The Agilent/Keysight E4418A is a programmable single-channel power meter engineered for precise RF and microwave power measurements from 100 kHz to 110 GHz. This instrument delivers measurement speeds up to 200 readings per second over GPIB and supports both legacy 8480 series and modern E-series power sensors, providing dynamic range up to 90 dB with ECP sensors or 50 dB with 8480 series sensors. The E4418A combines benchtop simplicity with full ATE integration capability, featuring a high-resolution LCD display, selectable measurement resolution, and instrumentation accuracy of ±0.02 dB in log mode or ±0.5% in linear mode. Its compact form factor, bail handle, and protective bumpers make it suitable for field and laboratory use.
Technical Specifications
Measurement Range and Performance
• Frequency range: 100 kHz to 110 GHz (sensor dependent)
• Power range: −70 dBm to +44 dBm (100 pW to 25 W)
• Dynamic range: Up to 90 dB (ECP series) or 50 dB (8480 series sensors)
• Measurement speed: Up to 200 readings/second via GPIB with E-series sensors
• Range-switching delays: None with 8480 series over 50 dB; one fast-switch point with E-series over 90 dB
Accuracy and Reference
• Instrumentation accuracy (absolute): ±0.02 dB (log) or ±0.5% (linear)
• Instrumentation accuracy (relative): ±0.04 dB (log) or ±1.0% (linear)
• Power reference: 1.00 mW (0.0 dBm), ±0.7% factory set, NIST traceable
• Overall accuracy (1 year): ±1.2% worst case (±0.9% RSS)
Display and Resolution
• High-resolution LCD with LED backlighting and wide viewing angle
• Log mode: Selectable 1.0, 0.1, 0.01, 0.001 dB resolution (default 0.01 dB)
• Linear mode: 1 to 4 digit resolution (default 3 digits)
• Display units: Absolute (Watts/dBm) or Relative (Percent/dB)
• Store and recall: Up to 10 instrument configurations
– Key Features
• GPIB remote control for full instrument command and monitoring
• Hardkey access to frequent functions; softkey menus for configuration
• Sensor compatibility: HP 8480 series and ECP series (excluding E9320A family)
• Portable design: 4 kg, bail handle, front/rear protective bumpers
• 2× speed improvement over HP 437B when using 8480 series sensors
– Typical Applications
Power measurement across RF and microwave test benches, production ATE systems, and field service operations requiring high-speed, repeatable measurements with extended dynamic range.
