Keysight (Agilent) 8164A Users Guide

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

User’s Guide

Notices

This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. All rights are reserved.

No part of th is docume nt may r eproduc ed in (i nclu ding electronic storage and retrieval or translation into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consen t fro m Agil ent Tec hnolog ies Deu ts chland GmbH as governed by United States and international copywright laws.

Subject Matter

The material in this document is subject to change without notice.

Agilent Technologies makes n o warran ty of an y kind

with regar d to this pri nted mate rial, inc luding, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

Agilent Technologies shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.

Printing History

New editions are complete revisions of the guide reflecting alterations in the functionality of the instrument. Updates are occasionally made to the guide betwee n editions. The date on the t itle page changes when an updated guide is published. To find out the current revision of the guide, or to purchase an updated guide, contact your Agilent Technologies representative.

Control Serial Number: First Edition applies directly to all instruments.

Warranty

This Agilent Technologies instrument product is warrante d against d efects i n mate rial and workman ship 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 Bu yer. How ever, Buyer shall pay all sh ipping 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 firm ware wil l be un interrupt ed or er ror free .

Exclusive Remedies

The remedies provided herein are Buyer’s sole and exclusive remedie s. Agilent Technologi es shall no t be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequenti al damages whether based on contra ct, tor t, or any other legal theory.

Assistance

Product maintenance agreemen ts 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 Sta ndard s, NBS) to the ex tent allo wed by the Insti tutes’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 increasin g customer s atisfaction through impr oved process c ontrol.

Third Edition: 08164-90B13

Third Edition: 08164-90B13: October 2001

Second Edition: 08164 -90B12: Septemb er 2001

First Edition: 08164-90B11: August 2001

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 i s expresse d or impli ed. Agilent Technologies specifically disclaims the implied warranties of Merchantability and Fitness for a Particular Purpose.

2 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B User’s Guide, Third Edition

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.

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).

Line Power Requirements

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.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B User’s Guide, Third Edition 3

Line Power Cable

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 285 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.

If this instrument is to be energized via an autotransformer for voltage reduction, ensure that the Common terminal connects to the earth pole of the power source.

• 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.

• Before switching on the instrument, the protective earth terminal of the instrument must be connected to a protective conductor. You can do this by using the power cord supplied with the instrument.

• Do not interrupt the protective earth connection intentionally.

The following work must be carried out by a qualified electrician. All local electrical codes must be strictly observed. If the plug on the cable does not fit the power outlet, or if the cable is to be attached to a terminal block, cut the cable at the plug end and rewire it.

The color coding used in the cable depends on the cable supplied. If you are connecting a new plug, it should meet the local safety requirements and include the following features:

• Adequate load-carrying capacity (see table of specifications).

• Ground connection.

• Cable clamp.

Operating Environment

WARNING 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.

4 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B User’s Guide, Third Edition

Input/Output Signals

CAUTION There are two input BNC connectors: the Remote Interlock Connector

and the Trigger Input, see page 262. 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 page 262. This is a TTL output. Do not apply an external voltage to this connector.

Additional Safety Requirements

Operation - Before applying power Comply with the installation section. Additionally, the following shall be observed:

• Do not remove instrument covers when operating.

• Before the instrument is switched on, all protective earth terminals, extension cords, auto-transformers and devices connected to it should be connected to a protective earth via a ground socket. Any interruption of the protective earth grounding will cause a potential shock hazard that could result in serious personal injury.

• Whenever it is likely that the protection has been impaired, the instrument must be made inoperative and be secured against any unintended operation.

• There is no user-replaceable fuse in this instrument. The use of repaired fuses and the short-circuiting of fuseholders must be avoided.

• Adjustments described in the manual are performed with power supplied to the instrument while protective covers are removed. Be aware that energy at many points may, if contacted, result in personal injury.

• Any adjustments, maintenance, and repair of the opened instrument under voltage should be avoided as much as possible, and when unavoidable, should be carried out only by a skilled person who is aware of the hazard involved. Do not attempt internal service or adjustment unless another person, capable of rendering first aid and resuscitation is present. Do not replace components with power cable connected.

• 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.

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B User’s Guide, Third Edition 5

• Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modification to the instrument.

• Be aware that capacitors inside the instrument may still be charged even if the instrument has been disconnected from its source of supply.

•You MUST return instruments with malfunctioning laser boxes to an Agilent Technologies Sales/Service Center for repair and calibration.

