Agilent/Keysight X486A

The Agilent/Keysight X486A is a waveguide thermistor mount for X-band power measurement in microwave and millimeter-wave systems. It delivers high-accuracy power detection across the 8.20 GHz to 12.4 GHz band, with sensitivity down to one microwatt. Temperature compensation minimizes drift even under thermal shock, ensuring stable readings in demanding field and lab environments.

Each unit ships with NIST-traceable calibration factors and effective efficiency data at six discrete frequencies, enabling verified measurements traceable to national standards. The X486A pairs with external power meters - such as the Keysight 432A - to form a complete measurement solution.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 8.20 GHz to 12.4 GHz (X-band)


• Maximum SWR: 1.5


• Minimum Measurable Power: 1 µW


• Temperature Compensation: Minimizes drift under thermal shock conditions


• Calibration: Factor and effective efficiency at six frequencies, NIST-traceable


• Interface: Waveguide (X-band standard)

Key Features

• Single-microwatt sensitivity for low-level power detection in broadband microwave circuits


• Temperature-compensated design maintains accuracy across operational extremes


• NIST-traceable calibration at six frequencies ensures measurement credibility and regulatory compliance


• Low SWR (1.5 maximum) minimizes reflective loss and measurement error

Typical Applications

• Microwave power measurement in test and alignment procedures


• X-band system characterization and validation


• Thermal shock environments requiring stable, low-drift performance


• Field service and laboratory power audits

Compatibility & Integration Designed for use with the Keysight 432A and compatible waveguide-input power meters. The thermistor mount accepts standard X-band waveguide connectors and integrates directly into existing measurement setups without additional adapters or interfaces.