Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter Mainframe for Modular Optical Testing

Agilent 8163A Two-Channel Modular Lightwave Multimeter Mainframe

The Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter is a compact modular mainframe designed for professional fiber optic, telecom, photonics, laboratory, production, and automated optical test applications. It provides two measurement channels and accepts up to two compatible plug-in modules, allowing users to configure the system for specific lightwave measurement and source requirements.

The 8163A supports compatible HP 8153A Series and Agilent 8163A Series modules. Depending on the installed modules, the mainframe can be configured for optical power measurement, fixed or tunable laser-source operation, variable optical attenuation, optical switching, return-loss measurement, or other supported lightwave functions.

The mainframe includes a monochrome graphical display with 190 x 300 visible points. When used with compatible optical power-meter modules, it provides resolution down to 0.0001 dB or dBm and from 0.01 pW to 10 pW, depending on the selected power range. Measurement results can be displayed with up to 6.5 user-definable digits.

Features and Benefits of the Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter

The Agilent 8163A provides a practical modular platform for engineers, technicians, laboratories, production facilities, and service organizations that require configurable optical measurement capabilities.

• Two-channel display: Displays two measurement channels for supported optical test configurations.
• Two module positions: Accepts up to two compatible plug-in modules for flexible system configuration.
• High-resolution power display: Provides 0.0001 dB or dBm resolution and optical power resolution from 0.01 pW to 10 pW, depending on the installed power meter and selected range.
• User-definable display: Supports optical power readings with up to 6.5 displayed digits.
• Measurement memory: Stores more than 4,000 measurement results per channel.
• Selectable averaging: Supports sensor-dependent data averaging and a selectable total averaging time from 20 ms to 23 hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds.
• Synchronous triggering: Provides true synchronous triggering across all active channels.
• GPIB remote control: Makes all supported operating modes and parameters accessible through the GPIB interface.
• SCPI command support: Uses the SCPI standard for integration into compatible automated measurement systems.
• Additional interfaces: Includes an RS232 serial port and a Centronics parallel interface.
• Universal AC input: Operates from 100 V AC to 240 V AC for professional laboratory and production environments.

Flexible Two-Module Architecture

The Agilent 8163A provides two module positions for building a compact lightwave measurement system. The exact capabilities of the instrument depend on the installed modules. This allows users to configure the mainframe around a specific optical test rather than purchasing a fixed-function instrument.

A compatible optical power sensor module can configure the mainframe for absolute or relative optical power measurements. A compatible source module can provide an optical test signal, while attenuator or optical switch modules can support controlled power adjustment and signal routing.

The two-channel design is useful for configurations that require simultaneous access to multiple supported functions. For example, a user may combine an optical source with a power sensor, two optical power sensors, or another compatible pair of modules suitable for the intended procedure.

Buyers should confirm module compatibility before installation. Although the Agilent 8163A supports HP 8153A Series and Agilent 8163A Series modules, Agilent 8163A Series modules are not compatible with the older HP 8153A Lightwave Multimeter mainframe.

Optical Power Measurement Display

When configured with a compatible power sensor module, the Agilent 8163A provides high-resolution optical power readings through its front-panel display. The meter supports display resolution of 0.0001 dB or dBm. Power resolution ranges from 0.01 pW to 10 pW depending on the power range and sensor module in use.

The display can present up to 6.5 user-definable digits. This flexibility allows users to select an appropriate display format for high-resolution laboratory measurements, routine production checks, relative-power measurements, or other supported optical test applications.

The actual wavelength range, optical power range, detector material, uncertainty, linearity, noise performance, averaging capability, and fiber compatibility are determined by the installed sensor module. These values should not be assumed from the 8163A mainframe specification alone.

Measurement Memory and Data Averaging

The Agilent 8163A provides internal memory for more than 4,000 measurement results per channel. This capacity supports data collection during repeated measurements, optical stability evaluations, production tests, and automated measurement sequences.

The selectable data averaging time depends on the installed sensor module. The mainframe also provides a selectable total data averaging time from 20 ms to 23 hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds. This allows users to balance acquisition speed and measurement stability according to the needs of the application.

Short averaging periods can support faster production or alignment measurements, while longer averaging periods can be useful when monitoring low-level signals or evaluating changes over an extended interval.

Synchronous Triggering

The Agilent 8163A provides true synchronous triggering across all channels. This supports coordinated data acquisition when measurements from multiple active channels must be aligned within a common test sequence.

Synchronous operation can be beneficial in applications involving source and sensor combinations, simultaneous optical power measurements, switching sequences, attenuation changes, or automated component evaluation. The full triggering behavior depends on the capabilities of the installed modules and the test configuration.

Remote Control and Automated Testing

All supported modes and parameters of the Agilent 8163A are accessible through its GPIB interface. The mainframe uses the SCPI command standard, making it suitable for integration into compatible automated laboratory and production systems.

Remote control allows external software to configure installed modules, select measurement parameters, initiate readings, retrieve stored data, and coordinate the lightwave multimeter with other test equipment. This can help improve consistency and throughput during repetitive optical component testing.

The mainframe also includes an RS232 serial interface and a Centronics parallel interface. The exact use of each interface depends on the connected equipment, system configuration, software, and test procedure.

