Agilent N8488A Data Sheet

Agilent N8480 Series

The N8480 Series thermocouple
power sensors are amongst Agilent’s
most accurate and reliable sensors,
plus they include 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

Thermocouple Power Sensors

Data Sheet

Accurate, repeatable
measurements

Here’s how: Excellent linearity (1%
approximately) and noise specifica­tions. The sensors’ low SWR further
enhances accuracy by minimizing
mismatch uncertainty. These sensors
also come with dual-range power for
greater sensitivity to fluctuating sig­nals. With high accuracy and stability,
the N8480 helps you test confidently,
faster.

Calibration-easy testing

One sensor, WIDEST range

Pick an N8480 sensor—any
one—and you’ll see how its wide
dynamic range equips 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.

System integration can be
difficult, but not with the N8480

• Option CFT provides full-code
compatibly between sensors
and the 8480 Series (excluding
the N8488A)

• Broad compatibility with
existing power meters:
P-Series (N1911A/12A),
EPM-P Series (E4416A/17A),
and EPM Series (N1913A/14A,
E4418B/19B)

1. Option CFT is not available for the N8488A
power sensor.

During test, calibrating your sensor
is an essential step. Minimizing the
time this step takes is essential. The
N8480 sensor eliminates cumber­some keying-in of the calibration
factor (CF), eliminates manual input
errors, and saves you time and
effort. CF, linearity, and temperature
corrections are all stored in the sen­sors’ EEPROM—auto-downloaded
on calibration. The N8480 Series
streamlines the calibration procedure
making overall testing faster and
more efficient.

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 for free from the Website.

All SCPI codes used on the E-Series
sensors are re-usable on the N8480,
including most of the codes used on
the 8480 Series. When migrating code
from the 8480 Series, Option CFT1 will
allow SCPI codes to behave much like
they do on the 8480 Series.

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 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”.

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 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-Ω input Type-N connector. In
these examples, product weight
is an approximate value and a
50-Ω input is nominal. These two
terms are most widely used when
describing a product’s attributes.

Conditions

The power meter and power sensor
meet their 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

• 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.

2

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 dynamic power range

Sensor option Sensor model Frequency range Dynamic power range

Standard N8481A

N8482A
N8485A
N8485A - Option 33
N8487A
N8488A

N8486AR
N8486AQ

N8481B
N8482B

N8481H
N8482H

Option CFT N8481A

N8482A
N8485A
N8485A - Option 33
N8487A
N8486AR
N8486AQ

N8481B
N8482B

N8481H
N8482H

10 MHz to 18 GHz
100 kHz to 6 GHz
10 MHz to 26.5 GHz
10 MHz to 33 GHz
50 MHz to 50 GHz
10 MHz to 67 GHz,

67 GHz to 70 GHz

26.5 to 40 GHz
33 to 50 GHz

10 MHz to 18 GHz
100 kHz to 6 GHz

10 MHz to 18 GHz
100 kHz to 6 GHz

10 MHz to 18 GHz
100 kHz to 6 GHz
10 MHz to 26.5 GHz
10 MHz to 33 GHz
50 MHz to 50 GHz

26.5 to 40 GHz
33 to 50 GHz

10 MHz to 18 GHz
100 kHz to 6 GHz

10 MHz to 18 GHz
100 kHz to 6 GHz

–35 to +20 dBm

–5 to +44 dBm

–15 to +35 dBm

–30 to +20 dBm

0 to +44 dBm

–10 to +35 dBm

Damage level

Sensor model Damage level (average power) Damage level (peak power)

N8481A
N8482A
N8485A
N8487A
N8488A
N8486AR
N8486AQ

N8481B
N8482B

N8481H
N8482H

+25 dBm 15 W/2 μs

+49 dBm 500 W/1 μs

+40 dBm 100 W/1 μs

3

Performance Characteristics (continued)

Maximum SWR

Maximum SWR

Sensor model Frequency band

N8481A 10 to 30 MHz

30 to 50 MHZ
50 MHz to 2 GHz
2 to 12.4 GHz

12.4 to 18 GHz

N8482A 100 to 300 kHz

300 kHz to 1 MHz
1 MHz to 2 GHz
2 to 6 GHz

N8485A 10 to 50 MHz

50 to 100 MHz
100 MHz to 2 GHz
2 to 12.4 GHz

12.4 to 18 GHz
18 to 26.5 GHz

26.5 to 33 GHz

N8487A 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 40 GHz
40 GHz to 50 GHz

