To Set the Backlight

To change the backlight level of the Agilent 8163A/B/..6A/B’s screen:

1 Press the Config hardkey.

2 Move to the <Backlight> menu option and press Enter. You see a box displaying

the current setting.

Figure 28 Entering a Backlight Value

3 Ent er a n in teg er v alue betwe en z ero and one hun dre d in this bo x an d pr ess Enter.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 65

Additional Information Using the System Utilities

NOTE

The Contrast can also be set for the Agilent 8163A and the 8166A models, but only these models, as follows:

1 Press the Config hardkey.

2 Move to the <Contrast> menu option and press Enter. You see a box displaying

the current setting

3 Ent er an inte ger val ue b etw een zero and one hundred in thi s bo x an d press Enter.

How to Set the Date & Time

The instrument uses the date and time when:

• you print out data from an application,

• you save data to diskette from an application, and

•you send the ment’s Programming Guide for more details.

:SYSTem:DATE?

:SYSTem:TIME?

GPIB commands, see your instru-

To set the date and time:

1 Press the Config hardkey.

2 Move to the <Date & Time> menu option and press Enter. You see a box, similar

to Figure 29 , displaying the current date and time settings.

66 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Using the System Utilities Additional Information

Figure 29 Editing the Date and the Time

3 Use the cursor key to move to the Date field. Press the [Edit] softkey. The day of

the month is highlighted.

4 Use the left and right cursor keys to move to the day, month or year. Edit the day,

month or year using the cursor key. Press Enter.

5 Perform steps 3 to 4 again if the date is not fully correct.

6 Use the cursor key to move to the Time field. Press the [Edit] softkey. The hour

of the day is highlighted. The 24-hour clock is used.

7 Use the left and right cursor keys to move to the hour, minute, or second. Edit the

hour, minute, or second using the cursor key. Press [OK].

8 Perform steps 6 to 7 again if the date is not fully correct.

9 When the time and date are both correct, press [Close] to return to the

configuration menu.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 67

Additional Information Using the System Utilities

How to Lock/Unlock the High-Power Laser Sources

To unlock high-power laser sources (including Tunable Laser modules):

1 Press the Config hardkey.

2 Move to the <Unlock> menu option and press Enter. You see a box requesting

you to enter the password.

Figure 30 Unlocking the Instument

3 Enter the password, using the softkeys or the numerical keypad. Press Enter an d

the instrument unlocks.

The default password is 1234.

NOTE

To lock the instrument, perform the steps above, but in step 2 move to the <Lock> menu option in place of the <Unlock> menu option.

68 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Using the System Utilities Additional Information

How to Set the Trigger Configuration

The trigger level at the external trigger connectors is by default active high, this means when a trigger rises above the high TTL level (rising edge), a trigger is accepted.

You can select three modes of triggering from the trigger configuration menu:

•<None>, which you should choose if you do not want to use triggering.

•<Default>, which you should choose if you want to enable the trigger connectors.

•<Pass Through>, which you should choose if you want an input trigger to automatically generate an output trigger. This allows you to trigger another instrument almost simultaneously.

•<Feedback>, which you should choose if you want an output trigger to automatically generate an input trigger. For example, using this mode, you could trigger each step of a wavelength sweep with just one externally generated input trigger.

To change the triggering mode:

1 Press the Config hardkey.

2 Move to the <Tri g ge r > menu option and press Enter. You see a box displaying

the available triggering modes.

Figure 31 Changing the Triggering Mode

3 Move to your chosen triggering mode and press Enter.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 69

Additional Information Using the System Utilities

How to Configure Startup Applications

NOTE

Only valid for the 8163B and 8164B

Several Applications on the 8163B and 8164B can be configured to start upwhen the system is switched on.

To configure startup applications:

1 Press the Config hardkey.

2 Move to the <Startup Applications> menu option and press Enter.

3 Select the application you want to start up when the system is switched on.

70 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Using the System Utilities Additional Information

How to Configure your Foot Pedal

You can use an Agilent 81610FP Foot Pedal (Part Number 81610-68709) to generate triggers. This accessory is similar to a mouse, you press the Foot Pedal and a trigger is generated. You can attach the Foot Pedal to the Input Trigger BNC Connector, see “Input and Output Connectors” on page 310.

