The HP/Agilent 8481H is a thermocouple power sensor engineered for direct-connect measurement of RF and microwave power across a wide frequency spectrum. It delivers accurate average power readings from -10 dBm to +35 dBm (100 µW to 3 W) with exceptional linearity and low SWR to minimize mismatch uncertainty. The precision thermocouple sensing element and Type-N connector interface support reliable power characterization in lab, manufacturing, and field environments. NIST-traceable calibration ensures measurement results are verifiable and meet metrological standards.
Technical Specifications
• Frequency Range: 10 MHz to 18 GHz
• Power Measurement Range: -10 dBm to +35 dBm (100 µW to 3 W)
• Sensing Element: Thermocouple
• Connector Type: Precision Type-N
• Impedance: 50 Ohm
• SWR: Low, designed to reduce mismatch uncertainty
• Calibration: Traceable to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
• Measurement Type: Average power
• Shipping Weight: Approximately 2 lb
– Key Features
• Thermocouple detection for stable, temperature-compensated response across the measurement range
• Excellent linearity across -10 dBm to +35 dBm
• Low SWR characteristics minimize reflective losses and measurement error
• 50 Ohm impedance matched to standard RF/microwave test infrastructure
• NIST traceability provides accredited measurement certainty
– Typical Applications
• RF power verification and validation
• Microwave system characterization
• Power amplifier output measurement
• Transmitter power monitoring
– Compatibility & Integration
The 8481H integrates with a broad range of HP/Agilent power meter instruments:
• EPM and EPM-P Series power meters
• P-Series power meters
• 43x Series power meters (including Models 435B, 436A, 437B, 438A)
• Models 70100A, E1416A, E4418A/B, E4419A/B
• Models N1911A, N1912A, N1913A, N1914A
