Agilent/Keysight 8482A

The Agilent/Keysight 8482A is a thermocouple power sensor that delivers precise power measurements across RF and microwave frequencies from 100 kHz to 4.2 GHz. Designed for integration with legacy and current Agilent and Keysight power meters, this 50 ohm sensor combines wide dynamic range with NIST-traceable calibration accuracy. The thermocouple sensing element provides stable, repeatable measurements essential for demanding RF characterization and validation tasks.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 100 kHz to 4.2 GHz


• Power Measurement Range: −30 dBm to +20 dBm (1 µW to 100 mW)


• Impedance: 50 ohm


• Connector: Type-N male


• Power Linearity: ±3% at +10 dBm to +20 dBm


• SWR Performance: 1.10 typical (50 MHz to 2 GHz); frequency-dependent variation 1.10 to 1.40 across full band


• Calibration: NIST-traceable

Key Features

• Thermocouple sensing element for stable DC and modulated signal measurement


• Exceptionally low SWR across measurement band minimizes mismatch uncertainty


• Wide dynamic range from 1 µW to 100 mW accommodates both low-level and high-power characterization


• NIST calibration traceability ensures measurement confidence in regulated and quality-critical environments

Typical Applications

• RF power verification and acceptance testing


• Microwave system characterization


• Amplifier and transmitter performance validation


• Network and component power level monitoring

Compatibility & Integration The 8482A connects directly to Agilent/HP power meters (435A/B, 436A, 437A, 438A, 70100A, 43x series) and Keysight models including EPM series (EPM-441A, EPM-442A, E4418A, E4419A, E4418B, E4419B), EPM-P series (E4416A, E4417A), and P-series instruments (N1911A, N1912A, N1913A, N1914A). The E1416A VXI mainframe is also supported. Status: Obsolete - no longer in production but available through secondary market and authorized service channels.