Keysight N1921A 18 GHz P-Series Wideband Power Sensor

Key Features At A Glance

• Two-model family spanning 50 MHz to 40 GHz: N1921A reaches 18 GHz, N1922A reaches 40 GHz
• Patented Internal Zero and Calibration lets you zero and calibrate while connected to the DUT
• Four-dimensional correction across power, frequency, temperature, and output voltage, stored in EEPROM
• Permanently attached sensor cable available in 1.5 m, 3 m, or 10 m lengths (no interconnect cable required)
• Power measurement range of -30 dBm to +20 dBm
• Compatible only with Keysight P-Series Power Meters
• Compensation data downloads to the power meter at power-on or when the sensor is connected

The Keysight N1921A and N1922A are P-Series Wideband Power Sensors used to make accurate RF power measurements. The family comprises two models: the N1921A covers a frequency range of 50 MHz to 18 GHz, while the N1922A extends coverage from 50 MHz to 40 GHz. Each sensor combines with a P-Series power meter to form a complete power measurement system and integrates Keysight's patented internal zeroing and calibration capability directly within the sensor.

These sensors are intended for use in manufacturing and automated test environments, where the ability to zero and calibrate without disconnecting from the device under test reduces test times and connector wear. Because each sensor can be embedded within test fixtures without switching in reference signals, it suits high-throughput production setups. For applications in which the frequency changes often — such as testing multi-carrier amplifiers on different bands — the sensor's modeling approach delivers a marked improvement in measurement speed.

ValueTronics stocks and holds its own inventory in a 20,000 square-foot secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois. That lets engineers and labs source the right instrument with confidence, backed by people who know the equipment.

Brand Heritage

Keysight Technologies traces its origins to Hewlett-Packard, whose test-and-measurement business was spun off as Agilent Technologies in 1999. That measurement business was then established as Keysight Technologies in 2014, the brand under which these instruments are produced today.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The P-Series Wideband Power Sensor line consists of two models that share the same internal zeroing and calibration architecture but differ in frequency coverage and connector type. The N1921A operates from 50 MHz to 18 GHz, and the N1922A operates from 50 MHz to 40 GHz.

Both models pair with a P-Series power meter and rely on the same four-dimensional factory-calibration model stored in EEPROM, so the measurement workflow is consistent across the family. Selection between the two comes down to the upper frequency limit and the connector interface required by the application.

Each model below links to its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing for new units. Select the model whose frequency coverage and connector match your measurement system, then choose the listing that fits your requirements and budget.

The primary difference between the two models is frequency coverage: the N1921A reaches 18 GHz, while the N1922A extends to 40 GHz. The connector interface differs accordingly — the N1921A uses a Type-N (male) connector and the N1922A uses a 2.4 mm (male) connector, as shown in the comparison table.

Maximum SWR also differs across the upper bands. Both models specify a maximum SWR of 1.2 from 50 MHz to 10 GHz and 1.26 from 10 GHz to 18 GHz; the N1922A additionally specifies 1.3 from 18 GHz to 26.5 GHz and 1.5 from 26.5 GHz to 40 GHz. See the comparison table for the per-model values.

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

Product Core & Specifications

Important: Subjecting a power sensor above its maximum allowable power rating is considered misuse and is excluded from Keysight's standard warranty coverage.

Important: The P-Series Wideband Power Sensors are ONLY compatible with the P-Series Power Meters.

Important: A 2.4 mm (f) to N-type (m) adapter is required to perform a manual confidence check against an external 1 mW, 50 MHz power reference (the sensor is fitted with a 2.4 mm (m) connector); this adapter is not shipped together with the P-Series Wideband Power Sensor.

Important: Before connecting the power sensor to other instruments, ensure that all instruments are connected to the protective (earth) ground; any interruption of the protective earth grounding will cause a potential shock hazard that could result in personal injury.

Important: A torque wrench must be used to tighten the DUT connector; only use a wrench set to the correct torque value (N1921A: 12 in-lb / 135 Ncm; N1922A: 8 in-lb / 90 Ncm).

Important: Clean the connector only at a static-free workstation; electrostatic discharge to the center pin of the connector will render the power sensor inoperative. The RF connector beads deteriorate when contacted by hydrocarbon compounds such as acetone, trichloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride, and benzene.

Important: Between 50 MHz and 500 MHz the sensor switches in additional filtering, which results in a 15 MHz video bandwidth limitation for signals below 500 MHz.

About this New unit

This is a brand-new, factory-sealed unit, supplied exactly as it arrives from the manufacturer and backed by the full manufacturer warranty. For the exact configuration, available options, included accessories, or current lead time for your application, our Test Architects can confirm the details before you order.

ValueTronics supplies both new and used test and measurement equipment. New units ship factory-sealed, exactly as received from the manufacturer; every used unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house at our 20,000 sq ft secure facility in Elgin, Illinois before it ships. Our Test Architects can help you select the condition, calibration, and configuration that fit your application.

Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.