JANUARY 18, 2008 -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (search for Agilent) today demonstrated a new optical power meter with four or eight power-sensor channels that provides manufacturing customers with increased throughput and operational efficiency. Designed for characterizing optical multi-port components, these optical power meters provide device connectivity, high-speed measurement data acquisition, and fast data transfer for post-processing, say Agilent representatives.
According to the company, its new power meter reduces test cost and speeds throughput to meet today's challenges in manufacturing. Manufacturing engineers can improve their operational efficiency with a greatly reduced footprint and easy replacement of existing Agilent equipment with code and trigger compatibility.
Agilent says this optical power meter extends its portfolio with cost-effective four and eight power-sensor modules in a single box. It offers a short minimum averaging time of 1µs and a high dynamic range during swept wavelength measurements. The very fast sample rate of 1 Ms/s enables time-resolved measurement of transient signals.
The company touts several key features:
• The new fiber connectivity concept is the industry's first solution to separate the connecting task from the measurement task, claim Agilent representatives. The removable connector holder offers flexible connector choice and can be attached to the multi-channel device while the instrument measures another device.
• With the new LAN and USB interfaces, the system offers optimized throughput and data transfer for post-processing. For compatibility with existing equipment, the GPIB interface is also included.
• The multi-port power meter enables fast measurement for all multi-port devices, including multiplexers, PON splitters, wavelength switches, and ROADMs.
"The Agilent power meters speed design and characterizing of optical multiport components," explains Alois Hauk, vice president and general manager of Agilent's digital and photonic test business. "With the unprecedented device connectivity, high-speed measurement data acquisition, and fast data transfer for post-processing, we enable optical component manufacturers to increase throughput and reduce production cost."
The Agilent N7744A and N7745A optical multi-port power meter will be available for ordering on February 1, 2008, at a starting price of $9,500 for the four-port and $14,500 for the eight-port version.
Visit Agilent Technologies