The Keysight Technologies N8486AR is a high-performance thermocouple waveguide power sensor designed for accurate RF and microwave power measurements in the Ka-band (26.5 GHz to 40.0 GHz). Operating across a power range of -35 dBm to +20 dBm, this WR-28 waveguide sensor features excellent VSWR (1.08 max) and built-in EEPROM calibration table storage for seamless compatibility with EPM, EPM-P, and P-series power meters.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | 12-pin male connector (sensor cable port), BNC female (calibration input) |
| Display | No built-in display (displays via host power meter) |
| Net Weight | 0.26 kg (0.57 lbs) |
| Calibration Cycle | 1 year |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | Supplied by compatible Keysight power meter |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 55 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 48 mm × 38 mm × 135 mm |
| Weight | 0.26 kg |
Measurement & Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 26.5 GHz to 40.0 GHz |
| Power Measurement Range | -30 dBm to +20 dBm (1 µW to 100 mW) |
| Sensor Technology | Thermocouple |
| Maximum Continuous Wave (CW) Input Power | +25 dBm (316 mW) |
| Maximum Peak Input Power | +30 dBm (1 W) for <10 µs duration |
| Maximum Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) | 1.40 |
| Power Linearity (-35 to +15 dBm) | Power Linearity (-30 to +15 dBm) = ±0.52% (at 25 °C ± 10 °C) |
| Power Linearity (+15 to +20 dBm) | Power Linearity (+15 to +20 dBm) = ±0.80% (at 25 °C ± 10 °C) |
| Zero Set | ≤ 200 nW |
| Zero Drift | ≤ ±40 nW (within 1 hour after zeroing) |
| Measurement Noise | ≤ 110 nW (with average of 512, at 25 °C ± 5 °C) |
RF & Physical Interface
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Input Port Type | WR-28 Waveguide |
| Waveguide Flange Designation | UG-599/U |
| Reference Calibration Port | BNC (female) |
| Host Connection Port | 12-pin male |
| Host Connection Cable Compatibility | Keysight 11730A series |
System Compatibility
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatible Power Meters | Keysight EPM (N1913A, N1914A, E4418B, E4419B), EPM-P (E4416A, E4417A), P-Series (N1911A, N1912A) |
Calibration
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Calibration Factor Storage | EEPROM (standard model) / Paper table (Option CFT) |
| Reference Calibration Input Frequency | 50 MHz |
| Reference Calibration Input Power | 1 mW (0 dBm) |
Environmental & Safety
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to 55 °C |
| Storage Temperature Range | -40 °C to 70 °C |
| Operating Humidity Range | Up to 95% RH at 40 °C (non-condensing) |
| Storage Humidity Range | Up to 90% RH at 65 °C (non-condensing) |
| Operating Altitude | Up to 4,600 m (15,000 ft) |
| Storage Altitude | Up to 15,240 m (50,000 ft) |
| Shock Resistance | 30 g half-sine, 11 ms duration |
| Vibration Resistance | Random: 5 to 500 Hz, 3.21 g rms |
| Environmental Compliance | MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3 |
RF Connector/Interface
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Waveguide Size | WR-28 |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Calibration Factor Uncertainty (Max) | ±4.8% (26.5 to 40.0 GHz) |
| Calibration Factor Uncertainty (Typical) | ±2.2% (26.5 to 40.0 GHz) |
| Temperature Coefficient (-35 to +15 dBm) | < 0.15% / °C (0 to 55 °C) |
| Temperature Coefficient (+15 to +20 dBm) | < 0.20% / °C (0 to 55 °C) |
Ordering Information
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Available Options | Option 100 (Standard version with integrated EEPROM), Option CFT (Legacy-compatible version requiring manual calibration factor entry, no EEPROM) |
Inputs & Outputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor Connector Type | Keysight 12-pin male custom connector |
Technology
Thermocouple Power Sensor
Applications
RF & Microwave Power Measurement