Agilent 86120B - Manual

vi General Safety Considerations General Safety Considerations This product has been designed and tested in accordance with IEC Publica-tion 1010, Safety Requirements for Electronic Measuring Apparatus, and has been supplied in a safe condition. The instruction documentation contains information and...

viii General Safety Considerations temperature of the product by 4 ° C for every 100 watts dissipated in the cabinet. If the total power dissipated in the cabinet is greater than 800 watts, then forced convection must be used. C A U T I O N Always use the three-prong ac power cord supplied with this...

Contents Contents-1 The Agilent 86120B—At a Glance iii General Safety Considerations vi 1 Getting Started Step 1. Inspect the Shipment 1-3Step 2. Check the Fuse 1-5Step 3. Connect the Line-Power Cable 1-6Step 4. Connect a Printer 1-7Step 5. Turn on the Agilent 86120B 1-8Step 6. Enter Your Elevation ...

Contents-2 Contents Lists of Commands 4-43 5 Programming Commands Common Commands 5-3Measurement Instructions 5-15CALCulate1 Subsystem 5-26CALCulate2 Subsystem 5-31CALCulate3 Subsystem 5-43CONFigure Measurement Instruction 5-64DISPlay Subsystem 5-64FETCh Measurement Instruction 5-67HCOPy Subsystem 5...

1-2 Getting Started Getting Started Getting Started The instructions in this chapter show you how to install your Agilent 86120B. You should be able to finish these procedures in about ten to twenty minutes. After you’ve completed this chapter, continue with Chapter 2, “Using the Multi-Wavelength Me...

1-3 Getting Started Step 1. Inspect the Shipment Step 1. Inspect the Shipment 1 Verify that all system components ordered have arrived by comparing the shipping forms to the original purchase order. Inspect all shipping containers. If your shipment is damaged or incomplete, save the packing material...

1-5 Getting Started Step 2. Check the Fuse Step 2. Check the Fuse 1 Locate the line-input connector on the instrument’s rear panel. 2 Disconnect the line-power cable if it is connected. 3 Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to open the pull-out fuse drawer. 4 Verify that the value of the line-voltage...

1-7 Getting Started Step 4. Connect a Printer 3 Connect the other end of the line-power cord to the power receptacle. Various power cables are available to connect the Agilent 86120B to ac power outlets unique to specific geographic areas. The cable appropriate for the area to which the Agilent 8612...

1-8 Getting Started Step 5. Turn on the Agilent 86120B Step 5. Turn on the Agilent 86120B C A U T I O N The front panel LINE switch disconnects the mains circuits from the mains supply after the EMC filters and before other parts of the instrument. 1 Press the front-panel LINE key. After approximate...

1-9 Getting Started Step 5. Turn on the Agilent 86120B Instrument firmware version When the instrument is first turned on, the display briefly shows the instrument’s firm-ware version number. In the unlikely event that you have a problem with the Agilent 86120B, you may need to indicate this number ...

1-10 Getting Started Step 6. Enter Your Elevation Step 6. Enter Your Elevation In order for your Agilent 86120B to accurately measure wavelengths and meet its published specifications, you must enter the elevation where you will be performing your measurements. 1 Press the Setup key. 2 Press the MOR...

1-11 Getting Started Step 7. Select Medium for Wavelength Values Step 7. Select Medium for Wavelength Values Because wavelength varies with the material that the light passes through, the Agilent 86120B offers wavelength measurements in two mediums: vacuum and standard air. 1 Press the Setup key. 2 ...

1-12 Getting Started Step 8. Turn Off Wavelength Limiting Step 8. Turn Off Wavelength Limiting After the Preset key is pressed, the input wavelength range is limited to mea- suring lasers between 1200 nm and 1650 nm. You can easily expand the input range to the full 700 nm to 1650 nm range with the ...

1-13 Getting Started Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements Today, advances in measurement capabilities make connectors and connec-tion techniques more important than ever. Damage to the connectors on cali-bration and verification devices, test ...

1-16 Getting Started Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements The soft core, while allowing precise centering, is also the chief liability of the connector. The soft material is easily damaged. Care must be taken to mini-mize excessive scratching and wear. While minor wear is not a problem if ...

1-20 Getting Started Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements Visual inspection of fiber ends Visual inspection of fiber ends can be helpful. Contamination or imperfections on the cable end face can be detected as well as cracks or chips in the fiber itself. Use a microscope (100X to 200X magn...

1-21 Getting Started Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements To clean a non-lensed connector C A U T I O N Do not use any type of foam swab to clean optical fiber ends. Foam swabs can leave filmy deposits on fiber ends that can degrade performance. 1 Apply pure isopropyl alcohol to a clean li...

1-22 Getting Started Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements C A U T I O N Do not shake, tip, or invert compressed air canisters, because this releases particles in the can into the air. Refer to instructions provided on the compressed air canister. 7 As soon as the connector is dry, connect ...

1-23 Getting Started Returning the Instrument for Service Returning the Instrument for Service The instructions in this section show you how to properly return the instru-ment for repair or calibration. Always call the Agilent Technologies Instrument Support Center first to initiate service before r...

