Agilent N8481A Data Sheet

Agilent N8480 Series
Thermocouple Power Sensors

Data Sheet

Why Agilents power meters and sensors?

Reliable, high-performing solutions

Every power meter and sensor from Agilent consistently delivers great results.

A sure investment for many years to come

Code-compatibility between power meters reduces the need for re-coding. Not only that, all Agilent

power meters are backward-compatible with most legacy power sensors.

One specific application: One right solution

Agilent offers a wide selection of power meters and sensors for practically all application needs

wireless communications, radar pulse measurements, component test and more.

Global network support

No matter where you are, Agilent is committed to giving you the 24-hour support you need regarding

our products, applications or services.

Agilents power meters have long been recognized as

the industry standard for RF and microwave

power measurements.

2

Introducing the N8480 Series power sensors

The N8480 Series thermocouple power
sensors are amongst Agilents most
accurate and reliable sensors. These will
eventually replace the 8480 Series
thermocouple range  only better with
EEPROM and extended frequency and
power ranges.

Features

High accuracy with excellent

linearity and noise specifications

Wide dynamic range in a single

sensor

Auto-download of calibration

factor and corrections from EEPROM

Option CFT of the sensors are
available for full code-compatibility
with the 8480 Series

Broad compatibility with existing
power meters: N1911A/12A P­Series, EPM-P Series and EPM Series

Accurate, repeatable
measurements

Heres how: Excellent linearity (1%
approx.) and noise specifications. The
sensors low SWR further enhances
accuracy by minimizing mismatch
uncertainty. As if this werent enough,
these sensors also come with dual-range
power for greater sensitivity to fluctuating
signals, in particular. With high accuracy
and stability, the N8480 helps you test
confidently, faster.

Calibration-easy testing

During test, calibrating your sensor is an
essential step, yet it shouldnt be taking
too much of your time and effort. With
the N8480 sensors, theres no need for
cumbersome keying-in of calibration
factor (CF), nor concern for manual input
errors. Thats because CF, linearity and
temperature corrections are all stored in
the sensors EEPROMauto­downloaded on calibration. Efficient
calibration procedure makes for efficient
testing overall, with N8480.

One sensor, WIDEST range

Pick an N8480 sensorany oneand
youll see how its wide dynamic range
equip you for various applications:
metrology labs, radar, mobile radio,
TDMA, GSM, W-CDMA and WiMAX
among others. With up to 55 dBm wide
dynamic range, the N8480 Series offers
you the widest thermocouple sensor
power range in the industry.

TM

System integration can be a
pain, but not with the N8480

The N8480 Series sensors are backward
compatible with Agilents leading range
of power meters, including the P-Series,
EPM-P Series and EPM Series. All thats
needed is a simple firmware upgrade
thats downloadable from the website,
for free.

Code-wise, 100% of SCPI codes used on
the E-Series sensors are re-usable on
the N8480, and this includes most of the
ones used on the 8480 Series. For code
migration from the 8480 Series, CFT
options of the N8480 sensors and these
will behave much like the 8480 Series
sensors they replace.

,

3

Specification definitions

There are two types of product
specifications:
 Warranted specifications
 Characteristic specifications

Warranted specifications

Warranted specifications are covered by
the product warranty and apply over
0 °C to 55 °C, unless otherwise noted.
Warranted specifications include
Measurement Uncertainty calculated
with 95% confidence.

Characteristic specifications

Characteristic specifications are not
warranted. They describe product
performance that is useful in the
application of the power sensors by
giving typical, but non- warranted
performance parameters. These
characteristics are shown in italics or
denoted as typical, nominal or
approximate.

 The first group of characteristic types
describes 'attributes' common to all
products of a given model or option.
Examples of characteristics that
describe 'attributes' are product weight,
and 50 W input Type- N connector. In
these examples product weight is an
approximate value and a 50 W input is
nominal. These two terms are most
widely used when describing a
product's 'attributes'.

 The second group of characteristic
types describes 'statistically' the
aggregate performance of the
population of products. These
characteristics describe the expected
behavior of the population of products.
They do not guarantee the performance
of any individual product. No
measurement uncertainty value is
accounted for in the specification.
These specifications are referred to as
typical.

Conditions

Characteristic information is
representative of the product. In many
cases, it may also be supplemental to a
warranted specification.

Characteristic specifications are not
verified on all power sensors. The types
of characteristic specifications can be
placed in two groups:

The power meter and sensor meet its
specifications when:

 Stored for a minimum of two hours at
a stable temperature within the
operating temperature range, and
turned on for at least 30 minutes.

