The Keysight (formerly Agilent HP) 8487A is a high-performance thermocouple power sensor designed for accurate average power measurements over a wide frequency range from 50 MHz to 50 GHz. It features exceptional SWR characteristics to minimize mismatch uncertainty, and is compatible with a wide array of legacy and modern Keysight power meters.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | None (connects to power meter via proprietary cable) |
| Warm-up Time | 30 minutes |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | Powered by connected power meter |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 55 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 38 mm × 30 mm × 138 mm |
| Weight | 0.14 |
Measurement Ranges & Power Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range Minimum | 50 MHz |
| Frequency Range Maximum | 50 GHz |
| Power Measurement Range Minimum | -30 dBm (1 µW) |
| Power Measurement Range Maximum | +20 dBm (100 mW) |
| Maximum Continuous Input Power | 300 mW (+25 dBm) |
| Maximum Peak Input Power | 15 W (for duration <= 2 µs) |
| Maximum DC Input Voltage | 0 V |
Sensor Technology & Architecture
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor Detection Type | Thermocouple |
| Measurement Modes Supported | Average Power |
| Dynamic Range | 50 dB |
RF Port Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Input Impedance | 50 Ω |
| RF Connector Type | 2.4 mm |
| Connector Sex | Male |
| Maximum SWR (50 MHz to 100 MHz) | 1.15 |
| Maximum SWR (100 MHz to 2 GHz) | 1.10 |
| Maximum SWR (2 GHz to 12.4 GHz) | 1.15 |
| Maximum SWR (12.4 GHz to 18 GHz) | 1.18 |
| Maximum SWR (18 GHz to 26.5 GHz) | 1.25 |
| Maximum SWR (26.5 GHz to 40 GHz) | 1.35 |
| Maximum SWR (40 GHz to 50 GHz) | 1.50 |
Accuracy, Calibration & Noise
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Linearity | -30 to +10 dBm: < ±1%; +10 to +20 dBm: +3%, -4% |
| Zero Set | ±50 nW |
Meter Compatibility & System Integration
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatible Power Meters | Keysight EPM, EPM-P, P-series, E1416A VXI, 70100A, 435B, 436A, 437B, 438A |
| Calibration Factor Storage | Printed table on sensor label |
Environmental Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature Range | -40 to +75 °C |
| Operating Humidity Range | Up to 95% at 40 °C (non-condensing) |
Accessories
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Included Accessories | Keysight 11708A 30 dB reference attenuator |
Compatibility
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatible Cables | Keysight 11730 series power sensor cables |
Calibration
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Calibration Reference Frequency | 50 MHz |
| Calibration Attenuator Model | Keysight 11708A |
| Calibration Attenuator Attenuation | 30 dB |
| Calibration Attenuator SWR | 1.05 (at 50 MHz) |
| Calibration Attenuator Connectors | Type-N (m) to 2.4 mm (f) |
Inputs & Outputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor Connector | 12-pin male |
Technology
Thermocouple
Applications
RF and Microwave Power Measurement