Page 1 Agilent 86120B Multi-Wavelength Meter User’s Guide...
Page 2 ❍ © Copyright material and workmanship for gies shall not be liable for any The OFF symbols Agilent Technologies 2000 a period of one year from date direct, indirect, special, inci- are used to mark the All Rights Reserved. Repro- of shipment.
Page 3: The Agilent 86120B-At A Glance
Refer to “Measuring broadband devices and chirped lasers” on page 2-10. Characterize laser lines easily With the Agilent 86120B you can quickly and easily measure any of the follow- ing parameters: • Wavelengths and powers • Average wavelength • Total optical power •...
Page 4 Agilent 86120B’s display. C A U T I O N The input circuitry of the Agilent 86120B can be damaged when total input power levels exceed +18 dBm. To prevent input damage, this specified level must not be exceeded.
Page 5 Measurement accuracy—it’s up to you! Fiber-optic connectors are easily damaged when connected to dirty or damaged cables and accessories. The Agilent 86120B’s front-panel INPUT connector is no exception. When you use improper cleaning and handling techniques, you risk expensive instru- ment repairs, damaged cables, and compromised measurements.
Page 6: General Safety Considerations
To prevent electrical shock, do not remove covers. There is no output laser aperture The Agilent 86120B does not have an output laser aperture. However, light less than 1 nw escapes out of the front-panel OPTICAL INPUT connector. Operator maintenance or precautions are not necessary to maintain safety.
Page 7 General Safety Considerations W A R N I N G To prevent electrical shock, disconnect the Agilent 86120B from mains before cleaning. Use a dry cloth or one slightly dampened with water to clean the external case parts. Do not attempt to clean internally.
Page 8 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 instrument.
Page 9: Table Of Contents
Step 2. Check the Fuse 1-5 Step 3. Connect the Line-Power Cable 1-6 Step 4. Connect a Printer 1-7 Step 5. Turn on the Agilent 86120B 1-8 Step 6. Enter Your Elevation 1-10 Step 7. Select Medium for Wavelength Values 1-11 Step 8.
Page 10 Contents Lists of Commands 4-43 Programming Commands Common Commands 5-3 Measurement Instructions 5-15 CALCulate1 Subsystem 5-26 CALCulate2 Subsystem 5-31 CALCulate3 Subsystem 5-43 CONFigure Measurement Instruction 5-64 DISPlay Subsystem 5-64 FETCh Measurement Instruction 5-67 HCOPy Subsystem 5-68 MEASure Measurement Instruction 5-68 READ Measurement Instruction 5-69 SENSe Subsystem 5-69 STATus Subsystem 5-74...
Page 11 Contents Power Cords 8-16 Agilent Technologies Service Offices 8-18 Contents-3...
Page 13: Getting Started
Step 2. Check the Fuse 1-5 Step 3. Connect the Line-Power Cable 1-6 Step 4. Connect a Printer 1-7 Step 5. Turn on the Agilent 86120B 1-8 Step 6. Enter Your Elevation 1-10 Step 7. Select Medium for Wavelength Values 1-11 Step 8.
Page 14 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...
Page 15: Step 1. Inspect The Shipment
Inspect all shipping containers. If your shipment is damaged or incomplete, save the packing materials and notify both the shipping carrier and the nearest Agilent Technologies sales and service office. Agilent Technologies will arrange for repair or replacement of damaged or incomplete shipments without waiting for a settlement from the transportation company.
Page 16 Getting Started Step 1. Inspect the Shipment Table 1-1. Options and Accessories Available for the Agilent 86120B Agilent Technologies Item Quantity Part Number Option 010 Delete FC/PC connector — — Option 011 Diamond HMS-10 connector interface 08154-61701 Option 013 DIN 47256 connector interface...
Page 17: Step 2. Check The Fuse
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 fuse in the pull-out drawer is correct.
Page 18: Step 3. Connect The Line-Power Cable
Getting Started Step 3. Connect the Line-Power Cable Step 3. Connect the Line-Power Cable W A R N I N G This is a Safety Class 1 Product (provided with a protective earthing ground incorporated in the power cord). The mains plug shall only be inserted in a socket outlet provided with a protective earth contact.
Page 19: Step 4. Connect A Printer
Agilent 86120B is originally shipped is included with the unit. The cable shipped with the instrument also has a right-angle connector so that the Agilent 86120B can be used while sitting on its rear feet. You can order additional ac power cables for use in different geographic areas.
Page 20: Step 5. Turn On The Agilent 86120B
The front-panel LINE switch disconnects the mains circuits from the mains sup- ply after the EMC filters and before other parts of the instrument. 2 If the Agilent 86120B fails to turn on properly, consider the following possibilities: • Is the line fuse good? •...
Page 21 Technologies. There is no output laser aperture The Agilent 86120B does not have an output laser aperture. However, light less than 1 nw escapes out of the front-panel OPTICAL INPUT connector. Operator maintenance or precautions are not necessary to maintain safety. No controls, adjustments, or perfor- mance of procedures result in hazardous radiation exposure.
Page 22: Step 6. Enter Your Elevation
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.
Page 23: Step 7. Select Medium For Wavelength Values
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.
Page 24: Step 8. Turn Off Wavelength Limiting
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 following steps: 1 Press the Preset key.
Page 25: Cleaning Connections For Accurate Measurements
Connectors also vary in the polish, curve, and concentricity of the core within the cladding. Mating one style of cable to another requires an adapter. Agilent Technologies offers adapters for most instruments to allow testing with many different cables.
Page 26 Getting Started Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements tions take repeatability uncertainty into account? • Will a connector degrade the return loss too much, or will a fusion splice be re- quired? For example, many DFB lasers cannot operate with reflections from connectors.
Page 27 0.2 µm. This process, plus the keyed axis, allows very precise core-to-core alignments. This connector is found on most Agilent Technologies lightwave instruments. 1-15...
Page 28 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 the glass face is not affected, scratches or grit can cause the glass fiber to move out of alignment.
Page 29 Getting Started Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements Use the following guidelines to achieve the best possible performance when making measurements on a fiber-optic system: • Never use metal or sharp objects to clean a connector and never scrape the connector. •...
Page 30 Getting Started Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements Figure 1-6. Damage from improper cleaning. While these often work well on first insertion, they are great dirt magnets. The oil or gel grabs and holds grit that is then ground into the end of the fiber. Also, some early gels were designed for use with the FC, non-contacting con- nectors, using small glass spheres.
Page 31 Getting Started Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements • Keep connectors covered when not in use. • Use fusion splices on the more permanent critical nodes. Choose the best con- nector possible. Replace connecting cables regularly. Frequently measure the return loss of the connector to check for degradation, and clean every connec- tor, every time.
Page 32 Cleaning Connectors The procedures in this section provide the proper steps for cleaning fiber- optic cables and Agilent Technologies universal adapters. The initial cleaning, using the alcohol as a solvent, gently removes any grit and oil. If a caked-on layer of material is still present, (this can happen if the beryllium-copper sides of the ferrule retainer get scraped and deposited on the end of the fiber during insertion of the cable), a second cleaning should be performed.
Page 33 Getting Started Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements Table 1-3. Dust Caps Provided with Lightwave Instruments Item Agilent Technologies Part Number Laser shutter cap 08145-64521 FC/PC dust cap 08154-44102 Biconic dust cap 08154-44105 DIN dust cap 5040-9364 HMS10/dust cap 5040-9361 ST dust cap...
Page 34 To clean an adapter The fiber-optic input and output connectors on many Agilent Technologies instruments employ a universal adapter such as those shown in the following picture. These adapters allow you to connect the instrument to different types of fiber-optic cables.
Page 35: Returning The Instrument For Service
Technologies Service Offices” on page 8-18 for a list of service offices. Agilent Technologies Instrument Support Center... (800) 403-0801 If the instrument is still under warranty or is covered by an Agilent Technolo- gies maintenance contract, it will be repaired under the terms of the warranty or contract (the warranty is at the front of this manual).
Page 36 They may also cause instrument damage by generating static electricity. 3 Pack the instrument in the original shipping containers. Original materials are available through any Agilent Technologies office. Or, use the following guidelines: • Wrap the instrument in antistatic plastic to reduce the possibility of damage caused by electrostatic discharge.
Page 37 Getting Started Returning the Instrument for Service Sealed Air Corporation (Commerce, California 90001). Air Cap looks like a plastic sheet filled with air bubbles. Use the pink (antistatic) Air Cap™ to reduce static electricity. Wrapping the instrument several times in this ma- terial will protect the instrument and prevent it from moving in the carton.
Page 39 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 Multi-Wavelength Meter...
Page 40: Using The Multi-Wavelength Meter
2-8. • +10 dBm maximum total displayed input power • Laser linewidths assumed to be less than 10 GHz • If you change the elevation where you will be using your Agilent 86120B, refer “Calibrating Measurements” on page 2-26. • Press the green Preset key to return the Agilent 86120B to its default state.