1-24 Getting Started Returning the Instrument for Service information should be returned with the instrument. • Type of service required. • Date instrument was returned for repair. • Description of the problem: • Whether problem is constant or intermittent. • Whether instrument is temperature-sensit...

2 Displaying Wavelength and Power 2-3 Changing the Units and Measurement Rate 2-13 Defining Laser-Line Peaks 2-16 Measuring Laser Separation 2-20 Measuring Modulated Lasers 2-23 Measuring Total Power Greater than 10 dBm 2-25 Calibrating Measurements 2-26 Printing Measurement Results 2-28 Using the M...

2-2 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter In this chapter, you’ll learn how to make a variety of fast, accurate measure-ments. As you perform these measurements, keep in mind the following points: • 700 nm to 1650 nm maximum input waveleng...

2-3 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Displaying Wavelength and Power Displaying Wavelength and Power This section gives you step-by-step instructions for measuring peak wave-length, average wavelength, peak power, and total input power. There are three display modes: • Peak wavelength• List-by-wavel...

2-4 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Displaying Wavelength and Power Peak WL mode When Peak WL is pressed, the display shows the largest amplitude line in the spectrum. This is the peak wavelength mode. The word PEAK is shown on the screen. If multiple laser lines are present at the input, the numbe...

2-6 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Displaying Wavelength and Power List by WL or power modes In the list-by-wavelength or list-by-power modes, the measurements of five laser lines can be displayed at any one time. In list by wavelength mode, the signals are displayed in order from shortest to long...

2-7 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Displaying Wavelength and Power 4 Press List by Power to display the laser lines in order of decreasing amplitudes. Total power and average wavelength In the third available display mode, the Agilent 86120B displays the average wavelength as shown in the followin...

2-9 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Displaying Wavelength and Power Limiting the wavelength range The wavelength range of measurement can be limited with the wavelength limit function. Both start and stop wavelengths can be chosen. The units of wavelength start and stop are the same as the currentl...

2-10 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Displaying Wavelength and Power Measuring broadband devices and chirped lasers When first turned on (or the green Preset key is pressed), the Agilent 86120B is configured to measure narrowband devices such as DFB lasers and modes of FP lasers. If you plan to mea...

2-11 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Displaying Wavelength and Power Graphical display of optical power spectrum A graphical display of optical power versus wavelength is shown from the start wavelength value to the stop wavelength value. The start wavelength value is shown in the upper left corner...

2-12 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Displaying Wavelength and Power Instrument states Four different instrument states can be saved and recalled at a later time. The actual instrument conditions that are saved are identical to those saved from the previous state after power is turned on. These con...

2-13 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Changing the Units and Measurement Rate Changing the Units and Measurement Rate This section includes step-by-step instructions for changing the units and measurement rate. This section includes: Displayed units 2-13 Measurement rate 2-14 Continuous or single me...

2-14 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Changing the Units and Measurement Rate 4 Press WL and select one of the following units. Then, press RETURN to complete your selection: • NM for nanometers • THZ for terahertz • CM –1 for wave number 5 Press POWER and select one of the following units: • DBM fo...

2-15 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Changing the Units and Measurement Rate Continuous or single measurements The Agilent 86120B continuously measures the input spectrum at the front-panel OPTICAL INPUT connector. Whenever measurements are being acquired, an asterisk (*) is displayed in the displa...

2-16 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Defining Laser-Line Peaks Defining Laser-Line Peaks The Agilent 86120B uses two rules to identify valid laser-line peaks. Under-standing these rules is essential to getting the most from your measurements. For example, these rules allow you to “hide” AM modulati...

2-18 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Defining Laser-Line Peaks Limiting the input wavelength range The Agilent 86120B’s preset condition limits the wavelength measurement range from 1200 nm to 1650 nm. You can expand the wavelength range to cover the entire 700 nm to 1650 nm range. Although wavelen...

2-19 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Defining Laser-Line Peaks To define laser-line peaks 1 Press the Setup key. 2 Press the THRSHLD softkey. 3 Press PX EXC , and enter the peak excursion value. Use the softkey to select the digit that requires editing. Use the and softkeys to change the value. The...

2-20 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Measuring Laser Separation Measuring Laser Separation It is often important to measure the wavelength and power separation between multiple laser lines. This is especially true in wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) systems where channel spacing must be adhere...

2-21 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Measuring Laser Separation Channel separation Suppose that you want to measure separation on a system having the spec-trum shown in the following figure. The Agilent 86120B displays separation on this spectrum as shown in the fol-lowing figure. Notice that the 1...

2-22 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Measuring Laser Separation To measure channel separation 1 Press the front-panel Preset key. 2 Press List by WL . 3 Press the Delta On key. Use the Off key to turn off the measurement. 4 Select the type of separation to observe: • ∆ WL displays channel separatio...

2-23 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Measuring Modulated Lasers Measuring Modulated Lasers Lasers modulated at low frequencies A laser that is amplitude modulated at low frequencies (for example, modu-lated in the audio frequency range) can cause spurious wavelengths to be dis-played below and abov...