Safety Symbols

The apparatus will be marked with this symbol when it is necessary for the user to refer to the instruction manual in order to protect the apparatus against damage.

Caution, risk of electric shock.

Frame or chassis terminal.

Protective conductor terminal.

Hazardous laser radiation.

Magnetic fields may interfere with a pacemaker.

WARNING The WARNING sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure,

practice or the like, 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.

CAUTION The CAUTION sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating

procedure, practice or the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction of part or all of the equipment. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

6 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B User’s Guide, Third Edition

Laser Safety Information

Initial Safety Information for Laser Source Modules

Table 1 Standard Laser Source Modules Laser Safety Information

Agilent 81650A Agilent 81651A Agilent 81652A Agilent 81654A

Laser type FP-Laser

InGaAsP

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

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

Beam waist diameter 9 µm9 µm9 µm9 µm

Numerical aperture 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

Laser Class according to IEC 60825-1 (1998)- International

Max. permissible CW output power - IEC** 8.9 mW 10 mW 10 mW 8.9 mW/10 mW

Laser Class according to FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 (1995) - USA

Max. permissible CW output power - FDA** 2 mW 8.1 mW 8.1 mW 2 mW/8.1 mW

* Max. CW output power is defined as the highest possible optical power that the laser source can produce at its output con- nector. ** Max. permissible CW output power is the highest optical power that is permitted within the appropriate laser class.

1111

IIII

FP-Laser InGaAsP

Table 2 High Power Laser Source Modules Laser Safety Information

Agilent 81655A Agilent 81656A Agilent 81657A

Laser Type FP-Laser

InGaAsP

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

Max. CW output power* <28 mW <28 mW <28 mW

Beam waist diameter 9 µm9 µm9 µm

Numerical aperture 0.1 0.1 0.1

Laser Class according to IEC 60825-1 (1998)- International

Max. permissible CW output power - IEC** 28.5 mW 50 mW 28.5 mW/50 mW

Laser Class according to FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 (1995) - USA

Max. permissible CW output power - FDA** 500 mW 500 mW 500 mW

* Max. CW output power is defined as the highest possible optical power that the laser source can produce at its output connector. ** Max. permissible CW output power is the highest optical power that is permitted within the appropriate laser class.

3A 3A 3A

IIIb IIIb IIIb

FP-Laser InGaAsP

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Table 3 DFB Laser Source Modules Laser Safety Information

Agilent 81661A Agilent 81662A Agilent 81663A

Laser Type CW DFB Laser

customer supplied

Wavelength range 1500 - 1650 nm

see display

Max. CW output power* <15 mW or <28 mW

depending on customer-supplied laser diode

Beam waist diameter 9 µm9 µm9 µm

Numerical aperture 0.1 0.1 0.1

Laser Class according to IEC 60825-1 (1998)- International

Max. permissible CW output power - IEC** 50 mW 50 mW 50 mW

Laser Class according to FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 (1995) - USA

Max. permissible CW output power - FDA** 500 mW 500 mW 500 mW

3A 3A 3A

IIIb IIIb IIIb

CW DFB Laser with built-in isolator

1500 - 1650 nm see display

<15 mW <28 mW

CW DFB Laser with built-in isolator

1500 - 1650 nm see display

Initial Safety Information for Tunable Laser Modules

Table 4 Tunable Laser Modules Laser Safety Information

Agilent 81480A Agilent 81680A Agilent 81682A Agilent 81640A Agilent 81642A Agilent 81689A

Laser Type FP-Laser

InGaAsP

Wavelength range 1370-1480 nm 1400-1670 nm 1400-1670 nm 1400-1670 nm 1400-1670 nm 1400-1670 nm

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

Beam waist diameter 9 µm9 µm9 µm9 µm9 µm9 µm

Numerical aperture 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

Laser Class according to IEC 60825-1 (1998)- International

Max. permissible CW output power - IEC**

Laser Class according to FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 (1995) - USA

Max. permissible CW output power - FDA**

3A 3A 3A 3A 3A 3A

50 mW 50 mW 50 mW 50 mW 50 mW 50 mW

IIIb IIIb IIIb IIIb IIIb IIIb

500 mW 500 mW 500 mW 500 mW 500 mW 500 mW

FP-Laser InGaAsP

8 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B User’s Guide, Third Edition

Laser Safety Labels - 28 mW Max. CW Output Power

Figure 1 USA Safety Labels (81655A, 81656A, 81657A, 81663A)

Figure 2 Non-USA Safety Labels (81655A, 81656A, 81657A, 81663A)

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Depending on the customer-supplied laser diode, these labels will be applied to the Agilent 81661A DFB Laser Source module before shipment, if not, the labels described below in“Laser Safety Labels - 15 mW Max. CW Output Power” on page 10 will be applied.

