Agilent/Keysight 8146A – Optical Time Domain Reflectometer

The Agilent/Keysight 8146A is a high-performance optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) engineered for installation, field maintenance, and benchtop characterization of optical fiber systems and components. The instrument automatically analyzes optical links, detecting up to 100 reflective and non-reflective events in under seven seconds with measurement repeatability and precision suitable for R&D, manufacturing, and field service applications.

– Technical Specifications

Distance and Resolution
• Span: 1 to 200 km selectable
• Read-out resolution: 0.1 m / 0.0001 mi / 0.1 ft
• Distance accuracy: ±0.5 m ± sample spacing
• Sampling resolution: < 5 cm
• Event dead zone: as low as 3 m (module dependent)
• Attenuation dead zone: 30 m or 40 m (module dependent)

Dynamic Range & Sensitivity
• Dynamic range: up to 30 dB (module dependent)
• Minimum detectable splice loss: 0.05 dB

Physical & Power
• Dimensions: 190 mm H × 340 mm W × 465 mm D
• Net weight: 15 kg including one module
• Power requirement: 120 V
• Laser safety: Class 1 (IEC 60825-1)

– Key Features

• Plug-in module architecture supports single-mode and multimode fiber testing
• Expert and Easy operating modes accommodate varying user proficiency levels
• Simultaneous dual-waveform display for comparative analysis
• Comprehensive event detection: splice loss, connector loss, reflection points, and fiber attenuation quantification
• High-speed characterization: complete link analysis in under 7 seconds

– Typical Applications

• Installation verification and acceptance testing of optical fiber networks
• Field troubleshooting and maintenance of installed links
• Manufacturing quality assurance and fiber characterization
• Splice and connector loss validation
• Optical return loss and link length estimation

– Compatibility & Integration

Single-Mode Modules
• HP 81462SH: 1310 nm ±20 nm
• HP 81463SH: 1550 nm ±20 nm
• HP 81465SH: 1310/1550 nm ±20 nm

Multimode Modules
• HP 81461MH: 850 nm ±10 nm
• HP 81462MH: 1300 nm ±10 nm
• HP 81464MH: 850/1300 nm ±10 nm