2-24 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Measuring Modulated Lasers The graphical display is useful for locating these spurious wavelengths. Their amplitude will be below that of the correct wavelength and they will be broad, rounded peaks compared to the sharp peak of the correct wavelength. Use the P...

2-25 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Measuring Total Power Greater than 10 dBm Measuring Total Power Greater than 10 dBm The maximum total power that can be measured by the Agilent 86120B is 10 dBm. However, with the addition of an external attenuator, more power can be applied. This may be necessa...

2-26 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Calibrating Measurements Calibrating Measurements The wavelength of light changes depending on the material that the light is passing through. To display meaningful wavelength measurements, the Agilent 86120B performs two steps: 1 Measures the wavelength in air....

2-28 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Printing Measurement Results Printing Measurement Results Measurement results can be sent directly to a printer. Simply connect a com-patible printer to the rear-panel PARALLEL PRINTER PORT connector. The output is ASCII text. An example of a compatible printer ...

3 Measuring Signal-to-Noise Ratios 3-3 Measuring Signal-to-Noise Ratios with Averaging 3-7 Measuring Laser Drift 3-9 Measuring Coherence Length 3-12 Measurements Applications

3-2 Measurements Applications Measurements Applications Measurements Applications In this chapter, you’ll learn how to make a variety of fast, accurate measure-ments using the measurement tools accessed by pressing the Appl’s key.

3-3 Measurements Applications Measuring Signal-to-Noise Ratios Measuring Signal-to-Noise Ratios Signal-to-noise measurements provide a direct indication of system perfor-mance. Signal-to-noise measurements are especially important in WDM sys-tems because there is a direct relation between signal-to-...

3-4 Measurements Applications Measuring Signal-to-Noise Ratios Location of noise measurements Automatic interpolation When the signal-to-noise “auto” function is selected, the Agilent 86120B first determines the proximity of any adjacent signal. If the next closest signal is ≤ 200 GHz (approximately...

3-5 Measurements Applications Measuring Signal-to-Noise Ratios User-entered wavelength When the signal-to-noise “user” function is selected, the Agilent 86120B uses only one wavelength to measure the noise power for all signals. This wave-length is set by the user and all signals are compared to the...

3-7 Measurements Applications Measuring Signal-to-Noise Ratios with Averaging Measuring Signal-to-Noise Ratios with Averaging When the lasers being measured are modulated, especially with repetitive data formats such as SONET or PRBS, the noise floor is raised. Averaging reduces the noise floor and ...

3-9 Measurements Applications Measuring Laser Drift Measuring Laser Drift In this section, you’ll learn how the Agilent 86120B can be used to monitor drift (changes to a laser’s wavelength and amplitude over time). Drift is mea-sured simultaneously for every laser line that is identified at the inpu...

3-10 Measurements Applications Measuring Laser Drift To measure drift 1 Press the front-panel Preset key. 2 Press Peak WL , List by WL , or List by Power to select the display style for observing drift. 3 Press Appl’s and then DRIFT . Pressing DRIFT sets the current laser-line values as the referenc...

3-12 Measurements Applications Measuring Coherence Length Measuring Coherence Length Coherence length is a measure of the distance over which a laser’s light retains the phase relationships of its spectrum. The Agilent 86120B measures coher-ence length of Fabry-Perot semiconductor diode lasers. The ...

3-14 Measurements Applications Measuring Coherence Length Alpha factor The alpha factor is defined as the height of the first envelope peak away from zero path delay relative to the height of the envelope peak at zero path delay. The alpha factor is always between 0 and 1. The smaller the alpha fact...

4 Addressing and Initializing the Instrument 4-3 To change the GPIB address 4-3 Making Measurements 4-5 Commands are grouped in subsystems 4-7 Measurement instructions give quick results 4-9 The format of returned data 4-15 Monitoring the Instrument 4-16 Status registers 4-16 Queues 4-21 Reviewing S...

4-2 Programming Programming Programming This chapter explains how to program the Agilent 86120B. The programming syntax conforms to the IEEE 488.2 Standard Digital Interface for Programma-ble Instrumentation and to the Standard Commands for Programmable Instru-ments (SCPI). Where to begin… The progr...

4-3 Programming Addressing and Initializing the Instrument Addressing and Initializing the Instrument The Agilent 86120B’s GPIB address is configured at the factory to a value of 20. You must set the output and input functions of your programming lan-guage to send the commands to this address. To ch...

4-5 Programming Making Measurements Making Measurements Making measurements remotely involves changing the Agilent 86120B’s set-tings, performing a measurement, and then returning the data to the com-puter. The simplified block diagram of the Agilent 86120B shown here lists some of the available pro...

4-7 Programming Making Measurements Commands are grouped in subsystems The Agilent 86120B commands are grouped in the following subsystems. You’ll find a description of each command in Chapter 5, “Programming Commands” . Subsystem Purpose of Commands Measurement Instructions Perform frequency, wavel...

