Agilent's N4373C Lightwave Component Analyzer (LCA) offers a modulation bandwidth of 50/67 GHz, making it the ideal choice for developing and characterizing electro-optical components for upcoming 40G/10GbE systems as defined in IEEE802.3ba.

For modern optical transmission systems with advanced modulation schemes, electro-optical components require very flat S21 transfer function in amplitude and delay. This performance can only be achieved with electro-optical S-parameter testing as provided by the N4373C LCA.

The N4373C enables fast, accurate, repeatable, and traceable characterization of electro-optical components like lasers, modulators, and detectors to guarantee performance with respect to modulation bandwidth, jitter, gain, and distortion.

• Optimized electrical and optical design for lowest noise and ripple
• Accuracy improved by more than 2x compared to predecessor 86030A 50GHz LCA
• Temperature-stabilized transmitter and receiver ensures repeatable measurements
• Fully integrated "turn-key" solution reduces time to market
• High productivity with fast measurement capabilities

With up to 67 GHz modulation frequency range and excellent accuracy, the N4373C supports S-parameter testing of electro-optical components for IEEE 802.3ba transmission systems, Radio over Fiber (RoF), and aerospace and defense applications in the 60 GHz frequency range.

• Balanced measurements now up to 67 GHz (new)
• External optical source input for testing at wavelengths between 1300 and 1600 nm
• 1310 & 1550 nm selectable internal transmitter for IEEE 802.3ba component testing
• Built-in average power meter for fast transmitter power testing
• User-selectable optical transmitter output power
• More than 10 times faster than 86030A for increased productivity

The N4373C consists of an optical test set and an electrical network analyzer which are mechanically connected. Agilent offers integration of already owned PNA units with the optical test set.