To configure your Foot Pedal:

1 Press the Config hardkey.

2 Move to the <Foot pedal support> menu option and press Enter. You see a box

displaying <On> and <Off>.

Figure 32 Enabling/Disabling the Foot Panel

3 Move to <On> to enable the Agilent 81610FP Foot Pedal or move to <Off> to

disable the Agilent 81610FP Foot Pedal.

4 Press Enter.

Valid for 8163A, 8164A, and 8166A only.

NOTE

This functionality requires FPGA version 1.5 or higher. The FPGA version number and date is displayed after you boot up the instrument.

The Trigger configuration must not be set to “disabled”

NOTE

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 71

Additional Information Using the System Utilities

How to Set the GPIB Address

NOTE

The default GPIB address is 20.

To set the GPIB address:

1 Press the Config hardkey.

2 Move to the <GPIB Address> menu option and press Enter. You see a box

displaying the current GPIB address.

Figure 33 Entering a GPIB Address

3 Enter an integer value between 0 and 30 into this box and press Enter. The

address is set to this value.

NOTE

Avoid using 21 as the GPIB address because this number is often the controller’s default GPIB address.

72 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Using the System Utilities Additional Information

How to Set the Speed of the Serial Interface

NOTE

The default Baudrate of the serial interface is 38400 bps.

To set the Baudrate of the instrument’s serial interface:

1 Press the Config hardkey.

2 Move to the <Serial Interface> menu option and press Enter. You see a box

displaying all the available line speeds in bps.

Figure 34 Selecting a Baudrate for the Serial Interface

3 Move to the Baudrate required and press Enter.

NOTE

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 73

The Baudrate set for the serial interface of the instrument should match that set for the PC serial interface connected to it.

The PC serial interface should be configured to match the instrument’s fixed parameters. Refer to “Serial Interface” on page 315

Additional Information Using the System Utilities

How to Update a Module

For information about instrument and module firmware upgrade procedures refer to “Firmware Upgrades” on page 451

To set the mainframe in Module Update mode:

NOTE

Module Update mode is necessary only when updating a module via the serial interface.

1 Press the Config hardkey.

2 Move to the <Module Update> menu option and press Enter. You see a box that

displays Module Update mode as on.

3 Press [OK] to start the Module Firmware Download process.

Figure 35 Module Update mode

Reboot the mainframe to restore normal operation.

NOTE

74 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Using the System Utilities Additional Information

How to Select the Printer Type

You can use a printer connected to the parallel port on the rear panel of your mainframe, see “Input and Output Connectors” on page 310 for a diagram of your mainframe’s rear panel.

You can print out any of the following information:

• a help screen, see “How to Get Help” on page 50,

• data from an application, see “Printing Application Measurement Results” on page 283.

To select a printer type:

1 Press the Config hardkey.

2 Move to the <Printer Type> menu option and press Enter. You see a box, as

shown in Figure 36 , displaying the following printer types:

•<HP PCL>, you can use any printer that uses the Hewlett-Packard Printer Con- trol Language Level 3 or higher, and

•<EPSON 8 pin> , yo u ca n use an y pri nter that i s co mpl ian t wi th E pso n 8 p in p rin t- ers.

Figure 36 Selecting a Printer Type

3 Move to your printer type and press Enter. You return to the configuration menu.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 75

Additional Information Using the System Utilities

How to Change the Password

The password is used for unlocking the instrument. To change the password:

1 Press the Config hardkey.

2 Move to the <Change Password> menu option and press Enter. You see a box

requesting you to enter the password.

3 Enter the current password, using the softkeys or the numerical keypad and

press Enter. You see a box requesting you to enter the new password.

4 Enter your new password. It should be 4 digits long. Press Enter.

If You Forget Your Password

If you forget your password, contact your nearest Agilent Technologies Sales/Service Office. Find contact details by accessing

http://www.agilent.com/ on the internet.

