Agilent

8164 A Lightwave Measurement

Agilent 8164 A Lightwave Measurement family

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8164 A Lightwave Measurement — Inventory photo — Fig. 018164 A Lightwave MeasurementInventory photo^[1]

What it is

The Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System is a modular mainframe designed for optical component characterization in fiber-optic test and measurement applications. The mainframe supports up to five plug-in modules: one back-loadable tunable laser module and four front-loadable modules of various types including fixed-wavelength laser sources, DFB sources, power sensors, return-loss modules, attenuator modules, and interface modules for optical heads.^[2]

How it works

The system's GP-IB interface allows all modes and parameters to be accessed programmatically, using standard SCPI commands. An RS-232C interface (115200 bps maximum baud rate) and a parallel port provide additional connectivity. The active color LCD displays measurement results graphically, and the VGA output allows connection of a larger external monitor for detailed analysis.^[2]

What do the numbers mean?

Optics & imaging2

Number of modules: 5 modules - One back-loadable tunable laser module plus four front-loadable modules^[2]
Compatible modules: Fixed wavelength Laser Sources (e.g., 81650A), DFB Source modules (e.g., 81662A), Power Sensors (e.g., 81635A), Fast Power Sensor Modules (e.g., 81637B), Interface Modules for Optical Heads (e.g., 81618A), Return Loss Modules (e.g., 81610A), Attenuator Modules (e.g., 81570A). Also all modules designed for 8153A Lightwave Multimeter.^[2]

Control & software2

GP-IB capability: All modes and parameters accessible via GP-IB interface, function codes are SCPI standard^[2]
Other interfaces: Parallel port (Centronics), RS232C (115200 bps maximum baud rate), PCMCIA 2.0 / JEIDA 4.0^[2]

Configuration & options3

Display: 600 x 400 points visible, active color LCD, VGA connector for external monitor^[2]
Trigger: True synchronous all channels^[2]
Compatibility: The Agilent 8164A mainframe supports all modules from the 8153A and 8163A lightwave multimeter series^[2]

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Not publicly documented

The following facts about the 8164 A Lightwave Measurement are absent from this record as of this revision. First-hand knowledge or a citation closes a gap; every submission is reviewed before publication.

No publicly documented production dates or lifecycle milestones (introduction, end of production, EOL) for the 8164 A Lightwave Measurement are on record.
Answerable by: OEM historical records or a trade-press announcement
No publicly documented variants, configuration options, or revision breakpoints of the 8164 A Lightwave Measurement are on record.
Answerable by: an OEM product catalog or an engineer who ordered or specified the tool
The control-system platform and OS era of the 8164 A Lightwave Measurement are not on record.
Answerable by: an engineer who operated it or OEM installation records
No publicly documented failure modes or field errata for the 8164 A Lightwave Measurement are on record.
Answerable by: a field service engineer, process engineer, or maintenance technician
The process node or technology generation of the 8164 A Lightwave Measurement is not on record.
Answerable by: an OEM datasheet or a fab qualification report