4-9 Programming Making Measurements Measurement instructions give quick results The easiest way to measure wavelength, frequency, power, or coherence length is to use the MEASure command. The MEASure command is one of four measurement instructions: MEASure, READ, FETCh, and CONFigure. The syntax for...

4-12 Programming Making Measurements Always force the Agilent 86120B to wait for non-sequential com-mands The Agilent 86120B normally processes its remote programming commands sequentially. The instrument waits until the actions specified by a particular command are completely finished before readin...

4-13 Programming Making Measurements end to save time. However, non-sequential commands can also be a source of annoying errors. Always use the *OPC query or *WAI command with the non-sequential commands to ensure that your programs execute properly. For example, suppose that you wanted to set the e...

4-15 Programming Making Measurements The format of returned data Measurements are returned as strings All measurement values are returned from the Agilent 86120B as ASCII strings. When an array is returned, the individual values are separated by the comma character. Determine the number of data poin...

4-16 Programming Monitoring the Instrument Monitoring the Instrument Almost every program that you write will need to monitor the Agilent 86120B for its operating status. This includes querying execution or command errors and determining whether or not measurements have been completed. Several statu...

4-19 Programming Monitoring the Instrument Standard Event Status register The Standard Event Status Register monitors the following instrument status events: • OPC - Operation Complete• RQC - Request Control• QYE - Query Error• DDE - Device Dependent Error• EXE - Execution Error• CME - Command Error...

4-20 Programming Monitoring the Instrument The contents of the Standard Event Status Register can be read and the regis-ter cleared by sending the *ESR? query. The value returned is the total bit weights of all of the bits that are set at the present time. Enabling register bits with masks Several m...

4-21 Programming Monitoring the Instrument The *CLS common command clears all event registers and all queues except the output queue. If *CLS is sent immediately following a program message terminator, the output queue is also cleared. In addition, the request for the *OPC bit is also cleared. For e...

4-23 Programming Reviewing SCPI Syntax Rules Reviewing SCPI Syntax Rules SCPI command are grouped in subsystems In accordance with IEEE 488.2, the instrument’s commands are grouped into “subsystems.” Commands in each subsystem perform similar tasks. The fol-lowing subsystems are provided: Measuremen...

4-28 Programming Example Programs Example Programs The following example programs are provided in this section: Example 1. Measure a DFB laser 4-30 Example 2. Measure WDM channels 4-32 Example 3. Measure WDM channel drift 4-34 Example 4. Measure WDM channel separation 4-37 Example 5. Measure SN rati...

4-30 Programming Example Programs Example 1. Measure a DFB laser This program measures the power and wavelength of a DFB laser. It first sets the Agilent 86120B in the single-acquisition measurement mode. Then, it trig-gers the Agilent 86120B with the MEASure command to capture measure-ment data of ...

4-32 Programming Example Programs Example 2. Measure WDM channels This program measures the multiple laser lines of a WDM system. It measures both the power and wavelengths of each line. First, the program sets the Agilent 86120B in the single-acquisition measurement mode. Then, it triggers the Agil...

4-34 Programming Example Programs Example 3. Measure WDM channel drift This program measures the drift of channels in a WDM system. It measures drift in both power and wavelength of each line. First, the program sets the Agilent 86120B in the continuous-acquisition measurement mode. Then, it measure...

4-37 Programming Example Programs Example 4. Measure WDM channel separation This program measures the line separations on a WDM system. It measures separation (delta) between power and wavelength of each line using com-mands from the CALCulate3 subsystem. Refer to the introduction to this section fo...

4-39 Programming Example Programs Example 5. Measure SN ratio of WDM channels This program measures signal-to-noise ratios on a WDM system. It measures the ratio for each line using commands from the CALCulate3 subsystem. Refer to the introduction to this section for a description of each subroutine...

4-41 Programming Example Programs Example 6. Increase a source’s wavelength accuracy This example program uses the Agilent 86120B to increase the absolute wave-length accuracy of Agilent 8167A, 8168B, and 8168C Tunable Laser Sources. Essentially, the Agilent 86120B’s accuracy is transferred to the t...

4-43 Programming Lists of Commands Lists of Commands Table 4-7. Programming Commands (1 of 4) Command Description Code Codes: S indicates a standard SCPI command. I indicates an instrument specific command. Common Commands *CLS Clears all event registers and the error queue. *ESE Sets the bits in th...

5-2 Programming Commands Programming Commands Programming Commands This chapter is the reference for all Agilent 86120B programming commands. Commands are organized by subsystem. Table 5-1. Notation Conventions and Definitions Convention Description < > Angle brackets indicate values entered b...

5-3 Programming Commands Common Commands Common Commands Common commands are defined by the IEEE 488.2 standard. They control generic device functions which could be common among many different types of instruments. Common commands can be received and processed by the instrument whether they are sen...

5-4 Programming Commands Common Commands <integer> is a mask from 0 to 255. Description The event status enable register contains a mask value for the bits to be enabled in the event status register. A bit set to one (1) in the event status enable register enables the corresponding bit in the ...