76 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Using the System Utilities Additional Information

How to Get Information About Modules

To get information about modules:

1 Press the Config hardkey.

2 Move to the <About Modules> menu option and press Enter. You see a box

displaying the slots which have installed modules, see Figure 37 .

Figure 37 Slots with Installed Modules

3 Move to the module using the cursor key for which you require information.

Press Enter.

4 The part number, serial number, and firmware revision of the chosen module

are displayed, as shown in Figure 38 .

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 77

Additional Information Using the System Utilities

NOTE

Figure 38 Viewing Information About a Module

5 Press [Close] to return to the menu in Figure 37 .

6 Perform steps 3 to 5 to view information about other module slots or press

[Close] to return to the configuration menu.

• The Agilent 81640A/42A/80A/82A/89A Tunable Laser modules will always

return HEWLETT-PACKARD as the manufacturer.

• All other Agilent 8163A/B Series modules return Agilent Technologies as the

manufacturer.

• The 8153A Series modules will always return HEWLETT-PACKARD as the

manufacturer.

See “How to Get Information About the Mainframe” on page 79 for information on mainframe identity strings.

78 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Using the System Utilities Additional Information

How to Get Information About the Mainframe

To get information about the mainframe:

1 Press the Config hardkey.

2 Move to the <About Mainframe> menu option and press Enter. You see a box

displaying information about your mainframe, see Figure 39 . The manufacturer, part number, serial number, and firmware revision of the mainframe are listed.

Figure 39 Viewing Information About the Mainframe

3 Press [Close] to return to the configuration menu.

The Agilent 8163A, Agilent 8164A, and Agilent 8166A will always return Agilent as the manufacturer. This will not be affected by the transition of these instruments to Agilent Technologies. This will allow programs that use this string to continue functioning.

NOTE

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 79

The Agilent 8163B, Agilent 8164B, and Agilent 8166B will always return Agilent Technologies as the manufacturer.

See “How to Get Information About Modules” on page 77 for information on module identity strings.

Additional Information How to Connect an External Monitor

How to Connect an External Monitor

You can connect a standard VGA monitor to the Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System and the Agilent 8166B Lightwave Multichannel System. This is a useful feature for making presentations or for training courses.

NOTE

You cannot connect a monitor to the Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter or Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel system.

Figure 40 Rear Panel of the Agilent 8164B Lightwave Measurement System

• Place your monitor on a flat sturdy surface.

• Before you make any connections make sure the Lightwave Measurement System and monitor are turned off.

• Connect the power cable to the video input on the back of your monitor. Tighten the thumbscrews on the plug.

• Connect the video cable (it has a 15-pin plug) to the video outlet on the back of the Lightwave Measurement System. Tighten the thumbscrews on the plug.

• Connect the power cord to the display.

• Plug the power cord into the power outlet.

NOTE

Refer to the user’s guide that came with your monitor, if necessary, to locate your monitor’s output and input ports.

80 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

How to Connect a Printer Additional Information

How to Connect a Printer

You can use a printer connected to the parallel port on the rear panel of your mainframe, see “Input and Output Connectors” on page 310 for a diagram of your mainframe’s rear panel.

You can use either of the following printer types:

•<HP PCL>, a printer that uses the Hewlett-Packard Printer Control Language, or

•<EPSON 8 pin>, a printer that is compliant with Epson 8 pin printers.

To set up the printer, perform the following steps:

1 Set up your printer as described in your printer’s User’s Guide.

2 Connect a parallel cable between your printer’s parallel connector to the

parallel port on the rear panel of your mainframe, see “Input and Output Connectors” on page 310 for a diagram of your mainframe’s rear panel.

3 To select a printer type, see “How to Select the Printer Type” on page 75.

You can then print out any of the following information:

• a help screen, see “How to Get Help” on page 50,

• data from an application, see “Printing Application Measurement Results” on page 283.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 81

Additional Information How to Connect a Printer

82 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Power Measurement

This chapter describes how to use the Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter, the Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, and the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System to measure optical power using a Power Meter, that is:

• a Power Sensor module or

• an Optical Head in conjunction with an Optical Head Interface module.

