The Keysight U8487A is a high-performance USB thermocouple power sensor designed to deliver fast, accurate average power measurements across an expansive frequency range of 10 MHz (or DC with Option CFT) up to 50 GHz. It features a patented real-time internal zero and calibration capability, eliminating the need for external calibration source connection and saving valuable test time.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | USB 2.0, Micro-B connector |
| Display | None (Requires host PC software or compatible Keysight instrument) |
| SCPI Compliance | SCPI-1999 |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | USB bus powered, 5 V nominal, < 1.1 W typical power consumption |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 55 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 46 mm × 36 mm × 134 mm |
| Weight | 0.262 |
Measurement Ranges & Power Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range Minimum | 10 MHz (Option 100) / DC (Option CFT) |
| Frequency Range Maximum | 50 GHz |
| Power Measurement Range Minimum | -35 dBm |
| Power Measurement Range Maximum | +20 dBm |
| Maximum Continuous Input Power | +25 dBm average |
| Maximum Peak Input Power | +25 dBm peak |
| Maximum DC Input Voltage | 10 V (Option 100) / 0 V (Option CFT) |
Sensor Technology & Architecture
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor Detection Type | Thermocouple |
| Measurement Modes Supported | Average power |
| Dynamic Range | 55 dB |
RF Port Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Input Impedance | 50 Ω |
| RF Connector Type | 2.4 mm |
| Connector Sex | Male |
| Maximum SWR (10 MHz to 2 GHz) | 1.11 |
| Maximum SWR (2 GHz to 12.4 GHz) | 1.17 |
| Maximum SWR (12.4 GHz to 30 GHz) | 1.24 |
| Maximum SWR (30 GHz to 40 GHz) | 1.30 |
| Maximum SWR (40 GHz to 50 GHz) | 1.35 |
Accuracy, Calibration & Noise
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Linearity | < 0.80% (-35 dBm to +20 dBm) |
| Internal Calibration Support | Yes (Real-time internal zero and calibration) |
| Recommended Calibration Cycle | 1 year |
Connectivity & Host Interfaces
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Interface Type | USB 2.0 (High Speed / Full Speed compatible) |
| Interface Connector Type | Micro-B |
| Current Draw | < 230 mA typical |
| Command Set Support | SCPI |
| Driver Support | IVI-COM, IVI-C, LabVIEW |
| Software Compatibility | Keysight BenchVue Power Meter App, BV0007B |
Meter Compatibility & System Integration
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatible Power Meter Models | PC-based operation, select Keysight instruments (FieldFox, MXG) |
| Calibration Factor Storage Type | Internal EEPROM (automatically loaded into sensor) |
Environmental Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| Maximum Operating Altitude | 4600 m (15000 ft) |
| Vibration Resistance | Tested to MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3 random vibration |
| Shock Resistance | Tested to MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3 half-sine shock |
Regulatory Compliance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| EMC Standards Compliance | IEC 61326-1, EN 55011, ICES/NMB-001 |
| Safety Standards Compliance | IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1, CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1 |
| RoHS Compliance | Yes |
Physical Dimensions & Weight
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor Width | 46 mm |
| Sensor Height | 36 mm |
| Sensor Depth | 134 mm |
| Standard Accessories Included | USB cable (1.5 m), Certificate of Calibration, Quick Start Guide |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Zero Set | 25 nW |
| Zero Drift | 7 nW (over 1 hour at constant temperature) |
| Measurement Noise | 80 nW |
| Measurement Speed (Free Run) | 40 readings/s |
| Measurement Speed (Fast Mode) | 400 readings/s |
| Measurement Speed (Buffered Mode) | 900 readings/s |
| Warm-up Time | 45 minutes |
| Input Coupling | AC |
| Built-In Real-Time Measurement Uncertainty Calculation | Supported (calculates overall uncertainty on-the-fly based on SWR, calibration factor, linearity, and temperature) |
| Aperture Time Configurable Range | 1 ms to 10 s |
Connectivity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| USB Class Compliance | USB-TMC (Test and Measurement Class) |
Triggering
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| External Triggering Option | Option 100 (adds external trigger I/O capability via 5-pin multi-functional cable) |
Calibration
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Internal Calibration Reference Type | Built-in DC reference (eliminates the need for an external 50 MHz source) |
Technology
Thermocouple
Applications
RF and Microwave Power Measurement