5-7 Programming Commands Common Commands ensure all operations have completed before continuing the program. By fol-lowing a command with an *OPC? query and an ENTER statement, the pro-gram will pause until the response (ASCII “1”) is returned by the instrument. Be sure the computer’s timeout limit ...

5-8 Programming Commands Common Commands *RST The *RST (reset) command returns the Agilent 86120B to a known condition. Syntax *RST Description For a listing of reset conditions, refer to the following table. This command cannot be issued as a query. Since this command places the instrument in sin-g...

5-10 Programming Commands Common Commands *SRE The *SRE (service request enable) command sets the bits in the service request enable register. Syntax *SRE <integer>*SRE? <integer> is defined as an integer mask from 0 to 255. Description The service request enable register contains a mask...

5-15 Programming Commands Measurement Instructions Measurement Instructions Use the measurement instructions documented in this section to perform measurements and return the desired results to the computer. Four basic measurement instructions are used: CONFigure, FETCh, READ, and MEA-Sure. Because ...

5-17 Programming Commands Measurement Instructions MEASure{:ARRay | [:SCALar]} :POWer? Returns amplitude values. Syntax :POWer? [<expected_value>[,<resolution>]] Description When used with a :SCALar command, a single value is returned. The display is placed in the single-wavelength mode,...

5-18 Programming Commands Measurement Instructions Examples :CONF:ARR:POW:FETC:ARR:POW?:READ:ARR:POW?:MEAS:ARR:POW? :CONF:SCAL:POW -10 dBm:FETC:SCAL:POW? MAX:READ:SCAL:POW? MIN:MEAS:SCAL:POW? DEF Query Response The following line is an example of a returned string when :MEAS:SCAL:POW? MAX is sent: -...

5-19 Programming Commands Measurement Instructions MEASure{:ARRay | [:SCALar]} :POWer:FREQuency? Returns frequency values. Syntax :POWer:FREQuency? [<expected_value>[,<resolution>]] Description When used with a :SCALar command, a single value is returned. The display is placed in the sin...

5-26 Programming Commands CALCulate1 Subsystem CALCulate1 Subsystem Use the CALCulate1 commands to query uncorrected frequency-spectrum data. In NORMAL measurement update mode, 34,123 values are returned. If the Agilent 86120B is set for FAST measurement update mode (low resolution), 4,268 values ar...

5-27 Programming Commands CALCulate1 Subsystem DATA? Queries uncorrected frequency-spectrum data of the input laser line. Syntax :CALCulate1:DATA? Attribute Summary Preset State: not affected SCPI Compliance: standardQuery Only Description The returned values are in squared Watts (linear) units. No ...

5-29 Programming Commands CALCulate1 Subsystem TRANsform:FREQuency:POINts Sets the size of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) performed by the instru-ment. Syntax :CALCulate1:TRANsform:FREQuency:POINTs{?| {<integer> | MINimum | MAXimum}} <integer> Sets FFT size. Must be either 34123 or 426...

5-31 Programming Commands CALCulate2 Subsystem CALCulate2 Subsystem Use the CALCulate2 commands to query corrected values frequency-spec- trum data. The commands in this subsystem have the following command hierarchy: :CALCulate2 :DATA? :PEXCursion:POINts? :PTHReshold:PWAVerage [:STATe] :WLIMit [:ST...

5-33 Programming Commands CALCulate2 Subsystem PEXCursion Sets the peak excursion limit used by the Agilent 86120B to determine valid laser line peaks. Syntax :CALCulate2:PEXCursion{?| {<integer> | MINimum | MAXimum | DEFault}} <integer> represents logarithmic units in dB. Valid range is...

5-34 Programming Commands CALCulate2 Subsystem POINts? Queries the number of points in the data set. Syntax :CALCulate2:POINts? Attribute Summary Preset State: unaffected *RST State: unaffectedSCPI Compliance: instrument specificQuery Only Description This is the number of points that will be return...

5-35 Programming Commands CALCulate2 Subsystem Constant Value MINimum 0 dB MAXimum 40 dB DEFault 10 dB Attribute Summary Non-sequential command Preset State: 10 dB *RST State: 10 dBSCPI Compliance: instrument specific Description A laser line is identified as a valid peak if its amplitude is above t...

5-36 Programming Commands CALCulate2 Subsystem Description When the state is on, the CALC2:DATA? POW query returns the total power and the CALC2:DATA? WAV, FREQ, or WNUM query returns the power-weighted average wavelength, frequency, or wave number values. Turning power-weighted average mode on whil...

5-37 Programming Commands CALCulate2 Subsystem WLIMit:STARt:FREQuency Sets the starting frequency for the wavelength limit range. Syntax :CALCulate2:WLIMit:STARt:FREQuency{?|{ <real>| MINimum| MAXimum}} < real > is a frequency value that is within the following limits: Constant Descripti...

5-43 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem CALCulate3 Subsystem Use the CALCulate3 commands to perform delta, drift, and signal-to-noise measurements. The commands in this subsystem have the following command hierarchy: :CALCulate3 :ASNR :CLEar:COUNt[:STATe] :DATA? :DELTa :POWer [:STATe] :PRESet...

