The Keysight N8487A is a high-accuracy thermocouple RF power sensor designed to operate over a wide frequency range from 50 MHz to 50 GHz. Replaced and upgraded from the legacy 8480 series, the N8487A features built-in EEPROM for automated calibration factor loading, eliminating manual entry and reducing setup errors. It delivers excellent linearity, SWR, and repeatability for precise power measurements in R&D, manufacturing, and calibration applications.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | Keysight/Agilent 11730 series power sensor cable interface |
| Display | None (results displayed on connected power meter) |
| Sensor Type | Thermocouple |
| Recommended Calibration Cycle | 1 year |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | Powered directly via connection to compatible power meter |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 55 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 38 mm × 30 mm × 121 mm |
| Weight | 0.18 kg (0.4 lb) |
RF & Performance Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 50 MHz to 50 GHz |
| Power Measurement Range (Standard Mode) | -35 dBm to +20 dBm |
| Power Measurement Range (Option CFT Mode) | -30 dBm to +20 dBm |
| Maximum Average Power Damage Threshold | +25 dBm (300 mW) |
| Maximum Peak Power Damage Threshold | +25 dBm (300 mW) average, 15 VDC max |
| Nominal Impedance | 50 Ω |
| VSWR (0.05 to 0.1 GHz) | < 1.15 |
| VSWR (0.1 to 2.0 GHz) | < 1.10 |
| VSWR (2.0 to 12.4 GHz) | < 1.15 |
| VSWR (12.4 to 18.0 GHz) | < 1.18 |
| VSWR (18.0 to 26.5 GHz) | < 1.25 |
| VSWR (26.5 to 40.0 GHz) | < 1.33 |
| VSWR (40.0 to 50.0 GHz) | < 1.45 |
| Power Linearity (-35 to +15 dBm, 15 to 35 °C) | ±0.52% |
| Power Linearity (-35 to +15 dBm, 0 to 55 °C) | ±0.80% |
| Power Linearity (+15 to +20 dBm, 15 to 35 °C) | ±1.66% |
| Power Linearity (+15 to +20 dBm, 0 to 55 °C) | ±2.24% |
| Zero Set (Standard Mode) | ±25 nW |
| Zero Set (Option CFT Mode) | ±50 nW |
| Zero Drift (Standard Mode) | < ±3 nW |
| Zero Drift (Option CFT Mode) | < ±10 nW |
| Measurement Noise | < 110 nW |
Electrical and Compatibility
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatible Power Meters | Keysight EPM (N1913A/14A, E4418B/19B), EPM-P (E4416A/17A), P-Series (N1911A/12A) |
| Internal EEPROM Calibration Table | Yes (pre-loaded with calibration factors; disabled in Option CFT) |
| Cable Requirements | Keysight 11730 series power sensor cables |
Physical & Mechanical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Connector Type | 2.4 mm male |
| Connector Coupling Nut Torque Limit | 0.9 N·m (8 lb·in) |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature Range | -40 to +70 °C |
| Relative Humidity (Operating) | Up to 95% RH at 40 °C (non-condensing) |
| Relative Humidity (Storage) | Up to 90% RH at 65 °C (non-condensing) |
| Maximum Operating Altitude | 4,600 meters (15,000 feet) |
| Maximum Storage Altitude | 15,240 meters (50,000 feet) |
| Shock | 1000 G, 0.5 ms half-sine |
| Vibration | 10 to 500 Hz, 3.2 G rms |
Product Options & Accessories
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Option CFT | Legacy 8480 series emulation (no EEPROM, calibration chart on label) |
Compliance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Safety Compliance | IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1, CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1, UL 61010-1 |
| EMC Compliance | IEC 61326-1, EN 61326-1, CISPR 11 Class A, AS/NZS CISPR 11, ICES/NMB-001 |
Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Input DC Voltage | 10 V |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Warm-up Time | 30 minutes |
Technology
Thermocouple
Applications
RF and Microwave Power Measurement