Agilent Technologies 8163A - Calibration Measurements

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Return Loss Measurement Calibration Measurements

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

Calibration Measurements

Before measuring the reflection factor of a device under test (DUT), it is

important to take calibration measurements as described in “Calibrating

the Return Loss Module” on page 176. These calibrations eliminate

wavelength dependencies, coupler directivity, insertion losses,

backscattering and other non-ideal characteristics of the system.

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Main Page

Table of Contents5
Getting Started23
Safety Considerations25
General26
Operating Environment26
Line Power Requirements27
Input/Output Signals27
Line Power Connectors28
Instrument Markings29
Laser Safety Information30
Table 1 Standard Laser Source Modules - Laser Safety Information30
Table 2 High Power Laser Source Modules - Laser Safety Information30
Table 3 DFB Laser Source Modules - Laser Safety Information31
Table 4 Backloadable Tunable Laser Modules - Laser Safety Information32
Table 5 Backloadable Tunable Laser Modules (Discontinued)32
Table 6 Compact Tunable Laser Modules - Laser Safety Information33
Table 7 Compact Tunable Laser Modules (Discontinued)33
Laser Safety Labels34
Figure 1 Class 1 Safety Label34
Table 8 Return Loss Modules - Laser Safety Information34
Figure 2 Class 1M Safety Label - Agilent 81655A/6A/7A, 81662A/3A35
Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter36
Figure 3 the Agilent 8163B Lightwave Multimeter Mainframe36
Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System37
Figure 4 the Agilent 8164B Lightwave Measurement System Mainframe37
Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System38
Figure 5 the Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System Mainframe38
A Description of the User Interface39
Figure 6 the Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System User39
Password40
Figure 7 the Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter User Interface40
User Interface Features41
How to Navigate/Modify the Display43
Figure 8 the Agilent 8163B's Overview Screen43
Figure 9 the Agilent 8164A/B's Overview Screen44
Figure 10 the Agilent 8166A Overview Screen44
Figure 13 the Agilent 8163B's Details Screen for a Power Sensor Channel46
Figure 14 the Agilent 8164A/B's Details Sreen for a Tunable Laser Channel47
Figure 15 the Agilent 8166A Details Screen for a Power Sensor Channel47
Figure 16 the Agilent 8163B/6B Menu for a Power Sensor Channel48
Figure 17 the Agilent 8164A/B Menu for Power Sensor Channel48
Figure 18 the Agilent 8163B System Configuration Menu49
Figure 19 the Agilent 8164A/B System Configuration Menu49
Figure 20 the Agilent 8164A/B Help Screen50
Figure 21 the Agilent 8164A/B Help Index50
Figure 22 the Applications Menu51
How to Change the Value of a Parameter53
How to Select a Parameter53
How to Accept the New Value of a Parameter54
How to Make a Big Change to a Continuous Parameter54
How to Make a Small Change to a Continuous Parameter55
Figure 23 the First Digit before the Decimal Point Is Highlighted First55
How to Change a Discrete Parameter57
How to Set All Parameters to Their Default Values58
If You Make a Mistake58
If the Parameter Changes to Different Value58
A Sample Session59
How to Measure the Power of a Modulated Signal60
Figure 25 Connecting the Instrument for the Sample Session60
Additional Information63
Using the System Utilities64
Figure 26 the Agilent 8163B/6B Configuration Menu64
Figure 27 the Agilent 8164A/B System Configuration Menu64
How to Set the Backlight65
Figure 28 Entering a Backlight Value65
How to Set the Date & Time66
Figure 29 Editing the Date and the Time67
How to Lock/Unlock the High-Power Laser Sources68
Figure 30 Unlocking the Instument68
How to Set the Trigger Configuration69
Figure 31 Changing the Triggering Mode69
How to Configure Startup Applications70
How to Configure Your Foot Pedal71
Figure 32 Enabling/Disabling the Foot Panel71
How to Set the GPIB Address72
How to Set the Speed of the Serial Interface73
Figure 34 Selecting a Baudrate for the Serial Interface73
How to Update a Module74
How to Select the Printer Type75
How to Change the Password76
If You Forget Your Password76
How to Get Information about Modules77