5-45 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem ASNR[:STATe] Turns the average signal-to-noise ratio on or off. Syntax :CALCulate3:ASNR[:STATe] {?|{ ON | OFF | 1 | 0 }} Attribute Summary Preset State: off *RST State: offSCPI Compliance: instrument specific Description This command turns the average s...

5-46 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem DATA? Queries the data resulting from delta, drift, and signal-to-noise measurements. Syntax :CALCulate3:DATA? {POWer | FREQuency | WAVelength | WNUMber} Argument Description POWer Queries the array of laser-line powers after the calculation is complete...

5-47 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem DELTa:POWer[:STATe] Turns the delta-power measurement mode on and off. Syntax :CALCulate3:DELTa:POWer[:STATe]{?| {ON | OFF | 1 | 0}} Attribute Summary Preset State: off *RST State: offSCPI Compliance: instrument specific Description When this state is o...

5-48 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem DELTa:REFerence:FREQuency Selects the reference laser line for DELTa calculations. Syntax :CALCulate3:DELTa:REFerence:FREQuency{?| {<real> | MINimum | MAXimum}} <real> is a frequency value that is within the following limits: Constant Descri...

5-49 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem DELTa:REFerence[:WAVelength] Selects the reference laser line for DELTa calculations. Syntax :CALCulate3:DELTa:REFerence[:WAVelength]{?| {<real> | MINimum | MAXimum}} <real> is a wavelength value that is within the following limits: Constant...

5-56 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem DRIFt:PRESet Turns off all the drift states for DIFFerence, MAXimum, MINimum, and REF-erence. Syntax :CALCulate3:DRIFt:PRESet Attribute Summary Preset State: unaffected by *RST State: unaffected bySCPI Compliance: instrument specificCommand Only Descrip...

5-59 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem POINts? Queries the number of points in the data set. Syntax :CALCulate3:POINts? Attribute Summary Preset State: unaffected by RST State: unaffected bySCPI Compliance: instrument specificQuery Only Description The value returned is the number of points ...

5-61 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem SNR:REFerence:FREQuency Enters a frequency that can be used for the noise measurement reference in signal-to-noise calculations. Syntax :CALCulate3:SNR:REFerence:FREQuency{?| {<real> | MINimum | MAXimum}} <real> is a frequency value that is ...

5-64 Programming Commands CONFigure Measurement Instruction CONFigure Measurement Instruction For information on the CONFigure measurement instruction, refer to “Mea- surement Instructions” on page 5-15 . DISPlay Subsystem The commands in this subsystem have the following command hierarchy: :DISPlay...

5-65 Programming Commands DISPlay Subsystem MARKer:MAXimum Sets the marker to the laser line that has the maximum power. Syntax :DISPlay:MARKer:MAXimum Attribute Summary Preset State: marker set to maximum-power laser line *RST State: marker set to maximum-power laser lineSCPI Compliance: instrument...

5-67 Programming Commands FETCh Measurement Instruction Description Moves the marker from the current marker position to the next laser line hav-ing the following characteristic: • longer wavelength• higher frequency• higher wave number If the display is in the List by Ampl mode, it will be changed ...

5-68 Programming Commands HCOPy Subsystem HCOPy Subsystem Use the command in this subsystem to print the displayed measurement results to a printer. This subsystem has the following command hierarchy: :HCOPy [:IMMediate] [:IMMediate] Prints measurement results on a printer. Syntax :HCOPy:IMMediate A...

5-69 Programming Commands READ Measurement Instruction READ Measurement Instruction For information on the READ measurement instruction, refer to “Measure- ment Instructions” on page 5-15 . SENSe Subsystem Use the SENSe commands to correct measurement results for elevation above sea level and to sel...

5-70 Programming Commands SENSe Subsystem CORRection:DEVice Selects the wavelength measurement algorithm. This command applies to Agilent 86120B instruments with firmware version number 2.0. When first turned on, the instrument briefly displays the firmware version. Instruments with a firmware versi...

5-71 Programming Commands SENSe Subsystem CORRection:ELEVation Sets the elevation value used by the instrument to compensate for air disper-sion. Syntax :SENSe:CORRection:ELEVation{?| {<integer> | MINimum | MAXimum}} <integer> is the altitude in meters. Constant Description MINimum 0 m M...

5-73 Programming Commands SENSe Subsystem Query Response The query form returns the current offset setting as shown in the following example: +5.00000000E+000 DATA? Queries the time domain samples of the input laser line. Syntax :SENSe:DATA? Attribute Summary Preset State: none SCPI Compliance: inst...

5-74 Programming Commands STATus Subsystem Query Response The following string shows an example of the first few measurements returned by this query. +1.51367200E+000,+1.51855500E+000,+1.49902300E+000,+1.47949200E+000,+1.50488300E+000,+1.53320300E+000,+1.50097700E+000,+1.47265600E+000,+1.50293000E+0...