Page 41: Displaying Wavelength And Power
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-wavelength or power •...
Page 42 The signals are displayed in order from shortest to longest wavelengths. The Agilent 86120B can measure up to 100 laser lines simultaneously. To display peak wavelength and power 1 Connect the fiber-optic cable to the front-panel OPTICAL INPUT connector.
Page 43 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Displaying Wavelength and Power 3 To move the cursor to view other signals, press: • PREV WL to select next (previous) shorter wavelength. • NEXT WL to select next longer wavelength. • PEAK to signal with greatest power. •...
Page 44 In list by wavelength mode, the signals are displayed in order from shortest to longest wavelengths. The Agilent 86120B can measure up to 100 laser lines simultaneously. Use the softkeys to move the cursor through the list of signals;...
Page 45 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 following figure. The displayed power level is the total input power to the instrument.
Page 46 Spurious signals below 1200 nm may be displayed whenever low-power laser lines (power levels near the Agilent 86120B’s specified sensitivity) are present at the input. For example, a low-power laser line at 1550 nm has a second har- monic line at 775 nm.
Page 47 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 currently selected wavelength units.
Page 48 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 measure broadband devices such as LEDs, optical filters, and chirped lasers, use the Setup menu first to reconfigure the instru- ment.
Page 49 In most cases, the noise floor will be visible if the total input power is greater than about –5 dBm. The Agilent 86120B graphical display. The Peak Threshold value is displayed as a dotted line. All peaks above this dotted line are displayed in the List by Wavelength and List by Power modes.
Page 50 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 conditions are shown in Table 8-1 on page 8-2.
Page 51: Changing The Units And Measurement Rate
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 measurements 2-15 Displayed units As described below, it’s easy to change the wavelength and amplitude units.
Page 52: Measurement Rate
However, should a faster update be desired, for example when real-time feedback is required to tune a laser to its designated channel, the Agilent 86120B can be set to update approximately three times per second. This reduces both wave- length resolution and accuracy but can be beneficial in some applications.
Page 53 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 display’s upper right corner. When you switch between normal and fast update modes the rate that the asterisk blinks changes.
Page 54: Defining Laser-Line Peaks
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 modulation sidebands or locate laser lines with small amplitudes.
Page 55 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Defining Laser-Line Peaks adjacent signal. The peak excursion’s default value is 15 dB. Any laser line that rises by 15 dB and then falls by 15 dB passes the rule. You can set the peak excursion value from 1 to 30 dB. In the following figure, three laser lines are identified: responses ➀, ➂, and ➃.
Page 56 2-8. Distortion caused by low-power laser lines Low-power laser lines (power level near the Agilent 86120B’s specified sensitivity) may be accompanied by second harmonic (or other) distortion. For example, a low-power laser line at 1550 nm has a second harmonic line at 775 nm. If this second harmonic is above the peak threshold level relative to the fundamental line, it is considered a peak.
Page 57 Pressing the green PRESET key changes the peak excursion and peak threshold values to their default settings. It also turns wavelength range limiting on. Turning the Agilent 86120B’s power off and then on does not change these settings. If too many lines are identified...
Page 58: Measuring Laser Separation
This is especially true in wavelength-division- multiplexed (WDM) systems where channel spacing must be adhered to. The Agilent 86120B can display the wavelength and amplitude of any laser line rel- ative to another. In fact, the following types of relative measurements can be made compared to the reference: •...
Page 59 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 1541.747 nm laser line is selected as the refer- ence.
Page 60 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: •...
Page 61: Measuring Modulated Lasers
Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Measuring Modulated Lasers Measuring Modulated Lasers Lasers modulated A laser that is amplitude modulated at low frequencies (for example, modu- at low frequencies lated in the audio frequency range) can cause spurious wavelengths to be dis- played below and above the correct wavelength.
Page 62 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 Peak Threshold function to place the dotted line above the spurious peaks so they will not be displayed in the List by WL or List by Power table.
Page 63: Measuring Total Power Greater Than 10 Dbm
1 Connect an optical attenuator between the front-panel OPTICAL INPUT connector and the fiber-optic cable. The attenuator must reduce the total input power to the Agilent 86120B so that it is below +10 dBm. 2 Press Setup, MORE, CAL, and then PWR OFS.
Page 64: Calibrating Measurements
For example, a laser line with a wavelength of 1550.000 nm in a vacuum would have a wavelength in standard air of 1549.577 nm. Because all measurements made inside the Agilent 86120B are performed in air, the density of air, due to elevation, affects the wavelength results. You must calibrate the Agilent 86120B by entering the elevation.
Page 65 Entries jump in 500 meter steps from 0 m to 5000 m. In order for the Agilent 86120B to meet its published specifications, the eleva- tion value selected with the softkeys must be within 250 meters of the actual elevation.
Page 66: Printing Measurement Results
(up to 100). The measurement values printed depend on the settings of the instrument when the Print key is pressed. The following is an example of a typical printout: Agilent 86120B SER US36151025 Firmware Ver. 2.000 List By Wavelength 8 Lines Power Offset 0.0 dB...
Page 67 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter Printing Measurement Results To create a hardcopy 1 Connect the printer to the Agilent 86120B’s rear-panel PARALLEL PRINTER PORT connector. 2 Press Print. You can use the ABORT and CONT softkey to stop and restart a print job that is in progress.
Page 69: Measurements Applications
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...
Page 70 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.
Page 71: Measuring Signal-To-Noise Ratios
Signal-to-noise measurements are especially important in WDM sys- tems because there is a direct relation between signal-to-noise and bit error rate. The Agilent 86120B displays signal-to-noise measurements in the third column. For example, the selected signal in the following figure has a signal- to-noise ratio of 30.0 dB.
Page 72 Measuring Signal-to-Noise Ratios Location of noise measurements Automatic When the signal-to-noise “auto” function is selected, the Agilent 86120B first interpolation determines the proximity of any adjacent signal. If the next closest signal is ≤200 GHz (approximately 1.6 nm at 1550 nm) away from the signal of interest, then the noise power is measured half way between the two channels and an equal distance to the other side of the signal of interest.
Page 73 Noise bandwidth When measuring noise power, the Agilent 86120B must account for the noise bandwidth used during the measurement. Because noise bandwidth varies with measurement bandwidth (a wide bandwidth allows more noise to the Agilent 86120B’s detector than a narrow bandwidth), the Agilent 86120B nor-...
Page 74 Measurements Applications Measuring Signal-to-Noise Ratios 4 To select the wavelength reference for measuring the noise, do the following steps: a Press WL REF, and • press AUTO to let the instrument interpolate the wavelength, • press USER to select the last wavelength manually entered. b If you chose USER, you can specify the wavelength by pressing USER WL.
Page 75: Measuring Signal-To-Noise Ratios With Averaging
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 allows an improvement of greater than 10 dB in a signal-to-noise measurement.
Page 76 Then, pressing the Cont key will start a completely new measure- ment. Noise bandwidth When measuring noise power, the Agilent 86120B must account for the noise affects bandwidth used during the measurement. Because noise bandwidth varies measurement with measurement bandwidth (a wide bandwidth allows more noise to the Agilent 86120B’s detector than a narrow bandwidth), the Agilent 86120B nor-...
Page 77: Measuring Laser Drift
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 input. The Agilent 86120B keeps track of each laser line’s initial, current, minimum, and...
Page 78 Measurements Applications Measuring Laser Drift If measurement updating stops or the values become blanked If, in the middle of a measurement, the number of laser lines present changes, the mea- surement stops until the original number of lines returns. You’ll notice that a CLEAR soft- key appears and one of the following message is displayed: E46 NUM LINES <...
Page 79 Measurements Applications Measuring Laser Drift laser line of interest may have since drifted to a greater value. Note that the minimum wavelength and minimum power may not have occurred simultaneously. Display shows the total drift from the reference since the drift measurement was started.
Page 80: 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 Agilent 86120B cannot measure coherence length of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or distrib- uted feedback (DFB) lasers.
Page 81 Measurements Applications Measuring Coherence Length Coherence length The interferogram of the laser being tested is sampled and the envelope of the interferogram is found. This envelope has peaks (regions of high fringe visibil- ity) at zero optical path delay and at delays equal to multiples of the laser cav- ity round-trip optical length.
Page 82 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 factor, the shorter the coherence length.
Page 83: Programming
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 SCPI Syntax Rules 4-23 Example Programs 4-29...
Page 84 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…...
Page 85: Addressing And Initializing The Instrument
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.
Page 86 Pressing the green Preset key does not change the GPIB address. Set single acquisition mode An advantage of using the *RST command is that it sets the Agilent 86120B into the single measurement acquisition mode. Because the READ and MEA- Sure data queries expect this mode, their proper operation is ensured.
