The Keysight R8486A is a high-performance thermocouple waveguide power sensor designed for accurate average power measurements in the Ka-band (26.5 GHz to 40 GHz). It features an exceptionally low SWR of 1.40 to minimize mismatch uncertainty, a 50 MHz calibration port for precise traceability to NIST standards, and broad compatibility with Keysight's EPM, EPM-P, and P-series power meters, as well as legacy systems like the 43X series.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | Proprietary 12-pin connector (for connection to power meter via sensor cable) |
| Display | None (uses host power meter display) |
| Compatible Sensor Cables | Keysight 11730 series |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | Powered directly by the connected power meter via sensor cable |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 55 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 38 mm × 49 mm × 121 mm |
| Weight | 0.31 kg |
Measurement Ranges & Power Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range Minimum | 26.5 GHz |
| Frequency Range Maximum | 40 GHz |
| Power Measurement Range Minimum | -30 dBm |
| Power Measurement Range Maximum | +20 dBm |
| Power Measurement Range | -30 dBm to +20 dBm (1 µW to 100 mW) |
Sensor Technology & Architecture
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor Detection Type | Thermocouple |
| Measurement Modes Supported | Average Power |
RF Port Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Connector Type | Waveguide flange, UG-599/U |
| Waveguide Size | WR-28 |
| Maximum SWR | 1.40 |
Accuracy, Calibration & Noise
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Calibration Port | 50 MHz reference calibration port |
| Calibration Traceability | US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) |
Meter Compatibility & System Integration
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatible Power Meters | EPM, EPM-P, P-series, E1416A VXI, discontinued 70100A, discontinued 43X series (e.g., 435B, 436A, 437B, 438A) |
Maximum Ratings
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Continuous Input Power | 300 mW (+25 dBm) |
| Maximum Peak Input Power | 15 W (for pulse width < 10 µs) |
RF Interface
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Waveguide Flange Type | UG-599/U |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature Range | -55 to +75 °C |
| Operating Humidity | Up to 95% RH at 40 °C (non-condensing) |
Inputs & Outputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Calibration Port Connector | APC-3.5 (male) |
Calibration
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Calibration Port Reference Frequency | 50 MHz |
Technology
Thermocouple
Applications
RF & Microwave Power Measurement