HP / Agilent 8157A OPTICAL ATTENUATOR
HP / Agilent Optical Attenuators. Resolution: ** 0.01 dB, Accuracy: ** Typically better than ±0.02 dB, Sensitivity: ** Less than 0.02 dB p-p.
- Model
- HP / Agilent 8157A
- Calibration
- Available on request
- Price
- $199
- Status
- In stock
- RFQ ref
- 8157A
This unit
The HP/Agilent 8157A is a programmable single-mode optical attenuator engineered for precise control of optical power levels across telecommunications and research applications. Operating from 1200 nm to 1650 nm, this instrument delivers 60 dB of attenuation with exceptional repeatability and stability. The attenuator's low insertion loss, high return loss, and minimal polarization sensitivity make it ideal for demanding fiber optic system testing where accurate optical power management is critical.
Technical Specifications
Wavelength Range: 1200 nm to 1650 nm
Attenuation Range: 60 dB
Display Resolution: 0.01 dB
Attenuation Accuracy: Typically better than ±0.02 dB
Linearity (typical): ±0.05 dB
Polarization Sensitivity: Less than 0.02 dB p-p
Insertion Loss (typical): 1 dB or 2 dB
Return Loss: 45 dB
Control Interface: HP-IB (GPIB)
Dimensions: 89 mm H × 212 mm W × 345 mm D
Net Weight: 5.3 kg
Key Features
Programmable attenuation control via GPIB interface
Single-mode fiber compatibility
Superior accuracy and linearity for repeatable measurements
Low polarization sensitivity ensures stable performance across signal states
High return loss minimizes reflections in optical paths
Typical Applications
Telecommunications system characterization and testing
Optical signal conditioning in research environments
Fiber optic subsystem development and validation
Power level calibration and verification in lightwave systems
Compatibility & Integration Integrates with Agilent's Lightwave Solution Platform modules including the 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B. Requires Agilent optical interface connectors (81000xI Series), available separately.
HP / Agilent 8157A — Repair & Calibration Service
Aumictech offers NIST-traceable calibration and repair for the HP / Agilent 8157A. 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 8157A 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 8157A price
This HP / Agilent 8157A is listed at $198.7. Calibration is available separately from $450. Contact us for volume pricing or if you need multiple units.
HP / Agilent 8157A calibration cost
NIST-traceable calibration for the HP / Agilent 8157A 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 →