5-78 Programming Commands STATus Subsystem PRESet Presets the enable registers and the PTRansition and NTRansition filters. Syntax :STATus:PRESet Attribute Summary Preset State: none *RST State: noneSCPI Compliance: standardCommand Only Description The PRESet command is defined by SCPI to affect the...

5-79 Programming Commands SYSTem Subsystem SYSTem Subsystem The commands in this subsystem have the following command hierarchy: :SYSTem :ERRor? :HELP :HEADers? :PRESet :VERSion? ERRor Queries an error from the error queue. Syntax :SYSTem:ERRor? Attribute Summary Preset State: none *RST State: noneS...

5-80 Programming Commands SYSTem Subsystem Example DIM Error$[250]OUTPUT 720;”:SYSTEM:ERROR?”ENTER 720;Error$PRINT Error$ HELP:HEADers? Queries a listing of all the remote programming commands available for the Agilent 86120B. Syntax :SYSTem:HELP:HEADers? Attribute Summary Preset State: none *RST St...

5-81 Programming Commands SYSTem Subsystem *SRE*STB?/qonly/*TRG/nquery/*TST?/qonly/*WAI/nquery/ PRESet Performs the equivalent of pressing the front-panel PRESET key. Syntax :SYSTem:PRESet Attribute Summary Preset State: none *RST State: noneSCPI Compliance: standardCommand Only Description The inst...

5-83 Programming Commands SYSTem Subsystem VERSion Queries the version of SCPI that the Agilent 86120B complies with. Syntax :SYSTem:VERSion Attribute Summary Preset State: none *RST State: noneSCPI Compliance: standardQuery Only Description The SCPI version used in the Agilent 86120B is 1995.0. Tab...

5-84 Programming Commands TRIGger Subsystem TRIGger Subsystem The SCPI definition defines the TRIGger subsystem to include ABORt, ARM, INITiate, and TRIGger commands. The Agilent 86120B has no ARM or TRIG-ger commands. The commands in this subsystem have the following command hierarchy: ABORtINITiat...

5-85 Programming Commands TRIGger Subsystem INITiate:CONTinuous Selects single or continuous measurement acquisition. Syntax :INITiate:CONTinuous{?| {ON | OFF | 1 | 0}} Attribute Summary Non-sequential command Preset State: on *RST State: offSCPI Compliance: standard Description When on is specified...

5-86 Programming Commands UNIT Subsystem UNIT Subsystem The only command provided in this subsystem is the POWer command as shown in the following command hierarchy: :UNIT [:POWer] [:POWer] Sets the power units to watts (linear) or dBm (logarithmic). Syntax :UNIT[:POWer]{?| {W | DBM}} Attribute Summ...

6 Test 1. Absolute Wavelength Accuracy 6-3 Test 2. Sensitivity 6-4 Test 3. Polarization Dependence 6-5 Test 4. Optical Input Return Loss 6-6 Test 5. Amplitude Accuracy and Linearity 6-9 Performance Tests

6-2 Performance Tests Performance Tests Performance Tests The procedures in this chapter test the Agilent 86120B’s performance using the specifications listed in Chapter 7, “Specifications and Regulatory Informa- tion” as the performance standard. All of the tests are done manually without the aid o...

6-3 Performance Tests Test 1. Absolute Wavelength Accuracy Test 1. Absolute Wavelength Accuracy Description Wavelength accuracy is verified using traceable light sources such as the fol-lowing devices: • Stable lasers• Gas lamps• HeNe gas lasers C A U T I O N Do not exceed +18 dBm source power. The ...

6-4 Performance Tests Test 2. Sensitivity Test 2. Sensitivity Description Sensitivity is verified using the following devices: • Optical power meter• Optical attenuator• 1310 nm and 1550 nm lasers (>0 dBm output power) C A U T I O N Do not exceed +18 dBm source power. The Agilent 86120B’s input c...

6-5 Performance Tests Test 3. Polarization Dependence Test 3. Polarization Dependence Description Polarization Dependence is verified using the following devices: • 1310 nm and 1550 nm DFB lasers• Optical attenuator• Agilent 11896A Polarization Controller C A U T I O N Do not exceed +18 dBm source p...

6-6 Performance Tests Test 4. Optical Input Return Loss Test 4. Optical Input Return Loss Description Input return loss is verified using the following devices: • Agilent 8153A Lightwave Multimeter• Agilent 81553SM 1550 nm Fabry-Perot laser, SM 9/125 µ m Source Module • Agilent 81534A Return Loss Mo...

6-8 Performance Tests Test 4. Optical Input Return Loss FC/APC patchcord loss The effect of having loss in the FC/APC patchcord 1 to 2 connector pair is to under mea-sure the return loss by twice the FC/APC patchcord 1 to 2 loss. For example, if this con-nector pair loss is 0.5 dB, then the actual r...

6-9 Performance Tests Test 5. Amplitude Accuracy and Linearity Test 5. Amplitude Accuracy and Linearity Equipment Amplitude linearity is performed using the following devices: • 1550 nm DFB lasers• Optical attenuator• Agilent 11896A Polarization Controller• Optical power meter Procedure 1 Turn on th...

