Agilent 81595S 1x4 Single-Mode Modular Optical Switch with Straight-Contact Connectors (Keysight/HP)

Agilent 81595S 1x4 Single-Mode Modular Optical Switch with Straight-Contact Connectors

The Agilent 81595S 1x4 Optical Switch is a modular single-mode optical routing module designed for compatible Agilent Lightwave Solution Platform mainframes. It routes light from one optical input to one of four selectable output ports, providing a practical way to automate signal distribution in fiber optic laboratories, production systems, optical component test stations, and telecommunications research environments.

The 81595S is the straight-contact version of the Agilent 81595 optical switch. Depending on its installed connector option, the module may be equipped with fixed FC/PC or SC/PC interfaces. Buyers should verify the connector type installed on the offered module by reviewing the product photographs, option labels, and listing details before purchase.

The module uses 9/125 µm SMF-28 single-mode fiber and supports a wavelength range from 1270 nm to 1650 nm. Its four switch positions can be individually selected through the compatible host mainframe, allowing one optical source or signal path to be routed to different devices, measurement channels, or test stations.

Features and Benefits of the Agilent 81595S Optical Switch

The Agilent 81595S provides flexible optical signal routing for engineers, technicians, laboratories, production facilities, and automated test systems that require repeatable selection among four single-mode optical paths.

• 1x4 optical routing: Routes one optical input to one of four individually selectable output ports.
• Single-mode fiber configuration: Uses 9/125 µm SMF-28 fiber for compatible single-mode optical systems.
• Wide wavelength range: Supports optical signals from 1270 nm to 1650 nm.
• Straight-contact connector configuration: The 81595S supports fixed FC/PC or SC/PC interfaces according to the installed connector option.
• Low insertion loss: Specified at less than 1.0 dB excluding connectors and less than 1.4 dB including connectors.
• Repeatable switching: Provides repeatability below ±0.01 dB under the specified consecutive-measurement conditions.
• Fast path selection: Offers a typical switching time of 15 ms.
• Long operating life: Rated for more than 10 million switching cycles.
• Low crosstalk: Provides typical crosstalk of -70 dB under the specified wavelength conditions.
• Modular test-platform integration: Designed for compatible Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B Lightwave Solution Platform mainframes.
• Automated test capability: Suitable for remote-controlled optical routing in production and laboratory environments.

1x4 Optical Signal Routing

The Agilent 81595S provides one optical input and four selectable output paths. The module connects the input signal to one output at a time, allowing the host system or operator to direct light to the required port without manually moving fiber patch cables between devices.

This architecture is useful in test systems where one optical source must be shared among multiple devices under test, receivers, power sensors, component paths, or measurement stations. Automated switching can help reduce setup time, limit repeated connector handling, and improve consistency across measurement sequences.

Examples include routing a laser source to four test ports, selecting among four optical components, distributing a test signal across multiple production fixtures, or directing an amplifier output to different measurement instruments. The exact test arrangement depends on the installed connectors, host mainframe, supporting modules, cabling, and automation software.

Modular Lightwave Solution Platform Integration

The Agilent 81595S is a plug-in module designed for the Agilent Lightwave Solution Platform. Supported mainframe families include the Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter, 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, and 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System.

The compatible host mainframe supplies power, user controls, switch-position selection, display functions, remote communications, and integration with other lightwave measurement modules. The 81595S is not intended to operate as a standalone switch without a supported mainframe.

The modular architecture allows optical switches to be combined with compatible optical power sensors, light sources, attenuators, tunable lasers, and other measurement modules. This enables users to develop integrated optical test configurations within a shared instrument platform.

Before purchasing the module, buyers should verify host compatibility, available module capacity, firmware requirements, remote-control needs, and the physical condition of the mainframe’s module connectors.

Automated Optical Test Applications

The Agilent 81595S is well suited to automated test systems where optical signals must be routed repeatedly among several test paths. The host platform can control the selected output position as part of an automated measurement procedure, helping coordinate switching with optical power measurements, attenuation changes, wavelength sweeps, or device test sequences.

Automated routing can reduce the need for manual reconnection between measurements. This can improve productivity and help protect optical connector interfaces from unnecessary handling. It can also support standardized test sequences in production and quality-control environments.

Automation capability depends on the host mainframe, installed modules, communications interface, system software, drivers, and user-created test procedures. Buyers integrating the 81595S into an existing automated system should confirm software and command compatibility before purchase.

Typical Applications

The Agilent 81595S 1x4 Optical Switch is suitable for professional applications such as:

• Single-mode optical signal routing
• Automated fiber optic test systems
• Bit error rate testing
• Optical amplifier testing and characterization
• Transmission-system testing
• DWDM component testing
• Active optical component evaluation
• Passive optical component evaluation
• Line-card testing
• Production-line optical testing
• Laboratory research and development
• Service, repair, and replacement-module requirements

Product Overview

Brand	Agilent Technologies
Model	81595S
Product Category	Modular Optical Switch
Switch Configuration	1x4
Connectivity	Straight contact
Fiber Type	9/125 µm SMF-28 single-mode fiber
Connector Options	Fixed FC/PC or SC/PC, depending on the installed option
Required Equipment	Compatible Agilent Lightwave Solution Platform mainframe
Primary Application	Routing one single-mode optical input to one of four selectable outputs
Suitable For	Fiber optic laboratories, telecom testing, photonics research, optical component characterization, production testing, and automated measurement systems

