Keysight 8471E Planar-Doped Barrier Diode Detector, 0.01 to 12 GHz

The Keysight 8471E is a planar-doped barrier diode detector engineered for RF and microwave signal detection from 0.01 GHz to 12 GHz. Built on proven PDB diode technology, this detector delivers stable, consistent performance across a broad frequency spectrum. It excels in leveling loops, power monitoring, and wideband video detection applications where precision and reliability are essential.

Technical Specifications

Frequency Range: 0.01 GHz to 12 GHz (10 MHz to 12 GHz) Frequency Response:

• ±0.23 dB to 4 GHz


• ±0.6 dB to 8 GHz


• ±0.85 dB to 12 GHz Maximum SWR (Standing Wave Ratio):


• 1.2 to 4 GHz


• 1.7 to 8 GHz


• 2.4 to 12 GHz Power Handling:


• Maximum operating input power: 200 mW


• Typical short-term maximum input power (< 1 minute): 0.7 W Electrical Characteristics:


• Low-level sensitivity: Greater than 0.5 mV/µW


• Diode video impedance (RV): Approximately 1.5 kΩ at 25 °C and Pin ≤ –20 dBm


• RF bypass capacitor (CB): Approximately 30 pF nominal


• Output polarity: Negative (standard); positive polarity available with option 103 Connectors:


• Input: SMA male


• Output: SMC male

Key Features

• Wideband operation spanning three octaves enables multi-band measurement without detector switching


• Predictable frequency response ensures accurate signal quantification across the entire operating range


• Low-cost design without performance compromise

Typical Applications

• Leveling loops in RF instrumentation


• Power monitoring in microwave systems


• Wideband video detection

Compatibility & Integration The 8471E integrates into Keysight RF and microwave instrumentation ecosystems and is compatible with the 8474 line of PDB detectors.