N8488A 10 to 100 MHz

100 MHz to 2.4 GHz

2.4 to 12.4 GHz

12.4 to 18 GHz
18 to 26.5 GHz

26.5 to 40 GHz
40 to 67 GHz

67 to 70 GHz

N8486AR 50 MHz

26.5 to 40 GHz

N8486AQ 50 MHz

33 to 50 GHz

N8481B 10 MHz to 2 GHz

2 to 12.4 GHz

12.4 to 18 GHz

N8482B 100 kHz to 2 GHz

2 to 6 GHz

N8481H 10 MHz to 8 GHz

8 to 12.4 GHz

12.4 to 18 GHz

N8482H 100 kHz to 6 GHz 1.13 1.14

1. Only applicable for N8485A Option 033

2. SWR for 50 MHz calibration port. Type-N (m) coaxial connector is used in the 50 MHz calibration.

1

2

2

25 °C ± 10 °C 0 to 55 °C

1.37

1.14

1.08

1.16

1.23

1.54

1.17

1.06

1.07

1.33

1.08

1.05

1.14

1.19

1.26

1.32

1.08

1.05

1.10

1.16

1.22

1.30

1.34

1.08

1.08

1.10

1.12

1.21

1.30

1.46

1.48

1.17

1.40

1.17

1.50

1.09

1.14

1.23

1.08

1.16

1.16

1.22

1.32

1.57

1.16

1.11

1.16

1.25

1.57

1.17

1.06

1.08

1.53

1.11

1.07

1.14

1.20

1.28

1.36

1.10

1.07

1.10

1.16

1.22

1.30

1.33

1.08

1.08

1.10

1.14

1.23

1.31

1.47

1.50

1.20

1.40

1.20

1.50

1.10

1.18

1.28

1.10

1.18

1.16

1.22

1.41

4

Performance Characteristics (continued)

1.20

1.18

1.16

1.14

1.12

1.10

SWR

1.08

1.06

1.04

1.02
1

024681012141618

Frequency GHz

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

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

1.04

1.03

1.02

SWR

1.01

1

0123456

Frequency GHz

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

0102030405060

Frequency GHz

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

1.30

1.25

1.20

1.15

SWR

1.10

1.05

1

010203040506070

Frequency GHz

Typical SWR, 10 MHz to 70 GHz (25 °C ± 10 °C) for
N8488A power sensor

Typical SWR, 50 MHz to 50 GHz (25 °C ± 10 °C) for
N8487A power sensor

1.41

1.36

1.31

1.26

SWR

1.21

1.16

1.11
1

33 36 39 42 45 48 51

Frequency GHz

Typical SWR, 33 to 50 GHz (25 °C ± 10 °C) for
N8486AQ power sensor

5

Performance Characteristics (continued)

1.22

1.20

1.18

1.16

1.14

SWR

1.12

1.10

1.08

1.06

1.04

26.5 29 31.5 34 36.5 39 41.5
Frequency GHz

Typical SWR, 26.5 to 40 GHz (25 °C ± 10 °C) for
N8486AR power sensor

1.028

1.026

1.024

1.022

1.020

SWR

1.018

1.016

1.014

1.012

1.01
01234567

Frequency GHz

1.08

1.07

1.06

1.05

1.04

SWR

1.03

1.02

1.01
1

02468101214161820

Frequency GHz

Typical SWR, 10 MHz to 18 GHz (25 °C ± 10 °C) for
N8481B power sensor

1.24

1.22

1.20

1.18

1.16

1.14

1.12

SWR

1.10

1.08

1.06

1.04

1.02
1

0246 8101214161820

Frequency GHz

Typical SWR, 100 kHz to 6 GHz (25 °C ± 10 °C) for
N8482B power sensor

1.09

1.08

1.07

1.06

1.05

SWR

1.04

1.03

1.02

1.01
1

01234567

Frequency GHz

Typical SWR, 100 kHz to 6 GHz (25 °C ± 10 °C) for
N8482H power sensor

Typical SWR, 10 MHz to 18 GHz (25 °C ± 10 °C) for
N8481H power sensor

6

Performance Characteristics (continued)

Power linearity*

The N8480 Series power sensors’ linearity is negligible except for the power range specified in the table below.