Page 87: 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 programming commands. Each command is placed next to the instrument section it configures or queries data from.
Page 88 Programming Making Measurements WLIMit:STARt to WLIMit:STOP). These peak values are then placed into the corrected data buffer. Each peak value consists of an amplitude and wave- length measurement. Amplitude and wavelength correction factors are applied to this data. For a listing of the programming commands (including a cross reference to front-panel keys), refer to the following tables: Table 4-7, “Programming Commands,”...
Page 89 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, wavelength, wavenumber, and coherence length measurements.
Page 90 Programming Making Measurements Table 4-1. Commands for Capturing Data Desired Command to Configure Measurement Command to Query Data Measurement (partial listing) Wavelength (nm) CONFigure, FETCh, READ, and MEASure MEASure:ARRay:POWer:WAVelength? Frequency (THz) CONFigure, FETCh, READ, and MEASure MEASure:ARRay:POWer:FREQuency? –1 CONFigure, FETCh, READ, and MEASure MEASure:ARRay:POWer:WNUMber? Wavenumber (m Coherence Length (m)
Page 91 This is equivalent to using the NORMAL and FAST softkeys. :MEASure command MEASure configures the Agilent 86120B, captures new data, and queries the data all in one step. For example, to measure the longest wavelength, send the...
Page 92 Programming Making Measurements A common programming error is to send the :MEASure command when the instrument is in the continuous measurement acquisition mode. Because :MEASure contains an :INIT:IMM command, which expects the single mea- surement acquisition mode, an error is generated, and the INIT command is ignored.
Page 93 Programming Making Measurements FETCh does not reconfigure the display. For example, if the display is in the Peak WL mode, sending :FETCh:ARRay does not configure the display to the List by WL even though an array of data is returned to the computer. A common programming error occurs when the :FETCh command is used after an *RST command.
Page 94 According to the SCPI command reference, ARRay command causes an instrument to take multiple measurements. (A <size> parameter indicates the number of measure- ments to take.) However, the Agilent 86120B’s ARRay command refers to the measure- ments performed for one measurement sweep; this results in an array of measured signals.
Page 95 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 elevation correction value and then send an :INIT:IMM command.
Page 96 Programming Making Measurements Measure delta, drift, and signal-to-noise To select a measurement, use one of the following STATe commands: CALC3:DELT:POW:STAT (delta power) CALC3:DELT:WAV:STAT (delta wavelength) CALC3:DELT:WPOW:STAT (delta power and wavelength) CALC3:DRIF:STAT (drift) CALC3:SNR:STAT (signal-to-noise ratios) CALC3:ASNR:STAT (signal-to-noise ratio averaging) If you select a drift measurement, you can additionally select one of the fol- lowing additional states: CALC3:DRIF:DIFF:STAT (difference)
Page 97 Amplitude units The default amplitude units are dBm. If you need measurements in watts, use the :UNIT:POWer command. When the Agilent 86120B is turned on, the ampli- tude units are automatically set to the units used before the instrument was last turned off.
Page 98: Monitoring The Instrument
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 status registers and queues are provided to accomplish these tasks.
Page 99 Programming Monitoring the Instrument Status Byte register The Status Byte Register contains summary bits that monitor activity in the other status registers and queues. The Status Byte Register’s bits are set and cleared by the presence and absence of a summary bit from other registers or queues.
Page 100 Programming Monitoring the Instrument 4-18...
Page 101 Programming Monitoring the Instrument Table 4-3. Bits in Operation Status Register Definition not used SETTling - indicating that the instrument is waiting for the motor to reach the proper position before beginning data acquisition. RANGing - indicating the instrument is currently gain ranging. not used MEASuring - indicating that the instrument is making a measurement.
Page 102 Programming Monitoring the Instrument Table 4-4. Bits in Questionable Status Register Definition 0, 1, and 2 not used POWer - indicating that the instrument is measuring too high of a power. 4 through 8 not used Maximum signals - indicating that the instrument has found the maximum number of signals.
Page 103 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.
Page 104 Programming Monitoring the Instrument The error queue is first in, first out. If the error queue overflows, the last error in the queue is replaced with error -350, “Queue overflow”. Any time the queue overflows, the least recent errors remain in the queue, and the most recent error is discarded.
Page 105: Reviewing Scpi Syntax Rules
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: Measurement Instructions Calculate1 Subsystem Calculate2 Subsystem...
Page 106 Programming Reviewing SCPI Syntax Rules OUTPUT 720;”:MEAS:SCAL:POW? MAX” Programs written in long form are easily read and are almost self-document- ing. Using short form commands conserves the amount of controller memory needed for program storage and reduces the amount of I/O activity. The rules for creating short forms from the long form is as follows: The mnemonic is the first four characters of the keyword unless the fourth character is a vowel, in which case the mnemonic is the first three char-...
Page 107 Programming Reviewing SCPI Syntax Rules Combine commands from different subsystems You can send commands and program queries from different subsystems on the same line. Simply precede the new subsystem by a semicolon followed by a colon. In the following example, the colon and semicolon pair before DISP allows you to send a command from another subsystem.
Page 108 Programming Reviewing SCPI Syntax Rules bytes (ASCII codes 49, 48, and 50). This is taken care of automatically when you include the entire instruction in a string. Several representations of a number are possible. For example, the following numbers are all equal: 0.28E2 280E-1 28000m...
Page 109 Programming Reviewing SCPI Syntax Rules Program message terminator The string of instructions sent to the instrument are executed after the instruction terminator is received. The terminator may be either a new-line (NL) character, the End-Or-Identify (EOI) line asserted, or a combination of the two.
Page 110: Example Programs
Example 5. Measure SN ratio of WDM channels 4-39 Example 6. Increase a source’s wavelength accuracy 4-41 These programs are provided to give you examples of using Agilent 86120B remote programming commands in typical applications. They are not meant to teach general programming techniques or provide ready-to-use solutions.
Page 111 Tempo subroutine This subroutine, which is only found in example 3, pauses the program for a few seconds while the Agilent 86120B measures the drift on a laser. The argu- ment in the example sets the pause for 10 seconds.
Page 112 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 the input spectrum.
Page 113 Programming Example Programs Identity:DEF FNIdentity$; COM /Instrument/ @MwmV DIM Identity$[50] Identity$="" OUTPUT @Mwm;"*RST" OUTPUT @Mwm;"*OPC?" ENTER @Mwm;Opc_done OUTPUT @Mwm;"*IDN?" ENTER @Mwm;Identity$ RETURN Identity$ FNEND 4-31...
Page 114 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 Agilent 86120B with the MEASure command to capture measurement data of the input spectrum.
Page 115 Programming Example Programs Err_mngmt:SUB Err_mngmt COM /Instrument/ @Mwm DIM Err_msg$[255] INTEGER Cme CLEAR 7 REPEAT OUTPUT @Mwm; "*ESR?" ENTER @Mwm;Cme OUTPUT @Mwm; ":SYST:ERR?" ENTER @Mwm;Err_msg$ PRINT Err_msg$ UNTIL NOT BIT(Cme,2) AND NOT BIT(Cme,4) AND NOT BIT(Cme,5) AND Err$,"+0") Subend:SUBEND Set_ese:SUB Set_ese COM /Instrument/ @Mwm OUTPUT @Mwm;...
Page 116 CALCulate3 subsystem. Notice the use of the Tempo subroutine to pause the program for 10 seconds while the Agilent 86120B measures the drift on the laser. The use of the Err_mngmt subroutine is optional. Refer to the introduction to this section for a description of each subroutine that is contained in this pro- gram.
Page 117 Programming Example Programs ! Query reference wavelengths and powers OUTPUT @Mwm;":CALC3:DATA? WAV" ENTER @Mwm USING "#,K";Current_ref_wl(*) OUTPUT @Mwm;":CALC3:DATA? POW" ENTER @Mwm USING "#,K";Current_ref_pwr(*) ! Turn off drift reference state Cmd_opc(":CALC3:DRIF:REF:STAT OFF") Err_mngmt(":CALC3:DRIF:REF:STAT OFF") ! Turn on drift max min calculation Cmd_opc(":CALC3:DRIF:DIFF:STAT ON") Err_mngmt(":CALC3:DRIF:DIFF:STAT ON") Tempo(10)
Page 118 Programming Example Programs Err_mngmt:SUB Err_mngmt(OPTIONAL Cmd_msg$) COM /Instrument/ @Mwmt DIM Err_msg$[255] INTEGER Cme CLEAR @Mwm REPEAT OUTPUT @Mwm;"*ESR?" ENTER @Mwm;Cme OUTPUT @Mwm;":SYST:ERR?" ENTER @Mwm;Err_msg$ IF NPAR>0 AND NOT POS(Err_msg$,"+0") THEN PRINT "This command ";Cmd_msg$;" makes the following error :" IF NOT POS(Err_msg$,"+0") THEN PRINT Err_msg$ UNTIL NOT BIT(Cme,2) AND NOT BIT(Cme,4) AND NOT BIT(Cme,5) AND POS(Err_msg$,"+0") Subend:SUBEND Set_ese:SUB Set_ese...
