HEWLETT-PACKARD: HP introduces HP 8166A lightwave mu multichannel test system.

M2 PRESSWIRE-22 September 1999-HEWLETT-PACKARD: HP introduces HP 8166A lightwave multichannel test system (C)1994-99 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:210999

* Versatile Tool Reduces Costs by Accelerating Tests

Hewlett-Packard Company today introduces the HP 8166A lightwave multichannel system for engineers and technicians in the manufacturing and research and development of multichannel components, modules and systems in the fiber-optic industry. The new HP 8166A is an economical solution that will meet the demands of today's and tomorrow's test-and-measurement engineers, help minimize costs, increase throughput and save rack space.

"HP's new lightwave multichannel system can improve productivity in the optical-network-equipment industry," said Werner Berkel, general manager of HP's Optical Communication Measurement operation in B blingen, Germany. "The instrument enables test setups that were unavailable before and significantly alters the time-space-cost equation."

Adaptable Modular Design, Compatible with Other Systems

The HP 8166A lightwave multichannel system is a versatile base system with 17 slots for plug-in modules that reduce test costs by accelerating test time. The modules include the following:

* single- or dual-channel power meters;

* single- or dual-fixed light sources;

* compact tunable laser modules; and

* return-loss solutions.

All of these modules can be used in any combination for fast, synchronized, parallel testing of multichannel components, modules or systems. The programming syntax is compatible with the HP 8164A lightwave measurement system (a tunable laser family), the HP 8163A lightwave multimeter mainframe and the HP 8153A. Designed for easy firmware upgrades, the HP 8166A protects a company's investment in the future.

Saves Space, Increases Manufacturing Throughput, Accelerates Test in R&D

The HP 8166A lightwave multichannel system's fast, simultaneous measurement capabilities help manufacturers increase throughput. The HP 8166A saves valuable bench or rack space and provides an excellent price/performance ratio per channel. The system can be integrated easily into existing test environments by using plug-and-play drivers over GPIB (formerly HP-IB) or by using the configurable hardware input- and output-trigger ports. R&D engineers benefit from the quick, multichannel component or system characterizations, as well as from easy trouble-shooting. The HP 8166A is a versatile tool for accelerated multiple stimulus/response measurements at fixed or variable wavelengths. When measurement needs change, engineers can add the necessary modules to the mainframe or expand the multichannel capacity by stacking additional mainframes.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing will be available at a later date. The HP 8166A lightwave multichannel system is expected to ship in November.

About HP

Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services for business and home -- is focused on capitalizing on the opportunities of the Internet and the proliferation of electronic services.

HP had computer-related revenue of $39.5 billion in its 1998 fiscal year. HP plans to launch a new company consisting of its industry-leading test-and-measurement, semiconductor products, chemical-analysis and medical businesses. These businesses represented $7.6 billion of HP's total revenue in fiscal 1998. With leading positions in multiple market segments, this technology-based company will focus on opportunities such as communications and life sciences.

HP has 123,000 employees worldwide and had total revenue of $47.1 billion in its 1998 fiscal year. Information about HP, its products and the company's Year 2000 program can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.

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In addition, the press releases may contain statements that are forward-looking. These statements are based on current expectations as of the date of a particular release. Actual results may differ materially from those projected because of a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in HP's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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