Agilent / HP / Keysight 83427A Chromatic Dispersion Test Set

The Agilent/Keysight 83427A Chromatic Dispersion Test Set is a specialized instrument for precise measurement of chromatic dispersion in single-mode optical fibers. It characterizes how different wavelengths travel at different speeds through fiber, a critical parameter affecting data transmission quality and bandwidth in high-speed optical networks. The 83427A identifies and quantifies dispersion to support fiber selection and implementation of dispersion compensation techniques, ensuring signal integrity across long-haul and high-speed communication links.

Technical Specifications

• Measurement Type: Chromatic Dispersion


• Fiber Type: Single-Mode Fiber (SMF)


• Wavelength Range: 1310 nm and 1550 nm bands


• Measurement Method: Time-of-Flight (TOF) or Phase Shift methods


• Dispersion Measurement Accuracy: Specified in picoseconds per nanometer (ps/nm)


• Light Source: Integrated or external tunable laser or broadband source


• Detector: High-sensitivity optical detector optimized for telecommunications wavelengths


• Data Acquisition: Internal processing and data logging


• Power Requirements: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz


• Warm-up Time: Required for stable operation after power-on


• Fiber Connector Types: FC/APC, SC/APC or equivalent standard optical connectors


• Form Factor: Benchtop instrument


• User Interface: Front-panel controls with results display


• Connectivity: GPIB, Ethernet, or USB interfaces for data transfer and instrument control

Key Features

• Dedicated input/output ports for fiber under test and reference connections


• Internal signal processing with integrated data logging


• Supports standard telecommunications wavelength bands


• Compatible with installed and manufactured optical fiber characterization

Typical Applications

• Long-haul optical network fiber characterization


• High-speed transmission link dispersion assessment


• Optical fiber selection and qualification


• Dispersion compensation technique validation


• Fiber optic testing laboratory measurements

Compatibility & Integration The 83427A interfaces with laboratory infrastructure via standard optical connectors and integrates into automated test systems through GPIB, Ethernet, and USB connectivity. Front-panel operation enables standalone measurement capability.