How to Measure Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

The Power Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

How to Set the Power Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

How to Set the Calibration Offset. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

How to Set the Reference Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

How to Set the Wavelength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

How to Remove Electrical Offsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

How to Choose the Range Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

How to Set the Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

How to Set the Averaging Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

How to Choose the MinMax Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

How to Turn Off MinMax Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

How to Hold the Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

How to Use Triggers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Dual Power Meters - Master and Slave Channels. . . . . . . . . .107

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 83

Power Measurement How to Measure Power

How to Measure Power

The Power Value

The <P> parameter displays the power measurement value. In MinMax mode, this parameter changes to < and maximum power, see “How to Choose the MinMax Mode” on page 101.

How to Set the Number of Digits

You can set the maximum number of digits that are used in power measurement. This is the maximum number of digits after the decimal point.

To change the number of digits to two:

∆P>, the difference between minimum

1 Move to the Power Meter channel and press the [Menu] softkey.

2 Move to <Number of Digits> option and press Enter. You will see the screen in

Figure 41 .

Figure 41 The Number of Digits Menu

3 Move to 2 and press Enter.

4 Press the [Close] softkey to exit the menu.

84 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

How to Measure Power Power Measurement

How to Set the Power Unit

Pressing the Power Unit softkey allows you to select either W, dB, or dBm as the units in which power is displayed. The Power Unit softkey is visible when you move to the [P] or [Ref ] parameters. Alternatively the Power Unit can be changed by using the Power Meter menu.

What are the Power Units ?

Watts (W) are the SI unit for power measurement.

You can also measure power in dB or dBm. Values displayed in these units are derived from measurement in Watts.

By selecting dBm, the following calculation is made:

Where,

P P

dBm

input

is the power value displayed in dBm, and is the input signal level in Watts.

Power, in units of dBm, is measured relative to 1 mW, it is an absolute power measurement.

By selecting dB, the following calculation is made:

W()

------- ------ ---- ----- ------log=

input

ref

W()

Where,

P P P

input

ref

is the power value displayed in dB, is the input signal level in Watts, and is the chosen reference power value in Watts.

Power, in units of dB, is measured relative to a particular reference power value. For information on selecting this reference value, see “How to Input a Reference Level” on page 88.

To set the power unit to dBm:

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 85

Power Measurement How to Measure Power

1 Move to the [P] parameter and press the [Power Unit] softkey. You will see the

menu in Figure 42 .

Figure 42 Selecting the Power Unit

2 Move to <dBm>, by using the cursor key, and press Enter.

86 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

How to Measure Power Power Measurement

How to Set the Calibration Offset

This is a calibration offset that you can enter to compensate for external optical circuitry, for example, the Agilent 81022FF Integrating Sphere or a 3 dB coupler. The calibration offset, [Cal], is automatically subtracted from the input signal.

measured

(dBm) = P

(dBm) − CAL(dB)

input

Where,

measured

input

CAL is the calibration offset in decibels (dB).

is the adjusted value of the signal read in dBm,

is the input signal level in dBm, and

To set the calibration offset to 40.000 dB:

1 Move to the Power Meter channel and press the [Details] softkey.

2 Move to the [Cal] parameter and press Enter.

3 Enter 40.000 and press Enter.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 87

Power Measurement How to Measure Power

How to Set the Reference Level

How to Input a Reference Level

dB results are shown relative to a reference level. The [Ref] parameter sets the reference level. Setting, or changing, the reference only affects results that are displayed in dB.

The reference level is displayed in units of dBm or Watts. Depending on which is selected the following equations are used to calculate the power level in dB:

(dB) = P

display

measured

Where,

is the displayed relative power,

display

measured

on page 87), and REF is the reference level.

is the absolute power level (see “How to Set the Calibration Offset”

(dBm) − REF(dBm)

display

dB() 10

measured

----- ------- ---- ---- ------ ----- ---- ----log=

REF W()

W()

You can choose the units for the reference using the Power Unit softkey. If you choose dB, the power value changes to dB and the displayed reference level changes to dBm.