A sheet of laser safety labels is included with the laser module. You MUST stick the labels in the local language onto the outside of the instrument, in a position where they are clearly visible to anyone using the instrument.

Laser Safety Labels - 15 mW Max. CW Output Power

These laser safety warning labels are fixed on the outside of the Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System before shipment.

Figure 3 USA Safety Labels (81662A, 81640A, 81642A, 81680A, 81682A, 81689A)

10 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B User’s Guide, Third Edition

These laser safety warning labels are fixed on the outside of the Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System before shipment.

Figure 4 Non-USA Safety Labels (81662A, 81640A, 81642A, 81680A, 81682A, 81689A)

Depending on the customer-supplied laser diode, these labels will be applied to the Agilent 81661A DFB Laser Source module before shipment, if not, the labels described above in“Laser Safety Labels - 28 mW Max. CW Output Power” on page 9 will be applied.

Further Safety Information

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 en abl e the laser wh en th ere is no fiber at tached t o th e op tic al 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 optical instruments with this product will increase eye hazard.

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

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WARNING Refer Servicing only to qualified and authorized personnel.

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The Structure of this Manual

This manual is divided into 3 sections:

• Getting Started This section gives an introduction to the instrument and aims to make the instrument familiar to you:

– “Getting Started” on page 35 and

– “Additional Information” on page 61.

• How to Use Modules and Applications This section gives information on how to control modules from the front panel:

– “Power Measurement” on page 79,

– “Laser Sources” on page 105,

– “Tunable Lasers” on page 115,

– “Return Loss Measurement” on page 147,

– “Setting Attenuation and/or Power Levels” on page 179, and

– “Applications” on page 201.

• Additional Information This section gives the following supporting information of a nonoperational nature:

– “Installation and Maintenance” on page 259,

– “Accessories” on page 285,

– “Specifications and Regulations Compliance” on page 301,

– “Performance Tests” on page 323,

– “Error Messages” on page 353

– “Cleaning Instructions” on page 387, and

– “Firmware Upgrades” on page 409.

Conventions used in this Manual

• Hardkeys are indicated by italics, for example, Config, or Channel.

• Softkeys are indicated by normal text enclosed in square brackets, for example, [Zoom] or [Cancel].

• Parameters are indicated by italics enclosed by square brackets, for example, [Range Mode], or [MinMax Mode].

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B User’s Guide, Third Edition 13

• Menu items are indicated by italics enclosed in brackets, for example, <MinMax>, or <Continuous>.

Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Offices

Any adjustment, maintenance, or repair of this product must be performed by qualified personnel. Contact your customer engineer thr ough your local Agilent Technologies Service Center. You can find a list of local service representatives on the Web at: http://www.agilent-tech.com/services/English/index.html

If you do not have access to the Internet, one of these centers can direct you to your nearest representative:

United States: Test and Measurement Call Center

(800) 452-4844 (Toll free in US)

Canada: (877) 894-4414

Europe: (31 20) 547 2323

Japan: Measurement Assistance Center

(81) 426 56 7832 (81) 426 56 7840 (FAX)

Latin America: (305) 269 7500

(305) 269 7599(FAX)

Australia/ New Zealand:

Asia-Pacific: (852) 3197 7777

1 800 629 485 (Australia) 0800 738 378 (New Zealand)

(852) 2506 9284 (FAX)

14 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B User’s Guide, Third Edition

Tabl e o f Con ten t s

Tab l e o f C o nt e nt s

Safety Considerations 3

Line Power Requirements 3 Line Power Cable 4

Operating Environment 4 Input/Output Signals 5

Additional Safety Requirements 5

Safety Symbols 6

Laser Safety Information 7

Initial Safety Information for Laser Source Modules 7 Initial Safety Information for Tunable Laser Modules 8

Laser Safety Labels - 28 mW Max. CW Output Power 9 Laser Safety Labels - 15 mW Max. CW Output Power 10 Further Safety Information 11

The Structure of this Manual 13

Conventions used in this Manual 13

Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Offices 14

Getting Started 35

Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter 37 Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System 38 Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System 39 A Description of the User Interface 40

