Agilent / Keysight N8482A Thermocouple Power Sensors 100 kHz to 6 GHz

The Agilent/Keysight N8482A is a thermocouple power sensor delivering precision RF and microwave power measurements from 100 kHz to 6 GHz. Built as a successor to the legacy 8480 series, this sensor combines wide dynamic range, excellent linearity, and integrated calibration storage to streamline power characterization in development and production environments.

– Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 100 kHz to 6 GHz
• Power Measurement Range: −35 dBm to +20 dBm (STD); −30 dBm to +20 dBm (CFT option)
• Power Linearity: <1%
• Accuracy: ±0.5% (23 ± 3 °C), ±0.6% (25 ± 10 °C), ±0.9% (0 to 55 °C) over two years
• Measurement Speed: 20 to 200 readings/second (mode-dependent)
• Measurement Noise: <700 pW to <80 μW (varies by mode and averaging)
• Settling Time: Typical 0 to 99% over GPIB; additional 25 ms across auto-range transitions
• Temperature Operating Range: 0 to 55 °C with built-in compensation
• Connector: Type-N (male)
• Power Output: 1.00 mW (0.0 dBm), ±0.4% traceable to NPL UK

– Key Features

• Integrated EEPROM eliminates manual calibration entry into power meters
• NIST-traceable calibration for measurement confidence
• Excellent SWR performance minimizing mismatch uncertainty
• Built-in temperature compensation maintains accuracy across 0 to 55 °C without recalibration in typical use
• Two configuration options: STD (standard) and CFT (calibration factor replacement for legacy 8480 sensors)

– Typical Applications

RF and microwave power measurement in component characterization, amplifier testing, transmitter validation, and manufacturing quality assurance across communications, aerospace, and defense sectors.

– Compatibility & Integration

Compatible with EPM-Series (N1913A/14A, E4418B/19B), EPM-P Series (E4416A/17A), and P-Series (N1911A/12A, N8262A) power meters. SCPI code compatible with 8480 series (CFT option) and E-Series sensors (STD option). Not compatible with 43x, E1416A, 5314x microwave counters, or E7495x base station test sets. Firmware upgrades may be required for certain power meter models.