Sensor model Power range Linearity (25 °C ± 10 °C) Linearity (0 to 55 °C)

N8481A, N8482A, N8485A, N8487A,
N8488A, N8486AR, N8486AQ

N8481B, N8482B

N8481H, N8482H

* After zero and calibration at ambient environment conditions

–1 to < +15 dBm ±0.52% ±0.80%
+15 to +20 dBm ±0.80% ±1.90%
+29 to < +39 dBm ±0.52% ±0.80%
+39 to +44 dBm ±1.66% ±2.75%
+17 to < +30 dBm ±0.77% ±1.05%
+30 to +35 dBm ±2.84% ±3.93%

1

0.5

–0.5

0

–1

5

Input power (dBm)

% Error

–5 10 15 20 25

Power level Measurement uncertainty

–1 to +20 dBm

±0.35%

Typical N8481A/2A/5A/7A/8A and N8486AR/AQ power linearity at 25 °C, after zero and calibration with associated measurement
uncertainty

% Error

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2
0

–0.2

510152025

–0.4
–0.6
–0.8
–1.0

Input power (dBm)

Power level Measurement uncertainty

29 to 40 dBm
40 to 44 dBm

±0.35%

±1.21%

Typical N8481B/2B power linearity at 25 °C, after zero and calibration with associated measurement uncertainty

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

–0.2
–0.4
–0.6
–0.8
–1.0

0

5

Input power (dBm)

% Error

–5 10 15 20 25

Power level Measurement uncertainty

17 to 30 dBm
30 to 35 dBm

±0.60%

±2.39%

Typical N8481H/2H power linearity at 25 °C, after zero and calibration with associated measurement uncertainty

7

Performance Characteristics (continued)

Zero set, zero drift and measurement noise

Sensor
model

N8481A, N8482A,
N8485A, N8487A,
N8486AR, N8486AQ

N8488A

N8481B, N8482B

N8481H, N8482H

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 one-minute interval and two standard
deviations

4. The zero set, zero drift, and measurement noise specifications are tested at 50 MHz

5. N/A is the appreviation for “not applicable”

Sensor

Range Conditions

option

Standard

Option CFT N/A

Standard

Option CFT N/A

Standard

Option CFT N/A

Standard

Option CFT N/A

Upper 20% to 70% ± 63 nW
Lower 20% to 70 % ± 25 nW

Upper 20% to 70% ± 63 nW
Lower 20% to 70 % ± 25 nW

Upper 20% to 70% ± 63 µW
Lower 20% to 70 % ± 25 µW

Upper 20% to 70% ± 63 µW
Lower 20% to 70 % ± 2.5 µW

Zero

1

(RH)

5

5

5

5

20% to 70% ± 63 nW

5

N/A

20% to 70% ± 63 µW

20% to 70% ± 6.3 µW

set

N/A

4

5

Zero

2, 4

drift

< ± 7 nW < 114 nW

< ± 3 nW < 80 nW

< ± 7 nW < 114 nW

< ± 7 nW < 114 nW

< ± 3 nW < 80 nW

5

N/A

< ± 7 µW < 114 µW

< ± 3 µW < 80 µW

< ±7 µW < 114 µW

< ± 0.7 µW < 11.4 µW

< ± 0.3 µW < 8 µW

< ± 0.7 µW < 11.4 µW

Measurement

3, 4

noise

5

N/A

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

Example:

N8481A power sensor, normal mode,

number of averages = 4
below provides the measurement
noise for a particular sensor with the
number of averages set at 16 (for

Measurement noise calculation:

< 80 nW x 2.75 = < 220 nW
normal mode) and 32 (for x2 mode).
Use the noise multiplier, for the
appropriate mode (normal or x2) and
number of averages, to determine the
total measurement noise value.

Number of averages 12481632641282565121024

Noise multiplier
Normal mode
x2 mode

5.5

6.5

3.89

4.6

2.75

3.25

1.94

2.3

1

1.63

0.8510.61

0.72

0.49

0.57

0.34

0.41

0.24

0.29

0.17

0.2

8

Performance Characteristics (continued)

Switching point

The N8480 Series power sensors
(excluding Option CFT) have two
measurement ranges: a lower power
range and an upper power range. The
power meter automatically selects
the proper power level range. To avoid
unnecessary switching when the
power level is near the switch point,
switching point hysteresis has been
added.

