# Boonton 4400A RF Peak Power Meter (Pre-Owned)

# Boonton 4400A RF Peak Power Meter (Pre-Owned)

## Key Features At A Glance

-   Greater than 60 dB dynamic range (sensor dependent) without range switching
-   Frequency range from 30 MHz to 40 GHz (sensor dependent)
-   Built-in 1 GHz NIST-traceable calibrator with output from -40 to +20 dBm
-   Color VGA display (7-inch diagonal CRT, 640 x 480 resolution)
-   PC-compatible 1.44 MB floppy drive for setup and waveform storage
-   Random repetitive sampling with 1 MHz maximum sample rate
-   14 automatic pulse measurements including peak power, rise time, pulse width, and duty cycle
-   IEEE-488 (GPIB), RS-232, and parallel printer interfaces standard

The Boonton 4400A RF Peak Power Meter and 4500A RF Peak Power Meter/Analyzer are time-domain RF power measurement instruments designed for analyzing the power-versus-time behavior of pulsed and modulated RF signals. The 4400A focuses on time-domain pulse analysis, while the 4500A extends those capabilities by adding statistical measurements (CDF, CCDF, PDF) for signals with digital modulation, multiple carriers, or complex coding techniques.

These instruments are applied to radar, pulse burst, GSM and TDMA wireless signals, broadcast TV and radio transmitter measurements, and RF amplifier linearity testing per the datasheet. The 4500A is specifically suited for signals such as CDMA, WCDMA, HDTV, DAB, and multi-carrier systems where peak-to-average power behavior must be characterized statistically. Both models support analysis of repetitive RF signals where the power-versus-time relationship must be accurately measured and recorded.

## Brand Heritage

Boonton Electronics was a long-established American manufacturer of precision RF instruments, including power meters, voltmeters, modulation analyzers, and capacitance meters. The Boonton T&M business was acquired by Wireless Telecom Group, under which the 4400A and 4500A peak power meters were marketed. Boonton instruments continue to be actively used in calibration labs, broadcast facilities, defense electronics, and RF design environments, and remain a frequent request in the legacy RF used market.

## Compare Other Models in This Series

The Boonton peak power instrument family covered on this datasheet consists of two models that share a common measurement architecture but address different signal analysis needs. The 4400A is a single-channel time-domain RF peak power meter focused on pulse analysis. The 4500A is a peak power meter/analyzer that adds a second measurement channel and statistical measurement capabilities (CDF, CCDF, PDF) for analyzing signals with digital modulation, multiple carriers, and complex coding techniques.

Both instruments share the same 30 MHz to 40 GHz sensor-dependent frequency range, greater than 60 dB dynamic range, 1 GHz NIST-traceable internal calibrator, 7-inch color VGA display, 1.44 MB floppy drive, and full GPIB/RS-232/parallel printer connectivity. The difference between the two models is determined by whether the application requires pulse time-domain analysis alone, or whether statistical analysis of long-running modulated signals (CDMA, WCDMA, HDTV, multi-carrier) is also needed.

Each pre-owned unit linked below is its own product page with condition-matched pricing, accessory documentation, and warranty terms specific to that listing. Review the individual product page for the exact configuration, included sensors and accessories, and current availability for the model you are evaluating.

The 4400A is positioned by the datasheet as the time-domain instrument of choice for radar, pulse bursts, GSM/TDMA wireless, broadcast TV and radio transmitter analysis, and RF amplifier linearity testing — applications where the power-versus-time relationship is the primary measurement. A single measurement channel is standard, with an optional second channel available to enable rear-panel Channel 2 and Trigger 2 inputs, a Math channel, and two Reference channels for waveform comparison and archival.

The 4500A retains every time-domain measurement capability of the 4400A and adds dual-channel statistical processing: continuous sampling at 500,000 samples per second per channel, 4,096 power bins per histogram, 32-bit bin counters, and synchronous or asynchronous measurements across the two channels. Statistical display modes include CDF, CCDF (also referred to as 1-CDF), and PDF, with X-axis ranges from 0.1% to 10% per division and percent resolution of 0.002%. Automatic statistical measurements include peak max power, average power, peak-to-average ratio, minimum power, total samples, sampling time, confidence band, dynamic range, and tolerance.