6-11 Performance Tests Test 5. Amplitude Accuracy and Linearity amplitude plateaus separated by small amplitude steps. This is not a problem as long as the amplitude steps are within the linearity specification. Table 6-1. Linearity Data Values Desired Power (dBm) Attenuator Setting Power Meter Read...

7-2 Specifications and Regulatory Information Specifications and Regulatory Information Specifications and Regulatory Information This chapter lists specification and characteristics of the instrument. The dis-tinction between these terms is described as follows: • Specifications describe warranted ...

7-3 Specifications and Regulatory Information Definition of Terms Definition of Terms Wavelength Range refers to the allowable wavelength range of the optical input signal. Absolute accuracy indicates the maximum wavelength error over the allowed environmental conditions. The wavelength accuracy is ...

7-4 Specifications and Regulatory Information Definition of Terms Amplitude Calibration Accuracy indicates the maximum power calibration error at the specified wavelengths over the allowed environmental conditions. The ampli-tude calibration accuracy is traceable to a National Institute of Standards...

7-6 Specifications and Regulatory Information Specifications Specifications Each laser line is assumed to have a linewidth (including modulation side-bands) of less than 10 GHz. All specifications apply when the instrument is in the following modes: • NORMAL update mode unless noted. Refer to “Measu...

7-7 Specifications and Regulatory Information Specifications Amplitude Calibration accuracy at calibration wavelengths ± 30 nm 1310 and 1550 nm ± 0.5 dB 780 nm (characteristic) ± 0.5 dB Flatness, ± 30 nm from any wavelength 1200-1600 nm (characteristic) ± 0.2 dB 700-1650 nm (characteristic) ± 0.5 dB...

7-8 Specifications and Regulatory Information Specifications Selectivity Two lines input separated by ≥ 100 GHz (characteristic) 25 dB (characteristic) Two lines input separated by ≥ 30 GHz (characteristic) 10 dB (characteristic) Input Power Maximum displayed level (sum of all lines) +10 dBm Maximum...

7-9 Specifications and Regulatory Information Specifications Operating Specifications Use indoor Power: 115 VAC: 110 VA MAX. / 60 WATTS MAX. / 1.1 A MAX.230 VAC: 150 VA MAX. / 70 WATTS MAX. / 0.6 A MAX. Voltage nominal: 115 VAC / 230 VACrange 115 VAC: 90-132 Vrange 230 VAC: 198-254 V Frequency nomin...

7-10 Specifications and Regulatory Information Regulatory Information Regulatory Information • Laser Classification: This product contains an FDA Laser Class I (IEC Laser Class 1) laser. • This product complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11. Notice for Germany: Noise Declaration Acoustic Noise Emi...

7-11 Specifications and Regulatory Information Regulatory Information Declaration of Conformity

7-12 Specifications and Regulatory Information Regulatory Information Front view of instrument Rear view of instrument

8 Instrument Preset Conditions 8-2 Menu Maps 8-4 Error Messages 8-9 Front-Panel Fiber-Optic Adapters 8-15 Power Cords 8-16 Agilent Technologies Service Offices 8-18 Reference

8-4 Reference Menu Maps Menu Maps This section provides menu maps for the Agilent 86120B softkeys. The maps show which softkeys are displayed after pressing a front-panel key; they show the relationship between softkeys. The softkeys in these maps are aligned ver-tically instead of horizontally as o...

8-5 Reference Menu Maps Display Avg WL Menu There is no menu associated with this key. Measurement Cont Menu There is no menu associated with this key. Display List by Power Menu Display List by WL Menu

8-6 Reference Menu Maps Delta On Menu Delta Off Menu

8-7 Reference Menu Maps Display Peak WL and System Preset Menus Measurement Single Menu There is no menu associated with this key. System Print Menu

8-9 Reference Error Messages Error Messages In this section, you’ll find all the error messages that the Agilent 86120B can display on its screen. Table 8-2 on page 8-9 lists all instrument-specific errors. Table 8-3 on page 8-12 lists general SCPI errors. Table 8-2. Instrument Specific Error Messag...

8-16 Reference Power Cords Power Cords Plug Type Cable Part No. Plug Description Length (in/cm) Color Country 250V 8120-1351 8120-1703 Straight *BS1363A 90° 90/228 90/228 Gray Mint Gray United Kingdom, Cyprus, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Singapore 250V 8120-1369 8120-0696 Straight *NZSS198/ASC 90° 79/200 87/...

8-18 Reference Agilent Technologies Service Offices Agilent Technologies Service Offices Before returning an instrument for service, call the Agilent Technologies Instrument Support Center at (800) 403-0801, visit the Test and Measurement Web Sites by Country page at http://www.tm.agilent.com/tmo/co...

Index Index-1 Numerics 1 nm annotation , 3-5, 3-8 A ABORt programming command , 5-84 ABORT softkey , 2-29 ac power cables , 1-7 adapters fiber optic , 8-15 adding parameters , 4-25 address. See GPIB address Agilent offices , 8-18 air, measurements in , 2-26 alpha factor , 3-12, 3-14 ALPHa? programmi...