The Keysight (formerly Agilent HP) E4418A is a high-performance, single-channel programmable RF power meter belonging to the EPM Series. Designed for benchtop and automatic test equipment (ATE) systems, it provides fast, accurate, and repeatable power measurements. It features complete compatibility with HP/Agilent 8480 and E-series power sensors (excluding the E9320A family), allowing measurements across a broad range of frequencies (100 kHz to 110 GHz) and power levels (-70 dBm to +44 dBm) depending on the attached sensor.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesGPIB (IEEE-488.2), RS-232, RS-422, Recorder Output (BNC)
DisplayHigh-resolution backlit LCD
Non-Volatile RAM Battery Life5 years typical

Physical

ParameterValue
Operating Temperature0 to 55
Dimensions (W×H×D)212.6 mm × 88.5 mm × 348.3 mm
Weight4.0 kg

Measurement Performance

ParameterValue
Measurement ChannelsSingle-channel
Frequency Range100 kHz to 110 GHz (sensor dependent)
Power Range-70 dBm to +44 dBm (sensor dependent)
Instrumentation Uncertainty±0.5%
Maximum GPIB Rate200 readings/second (with E-series sensors)
Logarithmic Resolution Settings1.0, 0.1, 0.01, and 0.001 dB
Linear Resolution Settings1, 2, 3, and 4 significant digits

Power Reference Oscillator

ParameterValue
Reference Power Output1.00 mW (0.00 dBm)
Reference Output Frequency50 MHz
Reference Power Accuracy (at 25 °C)±0.9%
Reference Power Accuracy (0 to 55 °C)±1.2%
Power Reference VSWR1.06 maximum
Power Reference Connector TypeType-N (female), 50 Ω
Power Reference Connector LocationFront panel (Option 002 for rear panel)

Sensor Compatibility

ParameterValue
Compatible SensorsKeysight/Agilent 8480 series and E-series (except E9320A family)
Calibration Factor Entry ModesManual entry, sensor calibration tables, or automatic download (E-series)
Sensor Calibration TablesUp to 20 tables

Triggering and Timing

ParameterValue
Trigger ModesFree Run, Single, Bus, External
External Trigger Input LevelTTL-compatible (BNC)

Connectivity

ParameterValue
GPIB InterfaceIEEE-488.2 (GPIB) connector
Serial InterfaceRS-232 / RS-422, RJ45 connector
Recorder Output Range0 to 1 V into 1 kΩ
Recorder Output ConnectorBNC (rear panel)
Trigger InputTTL-compatible BNC connector (rear panel)
Ground TerminalBinding post (rear panel)
Maximum Sensor Cable Length61 m (200 ft)
GPIB Interface CapabilitiesSH1, AH1, T6, TE0, L4, LE0, SR1, RL1, PP1, DC1, DT1, C0

User Interface

ParameterValue
Display TypeLiquid Crystal Display (LCD) with LED backlight
Analog Peaking Meter ModeYes (with zoom capability)

Software and Control Features

ParameterValue
Command SetSCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments)
Legacy Emulation ModeHP 437B code compatible
Save/Recall Registers10 states
Relative Measurement ModeYes
Display Offset Range±100 dB
Limit TestingHigh and low limit alarms

Power and Electrical

ParameterValue
Line Voltage Input Range85 to 264 VAC (automatic selection)
Line Frequency Range47 to 440 Hz
Fuse Rating and TypeT1.5A, 250V (slow blow, time lag)

Physical and Mechanical

ParameterValue
Width212.6 mm (8.4 in)
Height88.5 mm (3.5 in)
Depth348.3 mm (13.7 in)
Weight (Net)4.0 kg (8.8 lb)
Weight (Shipping)7.9 kg (17.4 lb)
Rackmount CompatibilityYes (optional rackmount kits available)

Environmental and Standards

ParameterValue
Operating Temperature Range0 to 55 °C
Storage Temperature Range-20 to +70 °C
Operating Humidity RangeUp to 95% RH at 40 °C (non-condensing)
Storage Humidity RangeUp to 90% RH at 65 °C
Maximum Operating Altitude4,600 meters (15,000 feet)
Warm-up Time30 minutes
EMC ComplianceConforms to CE standards
Safety ComplianceConforms to CSA standards

Triggering

ParameterValue
Trigger Delay Range0 to 1.0 s
Trigger Delay Resolution100 µs
External Trigger Jitter±100 µs

Inputs & Outputs

ParameterValue
Recorder Output Impedance1 kΩ (typical)

Power Options

ParameterValue
Option 001 Battery TypeSealed Lead Acid
Option 001 Battery Operating TimeUp to 3 hours (backlight on), up to 4 hours (backlight off)
Option 001 Battery Charge Time3 hours to 90% capacity (instrument off), 24 hours to 90% capacity (instrument on)

Performance

ParameterValue
Calibration Factor Range1.0% to 150.0% in 0.1% increments
Measurement Speed (Normal Mode)20 readings/second
Measurement Speed (Swift Mode)200 readings/second (via GPIB)

Options

ParameterValue
Option 002 ConfigurationRear panel sensor connector and front panel power reference
Option 003 ConfigurationRear panel sensor connector and rear panel power reference

Technology

Diode and Thermocouple RF Power Measurement

Applications

RF and Microwave Power Measurement