Figure 37 Slots with Installed Modules77
Figure 38 Viewing Information about a Module78
How to Get Information about the Mainframe79
Figure 39 Viewing Information about the Mainframe79
How to Connect an External Monitor80
Figure 40 Rear Panel of the Agilent 8164B Lightwave Measurement System80
How to Connect a Printer81
Power Measurement83
How to Measure Power84
The Power Value84
Figure 41 the Number of Digits Menu84
How to Set the Power Unit85
Figure 42 Selecting the Power Unit86
How to Set the Calibration Offset87
How to Set the Reference Level88
Figure 43 Referencing Another Channel90
How to Set the Wavelength91
How to Remove Electrical Offsets91
Figure 44 Module Channels that Are Setting92
Figure 46 Zeroing Fails, if the Power Meter Receives Input Light93
How to Choose the Range Mode94
How to Set the Range95
Figure 48 Manual Range Mode - Within Range96
Figure 49 out of Range - Power Greater than Upper Power Limit97
Figure 50 out of Range - Power Less than Resolution97
Table 9 Upper Power Limits and Resolution for Various Power Ranges99
How to Set the Averaging Time100
Figure 52 Measurement with Tavg ~1 Second100
How to Choose the Minmax Mode101
Figure 53 the Window and Refresh Modes102
Figure 54 Minmax Mode Screen102
How to Turn off Minmax Mode103
How to Hold the Screen103
Figure 55 Power Module Channel Is Held - Overview Screen103
How to Use Triggers104
Dual Power Meters - Master and Slave Channels107
Table 10 Parameters that Can Only be Set Using the Master Channel107
Laser Sources109
How to Use Laser Source Modules110
The Laser Wavelength Value110
Figure 58 Menu of Parameters for a Fixed Wavelength Laser Source110
How to Enable/Disable Laser Output111
Figure 59 Dual-Wavelength Laser Source Outputs both Wavelength111
How to Set Attenuation112
Figure 60 the Power Sensor Details Screen112
How to Modulate the Optical Output113
How to Use the Internal Modulation114
Figure 61 the Modulated Signal114
How to Use Triggers117
Tunable Lasers119
What Is a Tunable Laser121
How to Set the Power121
How to Set the Output Power of a CW Signal122
Figure 63 Setting Hogh Power Parameters123
Figure 64 Setting Low SSE Parameter123
Figure 65 Setting Attenuation125
What Is Excessive Power126
How to Set the Laser to the Dark Position127
The Analog Output128
Figure 67 Output Power and the Analog Output in <Manual ATT.> Mode128
How to Set the Wavelength130
Wavelength Range130
Figure 68 Specified and Permitted Wavelength Range130
How to Set the Wavelength Directly131
How to Set a Relative Wavelength132
Figure 69 Setting a Relative Wavelength132
How to Perform a Wavelength Sweep134
What Is a Wavelength Sweep134
How to Set the Wavelength Sweep135
Figure 70 the Parameters for a Stepped Wavelength Sweep135
How to Perform a Sweep137
Figure 72 Executing a Stepped Sweep138
Figure 73 Pausing a Stepped Sweep138
Figure 74 Performing a Manual Sweep141
How to Modulate a Signal142
How to Use the Internal Modulation142
Figure 75 the Modulated Signal142
How to Use External Modulation144
Figure 76 External Digital Modulation144
Figure 77 External Analog Modulation and Output Powr145
Figure 78 Wavelength Locking146
How to Configure the Modulation Output149
How to Use Triggers150
How to Use Input Triggering150
How to Use Output Triggering152
How to Use Auxiliary Functions153
Automatic Realignment153
How to Perform a Lambda Zero155
Auto Cal off156
Compact Tunable Lasers159
Compact Tunable Laser Modules160
Table 11 the Agilent Compact TLS Family160
How to Use a Compact Tunable Laser161
The User Interface161
SBS Suppression161
Figure 83 Updated Tunable Laser Channel Details Including SBS162
Return Loss Measurement163
Getting Started with Return Loss165
What Is Return Loss165
What Is Insertion Loss165
Equipment Required166
Figure 84 Measuring Return Loss and Insertion Loss166
How to Choose a Light Source167
Return Loss Modules168
Figure 85 the Contents of the Agilent 81610A Return Loss Module168
Figure 86 the Contents of the Agilent 81611A and Agilent 81612A Return168
Figure 87 the Contents of the Agilent 81613A Return Loss Modules169
Calibration Measurements170
Return Loss Measurement171
Table 12 High Return-Loss Patchcords171
Setup172
Figure 88 Return Loss Measurement Setup - External Source Used172
Figure 89 Return Loss Measurement Setup - Internal Source Used172
Figure 90 Agilent 8161X Details Screen173
Figure 91 Reflectance Calibration Using RL Reference175
