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Using the Multi-Wavelength Meter
Measuring Total Power Greater than 10 dBm
Measuring Total Power Greater than 10 dBm
The maximum total power that can be measured by the Agilent 86120B is
10 dBm. However, with the addition of an external attenuator, more power can
be applied. This may be necessary at the transmit end of a wavelength-divi-
sion-multiplexed system where large signal levels are present. By entering an
amplitude offset equal to the amount of attenuation at the instrument’s input,
accurate amplitude measurements are shown on the display. Additional ampli-
fication can also be accounted for.
To measure total power exceeding 10 dBm
CAUTION
The maximum total input power that can be applied to the Agilent 86120B
before damage occurs is 18 dBm. The maximum total input power that can be
measured is 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
.
Notice that the
PWR OFS
annotation appears on the screen to indicate an offset
is applied.
3
Use the softkey to select the digit that requires editing.
4
Use the and softkeys to change the value.
Power offset values are added to the display power readings. For example, if
you placed a 10 dB attenuator on the front-panel connector, enter a power off-
set value of +10 dB. Negative values can also be entered if you connect an
amplifier instead of an attenuator.