The Agilent 8481A is a broadband thermocouple power sensor engineered for accurate average power measurements from 10 MHz to 18 GHz. It connects directly to Agilent and Keysight power meters via a precision Type-N male connector and delivers traceable, NIST-calibrated measurements across a dynamic range of −30 dBm to +20 dBm (1 µW to 100 mW). The sensor presents a 50 ohm load and exhibits excellent SWR characteristics, minimizing mismatch uncertainty in RF and microwave test environments.
Technical Specifications
• Frequency Range: 10 MHz to 18 GHz
• Measurement Range: −30 dBm to +20 dBm (1 µW to 100 mW)
• Sensing Element: Thermocouple
• Impedance: 50 ohm
• Connector: Type-N male (precision)
• Accuracy: Traceable to NIST
• SWR: Excellent (reducing mismatch uncertainty)
• Operating Temperature: 0° to 55°C
• Storage/Shipment Temperature: −40° to +75°C
• Operating Humidity: Less than 95% RH
• Maximum Operating Altitude: 4,572 meters (15,000 feet)
• Maximum Storage Altitude: 7,600 meters (25,000 feet)
– Key Features
• Thermocouple-based measurement element for stability and accuracy
• Precision Type-N connector ensures repeatable RF coupling
• NIST-traceable calibration for standards compliance
• Excellent SWR performance reduces systematic error in impedance-mismatched circuits
• Direct integration with legacy and modern Agilent/Keysight power meter platforms
– Typical Applications
• Radar system power monitoring and validation
• Satellite communication RF signal analysis
• Wireless communications power measurement
• Broadband RF/microwave power characterization
– Compatibility & Integration
The 8481A operates with Agilent 435A/B, 436A, 437A, 438A series meters; the 70100A and E1416A VXI platforms; EPM series instruments (E4418B, E4419B); EPM-P series meters (E4416A, E4417A); and modern N-series power meters (N1911A, N1912A, N1913A, N1914A).