Choose the 4400A when the application is pulse and time-domain analysis of repetitive RF signals. Choose the 4500A when the application involves digitally modulated signals (CDMA, WCDMA, HDTV, DAB), multi-carrier systems, or any signal where peak-to-average ratio and statistical distribution of power levels must be characterized over long run times. See the comparison table that follows for a side-by-side view of measurement modes, sampling architecture, channel count, and statistical capabilities.

Model

Frequency Range

Dynamic Range

Channels

**4400A**

30 MHz to 40 GHz

\>60 dB (sensor dependent)

1 (2nd channel optional)

4500A

30 MHz to 40 GHz

\>60 dB (sensor dependent)

Dual-channel

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

## Product Core & Specifications

Category

Specification

Value

Sensor Inputs

Frequency Range

30 MHz to 40 GHz, selectable (sensor dependent)

Pulse Measurement Range

\-40 to +20 dBm (sensor dependent)

CW Measurement Range

\-50 to +20 dBm (sensor dependent)

Risetime (10 - 90%)

See sensor specifications

Single-Shot Bandwidth

100 kHz (based on 10 samples per pulse)

Pulse Repetition Rate

25 MHz

Minimum Pulse Width

30 ns

Vertical Scale

Relative Offset Range (Log)

±99.99 dB

Relative Offset Range (Linear)

0 to 99 divisions

Vertical Scale (Log)

0.1-20 dB/div in 1-2-5 sequence

Vertical Scale (Linear)

1 nW to 50 MW in 1-2-5 sequence

Time Base (Pulse Mode)

Time Base Range

10 ns to 1 s/div

Time Base Accuracy

0.01%

Time Base Resolution

200 ps

Statistical Mode (4500A only)

X-Axis

0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10% per division

Percent Offset Range

0 - 99% (x-axis dependent)

Percent Resolution

0.002%

Trigger (Pulse Mode Only)

Trigger Source

Channel 1 internal or external; or Channel 2 internal or external (optional)

Trigger Slope

\+ or -

Pre-Trigger Delay (10 ns to 50 µs)

\-500 µs

Pre-Trigger Delay (100 µs to 1 sec)

\-10 div

Post-Trigger Delay (10 ns to 1 µs)

10,000 div

Post-Trigger Delay (2 µs to 50 µs)

2 ms

Post-Trigger Delay (100 µs to 1 sec)

200 div

Trigger Delay Resolution

0.02 divisions

Trigger Holdoff Range

65 ms

Trigger Holdoff Resolution

62.5 ns

Trigger View

Vertical Scale

0.1 V to 1 V in 1-2-5 sequence

Relative Offset

±3 volts

Internal Trigger Range

\-27 to +20 dBm (sensor dependent)

External Trigger Range

±3 volts

External Trigger Input

50 ohms, dc coupled

Statistical Processing (4500A only)

Modes

CDF, 1-CDF, PDF

Sampling Rate

500,000 samples per second

Number of Sampling Bins

4,096

Size of Sample Bins

32 bits

Bin Power Resolution

<0.02 dB (sensor dependent)

Statistical Automatic Measurements

(4500A only)

Peak max. power, average power, peak to average ratio, minimum power, total samples, sampling time, confidence band of measurements, dynamic range, and tolerance

Calibration Source

Operating Modes

CW, internal or external pulse

Frequency

1.024 GHz ± 0.1%

Level Range

\-40.0 to +20.0 dBm

Resolution

0.1 dB

Output SWR (Refl. Coeff.)