Password 41

If You F o r g et Yo u r P a s sw o r d 41

User Interface Features 41

Introducing Softkeys 41

Introducing Hardkeys 42 Special Module States 42 Slot and Channel Numbers 42

How to Navigate/Modify the Display 43

Overview Screen 43

How to Use the Cursor Key 45 How to Use the Numerical Keypad 45 How to Use the Modify Knob 46

How to Change Channel 46 How to Access the Details Screen 47 How to Access the Menu 49

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Table of Cont en t s

Additional Information 61

How to Change the System Configuration 51

How to Get Help 52 How to Access Applications 53

How to Change the Value of a Parameter 54

How to Select a Parameter 54 How to Accept the New Value of a Parameter 55 How to Make a Big Change to a Continuous Parameter 55 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 57 If You Make a Mistake 58 If the Parameter Changes to Different Value 58

A Sample Session 58

How to Measure the Power of a Modulated Signal 58

Using the System Utilities 63

How to Set the Backlight 64

To Set the Backlight 64

How to Set the Date & Time 65 How to Lock/Unlock the High-Power Laser Sources 66 How to Set the Trigger Configuration 67 How to Configure Startup Applications 68 How to Configure your Foot Pedal 69 How to Set the GPIB Address 70 How to Set the Speed of the Serial Interface 70 How to Update a Module 71 How to Select the Printer Type 72 How to Change the Password 73 If You Forget Your Password 74 How to Get Information About Modules 74 How to Get Information About the Mainframe 75

How to Connect an External Monitor 77 How to Connect a Printer 78

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Tab l e o f C o nt e nt s

Power Measurement 79

How to Measure Power 81

The Power Value 81

How to Set the Number of Digits 81

How to Set the Power Unit 82

What are the Power Units ? 82

How to Set the Calibration Offset 83 How to Set the Reference Level 84

How to Input a Reference Level 84 How to Set the Reference Value to the Current Power Value 84 How to Reference Another Power Measurement Channel 85

How to Set the Wavelength 86 How to Remove Electrical Offsets 87 How to Choose the Range Mode 90 How to Set the Range 91

Upper Power Limit and Resolution 95

How to Set the Averaging Time 96 How to Choose the MinMax Mode 97 How to Turn Off MinMax Mode 99 How to Hold the Screen 100 How to Use Triggers 100

How to Trigger Power Measurements 100 How to Use Output Triggering 102

Dual Power Meters - Master and Slave Channels 103

Laser Sources 105

How to Use Laser Source Modules 107

The Laser Wavelength Value 107

Dual-Wavelength Laser Source Modules 107

How to Enable/Disable Laser Output 108 How to Set Attenuation 109 How to Modulate the Optical Output 110

How to Change Modulation Source 110 How to Disable Modulation 110

How to Use the Internal Modulation 110 How to Set the Frequency of a Modulated Signal 110 How to Set the Modulation Mode 110

How to Increase Linewidth 111 How to Modulate Dual-Wavelength Laser Source Modules 111

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Table of Cont en t s

Tunable Lasers 115

How to Use Triggers 112

How to Use Output Triggering 112

What is a Tunable Laser ? 117 How to Set the Power 117

How to Set the Output Power of a CW Signal 118

How to Set Output Power 118 How to Set the Optical Output 118

How to Set the Optical Output 120 How to Enable the Optical Output 120 How to Set Power and Attenuation 120

What is Excessive Power ? 122 How to Set the Laser to the Dark Position 122 The Analog Output 123

How to Set the BNC Output Line Mode as an Analog Output 124

How to Set the Wavelength 124

Wavelength Range 124 How to Set the Wavelength Directly 125 How to Set a Relative Wavelength 125

How to Change the Output Wavelength 126 How to Set the Base Wavelength 126

How to Change the Frequency Offset 127

How to Perform a Wavelength Sweep 127

What is a Wavelength Sweep ? 127 How to Set the Wavelength Sweep 127

The Sweep Parameters 127 How to Set the Repeat Mode 128 How to Set the Maximum Power for the Sweep Range 129

How to Perform a Sweep 129

How to Execute a Stepped Sweep 129

How to Execute a Continuous Sweep 131 How to Perform a Manual Sweep 132

How to Modulate a Signal 134

How to Use the Internal Modulation 134

How to Set the Output Power of a Modulated Signal 134 How to Set the Frequency of a Modulated Signal 134