Page 119 Programming Example Programs Example 4. Measure WDM channel separation This program measures the line separations on a WDM system. It measures separation (delta) between power and wavelength of each line using com- mands from the CALCulate3 subsystem. Refer to the introduction to this section for a description of each subroutine that is contained in this program.
Page 120 Programming Example Programs I=1)*Delta_wl(1)))/1.0E-9;" nm. Absolute line level is : ";Delta_pwr(I)+(NOT I=1)*Delta_pwr(1);" dBm" PRINT USING "17A,2D,6A,M4D.3D,23A,2D,6A,S2D.2D,3A";"Delta Wl to line ",I+1," is : ";(Delta_wl(I+1)-(NOT I=1)*Delta_wl(I))/1.E-9;" nm, Delta Pwr to line ",I+1," is : ";(I=1)*(Delta_pwr(I+1))+(NOT I=1)*(Delta_pwr(I+1)-Delta_pwr(I));" dB" NEXT I PRINT USING "6A,2D,17A,M4D.3D,31A,S2D.2D,4A";"Line : ";I;" wavelength is : ";(Delta_wl(1)+Delta_wl(Nb_pt))/1.0E-9;"...
Page 121 Programming Example Programs Example 5. Measure SN ratio of WDM channels This program measures signal-to-noise ratios on a WDM system. It measures the ratio for each line using commands from the CALCulate3 subsystem. Refer to the introduction to this section for a description of each subroutine that is contained in this program.
Page 122 Programming Example Programs FOR I=1 TO Nb_pt PRINT USING "7A,2D,17A,M4D.3D,25A,S2D.2D,22A,2D.2D,3A";"Line : ";I;" wavelength is : ";Current_wl(I)/1.0E-9;" nm, absolute level is : ";Current_pwr(I);" dBm, with a SNR of : ";Snr_pwr(I);" dB" NEXT I STOP Error_msg: ! PRINT "The program is aborted due to : ";ERRM$ Err_mngmt:SUB Err_mngmt(OPTIONAL Cmd_msg$) COM /Instrument/ @Mwmt DIM Err_msg$[255]...
Page 123 Essentially, the Agilent 86120B’s accuracy is transferred to the tunable laser source. The absolute accuracy of the tunable laser source is increased from <±0.1 nm to <±0.005 nm which is the Agilent 86120B’s absolute accuracy (at 1550 nm). In order to run this program, the tunable laser source’s firmware must support the automatic alignment command, WAVEACT.
Page 124 Programming Example Programs COM Current_wl,Diff_wl.Target_wl,Previous_diff,Diff_diff Current_wl=0 Diff_wl=0 Target_wl=0 Previous_diff=O Diff_diff=0 ASSIGN @Tls TO 724 ASSIGN @Mwm TO 720 ! Initialize instrument DIM Identity$[50] Identity$="" OUTPUT @Tls;"*CLS" OUTPUT @Tls;"*IDN?" ENTER @TLS;identity$ PRINT "TLS IS A ";identity$ OUTPUT @Mwm;"*RST" OUTPUT @Mwm;"*CLS" OUTPUT @Mwm;"*IDN?" ENTER @Mwm;Identity$ PRINT "MWM IS A ";identity$ ! Ask user for desired wavelength...
Page 125: Lists Of Commands
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 the standard-event status enable register *ESR?
Page 126 Places the instrument in the average-wavelength mode. Data queries return the power-weighted average frequency, wavelength, or wavenumber or total power. :CALCulate2:WLIMit[:STATe] Limits input wavelength range of the Agilent 86120B. :CALCulate2:WLIMit:STARt:FREQuency Sets the starting frequency for the wavelength limit range. CALCulate2:WLIMit:STARt[:WAVelength] Sets the starting wavelength for the wavelength limit range.
Page 127 Programming Lists of Commands Table 4-7. Programming Commands (3 of 4) Command Description Code Codes: S indicates a standard SCPI command. I indicates an instrument specific command. :CALCulate3:DELTa:WPOWer[:STATe] Turns the delta wavelength and power measurement mode on and off. :CALCulate3:DRIFt:DIFFerence[:STATe] Sets the drift calculation to subtract the minimum values measured from the maximum values measured.
Page 128 Presets the enable registers for all status nodes. SYSTem Subsystem :SYSTem:ERRor? Queries an error from the error queue. :SYSTem:HELP:HEADers? Queries an ASCII listing of all Agilent 86120B remote commands. :SYSTem:PRESet Performs the equivalent of a front-panel PRESET key press. :SYSTem:VERSion Queries the version of SCPI with which this instrument is compliant.
Page 129 Programming Lists of Commands Table 4-8. Keys Versus Commands (1 of 3) Equivalent Command ∆ :CALCulate3:DELTa:POWer[:STATe] ∆ :CALCulate3:DELTa:WAVelength[:STATe] ∆ :CALCulate3:DELTa:WPOWer[:STATe] WL/PWR Appl's See COH LEN, DRIFT, and S/N AUTO :CALCulate3:SNR:AUTO ON Avg WL :CALCulate2:PWAVerage[:STATe] BAR OFF :DISPlay[:WINDow]:GRAPhics:STATe BAR ON :DISPlay[:WINDow]:GRAPhics:STATe BROAD :SENSe:CORRection:DEVice BROad See ELEV, PWR OFS, STD AIR, and VACUUM...
Page 130 Programming Lists of Commands Table 4-8. Keys Versus Commands (2 of 3) Equivalent Command MAX-MIN :CALCulate3:DRIFt:MINimum[:STATe] and :CALCulate3:DRIFt:MAXimum[:STATe] UNIT:POWer NARROW :SENSe:CORRection:DEVice NARRow NEXT PK :DISPlay:MARKer:MAXimum:NEXT NEXT WL :DISPlay:MARKer:MAXimum:RIGHt :MEASure:ARRay:POWer:WAVelength NORMAL See UPDATE :CALCulate3:DELTa:POWer[:STATe] :CALCulate3:DELTa:POWer[:STATe] PEAK :DISPlay:MARKer:MAXimum Peak WL See NEXT PK, NEXT WL, PEAK, PREV PK, and PREV WL PK EXC :CALCulate2:PEXCursion PK THLD...
Page 131 Programming Lists of Commands Table 4-8. Keys Versus Commands (3 of 3) Equivalent Command Setup See CAL, UNITS, and UPDATE Single :INITiate:CONTinuous OFF START WL :CALCulate2:WLIMit:STARt STOP WL :CALCulate2:WLIMit:STOP STD AIR :SENSe:CORRection:MEDium AIR THRSHLD See PK EXC and PK THLD :MEASure:ARRay:POWer:FREQuency UNITS :UNIT:POWer...
Page 133: Programming Commands
Common Commands 5-3 Measurement Instructions 5-15 CALCulate1 Subsystem 5-26 CALCulate2 Subsystem 5-31 CALCulate3 Subsystem 5-43 CONFigure Measurement Instruction 5-64 DISPlay Subsystem 5-64 FETCh Measurement Instruction 5-67 HCOPy Subsystem 5-68 MEASure Measurement Instruction 5-68 READ Measurement Instruction 5-69 SENSe Subsystem 5-69 STATus Subsystem 5-74 SYSTem Subsystem 5-79 TRIGger Subsystem 5-84...
Page 134 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 by the programmer.
Page 135: Common Commands
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 sent over the GPIB as separate program mes- sages or within other program messages.
Page 136 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 event status register to set the event summary bit in the status byte register.
Page 137 Programming Commands Common Commands *ESR? The *ESR (event status register) query returns the value of the event status register. *ESR? Syntax Description When you read the standard event status register, the value returned is the total of the bit weights of all of the bits that are set to one at the time you read the byte.
Page 138 This command is useful when the computer is sending commands to other instruments. The computer can poll the event status register to check when the Agilent 86120B has completed the operation. Use the *OPC? query to...
Page 139 (ASCII “1”) is returned by the instrument. Be sure the computer’s timeout limit is at least two seconds, since some of the Agilent 86120B commands take approximately one second to complete. Query Response OUTPUT 720;”*OPC?”...
Page 140 Programming Commands Common Commands *RST The *RST (reset) command returns the Agilent 86120B to a known condition. *RST Syntax 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- gle measurement acquisition mode, any current data is marked as invalid and a measurement query such as :FETCh? results in error number –230, “Data...