1.20, (0.091) \[CW mode\]

Accuracy Absolute (NIST traceable, CW mode, 0 to 40°C, -30 to +20 dBm)

±0.065 dB (1.5%) at 0 dB and 25°C, ±0.001 dB per °C

Accuracy Linearity

±0.03 dB per 5 dB

Internal Pulse Period

100 µs, 1 ms or 10 ms

Internal Pulse Duty Cycle / Polarity / Connector

10% to 90% in 10% increments; + or -; Type N

Power Measurement Accuracy

Measurement Uncertainty

Total measurement uncertainty (worst case) is the sum of the calibrator uncertainty, source mismatch error, sensor calibration factor uncertainty, sensor temperature coefficient, sensor shaping, noise and drift.

Mismatch Uncertainty

±2 × sensor reflection coefficient × source reflection coefficient × 100%

Measurement Characteristics

Measurement Techniques (Stat Mode, 4500A only)

Continuous sampling 0.5 M samples per second

Measurement Techniques (Power Mode)

Random repetitive sampling system that provides pre- and post-trigger data

Maximum Sample Rate

1 MHz

Memory Depth

4 K/Channel

Vertical Resolution

0.025%, 12-bit A/D converter

Waveform Averaging

1 to 10,000 samples per data point

Waveform Storage / Trigger BW

Waveform Storage

Two reference waveforms in internal non-volatile memory

Trigger Channel Bandwidth

\> 30 MHz typical

Sensor Characteristics

Power Detection Technique

Dual diode with selectable detector bandwidth

Log Amplifier

The logarithmic amplifier in the sensor enables the instrument to measure and analyze changes in power exceeding 60 dB in a single display range.

Internal Data

Sensor calibration factors, frequency range, power range, sensor type, serial number and other sensor-dependent information are stored in EEPROM within the peak power sensor.

Sensor Cable

Detachable from both the sensor and instrument. Standard cable length is 5 feet. Other cable lengths are 10 feet, 20 feet, 25 feet and 50 feet.

Rear Panel Connections

External Calibrator Pulse Input

External TTL-level signal to control the pulse rate and duty cycle of the calibrator output (50 ohm input impedance)

**Important:** Frequency range of 30 MHz to 40 GHz, pulse measurement range of -40 to +20 dBm, and CW measurement range of -50 to +20 dBm are sensor dependent — actual operating range depends on the specific Boonton Peak Power Sensor connected.**Important:** Peak Power Sensors are required for measurement and are sold separately. Boonton offers a wide selection of sensors optimized for different frequency, risetime, and dynamic range characteristics; see Appendix D or the Boonton Electronics Sensor Data Manual for detailed specifications.**Important:** Sensor cable is detachable from both the sensor and instrument. Standard cable length is 5 feet; other available lengths are 10 feet, 20 feet, 25 feet, and 50 feet.**Important:** Frequency range, pulse and CW measurement ranges, internal trigger range, and bin power resolution are sensor dependent.**Important:** Vertical scale sensitivities are decreased by a factor of two in the split-screen mode.**Important:** Dual-channel operation on the 4400A and the optional rear-panel Channel 2 / Trigger 2 connectors require the optional second channel.Recommended pairing: Boonton Peak Power Sensors, which store calibration factors traceable to NIST in onboard EEPROM and automatically download sensor data to the instrument when connected. See Boonton Electronics Sensor Data Manual for the full sensor compatibility list.

## About this used unit

-   Warranty included
-   Functional verification included
-   Standard Calibration Upgrade Options: No Calibration Required, NIST Traceable, Z540.1 or ISO 17025 with Data, Z540.3 Guardbanding with Data.
-   Note that unnecessary accessories may not be included (contact Test Architect to confirm).

**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.**

## Details

- **Price:** 0.0 USD - 350.0 USD
- **Vendor:** Boonton
- **Type:** Rfp Met
- **Tags:** Boonton, Manufacturers, Meters & DAQ, product_manual_group_1, Product_used, RF Power

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| None | 0.00 USD | In stock |
| NIST Traceable | 175.00 USD | In stock |
| NIST Traceable with Full Data | 210.00 USD | In stock |
| ISO IEC 17025 Accredited | 350.00 USD | In stock |

## Images

- Boonton 4400A RF Peak Power Meter (Pre-Owned)

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> Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/4400a-boonton-rf-power-meter-used)
> Updated: 2026-05-30
