HP / Agilent 8166B Lightwave Multichannel System

The HP/Agilent 8166B Lightwave Multichannel System is a modular test platform for optical component and system characterization across research, development, and manufacturing environments. The mainframe accommodates up to 17 slim, front-loadable modules, enabling simultaneous parallel testing on multiple channels with true synchronous triggering at rates up to 100 kHz. A 300 × 240 pixel graphical color display updates at 4 Hz and supports external VGA output. The system provides power meter resolution to 0.0001 dB/dBm with sensitivity from 0.01 pW to 10 pW (range-dependent) and user-definable readout to 6.5 digits. External digital modulation capability reaches 1 MHz at 50% duty cycle. Multiple interfaces—GPIB (IEEE 488.2, 300 kB/s burst), 10/100BASE-T Ethernet, RS232 (115200 bps max), and configurable hardware trigger ports—support both local and remote control. The 8166B accepts all 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter modules and provides backward compatibility with 8156x, 8157x, and 8159x series modules. HP 8153A modules are not compatible. Dimensions: 145 mm × 426 mm × 545 mm; net weight approximately 20 kg. Power requirements: 100–240 V ±10%, 50/60 Hz AC input; maximum consumption approximately 280 VA for the mainframe (module additions may increase total draw). Operating altitude to 2000 m; designed for pollution degree 2. Operating temperature +10 °C to +35 °C; storage from −40 °C to +70 °C. Humidity less than 80% RH from 10 °C to 35 °C. Firmware is updated to the latest revision before shipment.