Figure 92 Termination Calibration175
Calibrating the Return Loss Module176
Calibration Using the Agilent 81000BR Reference Reflector177
Figure 93 Reflectance Calibration - External Source177
Figure 94 Reflection Calibration - Internal Source177
Figure 95 Measuring the Reflection Reference178
Figure 96 Termination Calibration - External Source179
Figure 97 Termination Calibration - Internal Source179
Calibration Using the Agilent 81610CC Reference Cable180
Figure 98 Measuring the Return Loss of the Reference Cable180
Figure 99 Measuring the Return Loss of the Reference Cable180
Figure 100 Power Transmitted through the Reference Cable181
Figure 101 Power Transmitted through the Reference Cable181
Figure 102 Power Transmitted through the Measurement Patchcord182
Figure 103 Power Transmitted through the Measurement Patchcord182
Figure 104 Measuring the Termination Parameter - External Source183
Figure 105 Measuring the Termination Parameter - Internal Source183
How to Measure Return Loss184
Figure 106 Measuring the Return Loss of the DUT184
Figure 107 Measuring the Power Transmitted through the DUT184
Viewing the Calibration Values186
Figure 108 the Calibration Parameters Screens - Return Loss Diode186
Figure 109 the Calibration Parameters Screens - Monitor Diode187
Figure 110 the Calibration Parameters Screens - User Data188
A Background to Return Loss Measurement189
Measuring the Reflected Power from a Component with Known Reflection Factor189
Figure 111 Measuring the Power from a Component with a Known189
Measuring the Power Transmitted through the Reflection Reference190
Measuring the Power When There Are no Reflections190
Figure 112 Measuring the Power Transmitted through the Reflection190
Figure 113 Measuring the Power with the Connector Terminated190
Reference190
Measuring the Power Transmitted through the Measurement Patchcord191
Measuring the Reflections from the DUT191
Figure 114 Measuring the Power Transmitted through the Measurement191
Figure 115 Measuring the Reflections from the Device under Test191
Patchcord191
Measuring the Power Transmitted through the DUT192
Calculating the Return Loss of the DUT192
Figure 116 Measuring the Power Transmitted through the Device under Test192
Calculating the Front Panel Delta195
Figure 117 Generalization of a Return Loss Measurement195
Calculating the Insertion Loss of the DUT196
Setting Attenuation And/Or Power Levels197
Agilent 8157Xa Variable Optical Attenuator Modules198
Figure 118 81576A/77A Attenuator Module Power Control Loop198
Table 13 the Agilent 8157Xa Variable Optical Attenuator Family198
How to Use a Variable Optical Attenuator Module199
The User Interface199
Figure 119 81570A/71A/73A Attenuator Module, 8164A/B GUI Overview199
Figure 120 81570A/71A/73A Attenuator Module, 8164A/B GUI Details200
How to Control the Shutter202
How to Set Attenuation203
Figure 121 Attenuation Factor Set to 4.000 Db203
Figure 122 81570A/71A/73A - Attenuation Factor Applied with no Offset205
Figure 123 81570A/71A/73A Attenuation Offset205
How to Set a Power Level207
Figure 124 81576A/77A Setting P211
How to Compensate for Wavelength Dependencies in Your Test Setup212
How to Compensate for Wavelength Dependencies in212
Your Test Setup212
Figure 125 the Λ Offset Table213
Figure 126 Extrapolation and Interpolation of Offset Values215
How to Use the Power Control Feature216
Attenuator Menu Options217
Figure 127 81570A/71A/73A Attenuator Menu Options217
Figure 128 81576A/77A Attenuator Menu Options217
Attenuator Status Indicators218
Table 14 Attenuator Status Indicators218
Switching Optical Routes219
Agilent 8159Xb Optical Switch Modules220
Figure 129 Agilent 81594B Optical Switch Module220
Table 15 the Agilent 8159Xb Optical Switch Family220
How to Use an Optical Switch Module221
The User Interface221
Figure 130 Optical Switch Module, User Interface Overview Display221
Figure 131 Optical Switch Module, 8164A/B User Interface Details222
Dependent and Independent Routing223
How to Set Route a224
How to Set Route B224
How to Toggle the Switch Path225
Typical Applications226
Selecting a Laser Source226
Figure 132 Laser Source Selection226
Selecting Measurement and Calibration Paths227
Inserting or Bypassing an Optical Component227
Figure 133 Measurement Path Selection227
Figure 134 Circuit Selection with Crossover Switch227
Selecting One of Several Duts in a Parallel Test Setup228