N8481A/82A/85A/87A/88A
and N8486AQ/AR power
sensors

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.

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.

N8481/2B power sensors

This hysteresis causes the lower

power range to remain selected until

approximately 29.5 dBm as the power

level is increased. Above this power,

the upper power range is selected.

Likewise, the upper power range

remains selected until approxi-

mately 28.5 dBm as the signal level

decreases. Below this power, the

lower power range is selected.

N8481/2H power sensors

This hysteresis causes the lower

power range to remain selected until

approximately 17.5 dBm as the power

level is increased. Above this power,

the upper power range is selected.

Likewise, the upper power range

remains selected until approxi-

mately 16.5 dBm as the signal level

decreases. Below this power, the

lower power range is selected.

Power range in range setting

Sensor Range setting Lower range Upper range

N8481A/82A/85A/87A/88A and
N8486AQ/AR excluding Option CFT

N8481/2B excluding Option CFT AUTO (default) –5 to +29 dBm +29 to +44 dBm

N8481/2H excluding Option CFT AUTO (default) –15 to +17 dBm +17 to +35 dBm

1. Recommended for pulse signals measurement with period of more than one second

AUTO (default) –35 to –1 dBm –1 to +20 dBm
LOWER –35 to –1 dBm —

1

UPPER

LOWER –5 to +29 dBm —

1

UPPER

LOWER –15 to +17 dBm —

1

UPPER

9

— –30 to +20 dBm

— 0 to +44 dBm

— –10 to +35 dBm

Performance Characteristics (continued)

Settling time

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

1

Number of averages 12481632641282565121024

Settling time (s)
Normal speed
x2 speed

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

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

x2 mode Normal mode

Typical
settling

150 ms 150 ms

times

0.15

0.15

0.2

0.18

0.3

0.22

20 dB

0.5

0.35

1.1

0.55

Maximum dBm

1.9

1.1

Sensor
dynamic
range

3.4

1.9

6.6

3.5

13

6.9

27

14.5

57
33

180 ms 200 ms

400 ms 1 s

3.6 s 6.6 s

6.6 s 13.5 s

Calibration factor and reflection
coefficient

Calibration factor (CF) and reflection
coefficient (Rho) data are 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.

10 dB

10 dB

10 dB

5 dB

Minimum dBm

The reflection coefficient (Rho or ρ)

relates to the SWR according to the

following formula:

1 – ρ

SWR =

1 + ρ

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 the

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
measurement report1 of the specific
sensor.

1. Only applicable with the purchase of Option 1A7 or Option A6J

10

Performance Characteristics (continued)

Calibration factor uncertainty

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

25 °C ± 3 °C

Frequency

100 kHz to 10 MHz
10 to 30 MHz
30 to 500 MHz
500 MHz to 1.2 GHz

1.2 to 6 GHz
6 to 14 GHz
14 to 18 GHz
18 to 26.5 GHz

26.5 to 33 GHz
33 to 34 GHz
34 to 35 GHz
35 to 40 GHz
40 to 45 GHz
45 to 50 GHz

N8481A N8481B N8481H N8482A N8482B N8482H N8485A N8487A N8486AR N8486AQ

— — — 0.91 1.48 0.89 — — — —

0.82 1.42 0.77 0.78 1.43 0.79 0.82 — — —

0.77 1.48 0.89 0.77 1.49 0.89 1.24 1.33 — —

0.78 1.48 0.89 0.78 1.49 0.89 1.26 1.35 — —

0.91 1.58 1.06 0.89 1.56 1.02 1.35 1.41 — —

1.26 1.77 1.46 — — — 1.66 1.61 — —

1.59 1.92 1.73 — — — 1.83 1.73 — —

— — — — — — 2.67 2.26 — —

— — — — — — 3.32 2.58 2.68 —

— — — — — — — 2.80 3.19 3.14

— — — — — — — 2.80 3.19 3.40

— — — — — — — 2.80 3.19 3.14

— — — — — — — 3.66 — 3.19

— — — — — — — 4.23 — 3.26

25 °C ± 3 °C

Frequency

100 kHz to 50 MHz 1.70
50 to 100 MHz 1.60
100 MHz to 2 GHz 1.58
2 to 12.4 GHz 1.75