To set the reference level to 10 mW:

1 Move to the Power Meter channel and press the [Details] softkey.

2 Move to the [Ref] parameter and press the [Power Unit] softkey.

3 Move to <W> and press Enter twice. 4 Change the units to mW using the [Unit+] and [Unit−] softkeys.

5 Enter 10.000 and press Enter.

How to Set the Reference Value to the Current Power Value

In addition to entering a new reference value, you can change the reference value to the currently displayed power value by pressing the [Dsp->Ref] softkey.

Pressing the [Dsp->Ref] softkey takes the input power level and stores it as the reference. Setting the reference only affects results displayed in dB.

88 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

How to Measure Power Power Measurement

When you press the [Dsp->Ref] softkey, the absolute power level, the power value in dBm or Watts, is stored as the reference, that is:

REF = P

measured

Where,

REF is the reference, and

measured

on page 87).

is the absolute power level (see “How to Set the Calibration Offset”

The [Dsp->Ref] softkey is displayed if you move to a power measurement channel.

How to Reference Another Power Measurement Channel

You can use the reference mode, [Ref Mode], to reference another Power Meter’s current power level. If you choose this mode, the reference of the channel continuously updates to the current power value measured by the other channel.

The following equations describe how the power in dB is calculated if you reference another channel:

display

(dB) = P

measuredA

(dBm) − P

measuredB

(dBm) − REF(dB)

Where:

is the displayed relative power,

display

measuredA

on page 87) measured by the current Power Meter, and P

measuredB

on page 87) measured by the Power Meter you choose to reference, and REF is the reference level in decibels (dB).

is the absolute power level (see “How to Set the Calibration Offset”

NOTE

reference Power Meter’s current power level. This reference level is stored in separate memory than the absolute reference level.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 89

You can only set the reference level, REF, in decibels (dB) when you

Power Measurement How to Measure Power

To reference another channel:

1 Move to the Power Meter channel and press the [Details] softkey.

2 Move to the [Ref Mode] parameter and press Enter.

3 Move to the channel number you want to reference, using the cursor key, and

press Enter. For example, in Figure 43 , you could choose 3.1 (for channel 3.1). Refer to “Slot and Channel Numbers” on page 41 for information on channel numbers.

Figure 43 Referencing Another Channel

To return to setting a constant reference level:

1 Move to the Power Meter channel and press the [Details] softkey.

2 Move to the [Ref Mode] parameter and press Enter.

3 Move to the <Valu e> menu option and press Enter.

90 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

How to Measure Power Power Measurement

How to Set the Wavelength

This is the wavelength value. The responsivity of the Power Meter varies with wavelength. For accurate power measurement, you need to input the wavelength of the optical input. To set the wavelength to 1545.000 nm:

1 Move to the Power Meter channel and press the [Details] softkey. 2 Move to the [λ] parameter and press Enter.

3 Enter 1545.000 and press Enter.

How to Remove Electrical Offsets

Optical Power Meters measure optical power by converting optical power to electrical power, and then measuring electrical power. An electrical offset is electrical power that is always present, even if there no optical power is input. If electrical offsets are not removed, they affect the accuracy of power measurement.

NOTE

Performing a zero sets the zero power level to the average electrical offset level for the current environmental conditions.

The environmental conditions and the temperature of the instrument affect electrical offset. For the best results you must:

• Allow the instrument time to acclimatize (around 24 hours).

• Allow the instrument time to warm up (around 20 minutes).

• Make sure that the optical input is not receiving any light. If you are using multi-mode fiber-optic cable, you must disconnect the cable and cover the input to the Power Meter to perform a zero.

It is good practice to perform a zero before making any important measurements.

To remove electrical offsets:

1 Make sure the optical input is not receiving any light. If the instrument has just

been switched on, wait until SETTLING is not displayed for the module channel.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 91

Power Measurement How to Measure Power

Figure 44 Module Channels that are Setting

2 Move to the Power Meter channel and press the [Menu] softkey.

3 Move to the <Zero> option to zero the current power measurement channel or

the <Zero All> option to zero all power measurement channels. You will see the sc reen sh own in Figure 4 5 , th is a ppe ars for around 30 seco nds whi le ze roing i s performed.

