The AQ8460 Optical Component Analyzer is a new approach to characterize optical components used in DWDM networks. The AQ8460 can simultaneously measure and analyze the spectral attenuation of multiple ports on components, such as multiplexers and demultiplexers, fiber Bragg gratings, filters, and isolators. The AQ8460 utilizes a high-performance tunable laser source (accuracy <±0.01nm, SMSR>70dB) and multiple optical power meters (AQ8461-23). While the tunable laser source is sweeping. synchronously and simultaneously all optical power meters sample power at every wavelength on all component outputs. This approach is faster than the traditional method that measures each output individually using an OSA when output ports increase.