HP / Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter System

The HP/Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter System is a modular benchtop mainframe engineered for precision optical power and wavelength measurements across research, development, and manufacturing environments. This compact platform accepts two slim plug-in modules from the 8153A and 8163A series, enabling flexible configuration for optical component characterization and system testing. The instrument delivers display resolution to 0.0001 dB/dBm with up to 6½ digits of precision, stores up to 4,000 measurement results per channel (12,000 remotely), and supports true synchronous triggering across all active channels.

– Technical Specifications

• Graphical monochrome display: 190 × 300 points
• Display resolution: 0.0001 dB/dBm; 0.01 pW to 10 pW; user-definable to 6½ digits
• Data acquisition memory: 4,000 results per channel; 12,000 results (remote operation)
• True synchronous trigger on all channels
• Module capacity: 2 slim slots for 8153A/8163A series modules
• Power supply: AC 100–240 V ±10%, 50/60 Hz ±5%; 120 VA maximum
• Optional DC input: 12 V to 30 V (Option 050); 5 m unterminated cable (Option 051)
• Internal fuse: F5.0A/250V fast-acting (non-user-replaceable)

– Key Features

• GPIB interface with full SCPI standard control; all modes and parameters accessible remotely
• RS-232 serial port: maximum baud rate 115,200 bps
• Centronics parallel port for legacy integration
• Built-in applications for common optical testing tasks
• Benchtop configuration with instrument handle; optional rackmount kit (Option 908)
• Compact footprint: 88 mm H × 213 mm W × 380 mm L (3.5″ × 8.4″ × 15″)
• Net weight: 4.2 kg (9.3 lbs)

– Typical Applications

Optical power measurement, wavelength characterization, return loss assessment, laser source evaluation, and sensor validation in telecommunications, photonics research, and component manufacturing.

– Compatibility & Integration

Accommodates compact tunable laser modules, fixed-wavelength laser sources, DFB sources, fast power sensors, return loss modules, attenuator modules, optical switch modules, and optical head interface modules. Compatible with HP 8153A Lightwave Multimeter modules; verify specific compatibility with target modules. Operates 0°C to +45°C; stores –40°C to +70°C; humidity rated <95% RH; designed for pollution degree 2 environments up to 2,000 m altitude.