The Agilent/Keysight R8486A is a thermocouple power sensor engineered for precision power measurement in waveguide systems operating from 26.5 GHz to 40 GHz. The sensor employs a thermocouple-based measurement architecture with two junctions fabricated on a silicon chip: a hot junction positioned at the resistive element and a cold junction at the chip perimeter. This dual-junction design delivers stable, accurate readings with minimal SWR to reduce mismatch uncertainty.
Technical Specifications
• Frequency Range: 26.5 GHz to 40 GHz
• Power Measurement Range: -30 dBm to +20 dBm (1 µW to 100 mW)
• Waveguide Flange: UG-599/U
• Measurement Mechanism: Thermocouple sensor on silicon chip
• Calibration Port: 50 MHz calibration port for traceability to NIST millimeter-wave sensor calibration standards
• SWR: Low, for reduced mismatch uncertainty
• Weight: Approximately 5 lbs
– Key Features
• Two-junction thermocouple configuration on monolithic silicon substrate
• Excellent low SWR minimizes measurement error from source mismatch
• NIST-traceable calibration provides metrological validity
• Calibration port at 50 MHz enables simplified periodic verification
• Standard UG-599/U waveguide interface for direct integration into test setups
– Typical Applications
• Millimeter-wave power measurement in the Ka band (26.5–40 GHz)
• Waveguide-based RF system characterization and validation
• High-frequency power monitoring in laboratory and production environments
– Compatibility & Integration
The R8486A mates with Keysight EPM series power meters (E4418A/B, E4419A/B, N1913A/14A), EPM-P series (E4416A/17A), P-series (N1911A/12A), 70100A, and E1416A VXI instrumentation. Legacy support includes discontinued Agilent/HP 435A/B, 436A, 437A, and 438A series meters. This sensor is obsolete.
