Agilent Technologies 8156A User Manual

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Specifications
Definition of Terms
Measurement: either with a fiber-loop type polarization controller
using the polarization scanning method, or with a wavelength type
polarization controller using the Mueller method.
Polarization mode dispersion
The change of transit time caused by changing the input
polarization state, expressed in fs (10
-15
seconds).
Conditions: Generation of all polarization states (covering the
entire Poincar sphere.
Measurement: with the Agilent Technologies polarization
analyzer.
Repeatability
The random uncertainty in reproducing the attenuation after
changing and re-setting the attenuation. The repeatability is
± half
the span between the maximum and the minimum attenuations,
expressed in dB.
Conditions: uninterrupted line voltage, constant wavelength
setting, temperature within
±1 K, constant input polarization state.
Measurement: with an optical power meter.
Return loss
The ratio of the incident power to the reflected power, expressed in
dB.
Conditions: jumper cables with high-quality connectors on both
attenuator ports. Arbitrary attenuation setting. Applicable to both
attenuator ports, with the respective second port terminated (zero
reference).
Measurement: with a return loss meter, using a Fabry-Perot type
laser source. The measurement result includes attenuator-internal
reflectances and reflectances from both attenuator ports.
Wavelength range The range of wavelengths to which the
specifications apply.
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Agilent Technologies 8156A Specifications

General

Type	Optical Attenuator
Accuracy	±0.5 dB
Resolution	0.01 dB
Display	LCD
Interface	GPIB, RS-232
Attenuation Range	0 to 60 dB
Power Supply	100-240 V, 50/60 Hz
Optical Connector	FC, SC
Insertion Loss	<0.5 dB
Return Loss	> 55 dB
Connector Type	FC

Summary

Getting Started with the Agilent 8156A

Using the Agilent 8156A Attenuator

Learn how to use the Agilent 8156A attenuator's basic functions, including modifying keys and settings.

Making an Attenuation Sweep

Understand the process of performing automatic and manual attenuation sweeps on the instrument.

Using the Attenuator as a Variable Back Reflector

Guidance on configuring and utilizing the attenuator for back reflection applications.

Using the Agilent 8156A Attenuator

Setting Up Hardware for Attenuation

Procedure for configuring the physical connections and hardware for attenuation measurements.

Setting Attenuation Factors and Calibration

Guidance on setting attenuation factors and calibration factors for precise control.

Making an Attenuation Sweep

Configuring Hardware for Sweeps

Steps for setting up the hardware configuration specifically for attenuation sweep operations.

Automatic Attenuation Sweep Setup

Detailed instructions for setting up and executing automatic attenuation sweeps.

Manual Attenuation Sweep Setup

Guide to configuring and performing manual attenuation sweeps with parameter control.

Using the Attenuator as a Variable Back Reflector

Configuring Hardware for Back Reflection

Instructions for setting up the hardware for variable back reflection measurements.

Setting Up Software for Back Reflection

Guide to configuring software parameters for back reflection analysis.

Storing and Recalling Settings

Storing Current Instrument Settings

Procedure for saving the current instrument configuration to memory.

Recalling Instrument Settings

Instructions for recalling stored instrument settings, including default settings.

Programming the Agilent 8156A

Setting the GPIB Address

How to set and reset the GPIB address of the attenuator from the front panel.

Remote Commands Reference

Common Command Summary

A summary table of common SCPI commands with their parameters and functions.

Common Status Information

Details on status registers (OPERation, QUEStionable) and their organization.

Input Commands

Commands for setting attenuation, LC mode, offset, and wavelength.

Output Commands

Commands for controlling absolute power mode and output shutter state.

Status Commands Reference

Detailed commands for managing instrument status and events.

User Calibration Commands

Installation Guide

Safety Considerations for Installation

Important safety precautions to observe during instrument installation.

AC Line Power Supply Requirements

Specifications and precautions related to the instrument's AC power connection.

Specifications and Definitions

Instrument Specifications

Warranted and typical performance characteristics for various instrument options.

Performance Tests Procedures

Equipment Required for Performance Tests

Performance Test Procedures

Guidelines for conducting Total Insertion Loss, Linearity, Repeatability, and Return Loss tests.

Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL) Test

Procedure for testing Polarization Dependent Loss using the Mueller method.

Cleaning Information and Procedures

General Safety Precautions for Cleaning

Essential safety rules to follow during all cleaning procedures for optical devices.

Standard and Additional Cleaning Equipment

How to Clean Connectors

Error Messages

Display Messages and Self-Test Failures

GPIB Command and Execution Errors

Details on GPIB error codes related to command syntax, parameters, and execution.

GPIB Data and Header Errors

GPIB Execution and Parameter Errors

GPIB Device-Specific and System Errors

GPIB Query and Instrument-Specific Errors