The Keysight Technologies (formerly Agilent / HP) 436A is a high-performance, general-purpose digital RF and microwave power meter. It is designed for both manual and automatic power measurements over a wide frequency and power range using the HP 8480 series power sensors. The instrument displays measurements on a clear 4-digit LED display alongside an analog peaking meter for real-time tuning adjustments.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | GPIB (Option 022) / BCD (Option 024) |
| Display | 4-digit LED display with auxiliary analog peaking meter |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 100 / 120 / 220 / 240 V AC (+5% -10%), 48 to 66 Hz or 360 to 440 Hz, < 23 VA |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 55 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 213 mm × 134 mm × 279 mm |
Measurement Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 100 kHz to 110 GHz (sensor dependent) |
| Power Measurement Range | -70 to +44 dBm (100 pW to 25 W, sensor dependent) |
| Instrumentation Accuracy (Watts) | ±0.5% of reading |
| Instrumentation Accuracy (dBm) | ±0.02 dB |
| Instrumentation Accuracy (dB Relative) | ±0.02 dB |
| Display Units | Watts, dBm, dB (relative) |
| Dynamic Range | 50 dB (in 10 dB steps) |
Internal Power Reference (Calibrator)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Reference RF Frequency | 50 MHz |
| Reference RF Power Output | 1.00 mW (0.00 dBm) |
| Reference Output Accuracy (20 °C to 30 °C) | ±0.7% |
| Reference Output Accuracy (0 °C to 55 °C) | ±1.2% |
| Reference Output VSWR | < 1.05 |
| Reference Output Connector Type | Type-N (female) |
Compatible Sensors & Inputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatible Power Sensors | Agilent/HP 8480 series |
| Calibration Factor Range | 85% to 100% in 1% discrete steps |
| Sensor Input Connector Location | Front panel (standard) or Rear panel (Option 002) |
Display & User Interface
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Display Resolution (Watts) | 0.1% of full scale |
| Display Resolution (dBm/dB) | 0.01 dB |
| Measurement Range Selection | Automatic and Manual |
| Zeroing Control | Front-panel pushbutton auto-zero |
Connectivity & Interface Options
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GPIB Remote Interface Option | Option 022 |
| BCD Interface Option | Option 024 |
| Recorder Analog Output Voltage | 0 to 1.00 V into > 1 MΩ load |
| Recorder Analog Output Impedance | 1 kΩ nominal |
Power Requirements
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Line Frequency Range | 48 Hz to 66 Hz, and 360 Hz to 440 Hz |
| Line Voltage Settings | 100 V / 120 V / 220 V / 240 V (+5%, -10%) |
Physical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | System II half-rack width |
| Net Weight | 4.5 kg (9.9 lbs) |
| Shipping Weight | 5.5 kg (12 lbs) |
Environmental & Reliability
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature Range | -40 to 75 °C |
Accessories & Configuration Options
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Option 002 | Rear panel sensor input connector (Reference Calibrator on rear) |
| Option 908 | Rack flange kit for single-unit mounting |
| Option 909 | Rack flange kit for side-by-side mounting |
Options
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Option 022 | HP-IB interface |
Stability & Noise
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Zero Set (HP 8481A/8482A/8483A) | ±0.5% of full scale on most sensitive range (Range 1) |
| Zero Drift (HP 8481A/8482A/8483A) | ±0.2% of full scale on most sensitive range (Range 1) over 1 hour at constant temperature |
| Measurement Noise (HP 8481A/8482A/8483A) | ±0.1% of full scale on most sensitive range (Range 1) typical |
Response Time
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Response Time (Range 1) | < 10 s (for 99% settled reading) |
| Response Time (Range 2) | < 1 s (for 99% settled reading) |
| Response Time (Range 3) | < 0.1 s (for 99% settled reading) |
| Response Time (Ranges 4 and 5) | < 0.04 s (for 99% settled reading) |
Technology
RF and Microwave Power Meter
Applications
Manual and automatic RF/microwave power measurements