How to Set the Modulation Mode 135

How to Use External Modulation 135

External Digital Modulation 135

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Tab l e o f C o nt e nt s

External Analog Modulation 136

Wavelength Locking 137 External Digital Modulation using Input Trigger Connector 138 How to Increase Linewidth 139

How to Set the Output Power of a Modulated Signal 139

How to Configure the Modulation Output 139

How to Set the BNC Output Line Mode as a Modulation Output 140 How to Set the Modulation Output Mode 140

How to Use Triggers 140

How to Use Input Triggering 140 How to Use Output Triggering 142

How to Use Auxiliary Functions 143

Automatic Realignment 143 How to Perform a Wavelength Zero 144

Return Loss Measurement 147

Getting Started With Return Loss 149

What is Return Loss? 149 What is Insertion Loss? 149 Equipment required 150 How to Choose a Light Source 150 Return Loss Modules 152

Calibration Measurements 153 Return Loss Measurement 154

Setup 155 Calibrating the Return Loss Module 157 Calibration using the Agilent 81000BR Reference Reflector 158

Reflectance Calibration 158 Termination Calibration 160

Calibration using the Agilent 81610CC Reference Cable 161

Reflectance Calibration 161 Front Panel Delta Calibration 162

Termination Calibration using the Measurement Patchcord 165

How to Measure Return Loss 166

How to Measure Return Loss and Insertion Loss 166

Viewing the Calibration Values 167

A Background to Return Loss Measurement 171

Measuring the Reflected Power from a Component with Known Reflection Factor 171

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Table of Cont en t s

Setting Attenuation and/or Power Levels 179

Measuring the Power Transmitted Through the Reflection Reference 172

Measuring the Power when there are No Reflections 172 Measuring the Power Transmitted Through the Measurement

Patchcord 173 Measuring the Reflections from the DUT 173 Measuring the Power Transmitted Through the DUT 174 Calculating the Return Loss of the DUT 174 Calculating the Front Panel Delta 176 Calculating the Insertion Loss of the DUT 178

Agilent 8156xA Variable Optical Attenuator modules 181 How to Use a Variable Optical Attenuator module 182

The User Interface 182 How to Control the Shutter 184 How to Set Attenuation 185

How to Apply an Attenuation Offset 186

How to Set a Power Level 188

Calibrating Test Setups that use an 81560A/61A Attenuator module 188

Calibrating Test Setups that use an 81566A/67A Attenuator module 190

How to Compensate for Wavelength Depenencies 193

How to Apply a λ Offset Table 193 Editing the λ Offset Table 193 How to Construct a λ Offset Table 195 During a test that utilizes the λ Offset Table 196

How to Use the Power Control Feature 197 Attenuator Menu Options 198 Attenuator Status Indicators 199

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Tab l e o f C o nt e nt s

Applications 201

Working with Application Graphs 203

How to Set Markers 204 How to Zoom In 204 How to Zoom Out 205 To Switch the Grid On/Off 205 How to Use Legends 205

How to Identify Curves 205 How to Change the Legend Label 206

How to Select the Samples Display 207 How to Read Curve Values 209

How to Lock Markers to the Curve 210 How to Unlock Markers from the Curve 211 How to Lock/Unlock Markers to Samples 211

The Logging Application 213

How to Set Up a Logging Function 214

Selecting/Deselecting Power Meters 216

Setting Power Meter Parameters 216 Setting Logging Parameter 218

Running a Logging Application 219 Analysing a Logging Application 220

Setting Analysis Parameters 222 Viewing the Statistics for a Power Meter Channel 223

On-Screen Messages 223

The Stability Application 225

How to Set Up a Stability Function 226

Selecting/Deselecting Power Meters 227 Setting Power Meter Parameters 228

Setting Stability Parameter 229

Running a Stability Application 230 Analysing a Stability Application 231

Setting Analysis Parameters 233

Viewing the Statistics for a Power Meter Channel 234

On-Screen Messages 234

The PACT Application 236

What is the PACT ? 236 How to Set Up PACT 236

Selecting a Tunable Laser Module 237 Selecting/Deselecting Power Meters 237

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Table of Cont en t s

Setting Sweep Parameters 238

How to Measure the Reference 240 How to Perform a Loss Measurement 242 Analysing a PACT Measurement 246 On-Screen Messages 248

The Pmax Curve 248

What is the Pmax Curve ? 248 How to View the Pmax Curve 249

The Return Loss Application 250

Starting the Application 250 Measuring Return Loss 250 Measuring Return Loss and Insertion Loss 251 On-Screen Messages 251 Configuration 251 User Interface 252

