Agilent/Keysight 8164A Lightwave Measurement System Mainframe

The Agilent/Keysight 8164A Lightwave Measurement System Mainframe is a modular platform for automated optical test and measurement in laboratory and production environments. It integrates tunable laser sources, power meters, and specialized optical modules into a single chassis, delivering high-resolution measurements across the C-band and extended wavelength regions. The system combines graphical display capability with multi-interface connectivity for both standalone operation and remote instrument control.

Technical Specifications

• 1 slot for back-loadable Tunable Laser Source (TLS)


• 4 slots for compact modules: power meters, return loss modules, compact tunable lasers, or fixed laser sources


• Compatible with Agilent 8153A and 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter series modules Display


• High-resolution color graphical display: 640 × 480 points, 4 updates/second


• Monochrome graphical display: 190 × 300 points


• Power meter resolution: 0.0001 dB/dBm, 0.01 pW to 10 pW (range-dependent), up to 6½ digits user-definable Interface Connectivity


• GPIB for remote control


• LAN and RS-232 serial interfaces


• VGA port for external monitor output


• PC Card interface


• Configurable hardware trigger input/output ports


• Keyboard and parallel printer (Centronics) connections Power & Environment


• AC Input: 100–240 V ±10%, 50/60 Hz


• Power Consumption: 280 VA max


• Operating Temperature: +10°C to +35°C


• Storage Temperature: +40°C to +70°C


• Humidity: <95% RH (0°C to 45°C)


• Maximum Altitude: 2000 m


• Pollution Degree 2 Physical


• Dimensions: 88 mm H × 213 mm W × 380 mm L (3.5" × 8.4" × 15")


• Net Weight: 4.2 kg (9.3 lbs)

Key Features

• Built-in passive component test, stability monitoring, and data logging applications


• High-resolution power measurement down to 0.01 pW across configurable ranges


• Real-time graphical display with 4 Hz update rate


• Support for wavelength-agile tunable lasers across 1460–1640 nm bands


• Dual display option: integrated color or external VGA monitor

Typical Applications Optical component characterization, wavelength-dependent loss measurement, laser source validation, and production test automation for telecom and datacom optical subsystems.

Compatibility & Integration The 8164A mainframe accepts tunable laser modules spanning 1460–1640 nm with output power to 6 dBm and wavelength accuracy of ±0.01 nm. All Agilent 8163A/B multimeter series modules integrate directly; 8163B modules require code verification for HP 8153A compatibility. PC Card and GPIB interfaces enable both local and networked test automation.