Figure 45 Zeroing Sreen

92 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

How to Measure Power Power Measurement

NOTE

If you see the screen shown in Figure 46 , the zeroing operation has failed because the Power Meter received light. The most common reason for zeroing to fail is if:

• a source is connected to the Power Meter’s input connector,

• the fiber connected to the Power Meter’s input connector is collecting light, or

• the Power Meter receives ambient light because the input connector is uncovered.

Press Enter and start again at step 1.

4 When the zeroing operation finishes, press the [Close] softkey to close the

menu.

Figure 46 Zeroing Fails, if the Power Meter Receives Input Light.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 93

Power Measurement How to Measure Power

How to Choose the Range Mode

NOTE

For a Dual Power Sensor, you cannot set the range mode of the slave channel, channel 2, directly. By default, the range mode of the slave channel, channel 2, is the same as that for the master channel, channel 1. See Table 10 on page 107 for more details.

You can choose either of two ranging modes from the Range mode menu:

•<Auto>, the auto-ranging mode, ensures that the result has a displayed value between 9% and 100% of full scale. The default state is for automatic ranging to be enabled.

•<Manual>, which allows you to set a user-defined range.

94 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

How to Measure Power Power Measurement

How to Set the Range

If you choose <Auto> from the Range mode menu, this parameter can not be set. The Range parameter, [Range], is displayed in light grey text, see Figure 47 , in automatic ranging mode and displays the automaticallydetermined range.

Figure 47 Auto-Range Mode

If you choose <Manual> from the Range mode menu, you must choose a range setting from the Range menu.

To choose a range setting, follow the following steps:

1 Setup the instrument.

2 Move to the Power Meter channel and press the [Details] softkey.

3 Move to the [P] parameter and press the [Power Unit] softkey. You will see the

menu in Figure 42 .

4 Move to <dBm>, by using the cursor key, and press Enter.

5 Move to the [Range Mode] parameter and press Enter.

6 Move to <Auto>, by using the cursor key, and press Enter.

7 Perform a set of measurements.

8 Note the highest [Range] that the instrument automatically set during this set

of measurements.

9 Move to the Power Meter channel and press the [Details] softkey.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 95

Power Measurement How to Measure Power

10Move to the [Range Mode] parameter and press Enter.

11Move to <Manual>, by using the cursor key, and press Enter.

12Move to the [Range] parameter and press Enter.

13Enter the range value determined in Step 8, by using the cursor key, and press

Enter.

Figure 48 Manual Range Mode - Within Range

If the measured power is more than 3dBm greater than the range setting, it is impossible for power to be displayed. The power value, +1.--- dBm, as shown in Figure 49 , is shown. This means that the measured power is greater than the Upper Power Limit. You must decrease the [Range] value.

See Table 9 on page 99 for more details.

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How to Measure Power Power Measurement

Figure 49 Out of Range - Power Greater Than Upper Power Limit

If the measured power is more than 40 dBm less than the range setting, it is impossible for power to be displayed. The power value, -1.--- dBm, as shown in Figure 50 , is shown. This means that the measured power is greater than the resolution at this [Range] value. You must increase the [Range] value.

See Table 9 on page 99 for more details.

Figure 50 Out of Range - Power Less Than Resolution

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Power Measurement How to Measure Power

Figure 51 shows an example of the range values you can choose for the Agilent 81634B. Inn this case the values range from 10 dBm (upper power limit of 13 dBm) to −70 dBm (upper power limit of

−67 dBm) in 10 dBm increments.

Figure 51 Range Value Menu

98 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

How to Measure Power Power Measurement

Upper Power Limit and Resolution

Table 9 shows the upper power limit and measurent resolution at various power ranges. As can be seen the resolution decreases as the chosen [Range] decreases. The resolution is always 40 dBm less than the chosen [Range] value. The Upper Power Limit is always 3 dBm greater than the chosen [Range] value.

