Agilent Technologies Inc. has introduced an enhanced modular attenuator for high optical power levels and a modular optical switch for optical component test. These products will allow manufacturers and integrators of optical amplifiers to reduce cost of test and enable characterization of next-generation devices, such as new optical amplifiers.
The Agilent 8157xA attenuators are cost-effective plug-in modules for Agilent's multichannel test instrument platform. These are the first attenuators to offer a wavelength-flat design for high optical power levels, together with power control capabilities through an integrated power sensor.
This attenuator helps reduce time to market and lower test time with advanced technologies such as high power level handling, wavelength-flat design, and low insertion loss. Optional integrated power control capability allows users to set power levels directly, reducing calibration effort for multi-wavelength signals and increasing throughput.
"Last year customers asked us to help speed up time to volume, now they need to accelerate time to market and cut test cost," said Werner Berkel, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Optical Communication Measurement Division. "Our products reduce time to market by providing advanced technologies that enable customers to quickly develop and test next generation optical devices at a reduced cost."
Agilent's new 8159xA modular optical switch is designed to reduce test cost even further. The switch enables optical and network component manufacturers to automate part of the test process by routing optical signals when testing devices such as line cards, amplifiers, and active and passive components.
The Agilent 8157xA modular attenuator will be available April 1, with a list price that starts at $4,500. The Agilent 8159xA optical switch is expected to be available Jan. 1, with a list price that starts at $1,785.
For more information, visit www.agilent.com/comms/comp-test.