The Agilent 81560A is a single-slot Variable Optical Attenuator module within the 8156xA and 8157xA family of plug-in modules designed for the Agilent Lightwave Multichannel platform (8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B mainframes). It attenuates and controls the optical power level of light in single mode optical fibers, with attenuation factor and power level set manually through the mainframe user interface or remotely via a common computer interface.

Listed applications for the 8156xA family include Bit Error Rate test, characterization of receivers, transmitters and line cards, test of single channel transmission systems, DWDM channel equalization, loss simulation in fiber optic links, and testing and calibrating the linearity of power meters. The 8157xA family extends to optical amplifier test, including characterization of EDFAs and test of Raman amplifiers, multichannel transmission system test, and loss simulation of DWDM signals in fiber optic links.

ValueTronics stocks and tests optical instruments like the Agilent 81560A in our 20,000 sq ft secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive, Elgin, Illinois. Rather than drop-ship from an offsite location, our team can verify connectivity, confirm shutter operation, and check accessory completeness before the unit ships, giving fiber optic and telecommunications labs a single accountable source for both the module and the host mainframe it requires.

Brand Heritage

Agilent Technologies was spun out of Hewlett-Packard in 1999, taking the test and measurement business with it. In 2014, Agilent further separated its electronic measurement division, which became Keysight Technologies. Optical test products from this Agilent-era catalog are now part of the Keysight lineage, and many original Agilent-branded modules remain in active service across telecommunications and photonics labs.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The 8156xA and 8157xA family covers nine variable optical attenuator modules built on the same Lightwave Multichannel plug-in form factor. The family splits along three architectural lines that the datasheet itself draws: standard versus high-power optical handling, manual attenuation setting versus closed-loop power control, and single-slot versus dual-slot mainframe footprint. All members share the 0-60 dB attenuation range, 0.001 dB resolution, and the comprehensive offset calibration functionality described in the datasheet.

Single-slot modules (81560A, 81561A, 81570A, 81571A, 81573A, 81575A) occupy one mainframe slot, while dual-slot power-control modules (81566A, 81567A, 81576A, 81577A) occupy two slots to accommodate the integrated monitor tap and power meter. Straight-connector variants carry even model numbers within each pair; angled-connector variants carry odd model numbers. Pigtail variants (81573A SMF, 81575A PMF) are available for splice integration.

Each pre-owned module below is listed as its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing. The mainframe is not included with the module and must be specified separately.

The 81560A is the entry point to the family: straight connector, 9/125 µm SMF28 fiber, no power control, no high-power capability. It is positioned for single-wavelength applications such as BER test, receiver and transmitter characterization, single-channel transmission system test, and power meter linearity calibration.

The 81560A and 81561A are the standard-power, manual-attenuation variants distinguished only by connector geometry: straight versus angled. Both share 1200-1700 nm wavelength range, ±0.01 dB repeatability, ±0.1 dB accuracy at 1550 nm ±15 nm, typical 1.7 dB insertion loss, and +22 dBm maximum input power. Return loss differs by connector geometry: typically 45 dB on the straight 81560A versus typically 60 dB on the angled 81561A.

Moving up the family, the 81570A/81571A series adds high-power handling (up to +33 dBm), excellent wavelength flatness (typical ±0.05 dB across 1520-1620 nm), and lower insertion loss (typical 0.7 dB excluding connectors). The 81566A/81567A series adds closed-loop power control with an integrated monitor tap, allowing the firmware to maintain a set output power level despite input variation. The 81576A/81577A series combines both: high-power handling plus power control, with enhanced calibration for DWDM integral power setting. See the comparison table for the model-by-model spec breakdown.

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

Product Core & Specifications

About this used unit

• Warranty included
• Functional verification included
• Standard Calibration Upgrade Options: No Calibration Required, NIST Traceable, Z540.1 or ISO 17025 with Data, Z540.3 Guardbanding with Data.
• Note that unnecessary accessories may not be included (contact Test Architect to confirm).

Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.