Agilent/Keysight 11982A

The Agilent/Keysight 11982A is an amplified lightwave converter that transforms optical signals into electrical outputs for measurement and characterization of lightwave systems and components. It combines a PIN photodetector with a low-noise, DC-coupled preamplifier to deliver a versatile analog front-end suitable for both frequency-domain and time-domain analysis across a broad optical spectrum.

Technical Specifications

• Wavelength range: 1200 nm to 1600 nm


• Optical bandwidth: DC to 15 GHz


• Impulse response (FWHM): 29.4 ps


• Input optical reflection: 0.05%


• Maximum safe optical input power: 10 mW (+10 dBm) average


• Maximum operating optical input power: 1.5 mW (+1.76 dBm) peak Electrical Performance


• Conversion gain: 300 V/W


• Output voltage range: > 700 mV into 50 ohms


• Output offset voltage: 11 dB (0.1 to 12 GHz)


• Output harmonic distortion: > 41 dB below fundamental (output < –10 dBm)


• Waveform aberrations: < 20% peak-to-peak Connectors & Physical


• Optical input: Single Mode Fiber connectors (Diamond HMS 10, FC/PC, ST, DIN)


• Electrical output: APC 3.5 male, 50 ohms nominal


• Dimensions: 368 mm × 213 mm × 102 mm; 3.76 kg


• Operating temperature: 0°C to +55°C


• Storage temperature: -40°C to +75°C


• Relative humidity: up to 95% (40°C ambient)


• Power supply: 100–240 V (±10%), 47–63 Hz; < 75 VA consumption

Key Features

• Low-noise preamplifier with DC coupling enables direct measurement of optical modulation


• Minimal output offset (< 1 mV) suitable for precision analog measurements


• High gain (300 V/W) supports detection of weak optical signals


• Electrical output impedance matched to 50 ohms for direct connection to standard instrumentation


• Calibration chart included with each unit for frequency response and responsivity reference

Typical Applications

• Optical modulation analysis and eye diagram measurement


• High-speed optical communication system characterization


• Lightwave component testing and validation


• Time-domain and frequency-domain optical signal analysis

Compatibility & Integration The 11982A integrates directly with Agilent/Keysight spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, bit-error-rate testers, and network analyzers. Optional accessories include the 11980A Fiber-Optic Interferometer, 11742A Blocking Capacitor, 87441 Family SDH/SONET/Fibre Channel Filters, and 81000xI Series optical interface connectors.