Page 141 Programming Commands Common Commands Table 5-4. Conditions Set by *RST Reset Item Setting Display mode single wavelength Wavelength range limiting Start wavelength 1200 nm Stop wavelength 1650 nm Graphical display Measurement acquisition single Wavelength calibration vacuum Elevation correction value 0 meters Wavelength units Amplitude units Power offset...
Page 142 Programming Commands Common Commands Table 5-4. Conditions Set by *RST Reset (Continued) Item Setting Signal-to-Noise Measurements: measurement wavelength reference auto reference (user) wavelength 1550 nm in vacuum number of averages (count) GPIB address not affected Power-bar display *SRE The *SRE (service request enable) command sets the bits in the service request enable register.
Page 143 Programming Commands Common Commands The service request enable register is cleared when the instrument is turned on. The *RST and *CLS commands do not change the register. The *SRE? query returns the value of the service request enable register. Table 5-5. Service Request Enable Register Bit Weight Enables Not Used...
Page 144 Programming Commands Common Commands *STB? The *STB (status byte) query returns the current value of the instrument’s status byte. *STB? Syntax Description The master summary status (MSS) bit 6 indicates whether or not the device has at least one reason for requesting service. When you read the status byte register, the value returned is the total of the bit weights of all of the bits set to one at the time you read the byte.
Page 145 Programming Commands Common Commands *TRG The *TRG (trigger) command is identical to the group execute trigger (GET) message or RUN command. *TRG Syntax Description This command acquires data according to the current settings. This command cannot be issued as a query. If a measurement is already in progress, a trigger is ignored, and an error is generated.
Page 146 Programming Commands Common Commands *WAI The *WAI command prevents the instrument from executing any further com- mands until the current command has finished executing. *WAI Syntax Description All pending operations are completed during the wait period. This command cannot be issued as a query. 5-14...
Page 147: Measurement Instructions
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 the command trees for each of these four basic measurement instructions are identical, only the MEASure tree is documented.
Page 148 Programming Commands Measurement Instructions The commands in this subsystem have the following command hierarchy: {:MEASure | :READ[?] | :FETCh[?] | :CONFigure[?]} {:ARRay | [:SCALar] } :POWer[?] :FREQuency[?] :WAVelength[?] :WNUMber[?] [SCALar]:LENGth :COHerence :ALPHa? :BETA? [:CLENgth]? :DELay? 5-16...
Page 149 Programming Commands Measurement Instructions MEASure{:ARRay | [:SCALar]} :POWer? Returns amplitude values. Syntax :POWer? [<expected_value>[,<resolution>]] Used With <expected_value> <resolution> SCALar optional ignored ARRay ignored ignored Description When used with a :SCALar command, a single value is returned. The display is placed in the single-wavelength mode, and the marker is placed on the signal having a power level that is closest to the <expected_value>...
Page 150 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: -5.88346500E+000 If six laser lines are located and :MEAS:ARR:POW? is sent, the following string could be returned.
Page 151 Programming Commands Measurement Instructions MEASure{:ARRay | [:SCALar]} :POWer:FREQuency? Returns frequency values. Syntax :POWer:FREQuency? [<expected_value>[,<resolution>]] Used With <expected_value> <resolution> SCALar optional optional ARRay optional ignored a. Although ignored, this argument must be present if the resolution argument is specified. Description When used with a :SCALar command, a single value is returned. The display is placed in the single-wavelength mode, and the marker is placed on the signal having a frequency that is closest to the <expected_value>...
Page 152 Programming Commands Measurement Instructions <resolution> MAXimum 0.01 resolution (fast update) Constants MINimum 0.001 resolution (normal) DEFault Current resolution Examples :CONF:ARR:POW:FREQ DEF MIN :FETC:ARR:POW:FREQ? DEF MAX :READ:ARR:POW:FREQ? :MEAS:ARR:POW:FREQ? :CONF:SCAL:POW:FREQ 230.8THZ, MAX :FETC:SCAL:POW:FREQ? 230.8THZ, MIN :READ:SCAL:POW:FREQ? 230.8THZ :MEAS:SCAL:POW:FREQ? 230.8THZ The following line is an example of a returned string when Query Response :MEAS:SCAL:POW:FREQ? MAX is sent: +1.94055176E+014...
Page 153 Programming Commands Measurement Instructions MEASure{:ARRay | [:SCALar]} :POWer:WAVelength? Returns wavelength values. Syntax :POWer:WAVelength? [<expected_value>[,<resolution>]] Used With <expected_value> <resolution> SCALar optional optional ARRay optional ignored a. Although ignored, this argument must be present if the resolution argument is specified. Description When used with a :SCALar command, a single value is returned. The display is placed in the single-wavelength mode, and the marker is placed on the signal having a wavelength that is closest to the <expected_value>...
Page 154 Programming Commands Measurement Instructions <resolution> MAXimum 0.01 resolution (fast update) Constants MINimum 0.001 resolution (normal) DEFault Current resolution Examples :CONF:ARR:POW:WAV DEF MAX :FETC:ARR:POW:WAV? DEF MIN :READ:ARR:POW:WAV? :MEAS:ARR:POW:WAV? :CONF:SCAL:POW:WAV 1300NM, MAX :FETC:SCAL:POW:WAV? 1300NM, MIN :READ:SCAL:POW:WAV? 1300NM :MEAS:SCAL:POW:WAV? 1300NM The following line is an example of a returned string when Query Response :MEAS:SCAL:POW:WAV? MAX is sent: +1.5529258E-006...
Page 155 Programming Commands Measurement Instructions MEASure{:ARRay | [:SCALar]} :POWer:WNUMber? Returns a wave number value. Syntax :POWer:WNUMber? [<expected_value>[,<resolution>]] Used With <expected_value> <resolution> SCALar optional optional ARRay optional ignored a. Although ignored, this argument must be present if the resolution argument is specified. Description When used with a :SCALar command, a single value is returned.
Page 156 Programming Commands Measurement Instructions <resolution> MAXimum 0.01 resolution (fast update) Constants MINimum 0.001 resolution (normal) DEFault Current resolution Examples :CONF:ARR:POW:WNUM DEF MAX :FETC:ARR:POW:WNUM? DEF MIN :READ:ARR:POW:WNUM? :MEAS:ARR:POW:WNUM? :CONF:SCAL:POW:WNUM 6451, MAX :FETC:SCAL:POW:WNUM? 6451, MIN :READ:SCAL:POW:WNUM? 6451 :MEAS:SCAL:POW:WNUM? 6451 Query Response If the :MEAS:SCAL:POW:WNUM? 6451 command is sent, and a 1550 nm laser line is present, the following response would be returned to the computer: +6.45286262E+005 –1...
Page 157 Programming Commands Measurement Instructions MEASure[:SCALar]:LENGth:COHerence:BETA? Queries the beta constant. Syntax :LENGth:COHerence:BETA? Attribute Query Only Summary Description The beta constant is a unitless ratio. MEASure[:SCALar]:LENGth:COHerence[:CLENgth]? Queries the coherence length of the input signal in meters. Syntax :LENGth:COHerence:CLENgth? Attribute Query Only Summary MEASure[:SCALar]:LENGth:COHerence:DELay? Queries the round-trip path delay in the laser chip.
Page 158: 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 are returned. The commands in this subsystem have the following command hierarchy:...
Page 159 Programming Commands CALCulate1 Subsystem DATA? Queries uncorrected frequency-spectrum data of the input laser line. Syntax :CALCulate1:DATA? Preset State: not affected Attribute Summary SCPI Compliance: standard Query Only Description The returned values are in squared Watts (linear) units. No amplitude or fre- quency correction is applied to the values.
Page 160 If your program is aborted or interrupted after sending this query, the Agilent 86120B continues to process the data but does not place it in the out- put buffer. Because of the amount of data processed, the instrument will not respond to any new commands in its input buffer for up to 20 seconds.
Page 161 Always use an *OPC? query or a *WAI command to ensure that this command has the time to complete before sending any more commands to the instrument. Refer to “Always force the Agilent 86120B to wait for non-sequential commands” on page 4-12 for more information. 5-29...
Page 162 Programming Commands CALCulate1 Subsystem Query Response For normal update: +34123 For fast update: +4268 5-30...
Page 163: Calculate2 Subsystem
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 [:STATe] :STARt :FREQuency [:WAVelength] :WNUMber :STOP :FREQuency [:WAVelength]...
Page 164 Programming Commands CALCulate2 Subsystem DATA? Queries the corrected peak data of the input laser line. Syntax :CALCulate2:DATA? {FREQuency | POWer | WAVelength | WNUMber} Constant Description FREQuency Queries the array of laser-line frequencies after the peak search is completed. If :CALC2:PWAV:STAT is on, the power-weighted average frequency is returned.
Page 165 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 1 to 30 dB.