Zero all 252 Edit 252

Cal 252 Show Cal 253 Measure 253

Menu 253

Recording Measurement Results 253

Printing Application Measurement Results 253 Saving Application Measurement Results to Diskette 256

Installation and Maintenance 259

Safety Considerations 261 Initial Inspection 261 AC Line Power Supply Requirements 262

Line Power Requirements 262 Line Power Cable 262 Changing the Battery 265 Changing the Fuse 266

Operating and Storage Environment 266

Temperature 266 Humidity 267 Altitude 267 Pollution Protection 267

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Tab l e o f C o nt e nt s

Storage and Shipment 267 Instrument Cooling 267

Operating Position 268

Storage Position 269 Carrying the Instrument 270

Using Modules 271

How to Fit and Remove Modules 271

How to Remove a Front-Loadable Module 271 How to Fit a Front-Loadable Module 272

How to Remove a Back-Loadable Module 273 How to Fit a Back-Loadable Module 274

Adding a Connector Interface 276 Protecting Empty Module Slots 276

Fitting Blind Panels for Front-Loadable Module Slots 276 Fitting a Filler Module for Back-Loadable Module Slots 277

Input and Output Connectors 277

The Remote Interlock (RIL) connector 279

GPIB Interface 280

Cables and Adapters 280 Connector 280

GPIB Logic Levels 281 Serial Interface 281 Parallel Port, PCMCIA Slot, Keyboard connector and 24V

DC Output

283

Claims and Repackaging 283

Return Shipments to Agilent Technologies 283 Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Offices 284

Accessories 285

Instrument and Options - Agilent 8163A/B 287

Modules 287

Instrument and Options - Agilent 8164A/B 290

Modules 290 Agilent 81645A Filler Module 293 Options 293

Option 003 - Agilent 81682A, Agilent 81642A 293

Option 021 - Agilent 81689A 293 Option 022 - Agilent 81689A 293

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Table of Cont en t s

Specifications and Regulations Compliance 301

Option 071 - All Tunable Laser Source Modules 293

Option 072 - All Tunable Laser Source Modules 293

HP 8153A Lightwave Multimeter Modules 294 Instrument and Options - Agilent 8166A/B 296

Modules 296

GPIB Cables and Adapters 298

Agilent 8163A Specifications 303 Agilent 8163B Specifications 304 Agilent 8164A Specifications 305 Agilent 8164B Specifications 306 Agilent 8166A Specifications 307 Agilent 8166B Specifications 308 Declarations of Conformity 309

Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter 309 Agilent 8163B Lightwave Multimeter 311 Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System 313 Agilent 8164B Lightwave Measurement System 315 Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System 317 Agilent 8166B Lightwave Multichannel System 319

Regulations Information 321

Safety Canada 321 EMC Canada 321 EMC Australia/New Zealand 321

Performance Tests 323

Equipment Required 325 Test Record 326 Test Failure 326 Instruments Specifications 326

Performance Test Instructions 327

Display/Key Functional Test 327

Testing H a r d k ey s 3 2 8

Testing the Softkeys and the Cursor Key 328 Testing the Softkeys and the Enter Key 328 Testing the the Modify Knob 329

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Tab l e o f C o nt e nt s

Te s t in g th e Nu m be r K e y s 3 2 9

Module Interaction Test 330

Test of the Tunable Laser Module Channel (Slot 0) 331

GPIB Interface Test (Optional) 331

Tes t Rec o rd 333

Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter Performance Test 333

Agilent 8163B Lightwave Multimeter Performance Test 335 Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System Performance Test 337 Agilent 8164B Lightwave Measurement System Performance Test 341

Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System Performance Test 345 Agilent 8166B Lightwave Multichannel System Performance Test 349

Error Messages 353

SYST:ERR? 354 Screen Status Messages 356 Mainframes 357

8163A 358 8163B 358 8164A 358 8164B 359 8166A 359 8166B 360

Errors appearing on pop-up menus 361

Error on Module 361 Error 363

Tunable Laser Sources 364

Initialization Tests 364 Selftests 368

Return Loss Meters 372 Powermeters and Interface Modules with Optical Head 376 Fixed Laser Sources (Fabry Perot) 381 DFB Laser Sources 384

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B User’s Guide, Third Edition 25

