Agilent rolls out fourth lightwave component analyzer

-- Test & Measurement World, 8/26/2008 8:10:00 AM

According to Agilent Technologies, the fourth member of its family of lightwave component analyzers is the only turnkey solution in the industry for CATV or radio-over-fiber electro-optical component test. The N4374B LCA, which replaces the Agilent 8702 LCA, offers fast calibration and test setup for design and manufacturing engineers.

The N4374B provides accurate and traceable electro-optical S-parameter measurements for transmitter and receiver test and is based on the Agilent ENA-C series of network analyzers. In linear optical transmission systems, like those used in CATV or radio-over-fiber applications, the performance of electro-optical components is a key contributor to the performance of the overall transmission system. The N4374B enables you to design electro-optical transmitters and receivers with low distortion by offering specified phase accuracy in addition to high-amplitude accuracy.

The analyzer offers first-time relative and absolute responsivity specifications traceable to international standards. This ensures that all test data can be compared within the specified uncertainty, allowing you to compare test results measured with two LCAs at different locations. Other features include responsivity test with less than 0.8 dB uncertainty, specified absolute accuracy of absolute responsivity, 75-ohm support with minimum loss pad for CATV applications, specified phase uncertainty, and an integrated optical average power meter.

The N4374B lightwave component analyzer is available with single or dual wavelength options at 1310 nm and 1550 nm. Prices start at $101,000.