 The power meter and power sensor are
within their recommended calibration
periods.

 Used in accordance to the information
provided in the power meters user's
guide.

4

Performance characteristics

Specifications stated hereon refer to all N8480 Series power sensors, unless otherwise stated. The term
standard refers to all N8480 Series sensors except Option CFT.

Frequency and power ranges

Model

N8481A

N8482A

N8485A

N8485A
Option 033

Maximum SWR

Model

N8481A

Frequency band

10 MHz to 30 MHz

30 MHz to 50 MHZ

50 MHz to 2 GHz

2 GHz to 12.4 GHz

Sensor option

Standard

Option CFT

Standard

Option CFT

Standard

Option CFT

Standard

Option CFT

Power range

35 dBm to +20 dBm

30 dBm to +20 dBm

35 dBm to +20 dBm

30 dBm to +20 dBm

35 dBm to +20 dBm

30 dBm to +20 dBm

35 dBm to +20 dBm

30 dBm to +20 dBm

Max SWR

(25 °C ± 10 °C)

1.37

1.10

1.05

1.16

Frequency range

10 MHz to 18 GHz

100 kHz to 6 GHz

10 MHz to 26.5 GHz

10 MHz to 33 GHz

Max SWR

(0 °C to 55 °C)

1.57

1.16

1.07

1.16

Damage level

25 dBm avg, 15 W/2 µs pk

12.4 GHz to 18 GHz

N8482A

N8485A

1. Only applicable for N8485A Option 033

100 kHz to 300 kHz

300 kHz to 1 MHz

1 MHz to 2 GHz

2 GHz to 6 GHz

10 MHz to 50 MHz

50 MHz to 100 MHz

100 MHz to 2 GHz

2 GHz to 12.4 GHz

12.4 GHz to 18 GHz

18 GHz to 26.5 GHz

26.5 GHz to 33 GHz

1.23

1.52

1.12

1.06

1.07

1.33

1.06

1.04

1.13

1.18

1.25

1

1.31

5

1.25

1.57

1.13

1.06

1.08

1.53

1.11

1.05

1.14

1.20

1.38

1.36

Performance characteristics (continued)

Typical SWR, 10 MHz to 18 GHz
(25 °C±10 °C) for N8481A sensor

Typical SWR, 100 kHz to 6 GHz
(25 °C±10 °C) for N8482A sensor

1.20

1.18

1.16

1.14

1.12

1.10

SWR

1.08

1.06

1.04

1.02

1

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

Frequency (GHz)

1.04

1.03

Typical SWR, 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz (25
°C±10 °C) for N8485A sensor

1.02

SWR

1.01

1

0123456

Frequency (GHz)

1.20

1.18

1.16

1.14

1.12

1.10

SWR

1.08

1.06

1.04

1.02

1

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Frequency (GHz)

6

Performance characteristics (continued)

Power linearity*

Power level

1 dBm to +10 dBm

+10 dBm to +15 dBm

+15 dBm to +20 dBm

*after zero and calibration at ambient environment conditions

Linearity

(25 °C ± 10 °C)

±0.52%

±0.52%

±0.80%

Linearity

(0 °C to 55 °C)

±0.80%

±0.80%

±1.90%

Typical N8481A/2A/5A power linearity at 25 °C, after zero and calibration with associated measurement uncertainty



0.5

% Error

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

-0.2

-0.4

-0.6

-0.8

-1.0

Power level

1 dBm to +10 dBm

+10 dBm to +15 dBm

+15 dBm to +20 dBm

0

5 10 15 20 25

Input Power (dBm)

Measurement

uncertainty

±0.35%

±0.35%

±0.35%

Zero and measurement noise

Conditions (RH)

20% to 70%

Effects of averaging on noise: Averaging
over 1 to 1024 readings is available for
reducing noise. The table below provides

1

Sensor option

Standard

Option CFT

Zero set

±25 nW

±63 nW

Zero drift

< ±3 nW

< ±7 nW

Example:

N8481A power sensor, normal mode,

number of averages = 4
the measurement noise for a particular
sensor with the number of averages set
at 16 (for normal mode) and 32 (for x2

Measurement noise calculation:

<80 nW x 2.75 = <220 nW
mode). Use the noise multiplier, for the
appropriate mode (normal or x2) and
number of averages, to determine the
total measurement noise value.

