The Keysight U8488A is a high-performance USB thermocouple power sensor designed for fast, accurate, and reliable RF and microwave power measurements from 10 MHz to 67 GHz without the need for external calibration.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | USB 2.0 (USBTMC compliant) |
| Display | None (PC or instrument-based display via software) |
| Sensor Technology | Thermocouple |
| Warm-up Time | 30 minutes |
| Recommended Calibration Cycle | 1 year |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | USB Bus Powered (5 V, < 500 mA) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 55 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 53 mm × 35 mm × 123 mm |
| Weight | 0.222 kg |
RF and Microwave Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 10 MHz to 67 GHz |
| Power Range | -35 dBm to +20 dBm |
| Maximum Average Power (Damage Level) | +25 dBm |
| Maximum Peak Power (Damage Level) | +30 dBm (< 10 µs) |
| Maximum DC Voltage | 15 V |
| RF Connector Type | 1.85 mm male |
| Input Impedance | 50 Ω |
| SWR (10 MHz to 100 MHz) | ≤ 1.15 |
| SWR (100 MHz to 2 GHz) | ≤ 1.15 |
| SWR (2 GHz to 12.4 GHz) | ≤ 1.18 |
| SWR (12.4 GHz to 26.5 GHz) | ≤ 1.22 |
| SWR (26.5 GHz to 40 GHz) | ≤ 1.30 |
| SWR (40 GHz to 50 GHz) | ≤ 1.35 |
| SWR (50 GHz to 67 GHz) | ≤ 1.41 |
Metrological and Calibration Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Internal Zero and Calibration Support | Yes, built-in (eliminates need for external calibration source) |
Dynamic and Measurement Speed Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurement Speed (Fast Mode) | Up to 900 readings/s |
| Measurement Speed (Normal Mode) | Up to 40 readings/s |
Software and Programming Support
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard Programming Language | SCPI |
| Supported Software | Keysight BenchVue, BV0007B Power Meter App |
Environmental and Safety Compliance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C to 70 °C |
| Operating Humidity | Up to 95% RH at 40 °C (non-condensing) |
| Storage Humidity | Up to 90% RH at 65 °C (non-condensing) |
| Operating Altitude | Up to 3,000 m (9,840 ft) |
| Storage Altitude | Up to 15,420 m (50,000 ft) |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Zero Set | < 25 nW |
| Zero Drift | < 7 nW (over 1 hour at constant temperature) |
| Measurement Noise | < 80 nW (free run, 1 average) |
| Power Linearity | ±0.80% (-35 to +20 dBm, 25 °C ± 5 °C) |
| Calibration Factor Uncertainty (10 to 100 MHz) | 1.6% (25 °C ± 5 °C) |
| Calibration Factor Uncertainty (100 MHz to 2 GHz) | 1.4% (25 °C ± 5 °C) |
| Calibration Factor Uncertainty (2 to 12.4 GHz) | 1.6% (25 °C ± 5 °C) |
| Calibration Factor Uncertainty (12.4 to 18 GHz) | 1.7% (25 °C ± 5 °C) |
| Calibration Factor Uncertainty (18 to 26.5 GHz) | 2.0% (25 °C ± 5 °C) |
| Calibration Factor Uncertainty (26.5 to 40 GHz) | 2.1% (25 °C ± 5 °C) |
| Calibration Factor Uncertainty (40 to 50 GHz) | 2.4% (25 °C ± 5 °C) |
| Calibration Factor Uncertainty (50 to 67 GHz) | 3.2% (25 °C ± 5 °C) |
Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Consumption | < 420 mA (operating) |
Frequency Options
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Low-frequency Limit (Option CFT) | 100 kHz |
Triggering
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Trigger Source | Free run, Internal, External, Software |
| Trigger Delay Range | 1 µs to 10 s |
| Trigger Delay Resolution | 1 µs |
| Trigger Jitter | ±1 µs |
| Trigger Latency | 5 µs ± 1 µs |
| Minimum Trigger Pulse Width | 15 ns |
| External Trigger Input Level | TTL compatible (Logic High > 2.0 V, Logic Low < 0.8 V) |
| External Trigger Output Level | TTL compatible (Logic High > 2.4 V, Logic Low < 0.4 V) |
| External Trigger Input Impedance | 10 kΩ (nominal) |
Technology
Thermocouple
Applications
RF and Microwave Power Measurement