12.4 to 18 GHz 1.92
18 to 26.5 GHz 2.43

26.5 to 50 GHz 4.56
50 to 67 GHz 5.30

67 to 70 GHz 5.81

N8488A

11

Performance Characteristics (continued)

Calibration factor uncertainty (continued)

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

25 °C ± 10 °C

Frequency

100 kHz to 10 MHz
10 to 30 MHz
30 to 500 MHz
500 MHz to 1.2 GHz

1.2 to 6 GHz
6 to 14 GHz
14 to 18 GHz
18 to 26.5 GHz

26.5 to 33 GHz
33 to 34 GHz
34 to 35 GHz
35 to 40 GHz
40 to 45 GHz
45 to 50 GHz

N8481A N8481B N8481H N8482A N8482B N8482H N8485A N8487A N8486AR N8486AQ

— — — 1.28 2.40 0.99 — — — —

1.47 1.98 1.39 1.03 1.84 0.86 0.94 — — —

1.03 1.91 1.10 1.03 1.83 0.98 1.43 1.84 — —

0.97 1.91 1.15 1.08 1.94 1.00 1.52 2.10 — —

1.23 1.97 1.42 1.81 2.68 1.19 1.68 2.36 — —

1.85 2.69 3.87 — — — 2.26 2.87 — —

2.17 3.20 7.01 — — — 2.47 3.14 — —

— — — — — — 3.75 3.77 — —

— — — — — — 4.79 4.17 3.48 —

— — — — — — — 4.55 4.07 5.02

— — — — — — — 4.55 4.07 4.99

— — — — — — — 4.55 4.07 5.02

— — — — — — — 5.40 — 5.17

— — — — — — — 6.02 — 5.20

25 °C ± 10 °C

Frequency

100 kHz to 50 MHz 2.83
50 to 100 MHz 1.98
100 MHz to 2 GHz 1.84
2 to 12.4 GHz 2.45

12.4 to 18 GHz 2.89
18 to 26.5 GHz 3.52

26.5 to 50 GHz 4.99
50 to 67 GHz 6.46

67 to 70 GHz 7.29

N8488A

12

Performance Characteristics (continued)

Calibration factor uncertainty (continued)

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

0 °C ± 55 °C

Frequency

100 kHz to 10 MHz
10 to 30 MHz
30 to 500 MHz
500 MHz to 1.2 GHz

1.2 to 6 GHz
6 to 14 GHz
14 to 18 GHz
18 to 26.5 GHz

26.5 to 33 GHz
33 to 34 GHz
34 to 35 GHz
35 to 40 GHz
40 to 45 GHz
45 to 50 GHz

N8481A N8481B N8481H N8482A N8482B N8482H N8485A N8487A N8486AR N8486AQ

— — — 1.59 2.67 1.41 — — — —

4.46 3.64 2.83 0.91 1.73 0.86 1.25 — — —

1.57 2.22 1.44 1.16 1.77 1.03 1.98 2.14 — —

1.65 2.49 1.60 1.54 2.12 1.07 2.07 2.45 — —

2.04 2.85 1.96 1.99 3.91 1.40 2.40 2.65 — —

2.62 3.81 4.81 — — — 2.99 3.17 — —

3.27 4.30 9.74 — — — 3.35 3.41 — —

— — — — — — 4.70 4.04 — —

— — — — — — 6.41 4.43 3.76 —

— — — — — — — 4.84 4.25 6.04

— — — — — — — 4.84 4.25 6.04

— — — — — — — 4.84 4.25 6.04

— — — — — — — 5.70 — 5.86

— — — — — — — 6.19 — 6.59

0 °C ± 55 °C

Frequency

100 kHz to 50 MHz 3.69
50 to 100 MHz 2.63
100 MHz to 2 GHz 2.40
2 to 12.4 GHz 2.61

12.4 to 18 GHz 3.15
18 to 26.5 GHz 4.50

26.5 to 50 GHz 5.67
50 to 67 GHz 7.18

67 to 70 GHz 8.69

N8488A

13

Performance Characteristics (continued)

Typical CF and SWR versus frequency

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

100

99
98
97
96
95

Cal factor

94
93
92
91

Frequency GHz

1.25

SWR

Typical CF

▀

Typical SWR

▀

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.05

11

0.95

0.9

27231815128410.05

14

Performance Characteristics (continued)