No. of averages

Noise multiplier

Normal mode

x2 mode

1. RH is the abbreviation for relative humidity.

2. Within one hour after zero set, at a constant temperature, after a 24-hour warm-up of the power meter with sensor connected.

3. The number of averages at 16 for Normal mode and 32 for x2 mode, at a constant temperature, measured over a one-minute interval and two standard
deviations.

1

5.5

6.5

2

3.89

4.6

4

2.75

3.25

8

1.94

2.3

16

1

1.63

32

0.85

1

7

64

0.61

0.72

2

128

0.49

0.57

Measurement noise

< 80 nW

< 114 nW

256

0.34

0.41

512

0.24

0.29

3

1024

0.17

0.2

Performance characteristics (continued)

Switching point

The N8480 Series power sensors
(standard only, ie. excluding Option CFT)
have two measurement ranges: a lower
power range and upper power range. The
power meter automatically selects the

This hysteresis causes the lower power

range to remain selected until

approximately 0.5 dBm as the power

level is increased. Above this power, the

upper power range is selected.

AUTO (default) range: 35 dBm to +20 dBm

Upper power range: 1 dBm to +20 dBm

Lower power range: 35 dBm to 1 dBm

Switching point hysteresis: 0.5 dBm typical

proper power level range. To avoid
unnecessary switching when the power
level is near the 1 dBm switch point,
switching point hysteresis has been
added.

Settling time

1

Likewise, the upper power range remains

selected until approximately 1.5 dBm

as the signal level decreases. Below this

power, the lower power range is selected.

Manual filter, 10-dB decreasing power step for normal and x2 modes (not across switching point)

No. of averages

Settling time (s)

Normal mode

x2 mode

1

0.15

0.15

2

0.2

0.18

4

0.3

0.22

8

0.5

0.35

16

1.1

0.55

32

1.9

1.1

64

3.4

1.9

128

6.6

3.5

256

13

6.9

512

27

14.5

1024

57

33

Auto filter, default resolution, 10-dB decreasing power step for normal
and x2 modes (not across switching point)

x2 mode Normal mode

Max dBm

Typical
settling
times

1. Settling time: 0 to 99% settled readings over the GPIB

150 ms

180 ms

400 ms

3.6s

6.6s

150 ms

200 ms

1s

6.6s

13.5s

20 dB

10 dB

10 dB

10 dB

5 dB

Sensor
dynamic
range

Min dBm

8

Performance characteristics (continued)

Calibration factor and reflection coefficient

Calibration factor (CF) and reflection coefficient (Rho) data is unique to each sensor.
The CF corrects for the frequency response of the sensor. The Agilent EPM Series,
EPM-P Series and P-Series power meters automatically read the CF data stored in
the sensors EEPROM and use it to make the corrections.

Reflection coefficient (Rho or ) relates to the SWR according to the following
formula:

SWR =

Typical measurement uncertainties of the calibration factor (CF) are listed in the
following table. There is only one set of CF data used for both high and low range
of each sensor. The typical measurement uncertainty data listed in the table is
meant to help users on the measurement uncertainty estimation. These values are
only a guideline and are not to be used in any accurate uncertainty calculations.
For accurate measurement uncertainty values, please refer to the certificate of
calibration of the specific sensor.

1 +

1 

Calibration factor uncertainty

The typical measurement uncertainties listed are not to be taken as the maximum CF measurement uncertainties.

Frequency

100 kHz to 10 MHz

10 MHz to 30 MHz

30 MHz to 500 MHz

500 MHz to 1.2 GHz

1.2 GHz to 6 GHz

6 GHz to 14 GHz

14 GHz to 18 GHz

18 GHz to 26.5 GHz

26.5 GHz to 33 GHz

N8481A

-

1.63

1.13

1.14

1.38

1.97

2.26

-

-

Uncertainty (%)

(25 °C ± 10 °C)

N8482A

1.28

1.03

0.96

1.08

1.97

-

-

-

-

N8485A

-

0.94

1.43

1.45

1.68

2.28

2.51

3.81

4.88

N8481A

4.71

1.73

1.79

2.20

2.78

3.47

-

-

-

Uncertainty (%)

(0 °C to 55 °C)

N8482A

1.59

0.88

1.16

1.44

2.13

-

-

-

-

N8485A

-

1.25

1.99

2.07

2.41

3.05

3.48

5.03

6.78

9

Performance characteristics (continued)

Typical CF and SWR vs. Frequency

Chart shows supplemental characteristics, intended to provide additional information,
useful in applying the power sensor by giving a typical but not warranted performance
parameters.