Typical Applications

The Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter is suitable for professional applications such as:

• Optical power measurement with compatible sensor modules
• Fiber optic insertion-loss testing
• Relative optical power measurements
• Optical source characterization
• Passive optical component testing
• Active optical component evaluation
• Variable optical attenuation control
• Optical signal routing with compatible switch modules
• Return-loss testing with compatible modules
• Fiber optic research and development
• Production testing and quality control
• Automated lightwave measurement systems

Product Overview

Brand	Agilent Technologies
Model	8163A
Product Category	Modular Lightwave Multimeter Mainframe
Displayed Channels	Two
Module Capacity	Two modules
Display Type	Monochrome graphical display
Module Compatibility	Compatible HP 8153A Series and Agilent 8163A Series modules
Primary Application	Configurable fiber optic and lightwave measurement
Suitable For	Fiber optic laboratories, telecom testing, photonics research, component characterization, production testing, and automated measurement systems

 

Mainframe Specifications

Specification	Agilent 8163A Details
Number of Displayed Channels	Two
Number of Modules	Two
Display	Monochrome graphical display with 190 x 300 visible points
Power Meter Resolution	0.0001 dB or dBm
Power Resolution	0.01 pW to 10 pW, depending on the power range
Displayed Digits	Up to 6.5 digits, user definable
Measurement Memory	More than 4,000 measurement results per channel
Selectable Data Averaging	Depends on the installed sensor module
Total Data Averaging Time	20 ms to 23 hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds
Triggering	True synchronous triggering on all channels

 

Interfaces and Remote Control

Interface	Details
GPIB Interface	All supported operating modes and parameters are accessible through GPIB
Command Standard	SCPI
Serial Interface	RS232
Parallel Interface	Centronics

 

Power, Environmental, and Mechanical Specifications

Specification	Details
AC Input	100 V AC to 240 V AC ±10%
Line Frequency	48 Hz to 66 Hz
Maximum Power Consumption	100 VA
Operating Temperature	0 °C to 45 °C
Storage Temperature	-40 °C to 70 °C
Humidity	Less than 95% relative humidity from 0 °C to 45 °C
Dimensions	88 mm high x 213 mm wide x 380 mm deep
Dimensions, Imperial	3.5 inches high x 8.4 inches wide x 15 inches deep
Net Weight	4.2 kg (9.3 lb)
Shipping Weight	6.5 kg (14.5 lb)

 

Module Compatibility and Configuration

The Agilent 8163A supports compatible HP 8153A Series and Agilent 8163A Series modules. The precise optical and electrical functions of the mainframe are determined by the installed modules.

Buyers should confirm the model numbers and condition of any included plug-in modules. Optical sensors, laser sources, attenuators, switches, return-loss modules, optical head interfaces, connector adapters, and fiber cables should not be assumed to be included unless specifically identified in the product listing.

Firmware compatibility should also be verified when integrating modules into the 8163A. For automated systems, buyers should confirm that the existing software and command sequences support both the mainframe and installed modules.

Preparation for Optical Measurements

The Agilent 8163A and installed modules should be allowed to reach a stable operating temperature before precision measurements. The required warm-up time depends on the modules installed and the measurement being performed.

Any required sensor zeroing, wavelength selection, reference measurement, source setup, attenuation configuration, or optical path selection should be completed before testing the device under test.

Optical connector end faces and adapters should be inspected and cleaned before connection. Contamination can increase insertion loss, reduce return loss, destabilize measurements, and transfer debris to other optical interfaces.

Calibration and Testing Before Shipment

When calibration is technically applicable and supported, the Agilent 8163A and its included measurement modules are calibrated before shipment. Following successful calibration, the equipment may include a calibration label, calibration certificate, and related calibration data, depending on the installed modules, equipment configuration, and calibration service.

If formal calibration is unavailable or not applicable to the specific mainframe or module configuration, the equipment receives comprehensive functional and performance testing. This process may include evaluation of the display, front-panel controls, module recognition, measurement memory, GPIB operation, serial interface, triggering, power-up behavior, and other available functions.

This testing helps verify that the equipment operates correctly and that its available functions have been evaluated before it is released for shipment. The exact calibration scope, test data, documentation, and service records should be confirmed before purchase when these items are required for laboratory, production, regulatory, or quality-management applications.

Buyer Considerations

The Agilent 8163A is a modular mainframe. Buyers should confirm which plug-in modules and accessories are included with the offered system. A mainframe without compatible modules does not provide complete optical measurement or optical source functionality.

Buyers should review the condition of the display, keypad, module slots, rear interfaces, power input, enclosure, cooling system, and included accessories. Installed firmware and remote-interface operation should also be reviewed when the instrument will be used in an automated system.

The wavelength range, optical power range, detector type, source wavelength, attenuation range, switch configuration, and connector format are determined by the installed modules. These specifications should not be inferred from the 8163A mainframe model alone.

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 8163A Lightwave Multimeter is listed to help engineers, laboratory personnel, production facilities, procurement teams, and service organizations source a flexible platform for professional optical measurement systems.

Buyers should review the available product photographs, physical condition, installed modules, included accessories, calibration information, firmware compatibility, and application requirements before purchase. Confirming these details helps ensure that the mainframe and module configuration match the intended optical test workflow.

Only accessories and modules specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included. Optical sensors, laser sources, attenuators, switches, interface modules, connector adapters, fiber patch cables, software, and calibration accessories may be required separately.