Selecting One of Several Instruments228
Figure 135 DUT Selection in a Parallel Test Setup228
Figure 136 Test Instruments Selection228
Applications229
Working with Application Graphs231
Figure 137 the Application Graph231
How to Set Markers233
How to Zoom in233
How to Zoom out234
To Switch the Grid On/Off234
How to Use Legends235
Figure 138 the Graph Legend Screen236
How to Select the Samples Display237
Figure 139 Samples Display - <Line237
Figure 140 Samples Display - <Samples238
Figure 141 Samples Display - <Samples & Line238
How to Read Curve Values239
Figure 142 the Lock to Curve Menu239
Figure 143 Lock to Samples on240
Figure 144 Lock the Samples off241
The Logging Application242
Figure 145 Example Logging Application242
How to Set up a Logging Function243
Figure 146 the Applications Menu243
Figure 147 the Agilent 8164A/B Logging Setup Screen244
Figure 148 the Agilent 8163B Logging Modules Setup Screen244
Figure 149 the Agilent 8163B Logging Parameter Setup Screen245
Running a Logging Application248
Figure 150 the Logging Measurement Screen - Measurement Running248
Figure 151 the Logging Measurement Screen - Measurement Completed249
Analysing a Logging Application250
Figure 152 the Agilent 8164A/B Logging Analysis Screen250
Figure 153 the Agilent 8163B Logging Analysis Screen - First Screen251
Figure 154 the Agilent 8163B Logging Analysis Screen - Second Screen252
On-Screen Messages253
Table 16 Logging Application On-Screen Messages253
The Stability Application254
Figure 155 Example Stability Application254
How to Set up a Stability Function256
Figure 156 the Agilent 8164A/B Stability Setup Screen256
Figure 157 the Agilent 8163B Stability Module Setup Screen257
Figure 158 the Agilent 8163B Stability Parameter Setup Screen258
Running a Stability Application260
Figure 159 the Stability Measurement Screen - Measurement Running260
Figure 160 the Stability Measurement Screen - Measurement Completed261
Analysing a Stability Application262
Figure 161 the Agilent 8164A/B Stability Analysis Screen262
Figure 162 the Agilent 8163B Stability Analysis Screenn - First Screen263
Figure 163 the Agilent 8163A/B Stability Analysis Screen - Second Screen264
On-Screen Messages265
Table 17 Stability Application On-Screen Messages265
The PACT Application266
What Is the PACT266
How to Set up PACT267
Figure 164 the PACT Setup Screen267
How to Measure the Reference270
Figure 165 PACT Reference Screen270
Figure 166 Connection Prompt Screen271
How to Perform a Loss Measurement272
Figure 167 PACT Reference Measurement Finished Box272
Figure 168 PACT Measurement Screen273
Figure 169 Low Dynamic Range274
Figure 170 High Dynamic Range275
Figure 171 the PACT Measurement Screen - Measurement Completed275
Analysing a PACT Measurement276
Figure 172 the PACT Analysis Screen276
On-Screen Messages277
Table 18 PACT Application On-Screen Messages277
The Pmax Curve278
What Is the Pmax Curve278
How to View the Pmax Curve278
Figure 173 the Pmax Curve Screen278
The Return Loss Application279
Starting the Application279
Measuring Return Loss279
Measuring Return Loss and Insertion Loss280
On-Screen Messages280
Table 19 Return Loss Application On-Screen Messages280
Configuration281
User Interface281
Figure 174 Main Screen of the Return Loss Application281
Recording Measurement Results283
Printing Application Measurement Results283
Figure 175 the Printing in Progress Screen283
Figure 176 Printed Results284
Saving Application Measurement Results to Diskette285
Figure 177 the File Name Editor285
Installation and Maintenance287
Safety Considerations289
Initial Inspection290
AC Line Power Supply Requirements291
Line Power Requirements291
Line Power Cable292
Figure 178 Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter System Power Key292
Figure 179 Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System Power Key292
Figure 180 Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System Power Key293
Figure 181 AC Power Requirement Markings - Agilent 8163A/B294
Figure 182 AC Power Requirement Markings - Agilent 8164A/B294
Figure 183 AC Power Requirement Markings - Agilent 8166A/B294
Changing the Battery295
Changing the Fuse295
Operating and Storage Environment296
Temperature296
Table 20 Specified Temperature Ranges296
Humidity297
Altitude297
Pollution Protection297
Storage and Shipment297
Instrument Cooling298
