Keysight (Agilent) E8486A Waveguide Power Sensor

The Keysight (Agilent) E8486A Waveguide Power Sensor delivers precise power measurements across the 60 to 90 GHz millimeter-wave band using WR-12 waveguide coupling. Built on Modified Barrier Integrated Diode (MBID) sensing technology, it achieves measurement linearity better than ±1% across much of its dynamic range and typical power measurement accuracy of ±0.5 dB. The sensor's exceptional SWR performance - down to 1.06 across the primary band - minimizes mismatch-induced measurement uncertainty.

Diode-based architecture enables 500 readings per second with measurement noise below 450 pW, making it suitable for precision characterization of millimeter-wave components, subsystems, and research applications demanding traceable, low-uncertainty power data.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 60 GHz to 90 GHz (Option 201 extended coverage: 54 GHz to 95 GHz)


• Power Measurement Range: Option 100: −30 dBm to +20 dBm (1 μW to 100 mW); Option 200: −60 dBm to +20 dBm (1 nW to 100 mW); Option 201: −60 dBm to +20 dBm across extended range


• Power Linearity: −30 dBm to +10 dBm: <±1%; +10 dBm to +20 dBm: <±2% (EPM series), <+1%/−3% (other Keysight meters); −60 dBm to −30 dBm: <±1.5%


• Power Measurement Accuracy: ±0.5 dB typical


• Maximum Input Power: +30 dBm; 200 mW average / 1 W peak (10 µs pulse, 0.5% duty cycle); 200 mW average / 40 W peak (10 µs pulse, 0.5% duty cycle)


• VSWR: Typically 30 dB return loss) at band center; Option 201: <1.35 (54–90–95 GHz), 20 dB


• Measurement Noise: <450 pW typical


• Zero Set Uncertainty: <±200 pW typical


• Measurement Speed: 500 readings per second


• Waveguide Interface: WR-12 / UG-387/U


• Calibration Port: 50 MHz

Key Features

• Diode power sensing with MBID technology for fast response and low noise


• Excellent SWR minimizes systematic mismatch errors in quantitative measurements


• 50 MHz calibration port for independent zero and power reference verification


• Sensitivity to 1 μW enables detection of very low signal levels

Typical Applications

• Millimeter-wave component characterization and validation


• High-frequency power meter integration in research and production test


• Mismatch-critical power measurement in 60–90 GHz systems

Compatibility & Integration Fully compatible with Keysight EPM Series (E4418B/19B, N1913A/14A/14B), EPM-P Series (E4416A/17A), and P-Series (N1911A/12A) power meters. Calibration and traceability to US National Institute standards.