 

Optical Specifications

Specification	Agilent 81595S Details
Switch Type	1x4
Number of Switch Positions	Four
Connectivity	Straight contact
Fiber Type	9/125 µm SMF-28
Wavelength Range	1270 nm to 1650 nm
Insertion Loss, Excluding Connectors	Less than 1.0 dB
Insertion Loss, Including Connectors	Less than 1.4 dB, 1.0 dB typical
Polarization-Dependent Loss	Less than 0.14 dB
Return Loss	45 dB typical
Repeatability	Less than ±0.01 dB
Crosstalk	-70 dB typical
Typical Switching Time	15 ms
Switching Lifetime	Greater than 10 million cycles
Spectral Flatness	0.10 dB typical
Maximum Input Power	300 mW

 

Specification Conditions

The insertion-loss, polarization-dependent-loss, switching-time, and spectral-flatness specifications are defined at an ambient temperature of 23 °C ±3 °C. Return loss and crosstalk are specified at wavelengths of 1310 nm ±15 nm and 1550 nm ±15 nm.

The polarization-dependent-loss value is specified at 1550 nm ±15 nm. An additional 0.06 dB applies at 1310 nm ±15 nm. Repeatability is based on consecutive measurements, and spectral flatness is specified across all channels from wavelengths above 1525 nm to below 1575 nm.

Actual system performance may be affected by connector cleanliness, connector wear, fiber routing, patch-cord quality, wavelength, temperature, source stability, and the condition of the optical switch. The installed connector format must also be matched to the patch cables used in the measurement setup.

Straight-Contact Connector Options

The Agilent 81595S supports straight-contact connector interfaces. Available factory connector options include fixed SC/PC and FC/PC interfaces.

Connector Option	Interface Type
Option SCI	Fixed SC/PC connector interfaces
Option FCI	Fixed FC/PC connector interfaces

 

The exact connector option installed on an individual module should be confirmed before purchase. FC/PC and SC/PC interfaces are not directly interchangeable without appropriate patch cables or adapters.

The 81595S should not be connected to APC interfaces unless a suitable conversion arrangement is used. Physical-contact and angled-physical-contact connector end faces have different geometries and should not be mated directly.

Compatible Mainframes

Compatible Platform	Mainframe Family
Agilent 8163A/B	Lightwave Multimeter
Agilent 8164A/B	Lightwave Measurement System
Agilent 8166A/B	Lightwave Multichannel System

 

Compatibility should be verified against the exact host configuration and firmware. The module requires a supported mainframe and cannot perform optical switching as an independent instrument.

Environmental and Mechanical Specifications

Specification	Details
Dimensions	75 mm high x 32 mm wide x 335 mm deep
Dimensions, Imperial	2.8 inches high x 1.3 inches wide x 13.2 inches deep
Weight	0.5 kg
Operating Temperature	10 °C to 45 °C
Humidity	Up to 95%, non-condensing
Warm-Up Time	30 minutes

 

Measurement and Switching Preparation

The Agilent 81595S should complete its recommended 30-minute warm-up period before precision measurements. The switch module should be fully seated in the compatible mainframe, and the host system should recognize the module before optical cables are connected.

All optical connector end faces should be inspected and cleaned before mating. Contamination can increase insertion loss, reduce return loss, introduce measurement instability, and transfer debris to the switch’s fixed optical interfaces.

Users should confirm that the selected switch position corresponds to the intended output before applying optical power. The optical source should remain within the supported wavelength range and below the maximum input-power rating.

Fiber patch cables should be routed with appropriate bend-radius control and strain relief. Excessive bending, pulling, or side loading at the front-panel connectors can affect optical performance and damage the cable or module interfaces.

Compatibility and Buyer Considerations

The Agilent 81595S is a configuration-specific 1x4 optical switch for straight-contact connectors. Buyers should confirm that the required system uses 9/125 µm single-mode fiber, wavelengths from 1270 nm to 1650 nm, and compatible FC/PC or SC/PC interfaces.

The connector option installed on the offered module should be verified through the model label, option label, front-panel markings, and product photographs. Buyers should not assume that the module can accept interchangeable connector adapters because the supported SCI and FCI configurations use fixed interfaces.

Buyers should also review the product condition, optical connector condition, switching operation, installed option, calibration or service history, and compatibility with the intended Agilent mainframe. If the switch will be used in an automated test system, firmware, remote-command, software, and sequencing requirements should be reviewed before integration.

The Agilent 81595S should not be confused with the Agilent 81595A. Both are 1x4 single-mode modular optical switches, but the 81595S uses straight-contact FC/PC or SC/PC interfaces, while the 81595A is intended for angled-contact FC/APC or SC/APC interfaces.

Only items specifically identified in the AssetRelay listing should be considered included. The compatible mainframe, optical patch cables, connector adapters, cleaning supplies, power sensors, light sources, attenuators, and automation software may be required separately.

Why Buy from AssetRelay?

AssetRelay supplies professional equipment and product solutions for fiber optic, telecom, laboratory, production, inspection, cleaning, RF/microwave, electronic test, and photonics applications. The Agilent 81595S 1x4 Optical Switch is listed to help engineers, laboratory personnel, production facilities, procurement teams, and service organizations source practical optical signal-routing equipment.

Buyers should review the available product photographs, physical condition, installed connector option, optical interface condition, switching functionality, included accessories, and mainframe compatibility before purchase. Confirming these details helps ensure that the module matches