Page 166 Programming Commands CALCulate2 Subsystem POINts? Queries the number of points in the data set. Syntax :CALCulate2:POINts? Preset State: unaffected Attribute Summary *RST State: unaffected SCPI Compliance: instrument specific Query Only Description This is the number of points that will be returned by the CALC2:DATA? query. Query Response For example, if six laser lines are located: PTHReshold...
Page 167 Always use an *OPC? query or a *WAI command to ensure that this command has the time to complete before sending any more commands to the instrument. Refer to “Always force the Agilent 86120B to wait for non-sequential commands” on page 4-12 for more information. PWAVerage[:STATe] Places the instrument in the power-weighted average mode.
Page 168 SCPI Compliance: instrument specific Description When this function is on, the Agilent 86120B has an input range from the WLIMit STARt to the WLIMit STOP. When this function is off, the instrument displays peaks over the full wavelength range. If you want to measure signals over a narrower wavelength range, set this function on to avoid identifying spurious second harmonic peaks.
Page 169 Always use an *OPC? query or a *WAI command to ensure that this command has the time to complete before sending any more commands to the instrument. Refer to “Always force the Agilent 86120B to wait for non-sequential commands” on page 4-12 for more information. 5-37...
Page 170 Always use an *OPC? query or a *WAI command to ensure that this command has the time to complete before sending any more commands to the instrument. Refer to “Always force the Agilent 86120B to wait for non-sequential commands” on page 4-12 for more information. 5-38...
Page 171 Always use an *OPC? query or a *WAI command to ensure that this command has the time to complete before sending any more commands to the instrument. Refer to “Always force the Agilent 86120B to wait for non-sequential commands” on page 4-12 for more information. 5-39...
Page 172 Always use an *OPC? query or a *WAI command to ensure that this command has the time to complete before sending any more commands to the instrument. Refer to “Always force the Agilent 86120B to wait for non-sequential commands” on page 4-12 for more information. 5-40...
Page 173 Always use an *OPC? query or a *WAI command to ensure that this command has the time to complete before sending any more commands to the instrument. Refer to “Always force the Agilent 86120B to wait for non-sequential commands” on page 4-12 for more information. 5-41...
Page 174 Always use an *OPC? query or a *WAI command to ensure that this command has the time to complete before sending any more commands to the instrument. Refer to “Always force the Agilent 86120B to wait for non-sequential commands” on page 4-12 for more information. 5-42...
Page 175: Calculate3 Subsystem
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 :REFerence :FREQuency :POWer? [:WAVelength] :WNUMber :WAVelength...
Page 176 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem ASNR:CLEar Clears the number of measurements used in the average signal-to-noise calcu- lation. Syntax :CALCulate3:ASNR:CLEar Preset State: not affected Attribute Summary *RST State: not affected SCPI Compliance: instrument specific Description This command clears the number of measurements used in the average signal- to-noise calculation.
Page 177 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem ASNR[:STATe] Turns the average signal-to-noise ratio on or off. Syntax :CALCulate3:ASNR[:STATe] {?|{ ON | OFF | 1 | 0 }} Preset State: off Attribute Summary *RST State: off SCPI Compliance: instrument specific Description This command turns the average signal-to-noise calculation on or off. Only one of the CALCulate3 calculations (ASNR, DELTa, DRIFt, or SNR) can be turned on at a time.
Page 178 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 completed. FREQuency Queries the array of laser-line frequencies after the calculation is completed.
Page 179 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}} Preset State: off Attribute Summary *RST State: off SCPI Compliance: instrument specific Description When this state is on, the power of the reference laser line is subtracted from the power values of all laser lines except the reference.
Page 180 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 Description MINimum 181.6924 THz MAXimum 428.6 THz Preset State: 428.6 THz (700 nm) Attribute Summary *RST State:428.6 THz (700 nm)
Page 181 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 Description MINimum 700.0 nm MAXimum 1650.0 nm Preset State: 700 nm (428.6 THz) Attribute Summary *RST State: 700 nm (428.6 THz) laser line...
Page 182 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem DELTa:REFerence:WNUMber Selects the reference laser line for delta calculations. Syntax :CALCulate3:DELTa:REFerence:WNUMber{?| {<real> | MINimum | MAXimum}} <real> is a wave number value that is within the following limits: Constant Description MINimum 6,061 cm MAXimum 14,286 cm Preset State: 14,286 cm –1 Attribute...
Page 183 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem DELTa:WAVelength[:STATe] Turns the delta wavelength measurement mode on and off. Syntax :CALCulate3:DELTa:WAVelength[:STATe]{?| {ON | OFF | 1 | 0}} Preset State: off Attribute Summary *RST State: off SCPI Compliance: instrument specific Description When on, the wavelength of the reference laser line is subtracted from the wavelength values of all laser lines except the reference.
Page 184 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem DELTa:WPOWer[:STATe] Turns the delta wavelength and power measurement mode on and off. Syntax :CALCulate3:DELTa:WPOWer[:STATe]{?| {ON | OFF | 1 | 0}} Preset State: off Attribute Summary *RST State: off SCPI Compliance: instrument specific Description When on, the wavelength of the reference laser line is subtracted from the wavelength values of all laser lines except the reference.
Page 185 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem DRIFt:DIFFerence[:STATe] Sets the drift calculation to subtract the minimum values measured from the maximum values measured. Syntax :CALCulate3:DRIFt:DIFFerence[:STATe]{?| {ON | OFF | 1 | 0}} Preset State: off Attribute Summary *RST State: off SCPI Compliance: instrument specific Description Use the CALC3:DRIF:PRES command to turn off all the drift states before turning on this state.
Page 186 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem DRIFt:MAXimum[:STATe] Sets the drift calculation to return the maximum power and frequency values measured. Syntax :CALCulate3:DRIFt:MAXimum[:STATe]{?| {ON | OFF | 1 | 0}} Preset State: off Attribute Summary *RST State: off SCPI Compliance: instrument specific Description Use the CALC3:DRIF:PRES command to turn off all the drift states before turning on this state.
Page 187 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem DRIFt:MINimum[:STATe] Sets the drift calculation to return the minimum power and frequency values measured. Syntax :CALCulate3:DRIFt:MINimum[:STATe]{?| {ON | OFF | 1 | 0}} Preset State: off Attribute Summary *RST State: off SCPI Compliance: instrument specific Description Use the CALC3:DRIF:PRES command to turn off all the drift states before turning on this state.
Page 188 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem DRIFt:PRESet Turns off all the drift states for DIFFerence, MAXimum, MINimum, and REF- erence. Syntax :CALCulate3:DRIFt:PRESet Preset State: unaffected by Attribute Summary *RST State: unaffected by SCPI Compliance: instrument specific Command Only Description This command allows the CALC3:DATA? query to return the difference between the current measurement and the reference.
Page 189 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem DRIFt:REFerence[:STATe] Turns on and off the drift reference state. Syntax :CALCulate3:DRIFt:REFerence[:STATe]{?| {ON | OFF | 1 | 0}} Preset State: off Attribute Summary *RST State: off SCPI Compliance: instrument specific Description When this command is set to on, the CALC3:DATA? command returns the ref- erence laser lines.
Page 190 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem DRIFt[:STATe] Turns on and off the drift measurement calculation. Syntax :CALCulate3:DRIFt[:STATe]{?| {ON | OFF | 1 | 0}} Preset State: off Attribute Summary *RST State: off SCPI Compliance: instrument specific Description When the drift mode is first turned on, the current list of laser lines is placed into the reference.
Page 191 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem POINts? Queries the number of points in the data set. Syntax :CALCulate3:POINts? Preset State: unaffected by Attribute Summary RST State: unaffected by SCPI Compliance: instrument specific Query Only Description The value returned is the number of points returned by the CALC3:DATA? query.
Page 192 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem SNR:AUTO Selects the reference frequency value for measuring noise in the signal-to- noise calculation. Syntax :CALCulate3:SNR:AUTO{?| {ON | OFF | 1 | 0}} Constant Description Selects internally generated reference frequency. Selects user-entered reference frequency. Attribute Preset State: on Summary *RST State: on SCPI Compliance: instrument specific...
Page 193 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 within the following limits: Constant Description MINimum 181.6924 THz MAXimum...
Page 194 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem SNR:REFerence[:WAVelength] Sets the wavelength used for the noise measurement reference in the signal- to-noise calculation. Syntax :CALCulate3:SNR:REFerence[:WAVelength]{?| {<real> | MINimum | MAXimum}} <real> is a wavelength value that is within the following limits: Constant Description MINimum 700.0 nm MAXimum 1650.0 nm...
Page 195 Programming Commands CALCulate3 Subsystem SNR:REFerence:WNUMber Sets the wave number used for the noise measurement reference in the signal- to-noise calculation. Syntax :CALCulate3:SNR:REFerence:WNUMber{?| {<real> | MINimum | MAXimum}} <real> is a wave number value that is within the following limits: Constant Description MINimum 6060 cm...
