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High-frequency S-parameter insights for next-gen optical devices
Keysight lightwave component analyzers (LCAs) make calibrated S-parameter measurements for characterizing optical and photonic components. These solutions pair high-bandwidth vector network analyzers with optical converters to measure frequency-dependent response in optical devices, enabling deeper insights during performance validation. LCAs eliminate the need for manual calibration and provide stable, repeatable results across temperature, wavelength, and polarization variations. Select the LCA you need based on the type, maximum frequency, and fiber mode you require to validate your modulators, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), and other next-generation optical components. Choose one of our popular configurations or configure one specific to your application.
Traceable calibration
Eliminate manual optical calibration with tools calibrated to industry standards for more confident S-parameter measurement accuracy.
High-frequency characterization
Supports electro-optical measurements up to 110 GHz, critical for capturing high-speed device behaviors in 1.6T designs.
VNA integration
Built on a Keysight vector network analyzer (VNA) platform for simple configuration and a shared user interface for both electrical and optical use cases.
Passive and active support
Engineered to characterize both passive and active components, like optical modulators and photonic ICs, supporting diverse testing needs.
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Type
Lightwave Component Analyzer, Lightwave Transmitter Analyzer Bundle, Lightwave Detector
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Maximum frequency
67 GHz to 220 GHz
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Fiber mode
Single-mode, Single-mode and multimode
Most popular configurations
XP1-class Lightwave Component Analyzer, lightwave detector
XP1-class Lightwave Component Analyzer
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Frequently asked questions
A lightwave component analyzer is a specialized test system that combines the high-speed performance of a vector network analyzer (VNA) with precision optical-to-electrical (O/E) and electrical-to-optical (E/O) conversion modules. This integration enables calibrated S-parameter measurements of optical and photonic devices across a wide frequency range.
LCAs measure the frequency-dependent behavior of modulators, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), electro-optic switches, and other fiber-optic components, delivering the insight needed to validate signal integrity, insertion loss, return loss, and bandwidth in both research and manufacturing environments.
By characterizing how a component modulates or transmits high-speed signals over frequency, an LCA helps engineers ensure that next-generation optical devices meet performance specifications for high-speed communication systems such as 400G, 800G, and 1.6T networks.
Keysight LCAs are designed to support testing across a wide range of optical and photonic components, from simple passive devices to complex high-speed modulators. You can characterize:
- Passive components, such as optical fibers, connectors, splitters, and waveguides, by measuring insertion loss, return loss, and other linear S-parameters.
- Active components, including electro-optic modulators, photonic ICs, optical transmitters, and transceiver subassemblies, by measuring bandwidth, frequency response, and impedance matching.
LCAs are used throughout the product development cycle, from early-stage R&D validation to high-throughput manufacturing test, for characterizing components used in coherent optics, silicon photonics, and next-gen datacom.
LCAs extend the high-precision measurement capabilities of a VNA into the optical domain by integrating high-bandwidth E/O and O/E converters. Keysight’s LCA solutions support electro-optical S-parameter measurements up to 110 GHz, allowing you to analyze the full frequency response of optical devices used in ultra-high-speed communication systems. This is essential for capturing the signal degradation, reflections, and loss behaviors that emerge only at high frequencies.
By using calibrated, traceable test setups, LCAs ensure measurement accuracy across both electrical and optical paths, helping engineers optimize the design of modulators, PICs, and other advanced photonic components for performance at data rates such as 112 Gb/s, 224 Gb/s, and beyond.
Start by considering the frequency range your application requires. Keysight LCAs support measurements up to 110 GHz. Also consider the type of components you're testing (active vs. passive), the need for electro-optical vs. electrical-only testing, and whether traceable calibration and turnkey integration are important for your workflow.
Keysight’s application experts can help you identify the best solution for your specific testing requirements. Your application needs will change which network analyzer and optical converters you will need, and the experts will help you select the appropriate solution bundle.