Agilent / Keysight 86143A Portable Standard Performance Optical Spectrum Analyzer

The Agilent/Keysight 86143A is a portable optical spectrum analyzer engineered for field and laboratory deployment across optical networks. It delivers precise characterization of optical signals from 600 nm to 1700 nm, making it well-suited for DWDM system analysis, laser diode testing, and optical amplifier characterization. Battery-powered operation and compact form factor enable rapid troubleshooting in central offices and remote field locations without sacrificing measurement accuracy.

Technical Specifications

Wavelength Performance:

• Range: 600 nm to 1700 nm


• Span: 0.2 nm to full range, continuously variable (zero span capable)


• Wavelength accuracy (after internal calibration, 1510–1570 nm): ±0.025 nm


• Wavelength accuracy (after internal calibration, 1570–1640 nm): ±0.035 nm


• Wavelength accuracy (user calibration within ±40 nm): ±0.05 nm


• Wavelength accuracy (user calibration, full range): ±0.2 nm


• Absolute accuracy (2-year factory cycle): ±0.5 nm


• Reproducibility (≤1 minute): ±0.003 nm


• Tuning repeatability: ±0.003 nm Resolution Bandwidth:


• Selectable FWHM: 0.07 nm, 0.1 nm, 0.2 nm, 0.5 nm, 1 nm, 2 nm, 5 nm, 10 nm Power Measurement:


• Input power range: -90 dBm to -60 dBm


• Maximum dynamic range: -52 dB


• Measurement accuracy: ±0.1 dB


• Power accuracy at -20 dBm (1550 nm, 20–30 °C): ±0.35 dB


• Maximum safe input: +20 dBm


• Scale fidelity (fixed reference): ±0.05 dB (characteristic)


• Scale fidelity (variable reference): ±0.07 dB (characteristic)


• Sensitivity: Signal > 6× RMS noise Sweep Performance:


• Minimum sweep time: 180 ms


• Maximum sweep time: 650 ms


• 50 nm span (auto zero off): <180 ms


• 100 nm span: <400 ms


• 500 nm span: <650 ms Polarization Dependence (characteristic):


• At ±0.8 nm (±100 GHz @ 1550 nm): -60 dB


• At ±0.5 nm (±62.5 GHz @ 1550 nm): -58 dB


• At ±0.4 nm (±50 GHz @ 1550 nm): -55 dB


• At ±0.2 nm (±25 GHz @ 1550 nm): -40 dB

Key Features

• Portable form factor with battery operation for field deployment


• Wide spectral coverage (600–1700 nm) from UV to near-infrared


• Sub-picometer wavelength reproducibility and tuning stability


• Eight selectable resolution bandwidths for flexible signal analysis


• Rapid sweep capability (180–650 ms) for real-time monitoring

Typical Applications

• DWDM channel isolation and characterization


• Laser diode spectral analysis


• Optical amplifier gain profiling


• Fiber optic network commissioning and troubleshooting


• Signal quality verification across telecommunications bands