Agilent 81632A InGaAs Optical Power Sensor Module, 800 nm to 1650 nm

Agilent 81632A InGaAs Optical Power Sensor Module

The Agilent 81632A is a modular optical power sensor designed for fiber optic, telecom, datacom, and photonics measurements. It uses an InGaAs detector and operates across wavelengths from 800 nm to 1650 nm, providing coverage for many commonly used optical sources and communication bands.

The module measures optical power from +10 dBm to -80 dBm in autorange mode. This broad measurement range supports applications involving optical sources, attenuators, switches, couplers, splitters, filters, amplifiers, transmission links, and other fiber optic components.

The 81632A must be installed in a compatible Agilent Lightwave Series mainframe. Supported platforms include the Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, and 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System. The host mainframe supplies operating power, measurement controls, display functions, wavelength correction, averaging, zeroing, data processing, and supported remote-control capabilities.

Features and Benefits of the Agilent 81632A

The Agilent 81632A provides practical optical power measurement capability for engineers, laboratories, production facilities, and service organizations working with single-mode and multimode optical systems.

• Broad wavelength coverage: Measures compatible optical signals from 800 nm to 1650 nm.
• Wide optical power range: Provides measurements from +10 dBm to -80 dBm in autorange mode.
• InGaAs sensor: Supports common telecom, datacom, and photonics wavelength regions.
• Single-mode and multimode compatibility: Supports standard fibers with core sizes up to 62.5 µm and numerical aperture up to 0.24.
• Fine display resolution: Provides 0.0001 dB or dBm resolution and linear power resolution from 0.01 pW to 10 pW, depending on the active range.
• Fast measurement capability: Supports a minimum averaging time of 100 µs.
• Interchangeable optical interfaces: Accommodates multiple common connector families and compatible bare-fiber adapters.
• Modular system integration: Installs in compatible Agilent 8163A, 8164A, and 8166A mainframes.
• Relative and absolute measurements: Supports direct optical power readings and comparative loss measurements through the mainframe.
• Professional test-system use: Suitable for laboratory development, production verification, component qualification, and troubleshooting.

Optical Power Measurements from +10 dBm to -80 dBm

The Agilent 81632A provides an autorange optical power range from +10 dBm to -80 dBm. This range allows the module to measure relatively strong source outputs and lower-level signals after passage through optical components, attenuators, splitters, switches, filters, or transmission paths.

Autoranging allows the host mainframe to select an appropriate measurement range according to the detected optical level. Manual range operation may also be useful for applications requiring a fixed range, consistent acquisition behavior, or specific timing characteristics.

The minimum averaging time is 100 µs. Longer averaging times can be selected through the host mainframe when lower noise or improved reading stability is required. The appropriate setting depends on source stability, optical power level, measurement speed, and the requirements of the test procedure.

800 nm to 1650 nm Wavelength Range

The InGaAs sensor supports optical power measurements across wavelengths from 800 nm to 1650 nm. This range includes widely used optical regions near 850 nm, 980 nm, 1060 nm, 1310 nm, 1490 nm, 1550 nm, and 1625 nm.

The correct source wavelength should be entered into the host mainframe before measurements are recorded. The mainframe uses the selected wavelength to apply the appropriate detector responsivity correction.

Entering an incorrect wavelength can introduce measurement error, particularly when comparing readings taken at substantially different wavelengths. Source wavelength, spectral width, fiber type, connector condition, and calibration status should all be considered during precision measurements.

Single-Mode and Multimode Fiber Compatibility

The Agilent 81632A supports standard single-mode and multimode fibers with core sizes up to 62.5 µm and numerical aperture up to 0.24. This flexibility allows the module to support many connectorized-fiber and bare-fiber measurement applications when the appropriate interface or adapter is installed.

For 62.5 µm graded-index multimode fiber with a numerical aperture of 0.24, additional measurement uncertainty applies under the documented operating conditions. Consistent fiber types, connector interfaces, launch conditions, and reference procedures should be used for comparative measurements.

No fixed connector type should be assumed from the 81632A model number. The installed interchangeable connector interface must be identified before compatible patch cords are selected.

Interchangeable Optical Connector Interfaces

The Agilent 81632A supports interchangeable optical interfaces for adapting the sensor input to several connector families. Documented interface options include:

• Diamond HMS-10
• FC/PC and FC/SPC
• FC/APC
• SC/APC
• D4
• SMA
• E-2000
• DIN 47256
• ST
• Biconic
• Compatible bare-fiber adapters

The installed connector interface and any bare-fiber adapter should be confirmed from the individual module. Connector interfaces, optical patch cords, and bare-fiber accessories should not be considered included unless specifically identified in the product listing.

