Agilent / Keysight N8487A Thermocouple Power Sensors 50 MHz to 50 GHz

The Keysight N8487A is a thermocouple power sensor engineered for precision RF and microwave power measurements from 50 MHz to 50 GHz. Built on proven thermocouple technology, it delivers accurate, repeatable power detection with exceptional SWR performance and NIST-traceable calibration. The sensor stores calibration factors in onboard EEPROM, eliminating manual coefficient entry and reducing setup time in production and service environments.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 50 MHz to 50 GHz


• Measurement Range: -35 dBm to +20 dBm (standard); -30 dBm to +20 dBm with Option CFT; 1 µW to 100 mW equivalent


• Impedance: 50 ohm


• Connector: 2.4 mm male


• Power Linearity: <1%


• SWR: 1.15 typical across 50 MHz to 50 GHz at 25 °C ± 10 °C


• Damage Level (Average Power): +25 dBm


• Damage Level (Peak Power): 15 W / 2 µs


• Dimensions: 121 mm × 38 mm × 30 mm (L × W × H)


• Net Weight: 0.154 kg

Key Features

• Thermocouple detection delivers high accuracy and exceptional power repeatability across the full frequency range


• Low SWR (1.15) minimizes mismatch uncertainty in measurement chains


• Onboard EEPROM calibration storage - no manual factor entry required


• NIST-traceable calibration ensures metrological validity


• Handles both average and peak power measurement scenarios

Compatibility & Integration Backward compatible with Agilent and Keysight EPM, EPM-P, and P-Series power meters. Option CFT provides SCPI code compatibility with the 8480 series. Not compatible with Keysight 43x, E1416A, N8262A power meters, 5314x microwave counters, or E7495x base station test sets.