Agilent Keysight 8156A-121 Optical Attenuator Module
The Agilent/Keysight 8156A-121 is a versatile optical attenuator designed for precise control of optical power levels. It features a wide attenuation range, low insertion loss, and excellent repeatability, making it suitable for various fiber optic testing and measurement applications.
- Model
- Agilent / Keysight 8156A-121
- Calibration
- Available on request
- Price
- $2,789
- Status
- In stock
- RFQ ref
- 8156A-121
This unit
The Agilent/Keysight 8156A-121 is a optical attenuator module for precise control of optical power levels in fiber optic systems. It delivers 60 dB attenuation range with 0.001 dB resolution across 1200–1650 nm, supporting both single-mode and multimode fiber applications in R&D and production environments.
Technical Specifications
- Wavelength Range: 1200 nm to 1650 nm
- Attenuation Range: 60 dB (excluding insertion loss)
- Attenuation Resolution: 0.001 dB
- Attenuation Accuracy (Linearity): Typical < ±0.1 dB
- Repeatability: Typical 45 dB
- Insertion Loss: Typical 3.3 dB (excluding connectors)
- Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL): Typical < 0.1 dBpp
- Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD): 6 fs
- Monitor Output: 13 dB tap (1:20 ratio)
- Power Requirements: 100/120/220/240 Vrms (±10%), 45–400 Hz, 90 VA max
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
- Storage Temperature: -40°C to 80°C
- Dimensions: 9 mm H × 212.3 mm W × 345 mm D
- Weight: 5.3 kg net; 9.6 kg shipping
Key Features
- Single-filter design eliminates dark spots and attenuation overshoots/undershoots
- Fiber type compatibility: Single-mode (9/125 µm) and 50 µm multimode
- Built-in monitor output for comprehensive testing and validation
- Straight optical contact (PC) connectors
- Battery backup for non-volatile memory (10-year data retention)
- GPIB (HP-IB) control interface for automated attenuation sweeps
Typical Applications
- Telecommunications research and development
- Production testing of fiber optic systems
- Automatic attenuation sweep characterization
- Optical power level validation across extended wavelength ranges
Compatibility & Integration Designed for integration with Agilent/Keysight 8156A mainframe and related test platforms. Option 121 requires three connector interfaces; 81000xI Series optical interface connectors sold separately.
Agilent / Keysight 8156A-121 — Repair & Calibration Service
Aumictech offers NIST-traceable calibration and repair for the Agilent / Keysight 8156A-121. Calibration covers attenuation accuracy at 5 or more set values across the full range (0 to rated maximum dB), attenuation linearity, wavelength-dependent attenuation at 1310 nm, 1490 nm, and 1550 nm, insertion loss at minimum attenuation (0 dB position), and polarization-dependent loss (PDL) where applicable. All calibrations ship with a NIST-traceable certificate. Turnaround is typically 1–3 business days after receipt.
Common Agilent / Keysight 8156A-121 faults: motor and gear mechanism wear (attenuation steps or loss of smooth control), optical port contamination, EEPROM calibration data corruption. Most common faults are motor or gear mechanism wear on variable attenuators causing attenuation steps or loss of smooth control, optical port contamination reducing dynamic range, and EEPROM calibration data corruption on digitally controlled models.
Agilent / Keysight 8156A-121 price
This Agilent / Keysight 8156A-121 is listed at $2,789. Calibration is available separately from $450. Contact us for volume pricing or if you need multiple units.
Agilent / Keysight 8156A-121 calibration cost
NIST-traceable calibration for the Agilent / Keysight 8156A-121 is $450 (standard — pass/fail certificate and calibration sticker) or $650 (full measured data at every test point, reference standards documented, traceability chain included). Calibration for this instrument covers attenuation accuracy at 5 or more set values across the full range (0 to rated maximum dB), attenuation linearity, wavelength-dependent attenuation at 1310 nm, 1490 nm, and 1550 nm, insertion loss at minimum attenuation (0 dB position), and polarization-dependent loss (PDL) where applicable. Turnaround is 1 to 3 business days after receipt. See full calibration details →