Table of Cont en t s

Cleaning Instructions 387

Safety Precautions 389 Why is it important to clean optical devices ? 389 What do I need for proper cleaning? 390

Standard Cleaning Equipment 390

Dust and shutter caps 390

Isopropyl alcohol 391 Cotton swabs 391 Soft tissues 392

Pipe cleaner 392 Compressed air 392

Additional Cleaning Equipment 393

Microscope with a magnification range about 50X up to 300X 393 Ultrasonic bath 393

Warm water and liquid soap 394 Premoistened cleaning wipes 394 Polymer film 394

Infrared Sensor Card 394

Preserving Connectors 395 Cleaning Instrument Housings 395 Which Cleaning Procedure should I use ? 396 How to clean connectors 396 How to clean connector adapters 397 How to clean connector interfaces 398 How to clean bare fiber adapters 399 How to clean lenses 400 How to clean instruments with a fixed connector interface

400

How to clean instruments with an optical glass plate 401 How to clean instruments with a physical contact interface

401

How to clean instruments with a recessed lens interface

402

How to clean optical devices which are sensitive to mechanical stress and pressure

403

How to clean metal filters or attenuator gratings 404

26 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B User’s Guide, Third Edition

Tab l e o f C o nt e nt s

Additional Cleaning Information

405

How to clean bare fiber ends 405 How to clean large area lenses and mirrors 405

Other Cleaning Hints 407

Firmware Upgrades 409

Firmware Upgrade Process 411

READ THIS SECTION BEFORE UPGRADING FIRMWARE 411

How to Get a Firmware Upgrade 412

Receive a Support Disk with New Modules 412 Download Firmware Upgrade from the Internet 412

How to Upgrade Firmware 413

How to Upgrade Firmware from the Internet 413 How to Upgrade Firmware from CD-ROM 414

Agilent 8163A Firmware Upgrade Procedure 414 Agilent 8163B Firmware Upgrade Procedure 415 Agilent 8164A Firmware Upgrade Procedure 416

Agilent 8164B Firmware Upgrade Procedure 417 Agilent 8166A Firmware Upgrade Procedure 418 Agilent 8166B Firmware Upgrade Procedure 419

Agilent Module Firmware Upgrade Procedure 420

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B User’s Guide, Third Edition 27

Table of Cont en t s

28 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B User’s Guide, Third Edition

List of Figures

Figure 1 USA Safety Labels (81655A, 81656A, 81657A, 81663A) . . . . . . 9

Figure 2 Non-USA Safety Labels (81655A, 81656A, 81657A, 81663A) . . . . . 9

Figure 3 USA Safety Labels (81662A, 81640A, 81642A, 81680A, 81682A, 81689A) . . 10 Figure 4 Non-USA Safety Labels (81662A, 81640A, 81642A, 81680A, 81682A, 81689A) 11

Figure 5 The Agilent 8163B Lightwave Multimeter Mainframe . . . . . . 37

Figure 6 The Agilent 8164B Lightwave Measurement System Mainframe . . . . 38

Figure 7 The Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System Mainframe . . . 39 Figure 8 The Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System User Interface . . 40

Figure 9 The Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter User Interface . . . . . 41

Figure 10 The Agilent 8163B’s Overview Screen . . . . . . . . . . 43

Figure 11 The Agilent 8164A/B’s Overview Screen . . . . . . . . . . 44

Figure 12 The Agilent 8166A Overview Screen . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Figure 13 The Cursor Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Figure 14 The Modify Knob. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Figure 15 The Agilent 8163B’s Details Screen for a Power Sensor Channel . . . . 47

Figure 16 The Agilent 8164A/B’s Details Screen for a Tunable Laser Channel . . . 48

Figure 17 The Agilent 8166A Details Screen for a Power Sensor Channel . . . . 48

Figure 18 The Agilent 8163B/6B Menu for a Power Sensor Channel . . . . . 49

Figure 19 The Agilent 8164A/B Menu for a Power Sensor Channel . . . . . . 50

Figure 20 The Agilent 8163B System Configuration Menu . . . . . . . . 51

Figure 21 The Agilent 8164A/B System Configuration Menu . . . . . . . 51

Figure 22 The Agilent 8164A/B Help Screen . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Figure 23 The Agilent 8164A/B Help Index . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Figure 24 The Applications Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Figure 25 The First Digit Before the Decimal Point is Highlighted First . . . . . 56

Figure 26 Averaging Time Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Figure 27 Connecting the Instrument for the Sample Session . . . . . . . 59

