Agilent Technologies Introduces Optical Multiport Power Meter for Fast Testing of Multiport Devices, Increased Manufacturing Throughput

Optical Power Meter Optimizes All Steps of the Characterization Process

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) 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 multiport components, these optical power meters offer industry-leading solutions for device connectivity, high-speed measurement data acquisition and fast data transfer for post-processing.

The 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.

This optical power meter extends Agilent’s portfolio with cost-effective four and eight power-sensor modules in a single box. It offers a short minimum averaging time of 1s 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.

Other advantages of the Agilent optical power meter include:

* The new fiber connectivity concept is the industry’s first solution to separate the connecting task from the measurement task. The removable connector holder offers flexible connector choice and can be attached to the multichannel 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 multiport power meter enables fast measurement solutions for all multiport devices; for example multiplexers, PON splitters, wavelength switches and ROADMs.

“The Agilent power meters speed design and characterizing of optical multiport components,” said 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.”

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Agilent N7744A and N7745A optical multiport power meter will be available for ordering on Feb. 1 at a starting price of $9,500 for the 4-port and $14,500 for the 8-port power meter. More information about the Agilent N7744A and N7745A is available at www.agilent.com/find/MPPM. Photos of the product are available at www.agilent.com/find/MPPM_images.
About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world’s premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company’s 19,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenues of $5.4 billion in fiscal 2007. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.