Table 9 Upper Power Limits and Resolution for Various Power Ranges

[RANGE] Upper Power Limit Resolution 40 dBm 19.999 W 43.000 dBm 0.001 W −0.000 dBm

30 dBm 1.9999 W 33.000 dBm 0.1 mW −10.000 dBm 20 dBm 199.99 mW 23.000 dBm 0.01 mW −20.000 dBm 10 dBm 19.999 mW 13.000 dBm 0.001 mW −30.000 dBm

0 dBm 1.9999 mW 3.000 dBm 0.1 µW −40.000 dBm

−10 dBm 199.99 µW −7.000 dBm 0.01 µW −50.000 dBm

−20 dBm 19.999 µW −17.000 dBm 0.001 µW −60.000 dBm

−30 dBm 1.9999 µW −27.000 dBm 0.1 nw −70.000 dBm

−40 dBm 199.99 nW −37.000 dBm 0.01 nw −80.000 dBm

−50 dBm 19.999 nW −47.000 dBm 0.001 nw −90.000 dBm

−60 dBm 1.9999 nW −57.000 dBm 0.1 pW −100.000 dBm

−70 dBm 199.99 pW −67.000 dBm 0.01 pW −110.000 dBm

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Power Measurement How to Measure Power

How to Set the Averaging Time

NOTE

For a Dual Power Sensor, you cannot set the averaging time of the slave channel, channel 2, directly. By default, the averaging time of the slave channel, channel 2, is the same value as that for the master channel, channel 1. See Table 10 on page 107 for more details.

This is the length of time over which a signal is averaged. Longer averaging times increase the accuracy and improve the noise rejection. Longer averaging times also decrease sensitivity.

For averaging times of 1 second or less, a new measurement is shown at the end of each averaging time. This is drawn in Figure 52 . A new measurement is shown on the display at each x.

avg

xxxxxxxx

Figure 52 Measurement with Tavg ~1 second

With modules designed for the 8153A Lightwave Multimeter, for averaging times of more than 1 second, the displayed power is given by the formula:

Where,

new

old

Sample is the value read by the hardware, T

avg

sample

is the new displayed result, is the previously displayed result,

is the averaging time, as set by the user, and is the time the hardware takes to make a reading.

If the measurement condition change (for example, a range change in automatic ranging), P

is reset and the averaging starts again. This is why

old

the display update seems faster in automatic ranging.

To set the averaging time to 1 second:

1 Move to the Power Meter channel and press the [Details] softkey.

2 Move to the [AvgTime] parameter and press Enter.

3 Move to <1s>, by using the cursor key, and press Enter.

100 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition

Agilent 8164B Users Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Table of Contents

List of Figures

List of Tables

Getting Started

Safety Considerations

Safety Symbols

General

Operating Environment

Line Power Requirements

Input/Output Signals

Line Power Connectors

Instrument Markings

Laser Safety Information

Laser Safety Labels

Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter

Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System Getting Started

Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System

A Description of the User Interface

Password

User Interface Features

How to Navigate/Modify the Display

How to Change the Value of a Parameter

How to Select a Parameter

How to Accept the New Value of a Parameter

How to Make a Big Change to a Continuous Parameter

How to Make a Small Change to a Continuous Parameter

How to Change a Discrete Parameter

How to Set All Parameters to Their Default Values

If You Make a Mistake

If the Parameter Changes to Different Value

A Sample Session

How to Measure the Power of a Modulated Signal

Additional Information

Using the System Utilities

How to Set the Backlight

How to Set the Date & Time

How to Lock/Unlock the High-Power Laser Sources

How to Set the Trigger Configuration

How to Configure Startup Applications

How to Configure your Foot Pedal

How to Set the GPIB Address

How to Set the Speed of the Serial Interface

How to Update a Module

How to Select the Printer Type

How to Change the Password

If You Forget Your Password

How to Get Information About Modules

How to Get Information About the Mainframe

How to Connect an External Monitor

How to Connect a Printer

Power Measurement

How to Measure Power

The Power Value

How to Set the Power Unit

How to Set the Calibration Offset

How to Set the Reference Level

How to Set the Wavelength

How to Remove Electrical Offsets

How to Choose the Range Mode

How to Set the Range

How to Set the Averaging Time