General specifications

Dimensions and weight

Dimensions (W x H x L) N8481A/2A: 38 mm W x 30 mm H x 130 mm L

Length (L)

Weight N8481A/2A: Net: 0.181 kg (0.40 lb) Shipping: 0.90 kg (1.98 lb)

Height (H)

Width (W)

Operating environment

Temperature 0 to 55 °C
Humidity Maximum: 95% RH at 40 °C non-condensing

Altitude Up to 4600 m (15,000 ft)

Storage conditions

Temperature –40 to 70 °C
Humidity Up to 90% RH at 65 °C non-condensing
Altitude Up to 4600 m (15,000 ft)

Other

Connector

Programming language Standard: SCPI code-compatible to E-Series sensors

Safety and EMC compliance IEC 61326-2002/EN 61326:1997+A1:1998+A3:2003

Calibration interval 1 year
Warranty

1. See “Ordering Information” for available options

1

1

N8485A: 38 mm W x 30 mm H x 121 mm L
N8487A: 38 mm W x 30 mm H x 121 mm L
N8488A: 38 mm W x 30 mm H x 115 mm L
N8486AR: 38 mm W x 62 mm H x 152 mm L
N8486AQ: 38 mm W x 62 mm H x 152 mm L
N8481B/82B: 83 mm W x 114 mm H x 283 mm L
N8481H/82H: 38 mm W x 30 mm H x 174 mm L

N8485A: Net: 0.183 kg (0.40 lb); Shipping: 0.90 kg (1.98 lb)
N8487A: Net: 0.154 kg (0.34 lb); Shipping: 0.874 kg (1.92 lb)
N8488A: Net: 0.162 kg (0.36 lb); Shipping: 0.881 kg (1.94 lb)
N8486AR: Net: 0.202 kg (0.45 lb); Shipping: 0.922 kg (2.03 lb)
N8486AQ: Net: 0.204 kg (0.45 lb); Shipping: 0.924 kg (2.03 lb)
N8481B/82B: Net: 0.684 kg (1.51 lb); Shipping: 1.404 kg (3.09 lb)
N8481H/82H: Net: 0.234 kg (0.52 lb); Shipping: 0.954 kg (2.10 lb)

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

N8481A/82A: N-type (male)
N8485A: 3.5 mm (male)
N8487A: 2.4 mm (male)
N8488A: 1.85 mm (male)
N8481B/82B: N-type (male)
N8481H/82H: N-type (male)
N8486AR: Waveguide flange UG-599/U
N8486AQ: Waveguide flange UG-383/U

Option CFT: SCPI code-compatible to 8480 Series sensors

Canada: ICES-001:2004, ICES/NMB-001:2004
Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS CISPR11:2004

1 year

15

Ordering Information

Power sensors

Standard
power sensors Description Frequency range Power range

N8481A Standard N8481A model with EEPROM feature 10 MHz to 18 GHz –35 to +20 dBm
N8482A Standard N8482A model with EEPROM feature 100 kHz to 6 GHz –35 to +20 dBm
N8485A Standard N8485A model with EEPROM feature 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz –35 to +20 dBm
N8485A-033 Standard N8485A model with EEPROM feature 10 MHz to 33 GHz –35 to +20 dBm
N8487A Standard N8487A model with EEPROM feature 50 MHz to 50 GHz –35 to +20 dBm
N8488A Standard N8488A model with EEPROM feature 10 MHz to 67 GHz –35 to +20 dBm
N8481B Standard N8481B model with EEPROM feature 10 MHz to 18 GHz –5 to +44 dBm
N8482B Standard N8482B model with EEPROM feature 100 kHz to 6 GHz –5 to +44 dBm
N8481H Standard N8481H model with EEPROM feature 10 MHz to 18 GHz –15 to +35 dBm
N8482H Standard N8482H model with EEPROM feature 100 kHz to 6 GHz –15 to +35 dBm
N8486AR Standard N8486AR model with EEPROM feature 26.5 to 40 GHz –35 to +20 dBm
N8486AQ Standard N8486AQ model with EEPROM feature 33 to 50 GHz –35 to +20 dBm

Other sensor
options Description

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

power sensor

Standard-shipped Description

Shipped as standard with
every power sensor

• Certificate of Calibration

• Operating and Service Guide

• Product Reference CD (contains Migration Guide, Operating and Service Guide, firmware upgrades for
EPM, EPM-P, and P-Series power meters, and upgrade procedures)