Page 196: Configure Measurement Instruction
Programming Commands CONFigure Measurement Instruction Note Only one STATe command can be turned on at any one time. Attempting to turn more than one state on at a time results in a “–221 Settings Conflict” error. Refer to “Measure delta, drift, and signal-to-noise” on page 4-14 for additional information on selecting measurements.
Page 197 Programming Commands DISPlay Subsystem MARKer:MAXimum Sets the marker to the laser line that has the maximum power. Syntax :DISPlay:MARKer:MAXimum Preset State: marker set to maximum-power laser line Attribute Summary *RST State: marker set to maximum-power laser line SCPI Compliance: instrument specific Command Only MARKer:MAXimum:LEFT Moves the marker left to the next laser line.
Page 198 Programming Commands DISPlay Subsystem Syntax :DISPlay:MARKer:MAXimum:NEXT Preset State: marker set to maximum-power laser line Attribute Summary *RST State: marker set to maximum-power laser line SCPI Compliance: instrument specific Command Only Description If the display is in the List by WL mode, it will be changed to List by Ampl before the marker is moved.
Page 199: Fetch Measurement Instruction
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 to List by WL before the marker is moved.
Page 200: Hcopy Subsystem
Summary *RST State: none SCPI Compliance: standard Command Only Connect the printer to the Agilent 86120B’s rear-panel PARALLEL PRINTER PORT Description connector. The output to the printer is ASCII text. MEASure Measurement Instruction For information on the MEASure measurement instruction, refer to “Measure-...
Page 201: Read Measurement Instruction
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 select between measurements in air or vacuum. You can also enter an amplitude offset.
Page 202 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 version number less than 2.0 do not have this feature.
Page 203 Always use an *OPC? query or a *WAI command to ensure that this command has the time to complete before sending any more commands to the instrument. Refer to “Always force the Agilent 86120B to wait for non-sequential commands” on page 4-12 for more information. 5-71...
Page 204 Programming Commands SENSe Subsystem CORRection:MEDium Sets the Agilent 86120B to return wavelength readings in a vacuum or stan- dard air. Syntax :SENSe:CORRection:MEDium{?| {AIR | VACuum}} Argument Description Selects wavelength values in standard air. VACuum Selects wavelength values in a vacuum.
Page 205 If your program is aborted or interrupted after sending this query, the Agilent 86120B continues to process the data but does not place it in the out- put buffer. Because of the amount of data processed, the instrument will not respond to any new commands in its input buffer for 30 or 40 seconds.
Page 206: Status Subsystem
FETCh, READ, and MEASure commands. STATus Subsystem Use the commands in this subsystem to control the Agilent 86120B’s status- reporting structures. These structures provide registers that you can use to determine if certain events have occurred.
Page 207 Programming Commands STATus Subsystem {OPERation | QUEStionable}:CONDition? Queries the value of the questionable or operation condition register. Syntax :STATus:{OPERation | QUEStionable}:CONDition? 0 to 32767 Query Response Preset State: none Attribute Summary *RST State: none SCPI Compliance: standard Query Only Description Use this command to read the value of the OPERation Status or QUEStionable Status registers.
Page 208 Programming Commands STATus Subsystem Query Response When queried, the largest value that can be returned is 65535. This is because the most-significant register bit cannot be set true. {OPERation | QUEStionable}[:EVENt] Queries the contents of the questionable or operation event registers. Syntax :STATus:{OPERation | QUEStionable}:EVENt? Query Response...
Page 209 Programming Commands STATus Subsystem Description Changes in the state of a condition register bit causes the associated OPERa- tion Status or QUEStionable Status register bit to be set. This command allows you to select a negative bit transition to trigger an event to be recognized. A negative transition is defined to occur whenever the selected bit changes states from a 1 to a 0.
Page 210 Programming Commands STATus Subsystem PRESet Presets the enable registers and the PTRansition and NTRansition filters. Syntax :STATus:PRESet Preset State: none Attribute Summary *RST State: none SCPI Compliance: standard Command Only Description The PRESet command is defined by SCPI to affect the enable register. If you want to clear all event registers and queues, use the *CLS command.
Page 211 Query Only Description The Agilent 86120B has a 30 entry error queue. The queue is a first-in, first- out buffer. Repeatedly sending the query :SYSTEM:ERROR? returns the error numbers and descriptions in the order in which they occur until the queue is empty.
Page 212 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? Preset State: none Attribute Summary *RST State: none SCPI Compliance: instrument specific...
Page 213 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 Preset State: none Summary *RST State: none SCPI Compliance: standard Command Only The instrument state is set according to the settings shown in the following Description table.
Page 214: System Subsystem
Programming Commands SYSTem Subsystem Table 5-8. Instrument Conditions (2 of 2) Settings after Preset Settings after Power Item Key Pressed Turned On Power offset 0 dB last state Peak threshold 10 dB last state Peak excursion 15 dB last state Measurement speed normal last state...
Page 215 Programming Commands SYSTem Subsystem VERSion Queries the version of SCPI that the Agilent 86120B complies with. Syntax :SYSTem:VERSion Preset State: none Attribute Summary *RST State: none SCPI Compliance: standard Query Only Description The SCPI version used in the Agilent 86120B is 1995.0.
Page 216: Trigger Subsystem
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: ABORt...
Page 217 Always use an *OPC? query or a *WAI command to ensure that this command has the time to complete before sending any more commands to the instrument. Refer to “Always force the Agilent 86120B to wait for non-sequential commands” on page 4-12 for more information. INITiate[:IMMediate] Initiates a new measurement sequence.
Page 218: Unit Subsystem
Always use an *OPC? query or a *WAI command to ensure that this command has the time to complete before sending any more commands to the instrument. Refer to “Always force the Agilent 86120B to wait for non-sequential commands” on page 4-12 for more information. UNIT Subsystem...
Page 219: Performance Tests
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...
Page 220 Test 3. Polarization Dependence Test 4. Optical Input Return Loss Test 5. Amplitude Accuracy and Linearity Allow the Agilent 86120B to warm up for 15 minutes before doing any of the performance tests. Calibration Cycle This instrument requires periodic verification of performance. The instrument...
Page 221: Test 1. Absolute Wavelength Accuracy
• Gas lamps • HeNe gas lasers C A U T I O N Do not exceed +18 dBm source power. The Agilent 86120B’s input circuitry can be damaged when total input power exceeds 18 dBm. Procedure Use three or four light standards that cover the Agilent 86120B’s wavelength range.
Page 222: Test 2. Sensitivity
• 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 circuitry can be damaged when total input power exceeds 18 dBm.
Page 223: Test 3. Polarization Dependence
6 Set the polarization controller to autoscan. 7 On the Agilent 86120B, press Peak WL, Appl’s, and then DRIFT. Press MAX-MIN so that both MAX and MIN in the softkey label are highlighted. The display shows the total drift since the drift measurement was started.
Page 224: Test 4. Optical Input Return Loss
6 times around a 5 mm diameter mandrel. 10 The return-loss module measures the termination parameter. 11 Connect the HMS-10/HRL to FC/PC patchcord to the Agilent 86120B’s front panel OPTICAL INPUT connector. 12 The lightwave multimeter measures the return loss. Compare this measurement with the specification listed in Chapter 7, “Specifications and...
Page 225 Do this by wrapping the cable 6 times around a 5 mm diameter mandrel. 11 The return-loss module measures the termination parameter. 12 Connect the HMS-10/HRL to FC/APC patchcord to the Agilent 86120B’s front panel OPTICAL INPUT connector. 13 The lightwave multimeter measures the return loss. Compare this measurement with the specification listed in Chapter 7, “Specifications and...
Page 226 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 return loss caused by the 14.6 dB Fresnel reflection is 15.6 dB, but we enter 14.6 dB as an R value.
Page 227: Test 5. Amplitude Accuracy And Linearity
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 Polarization sensitivity To ensure measurement accuracy, minimize the movement of any fiber-optic cables dur-...
Page 228 6-1. For each setting, record the power measured on the Agilent 86120B. After completing this step, the table’s column titled “Agilent 86120B Power Reading” should be completely filled in. 20 Calculate the “Linearity” value for each row in the table using the following equation: –...
Page 229 This is not a problem as long as the amplitude steps are within the linearity specification. Table 6-1. Linearity Data Values Desired Power Power Meter Agilent 86120B Attenuator Setting Linearity (dBm) Reading Power Reading –1...
Page 231: Specifications And Regulatory Information
Definition of Terms 7-3 Specifications 7-6 Regulatory Information 7-10 Specifications and Regulatory Information...
Page 232 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 performance over the temperature range 0°C to +55°C and relative humidity <95% (unless otherwise noted).
