# Agilent 8473D 0.01 to 33.0 GHz Planar-Doped Barrier Detector (Standard, Negative Output) (Pre-Owned)

# Agilent 8473D 0.01 to 33.0 GHz Planar-Doped Barrier Detector (Standard, Negative Output) (Pre-Owned)

## Key Features At A Glance

-   Frequency range from 10 MHz to 33 GHz (typical performance to 40 GHz per datasheet)
-   Frequency response flatness of ±0.25 dB from 10 MHz to 14 GHz
-   Frequency response flatness of ±0.4 dB from 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz
-   Low SWR of 1.2 from 10 MHz to 14 GHz and 1.4 from 14 to 26.5 GHz
-   Low level sensitivity greater than 0.4 mV/mW with square-law response
-   Maximum operating input of 200 mW; short-term maximum input of 1 watt (less than 1 minute)
-   APC-3.5 male RF connector (SMA compatible) with BNC female video output
-   Operating temperature range from -65 °C to +100 °C per MIL-STD-883 Method 1010.1

The Agilent 8473D is a Planar-Doped Barrier (PDB) detector covering 10 MHz to 33 GHz, with typical performance extending to 40 GHz. The detector combines characteristics of point-contact and low-barrier Schottky diodes through PDB diode technology, delivering broadband flatness, square-law response, and low SWR in a single rugged package.

Detectors of this class convert RF and microwave signal power into a proportional DC video voltage, enabling power measurement, signal monitoring, leveling loops, and ALC feedback in broadband test setups. The 8473D's square-law response across its operating range supports accurate relative power measurements, while the wide frequency coverage allows a single detector to serve applications spanning HF through Ka-band.

## Brand Heritage

Hewlett-Packard's test and measurement business was spun out as Agilent Technologies in 1999, and Agilent's electronic measurement division was then transferred to Keysight Technologies in 2014. Instruments and components carrying the Agilent label, including the 8473D, originate from this lineage and remain widely deployed in active service.

## Compare Other Models in This Series

The 8473D is the 33 GHz member of Agilent's Planar-Doped Barrier detector family. PDB diode technology was developed to provide the broadband flatness and low SWR of a low-barrier Schottky alongside the square-law response and sensitivity associated with point-contact detectors, in a single rugged coaxial package.

Within this family, models differ primarily by frequency coverage and connector interface, with the underlying PDB diode architecture and square-law detection characteristic shared across the line. The 8473D's APC-3.5 male input positions it for microwave applications extending into Ka-band, where its ±0.4 dB flatness through 26.5 GHz and ±1.25 dB flatness across the full 33 GHz span are the defining performance attributes.

Each model below is its own dedicated product page. Configurations and condition grades are evaluated per unit, and the pre-owned units we list reflect what our technicians measured during inspection — not generic catalog descriptions.

The 8473D specifically targets applications requiring coverage from below 1 GHz through 33 GHz in a single detector, with the option of positive output polarity via Option 003 for systems where that convention is required. Standard configuration delivers negative output.

When comparing PDB detectors across the family, the primary axes of differentiation are upper frequency limit, RF connector type, and the resulting SWR and flatness performance across each segment of the band. The 8473D's specification table breaks performance into three frequency ranges — through 14 GHz, through 26.5 GHz, and through 33 GHz — allowing direct comparison against detectors covering narrower or wider spans.

See the comparison table below for the configurations we currently stock from this family. Output polarity, connector type, and frequency coverage are the key columns to evaluate against your application.

Model

Frequency Range

Frequency Response

Max Operating Input

**8473D**

0.01 to 33.0 GHz

±1.25 dB (0.01 to 33.0 GHz)

200 mW

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

## Product Core & Specifications

Specification

Value

Frequency range

0.01 to 33.0 GHz (Below 1 GHz RF may leak through the video connector; if objectionable, this may be eliminated with a low pass filter.)

Frequency response

±0.25 dB (0.01 to 14.0 GHz); ±0.4 dB (0.01 to 26.5 GHz); ±1.25 dB (0.01 to 33.0 GHz); ±2.0 dB typical to 40 GHz

SWR

1.2 (0.01 to 14 GHz); 1.4 (14 to 26.5 GHz); 3.0 (26.5 to 33.0 GHz); 3.0 typical to 40 GHz

Low level sensitivity

\> 0.4 mV/mW

Maximum operating input

200 mW

Typical short-term maximum input (less than 1 minute)

1 watt

Noise (peak to peak with CW power applied to produce 100 mV output, 400 kHz BW)

< 50 mV

Output polarity (Standard)

Negative

Output polarity (Option 003)

Positive

RF connector

APC-3.5 Male (SMA compatible)

Output connector

BNC (Female)

Operating temperature

\-65° C to +100° C (Tested only to 50,000 ft / 15,240 m, capable of much higher performance.)

Temperature cycling

MIL-STD-883, Method 1010.1 (-65° C to +100° C)

Measurement conditions

Measured at 25° C and -20 dBm unless otherwise specified.

**Important:** Maximum operating input: 200 mW. Typical short-term maximum input: 1 watt for less than 1 minute. Below 1 GHz, RF may leak through the video connector; a low-pass filter on the video output addresses this if objectionable.**Important:** Below 1 GHz, RF may leak through the video connector. If objectionable, this may be eliminated with a low pass filter.**Important:** Specifications are measured at 25° C and -20 dBm unless otherwise specified.**Important:** Operating temperature tested only to 50,000 ft (15,240 m); capable of much higher performance.

## About this used unit

-   Warranty included
-   Functional verification included
-   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
- **Vendor:** Agilent
- **Type:** Accessory
- **Tags:** Agilent, Agilent Keysight, Detector, Manufacturers, Other Equipment, product_manual_group_3, Product_used

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 0.00 USD | In stock |

## Images

- Agilent 8473D 0.01 to 33.0 GHz Planar-Doped Barrier Detector (Standard, Negative Output) (Pre-Owned)

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> Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/8473d-agilent-detector-used)
> Updated: 2026-05-30