Agilent Keysight 81571A Optical Attenuator
The Agilent/Keysight 81571A 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 a variety of applications in fiber optic communication and testing. This attenuator supports both single-mode and multi-mode fibers and offers precise control via GPIB interface.
- Model
- Agilent / Keysight 81571A
- Calibration
- Available on request
- Price
- $6,589
- Status
- In stock
- RFQ ref
- 81571A
This unit
The Agilent Keysight 81571A is a variable optical attenuator module that delivers precise control of optical power levels across the 1200 nm to 1700 nm band. This plug-in module integrates into Keysight's Lightwave Solution Platform mainframes, providing 0 dB to 60 dB attenuation with 0.001 dB resolution and accuracy better than ±0.1 dB. The unit handles up to 2 W (+33 dBm) input power, making it ideal for EDFA and Raman amplifier characterization, component testing, and multi-channel transmission system validation.
Single-mode SMF28 fiber compatibility, low polarization-dependent loss, and a built-in shutter for power meter zeroing and channel-drop simulation enable flexible measurement and test workflows in demanding telecommunications and optical component environments.
Technical Specifications
- Attenuation Range: 0 dB to 60 dB
- Resolution: 0.001 dB
- Attenuation Accuracy: ±0.1 dB (maximum)
- Repeatability: 10 mdB (maximum)
- Wavelength Range: 1200 nm to 1700 nm (single-mode)
- Wavelength Flatness: 0.05 dB (maximum)
- Maximum Input Power: 2 W (+33 dBm)
- Return Loss: 57 dB (typical)
- Fiber Type: Single-mode 9/125 µm SMF28
- Connector Interface: Angled contact design
Key Features
- Single-slot plug-in module for Lightwave Solution Platform scalability
- Low polarization-dependent loss, polarization mode dispersion, and chromatic dispersion for minimal signal distortion
- Integrated mechanical shutter for safe power meter zeroing and channel-drop simulation
- Reference power functionality with relative attenuation and power display
- Built-in calibration capability for enhanced accuracy
- High input power handling suited for amplifier and component characterization
Typical Applications
- EDFA and Raman amplifier characterization
- Optical network component testing
- DWDM multi-channel transmission system validation
- Controlled optical power attenuation in fiber-optic test setups
Compatibility & Integration The 81571A operates within Agilent/Keysight Lightwave Solution Platform mainframes: 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B series. Designed exclusively for single-mode fiber (9/125 µm SMF28) with angled contact connectors.
Agilent / Keysight 81571A — Repair & Calibration Service
Aumictech offers NIST-traceable calibration and repair for the Agilent / Keysight 81571A. 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 81571A 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 81571A price
This Agilent / Keysight 81571A is listed at $6,589. Calibration is available separately from $450. Contact us for volume pricing or if you need multiple units.
Agilent / Keysight 81571A calibration cost
NIST-traceable calibration for the Agilent / Keysight 81571A 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 →
