
Power Meters
307Thermistor Power Meters, Power Meter Calibrator, and Thermistor Mounts
HP 432A
HP 8477A
HP 478A
HP 8478B
HP 486A
Series
HP 432A HP 8477A
HP 432A Power Meter
• High accuracy—no thermoelectric error: High accuracy over a
wide temperature range is featured on the HP 432A power meter. By
measuring the output voltage of the thermistor bridges and computing the corresponding power, even higher accuracy of ±0.2 percent
±0.5 µW can be obtained. Accuracy can be maintained on even the
most sensitive range because the error due to thermoelectric ef fect
is reduced to a negligible level.
• Calibrated mounts: Each thermistor mount is furnished with data
stating the calibration factor and effective ef ficiency at various frequencies across the operating range. For easy and accurate power
measurements, the front panel of the HP 432A has a calibration-factor control, calibrated in one-percent steps from 88 percent to 100
percent, that compensates for losses in the mount and eliminates
the need for calculation.
• Instrument type: Automatic, self-balancing power meter for use
with temperature-compensated thermistor sensor.
Specifications (Partial)
Power Range: 7 ranges with full-scale readings of 10, 30, 100, and
300 µW, 1, 3, and 10 mW; also calibrated in dBm from –20 dBm to
+10 dBm full scale in 5 dB steps
Noise: Less than 0.25% of full scale peak (typical)
Response Time: At recorder output, 35 ms time constant (typical)
Fine Zero: Automatic, operated by front-panel switch
Zero Carryover: Less than 0.50% of full scale when zeroed on most
sensitive range
Meter: Taut-band suspension, individually calibrated, mirror-backed
scales. Milliwatt scale more than 108 mm (4.25 in) long
Calibration Factor Control: 13-position switch normalizes meter
reading to account for thermistor sensor calibration factor. Range
100% to 88% in 1% steps.
Thermistor Sensor: Thermistor sensors are required for operation of
the HP 432A. For microwave sensors HP 478A, 8478B, and 486 series,
see next column.
Recorder Output: Proportional to indicated power with 1 volt corresponding to full scale. 1 kΩoutput impedance.
BCD Output: 8, 4, 2, 1 code: “1’’ positive. TTL compatible logic. Operates
with HP 5150A, Option 002 (BCD) digital recorder.
Power Consumption: 115 or 230 Vac ±10%, 50 to 400 Hz, 1.5 watts
Size: 130 mm W x 155 mm H x 279 mm D (5.2 in x 6.1 in x 11.0 in)
Weight: Net, 2.3 kg (5.5 lb); shipping, 4.6 kg (10 lb)
HP 8477A Power Meter Calibrator
The HP 8477A power meter calibrator is specifically designed for use
with the HP 432A power meter. It allows you to verify full-scale meter
readings on all ranges, and meter tracking. Simply connect three cables
between the power meter and calibrator; no charts or additional instruments are required.
Power: 115 or 230 Vac ±10%, 50 to 400 Hz, 3 watts
HP Thermistor Mounts
Temperature-Compensated Thermistor Mounts
High efficiency and good radio frequency (RF) match are characteristic
of the HP 478A and 8478B coaxial and 486A series waveguide thermistor mounts. Used in conjunction with the HP 432A power meter, they
provide high accuracy even in routine power measurements. These
thermistor mounts are temperature compensated for low drift, even in
the presence of thermal shocks, permitting measurement of microwave
power as low as one microwatt. Each mount contains data showing calibration factor and effective efficiency at six frequencies, directly traceable to the U.S. National Institute Standards and Technology at those
frequencies where NIST provides calibration service.
HP 486A, 478A, 8478B Specifications
HP model Frequency range, GHz Maximum SWR
478A 10 MHz to 10 GHz 1.75, 10 to 25 MHz
1
8478B
X486A 8.20 to 12.4 1.5
P486A 12.4 to 18.0 1.5
K486A 18.0 to 26.5 2.0
R486A 26.5 to 40.0 2.0
1
Option 011: Furnished with APC-7 RF connector
10 MHz to 18 GHz 1.75, 10 to 30 MHz 4
Ordering Information
HP 432A Power Meter
Opt 001 Rechargeable battery installed, provides up
to 20 hours of continuous operation (HP 432A only)
Opt 002 Input connector placed on rear panel in
parallel with front
Opt 003 Input connector on rear panel only
Opt 009 3.1 m (10 ft) Cable for 100 Ωor 200 Ω Sensor
Opt 010 6.1 m (20 ft) Cable for 100 Ωor 200 Ω Sensor
Opt 011 15.2 m (50 ft) Cable for 100 Ωor 200 Ω Sensor
Opt 012 30.5 m (100 ft) Cable for 100 Ωor 200 Ω Sensor
Opt 013 61 m (200 ft) Cable for 100 Ωor 200 Ω Sensor
Opt 100 100 Vac Operation, 48 to 66 Hz
Opt 910 Extra Operating and Service Manual
(HP432A: p/n 00432-90009)
Opt W30 Extended Repair Service (see page 70)
Opt W32 Calibration Service (see page 70)
HP 8477A Power Meter Calibrator
Opt W30 Extended Repair Service (see page 70)
Opt W32 Calibration Service (see page 70)
4 Indicates QuickShip availability.
1.3, 25 MHz to 7 GHz
1.5, 7 to 10 GHz
1.35, 30 to 100 MHz
1.1, 0.1 to 1 GHz
1.35, 1 to 12.4 GHz
1.6, 12.4 to 18 GHz
5
Internet URL www.hp.com/go/tmc99 Product & Order Info See inside back cover