Typical Applications

The Agilent 81632A Optical Power Sensor Module is suitable for professional applications such as:

• Single-mode and multimode optical power measurement
• Fiber optic component characterization
• Insertion-loss measurement systems
• Laser and LED source evaluation
• Optical attenuator verification
• Fiber optic switch testing
• Coupler and splitter measurements
• Optical amplifier testing
• Telecom and datacom equipment evaluation
• Fiber link verification
• Production testing and quality control
• Laboratory research and development

Product Overview

Brand	Agilent Technologies
Model	81632A
Product Category	Optical Power Sensor Module
Sensor Element	InGaAs
Wavelength Range	800 nm to 1650 nm
Optical Power Range	+10 dBm to -80 dBm
Applicable Fiber Types	Standard single-mode and multimode fiber
Maximum Fiber Core Size	62.5 µm
Maximum Numerical Aperture	0.24
Connector Configuration	Interchangeable optical interface
Primary Application	Optical power measurement in modular fiber optic test systems

 

Optical Measurement Specifications

Specification	Details
Wavelength Range	800 nm to 1650 nm
Power Range	+10 dBm to -80 dBm in autorange mode
Display Resolution	0.0001 dB or dBm
Linear Power Resolution	0.01 pW to 10 pW, depending on the selected power range
Uncertainty at Reference Conditions	Less than ±3% from 1200 nm to 1630 nm
Total Uncertainty	Less than ±5% from 1200 nm to 1630 nm under the documented conditions
Typical Relative Uncertainty Due to Polarization	±0.015 dB
Typical Spectral Ripple Due to Interference	±0.015 dB
Return Loss	Greater than 40 dB under the documented conditions
Peak-to-Peak Noise	Less than 20 pW
Minimum Averaging Time	100 µs

 

Linearity Specifications

Specification	Details
Specified CW Linearity Range	+10 dBm to -60 dBm from 1200 nm to 1630 nm
Linearity at 23 °C ±5 °C	Less than ±0.02 dB plus 20 pW
Linearity Across Operating Temperature Range	Less than ±0.06 dB plus 20 pW

 

Mechanical and Environmental Specifications

Specification	Details
Dimensions	75 mm high x 32 mm wide x 335 mm deep
Dimensions in Inches	2.8 in high x 1.3 in wide x 13.2 in deep
Weight	0.5 kg
Operating Temperature	10 °C to 40 °C
Storage and Shipping Temperature	-40 °C to 70 °C
Humidity	Non-condensing
Warm-Up Time	20 minutes
Recommended Recalibration Period	Two years

 

Mainframe Compatibility

The Agilent 81632A is designed for installation in compatible Agilent Lightwave Series mainframes, including:

• Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter
• Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System
• Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System

The module does not operate as a standalone optical power meter. A compatible mainframe is required for power, range selection, wavelength entry, zeroing, averaging, display, measurement units, data logging, and supported remote communication.

Available mainframe slots, firmware compatibility, software applications, and remote-control requirements should be confirmed before the module is integrated into an existing test system.

Measurement Setup and Optical Care

The module should be allowed to complete its recommended warm-up period before precision measurements are performed. The correct wavelength should be entered into the host mainframe, and the sensor should be zeroed with no optical signal applied.

All patch-cord connectors and interchangeable interfaces should be inspected and cleaned before connection. Dust, residue, scratches, damaged ferrules, and incorrect connector mating can increase loss, reduce return loss, contaminate the sensor interface, and produce inaccurate or unstable measurements.

Dry optical connections are recommended. Index-matching oil should not be used. Protective caps should remain installed whenever the module or a removable connector interface is not in use.

Calibration Before Shipment

When calibration is technically applicable and supported, the Agilent 81632A is calibrated before shipment. The calibration process may include optical power accuracy at applicable wavelengths, power linearity, range continuity, noise, return loss, wavelength response, and mainframe communication.

Following successful calibration, the module may include a calibration label, calibration certificate, and associated measurement data, depending on the selected calibration service and equipment condition.

If formal calibration is unavailable or not included, the module receives comprehensive functional and performance testing. This testing may include mainframe recognition, self-test completion, zeroing, autoranging, wavelength selection, optical power response, range changes, display stability, and inspection of the installed optical interface.

The exact calibration scope, wavelengths tested, connector interface, supplied data, documentation, compatible mainframe, and service records should be confirmed before purchase when these items are required for laboratory, manufacturing, regulatory, or quality-management applications.

Buyer Considerations

The Agilent 81632A is a configuration-specific optical power sensor module. Buyers should confirm that the 800 nm to 1650 nm wavelength range, +10 dBm to -80 dBm power range, supported fiber types, interchangeable optical interface, and required mainframe compatibility match the intended measurement application.

The 81632A should not be confused with the related Agilent 81633A, 81634A, or 81635A modules. These models provide different wavelength limits, sensitivity levels, power ranges, noise characteristics, and channel configurations.

Buyers should review the optical input, installed connector interface, mainframe connector, module enclosure, measurement stability, calibration status, service history, and included accessories. Only items specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included.

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 81632A supports engineers, laboratories, production facilities, procurement teams, and service organizations that require optical power measurements across a broad wavelength and power range.

Buyers should review the available product photographs, physical condition, installed connector interface, mainframe compatibility, included accessories, calibration information, and application requirements before purchase.

Only accessories and system components specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included. A compatible Agilent mainframe, connector interfaces, bare-fiber adapters, optical patch cords, calibration equipment, software, and other supporting test equipment may be required separately.