HP / Agilent 81573A Variable Optical Attenuator Module with Straight Interface
The HP/Agilent 81573A is a variable optical attenuator module designed for precise control of optical power levels. It features a straight interface for easy integration with optical systems. This module is ideal for testing and characterization of optical components and systems, providing accurate and repeatable attenuation.
- Model
- HP / Agilent 81573A
- Calibration
- Available on request
- Price
- $3,042
- Status
- In stock
- RFQ ref
- 81573A
This unit
The HP/Agilent 81573A is a variable optical attenuator module engineered for precise control of optical power levels in high-power test and measurement applications. This plug-in module integrates into Agilent's Lightwave Multichannel Platforms and delivers accurate, repeatable attenuation across the optical spectrum. The straight-interface design enables direct integration into optical systems, while manual or remote attenuation control accommodates both benchtop and automated measurement configurations.
Technical Specifications
Product Type: Variable Optical Attenuator Module
Interface Type: Straight Interface
Power Handling: High input power capability
Insertion Loss: Low
Wavelength Flatness: Excellent
Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD): Low - supports high-bit-rate transmission system testing
Calibration: Reference power level setting via integrated calibration features
Shutter: Integrated shutter for channel drop simulation and optical protection
Key Features
Manual and remote attenuation setting
High accuracy combined with operational flexibility
Low PMD performance enables characterization of modern high-speed optical systems
Integrated photodiode-based feedback mechanisms for controlled optical power management
Typical Applications
Optical component and system characterization
Power level control in high-power optical test setups
Telecommunication industry test and measurement
Transmission system validation requiring accurate attenuation control
Compatibility & Integration The 81573A is a single-slot plug-in module compatible with Agilent Lightwave Multichannel Platform mainframes: 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B series.
HP / Agilent 81573A — Repair & Calibration Service
Aumictech offers NIST-traceable calibration and repair for the HP / Agilent 81573A. 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 HP / Agilent 81573A 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.
HP / Agilent 81573A price
This HP / Agilent 81573A is listed at $3,041.8. Calibration is available separately from $450. Contact us for volume pricing or if you need multiple units.
HP / Agilent 81573A calibration cost
NIST-traceable calibration for the HP / Agilent 81573A 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 →
