Keysight (Agilent) W8486A 75 GHz – 110 GHz, RF Waveguide Power Sensor

The Keysight (Agilent) W8486A is a waveguide power sensor for W-band millimeter-wave applications, delivering precise average power measurements from 75 GHz to 110 GHz. Built around a diode sensing element with SWR less than 1.08, it minimizes mismatch uncertainty and ensures reliable characterization across the full frequency range. The sensor accepts average and CW signals up to 200 mW continuous or 40 W peak (10 µs pulse, 0.5% duty cycle). Calibration is traceable to NIST millimeter-wave sensor standards.

– Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 75 GHz to 110 GHz
• Power Range: −30 dBm to +20 dBm
• Maximum Average Power: 200 mW
• Maximum Peak Power: 40 W (10 µs pulse, 0.5% duty cycle)
• Measurement Type: Average/CW only
• Sensing Element: Diode with square-law characteristic
• SWR: Less than 1.08
• Waveguide Flange: UG-387/U
• Calibration Port: 50 MHz
• Calibration Standard: NIST traceable

– Key Features

• No built-in EEPROM—calibration factors are manually entered into the power meter
• Compact form factor: 7.83 in length × 1.49 in width × 2.36 in height; 0.9 lbs net weight
• Diode-based architecture provides true-average power detection

– Typical Applications

• W-band power measurement and characterization
• Millimeter-wave component testing and validation
• High-frequency RF system diagnostics

– Compatibility & Integration

The W8486A integrates with Keysight EPM, EPM-P, and P-Series power meters, including models N1913/14B, N1913A/14A, E4418B/19B, E4416/17A, and N1911/12A. Legacy compatibility extends to discontinued 43X series instruments, the 70100A, E1416A, E4418A, and E4419A.