100

99

98

97

96

95

Cal Factor

94

93

92

91

0.05 1 4 8 12 15 18 23 27

General specifications

Dimensions and weight

Dimensions (WxHxL)

Weight

Operating environment

Temperature

Humidity

Altitude

Storage conditions

Temperature

Humidity

Altitude

Connector

Programming language

Safety and EMC compliance

Calibration interval

Warranty

1

1

1.25

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.05

11

0.95

0.9

Frequency (GHz)

N8481A/2A: 38 mm x 30 mm x 130 mm

N8485A: 38 mm x 30 mm x 121 mm

N8481A/2A: 0.181 kg (0.4 lb) net, 0.90 kg (1.98 lb) shipping

N8485A: 0.183 kg (0.4 lb) net, 0.90 kg (1.98 lb) shipping

0 °C to 55 °C

Maximum: 95% RH at 40 °C non-condensing

Minimum: 15% RH at 40 °C non-condensing

Up to 4600 m (15,000 ft)

40 °C to 70 °C

Up to 90% RH at 65 °C non-condensing

Up to 4600 m (15,000 ft)

N8481A/2A: Type-N (m)

N8485A: 3.5 mm (m)

Standard: SCPI code-compatible to E-Series sensors

Option CFT: SCPI code-compatible to 8480 Series sensors

IEC 61326-2002/EN 61326:1997+A1:1998+A3:2003

Canada: ICES-001:2004

Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS CISPR11:2004

1 year

1 year

Typical CF

Typical SWR

SWR

1. See Ordering information for available options

10

Ordering information

Power sensors

Standard power sensors

N8481A

N8482A

N8485A

N8485A-033

Other sensor options

Option CFT

The following items are shipped as standard with every power sensor:

Description

Standard N8481A model with EEPROM feature

Standard N8482A model with EEPROM feature

Standard N8485A model with EEPROM feature

Standard N8485A model with EEPROM feature, and frequency range extended up to 33 GHz

Description

N8480 sensors without EEPROM feature. Calibration factor data is provided on the label attached to the

power sensor.

Certificate of Calibration
Operating and Service Guide
Product Reference CD (contains Migration Guide, Operating and Service Guide, firmware upgrades for

EPM and EPM-P Series power meters, and upgrade procedures)

Accessories, calibration and documentation options

Connectors

Option 100

Option 200

Cables

11730A

11730B

11730C

11730D

11730E

11730F

E9288A

E9288B

E9288C

N1917A

N1917B

N1917C

Calibration

Option 1A7

Option A6J

Warranty

Option R-51B-001-3C

Option R-51B-001-5C

Documentation

Option OB1

Option ABJ

Description

For N8481A/2A sensor: Type-N (m) connector

For N8485A sensor: 3.5 mm (m) connector

APC-7 connector (only applicable to N8481A/2A)

Description

For EPM Series power meters: 1.5 m (5 ft), grey

For EPM Series power meters: 3 m (10 ft) , grey

For EPM Series power meters: 6.1 m (20 ft) , grey

For EPM Series power meters: 15.2 m (50 ft) , grey

For EPM Series power meters: 30.5 m (100 ft) , grey

For EPM Series power meters: 61 m (200 ft) , grey

*operates up to 45 °C

For EPM and EPM-P Series power meters: 1.5 m (5 ft), blue

For EPM and EPM-P Series power meters: 3 m (10 ft), blue

For EPM and EPM-P Series power meters: 10 m (31 ft), blue

For P-Series power meters: 1.5 m (5 ft)

For P-Series power meters: 3 m (10 ft)

For P-Series power meters: 10 m (31 ft)

Description

ISO 17025 calibration with test data

ANSI Z540 calibration with test data

Description

Extension of warranty and service plan from 1 year to 3 years

Extension of warranty and service plan from 1 year to 5 years

Description

English language Operating and Service Guide

Japanese localization Operating and Service Guide

11

Where does the N8480 fit in Agilents average power sensors offering?