Page 233: Definition Of Terms
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 based on fundamental physical constants, which are absolute standards not requiring traceability to artifacts kept at national standards laboratories.
Page 234 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 and Technology (NIST) calibrated optical power meter. NIST is the national stan- dards laboratory of the United States.
Page 235 Specifications and Regulatory Information Definition of Terms Measurement Measurement cycle time refers to the cycle time when measuring wavelength Cycle Time and power of laser lines. Specific advanced applications may require longer cycle times.
Page 236: Specifications
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 “Measurement rate”...
Page 237 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 ±...
Page 238 Specifications and Regulatory Information Specifications Selectivity ≥ 25 dB (characteristic) Two lines input separated by 100 GHz (characteristic) ≥ 10 dB (characteristic) Two lines input separated by 30 GHz (characteristic) Input Power +10 dBm Maximum displayed level (sum of all lines) +18 dBm Maximum safe input level (sum of all lines) Maximum Number of Laser Lines Input...
Page 239 Specifications and Regulatory Information Specifications Operating Specifications 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 VAC range 115 VAC: 90-132 V range 230 VAC: 198-254 V Frequency...
Page 240: Regulatory Information
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 Emission Geraeuschemission LpA <...
Page 241: Declaration Of Conformity
Specifications and Regulatory Information Regulatory Information Declaration of Conformity 7-11...
Page 242 Specifications and Regulatory Information Regulatory Information Front view of instrument Rear view of instrument 7-12...
Page 243 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...
Page 244: Reference
Reference Reference Reference Instrument Preset Conditions Table 8-1. Instrument Preset Conditions (1 of 2) Settings after Preset Settings after Power Item Key Pressed Turned On Display mode single wavelength last state Wavelength range limiting last state Start wavelength 1200 nm last state Stop wavelength 1650 nm...
Page 245 Reference Instrument Preset Conditions Table 8-1. Instrument Preset Conditions (2 of 2) Settings after Preset Settings after Power Item Key Pressed Turned On Peak excursion 15 dB last state Measurement speed normal last state Device bandwidth narrowband last state Drift measurements Coherence length measurements Delta Measurements: ∆...
Page 246: Menu Maps
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 on the actual display.
Page 247 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...
Page 248 Reference Menu Maps Delta On Menu Delta Off Menu...
Page 249 Reference Menu Maps Display Peak WL and System Preset Menus Measurement Single Menu There is no menu associated with this key. System Print Menu...
Page 250: System Setup Menu
Reference Menu Maps System Setup Menu...
Page 251: Error Messages
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.
Page 252 Reference Error Messages Table 8-2. Instrument Specific Error Messages (2 of 3) Error Number Error Message ROM BYTE UNERASED ROM WRITE OPERATION FAILED ROM DEFECTIVE ROM DATA INVALID ROM VERSION INCOMPATIBLE ROM POLLING LIMITED OUT INPUT OUT OF RANGE BAD CAL ROM DATA BAD CAL ROM DATA BAD CAL ROM DATA BAD CAL ROM DATA...
Page 253 Reference Error Messages Table 8-2. Instrument Specific Error Messages (3 of 3) Error Number Error Message PRINTOUT WAS ABORTED NOT ALLOWED IN COH LEN NOT ALLOWED IN S/N UNKNOWN KEYPRESS NUM LINES < NUM REFS NUM LINES > NUM REFS NO REFERENCE SIGNAL GAIN RANGING ERROR INCOMPATIBLE HARDWARE...
Page 254 Reference Error Messages Table 8-3. General SCPI Error Messages (1 of 3) Error Number Description “No errors” –100 “Command error (unknown command)“ –101 “Invalid character“ –102 “Syntax error“ –103 “Invalid separator“ –104 “Data type error“ –105 “GET not allowed“ –108 “Parameter not allowed“...
Page 255 Reference Error Messages Table 8-3. General SCPI Error Messages (2 of 3) Error Number Description –158 “String data not allowed“ –161 “Invalid block data“ –168 “Block data not allowed“ –170 “Expression error“ –171 “Invalid expression“ –178 “Expression data not allowed“ –200 “Execution error“...
Page 256 Reference Error Messages Table 8-3. General SCPI Error Messages (3 of 3) Error Number Description –321 “Out of memory” –350 “Too many errors“ –400 “Query error“ –410 “Query INTERRUPTED“ –420 “Query UNTERMINATED“ –430 “Query DEADLOCKED“ –440 “Query UNTERMINATED after indef resp“ Query was unterminated after an indefinite response.
Page 257: Front-Panel Fiber-Optic Adapters
Reference Front-Panel Fiber-Optic Adapters Front-Panel Fiber-Optic Adapters Front Panel Description Agilent Part Number Fiber-Optic Adapter Diamond HMS-10 81000AI 81000FI FC/PC 81000GI 81000KI 81000SI 81000VI Biconic 81000WI a. The FC/PC is the default front-panel optical connector. Dust Covers Agilent Part Number FC connector 1005-0594 Diamond HMS-10 connector...
Page 258 Mint Gray Denmark 8120-2957 90° 79/200 Mint Gray * Part number shown for plug is the industry identifier for the plug only. Number shown for cable is the Agilent Technologies part number for the complete cable including the plug. 8-16...
Page 259 Straight MITI 90/230 Dark Gray Japan 8120-4754 90° 90/230 * Part number shown for plug is the industry identifier for the plug only. Number shown for cable is the Agilent Technologies part number for the complete cable including the plug. 8-17...
Page 260 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/country/English/ index.html, or call one of the numbers listed below.
Page 261 Index Numerics AUTO programming command, 5-60 1 nm annotation, 3-5, 3-8 softkey, 3-6 AVERAGE annotation, 2-7 average wavelength, iii, 2-7 Avg WL key, 2-7, 2-8 ABORt programming command, 5-84 ABORT softkey, 2-29 ac power cables, 1-7 adapters BAR OFF softkey, 2-12 fiber optic, 8-15 BAR ON...
Page 262 Index adapters, 1-22 cabinet, vii, 1-2 damaged shipment, 1-3 fiber-optic connections, 1-13, 1-21 data corrupt or stale, 4-26, 5-8, 8-13 non-lensed connectors, 1-21 data questionable, 8-13 CLEAR softkey, 3-10 DATA? programming command, 5-27, 5-32, CLENgth? programming command, 5-25 5-46, 5-73 *CLS, 4-21, 5-3 softkey, 2-14 CM –1...
Page 263 Index ENABle programming command, 5-75 extra, 1-5 signal, 4-27 type, 1-5 Err_mngmt subroutine, 4-29 values, vii error messages, 8-9 queue, 4-21 GPIB ERRor programming command, 5-79 address, 4-3 Error_msg subroutine, 4-28 address, changing from front panel, 4-3 *ESE, 4-28, 5-3 address, default, 4-3 *ESR, 5-5...
Page 264 Index aperture, vi, 1-9 audio modulation, effects of, 2-16, 2-23 classification, vi, 7-9 average wavelength, 2-7 drift, iii, 3-9, 3-10 calibration, 2-26 line separation, iii, 2-20 channel separation, 2-22 linewidth, 2-2 channel spacing, 2-21 modulated, 2-23 coherence length, 3-12 tuning power, 2-4 continuous acquisition, 2-15...
Page 265 Index new-line character, 4-27 Peak WL NEXT PK softkey, 2-5 key, 2-4 NEXT programming command, 5-65 menu map, 8-7 NEXT WL softkey, 2-5 softkey, 2-4, 3-10 softkey, 2-14 performance tests, 6-2 noise declaration, 7-10 PEXCursion programming command, 5-33 noise power PK EXC softkey, 2-19 automatic...
Page 266 Index PWR OFS semicolon, 4-23 annotation, 2-25 sending common commands, 4-25 softkey, 2-25 SENSe subsystem, 5-69 ∆ softkey, 2-22 sensitivity, 7-4, 7-7 serial number instrument, 1-3 service, 1-23 queries, 4-27 request enable register, 4-20, 5-10 multiple, 4-27 returning for, 1-23 queues, 4-21 sales and service offices, 8-18...
Page 267 Index *STB, 5-12 wavelength STD AIR definition of, 7-3 annotation, 2-26 input range, 2-2 softkey, 1-11, 2-27 peak, 2-4 subsystems, 4-23 range, 2-8, 4-4, 5-36 swabs, 1-20 separation, 2-20 syntax rules, 4-23–4-27 specifications, 7-6 SYSTem subsystem, 5-79 WAVelength programming command, 5-21, 5-49, 5-62 flatness, 2-22 Tempo...

Agilent Technologies Agilent 86120B User Manual

1 Getting Started

2 Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter

3 Measurements Applications

4 Programming

5 Programming Commands

6 Performance Tests

7 Specifications and Regulatory Information

8 Reference

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