Figure 184 Correct Operating Position of the 8163A/B298
Figure 185 Correct Operating Position of the Agilent 8164A/B299
Figure 186 Correct Operating Position of the Agilent 8166A/B299
Storage Position300
Figure 187 Storing the Agilent 8164A/B on Its Back Legs300
Carrying the Instrument301
Figure 188 Carry the Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System301
Using Modules302
How to Fit and Remove Modules302
Figure 189 How to Remove a Front-Loadable Module302
Figure 190 How to Insert a Front-Loadable Module303
Figure 191 Back Panel of Agilent 8164B Lightwave Measurement System304
Figure 192 Side View of a Back-Loadable Module304
Figure 193 Removing a Back-Loadable Module from the Agilent 8164A/B305
Figure 194 Fitting a Back-Loadable Module306
Adding a Connector Interface307
Figure 195 Adding a Connector Interface307
Protecting Empty Module Slots308
Figure 196 Fitting a Blind Panel308
Input and Output Connectors310
Figure 197 Rear Panel of the Agilent 8163B Lightwave Multimeter System310
Figure 198 Rear Panel of the Agilent 8164B Lightwave Measurement310
The Remote Interlock (RIL) Connector311
Figure 199 Rear Panel of the Agilent 8166B Lightwave Multichannel System311
GPIB Interface312
Cables and Adapters312
Connector313
Figure 200 GPIB Connector313
GPIB Logic Levels314
Serial Interface315
Parallel Port, PCMCIA Slot, Keyboard Connector and 24V DC Output316
DC Output316
Claims and Repackaging317
Return Shipments to Agilent Technologies317
Accessories319
Instrument and Options - Agilent 8163A/B320
Modules321
Instrument and Options - Agilent 8164A/B324
Modules325
Agilent 81645A Filler Module328
Options328
Instrument and Options - Agilent 8166A/B329
Modules330
GPIB Cables and Adapters333
Specifications and Regulations Compliance335
Agilent 8163A Specifications337
Agilent 8163B Specifications338
Agilent 8164A Specifications339
Agilent 8164B Specifications340
Agilent 8166A Specifications341
Agilent 8166B Specifications342
Declarations of Conformity343
Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter344
Agilent 8163B Lightwave Multimeter345
Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System346
Agilent 8164B Lightwave Measurement System347
Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System348
Agilent 8166B Lightwave Multichannel System349
Regulations Information350
Safety Canada350
EMC Canada350
EMC Australia/New Zealand350
Performance Tests351
Equipment Required352
Table 21 Equipment Required for Performance Tests352
Test Record353
Test Failure353
Instruments Specifications353
Performance Test Instructions354
Figure 201 Mainframe Setup354
Display/Key Functional Test355
Module Interaction Test358
Table 22 Reference Wavelength and Power Settings359
GPIB Interface Test (Optional)360
Test Record361
Error Messages379
Syst:err380
Screen Status Messages382
Mainframes383
8163A383
8163B384
8164A384
8164B385
8166A385
8166B386
Errors Appearing on Pop-Up Menus387
Error on Module387
Error390
Tunable Laser Sources391
Initialization Tests391
Selftests396
Return Loss Meters400
Powermeters & Interface Modules with Optical Head404
Fixed Laser Sources (Fabry Perot)409
DFB Laser Sources412
Attenuator Modules414
Optical Switch Modules417
Cleaning Instructions421
Table 23 Cleaning Instructions for Modules421
Safety Precautions423
Why Is It Important to Clean Optical Devices424
What Do I Need for Proper Cleaning425
Standard Cleaning Equipment425
Additional Cleaning Equipment428
Preserving Connectors431
Cleaning Instrument Housings432
Which Cleaning Procedure Should I Use433
How to Clean Connectors434
How to Clean Connector Adapters436
How to Clean Connector Interfaces437
How to Clean Bare Fiber Adapters438
How to Clean Lenses439
How to Clean Instruments with a Fixed Connector Interface440
How to Clean Instruments with an Optical Glass Plate441
How to Clean Instruments with a Physical Contact Interface442
How to Clean Instruments with a Recessed Lens Interface443
How to Clean Optical Devices Which Are Sensitive to Mechanical Stress and Pressure444
How to Clean Metal Filters or Attenuator Gratings445
Additional Cleaning Information446
How to Clean Bare Fiber Ends446
How to Clean Large Area Lenses and Mirrors446
Other Cleaning Hints448
Figure 202 Firmware Upgrade Flowchart454

Agilent Technologies 8163A - Calibration Measurements

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