Signal
characteristics >

Typical application
examples >

Themocouple
sensors

8480A/B/H, N8480A/B/H

Diode sensors

Sensor technology

8480D, V8486A, W8486A

Diode sensors
compensated for
extended range

E4412A/3A

Two-path
diode-stack sensors

E9300 Series

0 to +44 dBm

30 to +44 dBm

10 to +35 dBm

50 to +30 dBm

30 to +20 dBm

35 to +20 dBm

60 to +20 dBm

70 to +20 dBm

70 to 20 dBm

Power

CW

CW

Metrology

lab

8483A

U2004A

Pulse/

averaged

Radar/

navigation

8481B

8482B

E9300B

E9301B

U2000B

U2001B

8481H

8482H

E9300H

E9301H

E9300A

E9304A OPT-H19

U2000H

U2001H

U2002H

8487A

N8485A

N8481A

N8482A

E9300A

E9301A

E9304A

U2002A

U2001A

U2000A

E4413A

E4412A

8487D

8485D

8481D

AM/FM

profiled

Mobile

radio

FM only

OPT-H25

OPT-H24

OPT-H18

Q8486A V8486A W8486A

R8486A

OPT 33

Q8486D

R8486D

OPT33

Modulated

Wireless standards

TDMA

GSM

EDGE

NADC

IDEN

cdmaOne

Bluetooth

®

W-CDMA

cdma2000

®

802.11a/b/g
MCPA

HiperLan2

WiMAX

Avg.only Avg.only Avg.only Avg.only

Avg.only

Avg.only

Avg.only

Avg.only

Avg.only

Avg.only

Avg.only

Avg.only

Legend

N848X Average

Thermocouple Sensors

848x Average Diode Sensors

848X Thermocouple Sensors

E441X 1-Path Diode CW-

only Sensors

E930X 2-Path Diode True-

Average Sensors

U200x USB Sensors

Frequency

9 kHz

100 kHz

10 MHz

50 MHz

2 GHz

4.2 GHz

6 GHz

18 GHz

26.5 GHz

33 GHz

12

40 GHz

50 GHz

75 GHz

110 GHz

Compatible power meters

The N8480 Series power sensors perform accurate, repeatable average power measurements with the
following power meters:

Agilent N1911A/12A P-Series
power meters

Single (N1911A) and dual (N1912A) channels

High resolution color display

30 MHz video bandwidth

100 Msamples/s continuous sampling rate

Time-gated and free-run measurement modes

Rise time, fall time, pulse width, time to
positive occurrence and time to
negative occurrence measurements

Includes predefined configurations for
WiMAX, HSDPA and DME

GPIB, LAN and USB interfaces

Code-compatible with EPM-P and EPM Series
power meters

Optimized for peak power measurements and
CCDF statistical analysis with the P-Series power
sensors

Also compatible with all E-Series, N8480
Series and 8480 Series power sensors

Agilent E4416A/17A EPM-P Series
power meters

Single (E4416A) and dual (E4417A) channels

5 MHz video bandwidth

20 Msamples/s continuous sampling rate

Time-gated and free-run measurement modes

Includes predefined configurations for GSM,
EDGE, NADC, iDEN, Bluetooth, IS-95 CDMA,
W-CDMA and cdma2000

GPIB, RS-232/422 interfaces

Code-compatible with EPM Series power
meters

Optimized for peak power measurements with

the E9320 E-Series power sensors

Also compatible with the E9300 and E4410

E-Series, 8480 and N8480 Series power sensors

Agilent E4418B/19B EPM Series
power meters

Single (E4418B) and dual (E4419B) channels

Clear readings in subdued lighting

Easy viewing of readings from a distance

Convenient field usage with operating case

and battery option

GPIB, RS-232/422 interfaces

Code-compatible with 436A, 437B (E4418B

only) and 438A (E4419B only) power meters

Optimized for average power measurements
with the E9300 and E4410 E-Series, 8480 and
N8480 Series power sensors

To get your existing power meters up-and-running in supporting the N8480
Series, just download their firmware upgrades online at
www.agilent.com > Technical Support > Drivers & Software > Firmware Update.

Power meter

EPM Series

EPM-P Series

P-Series

Model number

E4418B
E4419B
E4416A
E4417A
N1911A
N1912A

Compatible firmware revision

A1.09.00 and above
A2.09.00 and above
A1.05.00 and above
A2.05.00 and above

A.05.00 and above

13

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cdma2000 is a registered certification mark of the

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license. WiMAX is a trademark of the WiMAX Forum.

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45 70 13 15 15
358 (0) 10 855 2100
0825 010 700*
*0.125

/minute

07031 464 6333**

/minute

**0.14
1890 924 204
972-3-9288-504/544
39 02 92 60 8484
31 (0) 20 547 2111
34 (91) 631 3300
0200-88 22 55
0800 80 53 53
44 (0) 118 9276201

Product specifications and descriptions
in this document subject to change
without notice.

© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2008
Printed in USA, October 22, 2008
5989-9333EN