16

Ordering Information (continued)

Accessories, calibration and documentation options

Connectors Description

Option 100 Type-N (male) connector for N8481A/N8482A/N8481B/N8482B/N8481H/N8482H

3.5 mm (male) connector for N8485A

2.4 mm (male) connector for N8487A

1.85 mm (male) connector for N8488A

Waveguide connector for N8486AR/N8486AQ

Option 200 APC-7 (male) connector for N8481A only

Cables Description

11730A For EPM Series power meters: 1.5 m (5 ft), grey
11730B For EPM Series power meters: 3 m (10 ft), grey
11730C For EPM Series power meters: 6.1 m (20 ft), grey
11730D For EPM Series power meters: 15.2 m (50 ft), grey
11730E For EPM Series power meters: 30.5 m (100 ft), grey

1

11730F

1

E9288A

1

E9288B

1

E9288C
N1917A For P-Series power meters: 1.5 m (5 ft)
N1917B For P-Series power meters: 3 m (10 ft)
N1917C For P-Series power meters: 10 m (31 ft)

Calibration Description

Option 1A7 ISO 17025 calibration with test data
Option A6J ANSI Z540 calibration with test data

Warranty Description

Option R-51B-001-3C Extension of warranty and service plan from 1 year to 3 years
Option R-51B-001-5C Extension of warranty and service plan from 1 year to 5 years

Documentation Description

Option OB1 English language Operating and Service Guide
Option ABJ Japanese localization Operating and Service Guide

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

1. Only applicable for E4418/19B power meters

17

Where Does the N8480 Fit in Agilent’s Average Power Sensors Offering?

Signal characteristics > CW Modulated

Typical application
examples >

Themocouple sensors
8480A/B/H, N8480A/B/H,
R/Q8486A, N8486AR/AQ

Sensor technology

Diode sensors
8480D, V8486A, W8486A

Diode sensors compensated
for extended range
E4412A/3A

Two-path diode-stack sensors
E9300 Series

Pulse/

CW

Metrology
lab

●●●●

●●●●

● FM only

●●●●

averaged

Radar/
navigation

AM/FM
profiled Wireless standards

Mobile
radio

TDMA
GSM
EDGE
NADC
IDEN

Average only●Average only●Average only●Average only

Average only●Average only●Average only●Average only

Average only●Average only●Average only●Average only

cdmaOne

Bluetooth

®

W-CDMA
cdma2000

802.11a/b/g

®

MCPA
HiperLan2
WiMAX

18

Where Does the N8480 Fit in Agilent’s Average Power Sensors Offering?

Power

N848XB Series

–5 to +44 dBm

E930XB Series

–30 to +44 dBm

U200XB Series

–30 to +44 dBm

N848XH Series

–15 to +35 dBm

E930XA/H Series

–50 to +30 dBm

U200XH Series

–50 to +30 dBm

848XA Series

–30 to +20 dBm

N848XA Series

–35 to +20 dBm

E930XA Series

–60 to +20 dBm

U200XA Series

–60 to +20 dBm

V3500A

–63 to +20 dBm

E441XA Series

–70 to +20 dBm

848XD Series

–70 to –20 dBm

E9304A OPT-H19

E9304A OPT-H18
U2004A

N8481B

N8482B

E9300B
E9301B

U2001B
U2000B

N8481H

N8482H

E9300H
E9301H
E9300A OPT-H25

U2002H
U2001H
U2000H

V8486A W8486A

8483A (75 ohm)

N8486AQ

N8486AR

N8488A

N8487A
N8485A OPT-33
N8481A

N8482A

E9300A OPT-H24
E9301A

U2002A
U2001A
U2000A

V3500A

E4413A OPT-H33
E4412A

8487D

Q8486D

R8486D

8485D OPT-33
8481D

9 kHz

Frequency

Legend

100 kHz

10 MHz

50 MHz

2 GHz

4.2 GHz

6 GHz

18 GHz

24 GHz

■ New N848X average thermocouple sensor

■ 848XD average diode sensor

■ 848X thermocouple sensor

■ E441X 1-path diode CW-only sensor

■ E930X 2-path diode true-average sensor

■ U200X USB sensors

■ V3500A Handheld RF Power Meter

33 GHz

26.5 GHz

19

40 GHz

50 GHz

67 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 MSa/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 Compatible with
all E-Series, N8480 Series, and
8480 Series power sensors

