Agilent / Keysight N8482A Thermocouple Power Sensors 100 kHz to 6 GHz

The Agilent/Keysight N8482A is a thermocouple power sensor delivering precision RF and microwave power measurements from 100 kHz to 6 GHz. Built as a successor to the legacy 8480 series, this sensor combines wide dynamic range, excellent linearity, and integrated calibration storage to streamline power characterization in development and production environments.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 100 kHz to 6 GHz


• Power Measurement Range: −35 dBm to +20 dBm (STD); −30 dBm to +20 dBm (CFT option)


• Power Linearity: <1%


• Accuracy: ±0.5% (23 ± 3 °C), ±0.6% (25 ± 10 °C), ±0.9% (0 to 55 °C) over two years


• Measurement Speed: 20 to 200 readings/second (mode-dependent)


• Measurement Noise: <700 pW to <80 μW (varies by mode and averaging)


• Settling Time: Typical 0 to 99% over GPIB; additional 25 ms across auto-range transitions


• Temperature Operating Range: 0 to 55 °C with built-in compensation


• Connector: Type-N (male)


• Power Output: 1.00 mW (0.0 dBm), ±0.4% traceable to NPL UK

Key Features

• Integrated EEPROM eliminates manual calibration entry into power meters


• NIST-traceable calibration for measurement confidence


• Excellent SWR performance minimizing mismatch uncertainty


• Built-in temperature compensation maintains accuracy across 0 to 55 °C without recalibration in typical use


• Two configuration options: STD (standard) and CFT (calibration factor replacement for legacy 8480 sensors)

Typical Applications RF and microwave power measurement in component characterization, amplifier testing, transmitter validation, and manufacturing quality assurance across communications, aerospace, and defense sectors.

Compatibility & Integration Compatible with EPM-Series (N1913A/14A, E4418B/19B), EPM-P Series (E4416A/17A), and P-Series (N1911A/12A, N8262A) power meters. SCPI code compatible with 8480 series (CFT option) and E-Series sensors (STD option). Not compatible with 43x, E1416A, 5314x microwave counters, or E7495x base station test sets. Firmware upgrades may be required for certain power meter models.