Figure 28 The Agilent 8163B/6B Configuration Menu . . . . . . . . . 63

Figure 29 The Agilent 8164A/B System Configuration Menu . . . . . . . 63

Figure 30 Entering a Backlight Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Figure 31 Editing the Date and the Time . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Figure 32 Unlocking the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Figure 33 Changing the Triggering Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Figure 34 Enabling/Disabling the Foot Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Figure 35 Entering a GPIB Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Figure 36 Selecting a Baudrate for the Serial Interface . . . . . . . . . 71

Figure 37 Module Update mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Figure 38 Selecting a Printer Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Figure 39 Slots with Installed Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Figure 40 Viewing Information About a Module . . . . . . . . . . 75

Figure 41 Viewing Information About the Mainframe . . . . . . . . . 76

Figure 42 Rear Panel of the Agilent 8164B Lightwave Measurement System . . . 77

Figure 43 The Number of Digits Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Figure 44 Selecting the Power Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Figure 45 Referencing Another Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Figure 46 Module Channels that are Settling . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Figure 47 Zeroing Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

List of Figures

Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B User’s Guide, Third Edition 29

List of Figures

Figure 48 Zeroing Fails, if the Power Meter Receives Input Light. . . . . . . 90

Figure 49 Auto-Range Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Figure 50 Manual Range Mode - Within Range . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Figure 51 Out of Range - Power Greater Than Upper Power Limit. . . . . . . 93

Figure 52 Out of Range - Power Less Than Resolution . . . . . . . . . 94

Figure 53 Range Value Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Figure 54 Measurements with Tavg £ 1 second . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Figure 55 The Window and Refresh Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Figure 56 MinMax Mode Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Figure 57 Power Module Channel is Held - Overview Screen . . . . . . . 100

Figure 58 Input Trigger Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Figure 59 Output Trigger Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Figure 60 Menu of Parameters for a Fixed Wavelength Laser Source . . . . . 107

Figure 61 Dual-Wavelength Laser Source Outputs Both Wavelengths . . . . 108

Figure 62 The Power Sensor Details Screen . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Figure 63 The Modulated Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Figure 64 Output Trigger Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Figure 65 Setting High Power parameters . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Figure 66 Setting Low SSE parameter . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Figure 67 Setting Attenuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Figure 68 Excessive Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Figure 69 Output Power and the Analog Output in <Manual Att.> Mode . . . . 123

Figure 70 Specified and Permitted Wavelength Range . . . . . . . . 125

Figure 71 Setting a Relative Wavelength . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Figure 72 The Parameters for a Stepped Wavelength Sweep . . . . . . . 128

Figure 73 Repeat Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Figure 74 Executing a Stepped Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Figure 75 Pausing a Stepped Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Figure 76 Performing a Manual Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Figure 77 The Modulated Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Figure 78 External Digital Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Figure 79 External Analog Modulation and Output Power . . . . . . . 137

Figure 80 Wavelength Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Figure 81 Input Trigger Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Figure 82 Output Trigger Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Figure 83 Realign Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Figure 84 l Zeroing Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Figure 85 Measuring Return Loss and Insertion Loss . . . . . . . . 150

Figure 86 The Contents of the Agilent 81610A Return Loss module . . . . . 152

Figure 87 The Contents of the Agilent 81611A and Agilent 81612A Return Loss modules 152 Figure 88 The Contents of the Agilent 81613A and Agilent 81614A Return Loss modules 153

Figure 89 Return Loss Measurement Setup - External Source used . . . . . 155

Figure 90 Return Loss Measurement Setup - Internal Source used . . . . . 155

Figure 91 Agilent 8161x Details Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Figure 92 Reflectance Calibration - External Source . . . . . . . . . 158

Figure 93 Reflection Calibration - Internal Source . . . . . . . . . 158

Figure 94 Measuring the Reflection Reference . . . . . . . . . . 159

Figure 95 Termination Calibration - External source . . . . . . . . . 160

Figure 96 Termination Calibration - Internal Source . . . . . . . . . 160

Figure 97 Measuring the Return Loss of the Reference Cable - External Source . . 161 Figure 98 Measuring the Return Loss of the Reference Cable - Internal Source . . 161 Figure 99 Power Transmitted through the Reference Cable - External Source . . . 162

30 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B User’s Guide, Third Edition

+ 392 hidden pages

Keysight (Agilent) 8164A Users Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Safety Considerations

Additional Safety Requirements

Laser Safety Information

The Structure of this Manual

Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Offices