Agilent/Keysight 8473C

The Agilent/Keysight 8473C is a precision Low-Barrier Schottky Diode (LBSD) detector engineered for accurate RF power measurements in coaxial systems. It converts RF power levels into proportional DC voltage with excellent broadband performance across 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz. The detector operates without external bias and delivers superior frequency flatness and SWR characteristics compared to point-contact diode designs.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz


• Diode Type: Low-Barrier Schottky Diode (LBSD) with low origin resistance and low junction capacitance


• Input Impedance: 50 Ω nominal


• Output Impedance: 1 to 2 kΩ (typically 1.3 kΩ) shunted by 20 to 60 pF (typically 30 pF)


• Maximum Continuous Input Power: 200 mW


• Maximum Short-Term Input Power (< 1 minute): 1 W


• Output Noise: 0.5 mV/µW to 18 GHz; > 0.18 mV/µW to 26.5 GHz


• High-Level Sensitivity: < 3.5 mV produces 100 mV output (to 18 GHz)


• Frequency Response Flatness: ±0.3 dB to 12.4 GHz; ±0.6 dB to 20 GHz; ±1.5 dB (with -3.3 dB linear slope) from 20 GHz to 26.5 GHz; octave band flatness ±0.2 dB


• Return Loss (SWR): 1.2 to 4 GHz; 1.5 to 18 GHz; 2.2 to 26.5 GHz


• Output Polarity: Negative (standard); positive polarity available with Option 003


• Operating Temperature: -20 °C to +85 °C


• Input Connector: 3.5 mm male (SMA compatible)


• Output Connector: BNC female

Key Features

• No bias voltage required for operation


• Octave band flatness of ±0.2 dB ensures consistent performance across decade-wide frequency bands


• Option 001 provides matched detector pairs with ±0.2 dB tracking from 0.01 to 12.4 GHz and ±0.3 dB from 0.01 to 18 GHz


• Option 002 external square law load extends square-law measurement region


• Environmental qualification: 100 G shock (11 ms), 20 G vibration (80–2,000 Hz), < 95% relative humidity, 4,570 m altitude rating

Typical Applications

• RF power sensing in measurement systems


• Power leveling in microwave sweepers


• Broadband power detection from microwave to millimeter-wave frequencies

Compatibility & Integration The 8473C integrates into 50 Ω coaxial measurement systems via SMA input connector and delivers DC output through BNC connector for direct interface with power meters and data acquisition equipment.