Abstract: A method to verify that a test and measurement system continues to operate within a predetermined acceptable range with respect to a given calibrated state previously defined for that system without the need for conventional external reference components. In accordance with one embodiment, performance verification of a network analyzer used to perform electrical measurements is achieved by storing RF "thru" measurement data (an RF thru measurement trace of the system) at the time of calibration at the factory or later repair and/or recalibration at a field service site. In accordance with another embodiment, performance verification of a lightwave component analyzer, used to perform electrical, electro-optical, opto-electrical, and optical measurements, is achieved by storing RF and optical thru measurement data (both an RF thru measurement trace of the system and an optical thru measurement trace of the system) at the time of calibration at the factory or later repair and/or recalibration.

Abstract: A lightwave component analyzer comprising at least an internal optical receiver and preferably also comprising an internal optical source which are selectively connectable by switches configurable by means of an internal or an external instrument controller for calibration and performance of electro-optical, opto-electrical, and optical measurements. The switches are arranged in a switch matrix. The configurable switch matrix is connected by the instrument controller in response to selection of a measurement by a user to facilitate calibration of, and test measurements of devices under test with, the lightwave component analyzer.

Abstract: A lightwave component analyzer and method for determining chromatic dispersion in single mode optical fiber. The lightwave component analyzer initially performs various measurements that are used in the determination of chromatic dispersion in single mode optical fiber. The lightwave component analyzer then computes a chromatic dispersion factor using the measured parameters, as well as additional parameters which are stored in the analyzer or entered by a user. Various expressions are described for computation of chromatic dispersion in single mode optical fiber.