Note: The N8480 Series is also compatible with the E4418B/19B Series EPM power meters

Agilent E4416A/17A EPM-P
Series power meters

• Single (E4416A) and dual (E4417A)
channels

• 5 MHz video bandwidth

• 20 MSa/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 N1913A/14A EPM
Series power meters

• Single (N1913A) and dual (N1914A)
channels

• Two optional USB channels
available for four-channel
measurements

• Frequency range of 9 kHz to
110GHz

• Power range of –70 to +44 dBm
(depending on the attached power
sensor)

• Fast measurement speed of 400
readings/s

• Industry’s first color LCD screen for
average power meters

• USB and LAN/LXI-C connectivity
on top of the standard GPIB

• Automatic frequency/power sweep
measurements with the optional
trigger IN/OUT feature

• Code-compatible with legacy
E4418B/9B EPM Series, 436A,
437B, and 438A power meters
(43X compatibility only with option
N191xA-200)

• Optimized for average power
measurements with the U2000,
E9300 and E4410, N8480, and 8480
Series power sensors

20

Compatible Power Meters

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 Model number Compatible firmware revision

EPM Series power meters E4418B A1.09.01 and above

E4419B A2.09.01 and above
N1913A
N1914A

EPM-P Series power meters E4416A A1.05.01 and above

E4417A A2.05.01 and above

P-Series power meters N1911A

N1912A

A.01.00 and above

A.05.02 and above

21

www.agilent.com

www.agilent.com/find/thermocouplesensor

Agilent Email Updates

www.agilent.com/find/emailupdates

Get the latest information on the
products and applications you select.

www.axiestandard.org

AdvancedTCA® Extensions for
Instrumentation and Test (AXIe) is
an open standard that extends the
AdvancedTCA® for general purpose
and semiconductor test. Agilent
is a founding member of the AXIe
consortium.

www.lxistandard.org

LAN eXtensions for Instruments puts
the power of Ethernet and the Web
inside your test systems. Agilent
is a founding member of the LXI
consortium.

TM

http://www.pxisa.org

PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation
(PXI) modular instrumentation
delivers a rugged, PC-based high­performance measurement and
automation system.

Agilent Channel Partners

www. agilent.com/find/channelpartners

Get the best of both worlds: Agilent’s
measurement expertise and product
breadth, combined with channel
partner convenience.

WiMAX is a trademark of the WiMAX Forum.

Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth
SIG, Inc., U.S.A. and licensed to Agilent
Technologies, Inc.

cdma2000 is a registered certification mark of
the Telecommunications Industry Association.
Used under license.

Agilent Advantage Services is com­mitted to your success throughout
your equipment’s lifetime. We share
measurement and service expertise
to help you create the products that
change our world. To keep you com­petitive, we continually invest in tools
and processes that speed up calibra­tion and repair, reduce your cost of
ownership, and move us ahead of
your development curve.

www.agilent.com/find/advantageservices

www.agilent.com/quality

For more information on Agilent
Technologies’ products, applications or
services, please contact your local Agilent

office. The complete list is available at:

www.agilent.com/find/contactus

Americas

Canada [phone]
Brazil (11) 4197 3500
Mexico 01800 5064 800
United States [phone]

Asia Pacific

Australia 1 800 629 485
China 800 810 0189
Hong Kong 800 938 693
India 1 800 112 929
Japan 0120 (421) 345
Korea 080 769 0800
Malaysia 1 800 888 848
Singapore 1 800 375 8100
Taiwan 0800 047 866
Other AP Countries (65) 375 8100

Europe & Middle East

Belgium 32 (0) 2 404 93 40
Denmark 45 70 13 15 15
Finland 358 (0) 10 855 2100
France 0825 010 700*

*0.125 €/minute

Germany 49 (0) 7031 464 6333
Ireland 1890 924 204
Israel 972-3-9288-504/544
Italy 39 02 92 60 8484
Netherlands 31 (0) 20 547 2111
Spain 34 (91) 631 3300
Sweden 0200-88 22 55
United Kingdom 44 (0) 118 9276201

For other unlisted Countries:

www.agilent.com/find/contactus

Revised: October 14, 2010

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

© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2010
Printed in USA, November 24, 2010
5989-9333EN