HP Hewlett-Packard 435B Analog Power Meter 100-240VAC 48-66Hz Power Sensor Input

HP Hewlett-Packard 435B Analog Power Meter 100-240VAC 48-66Hz Power Sensor Input

The HP 435B is a single-channel analog RF and microwave power meter designed for use with HP/Agilent power sensors. It measures power on a large, easy-to-read analog meter with dual scales — µW–mW and dBm — and features a rotary RANGE selector, ZERO control, and front-panel CAL FACTORS switches for sensor calibration correction. A built-in 1 mW (0 dBm) power reference output is provided for calibration checks. The 435B accepts a universal AC line input and is suitable for bench use across a wide range of RF measurement applications.

Specifications & What's Included

• Make / Model: Hewlett-Packard 435B
• Type: Analog RF / Microwave Power Meter
• Display: Large analog meter with µW–mW and dBm dual scales
• AC Input: 100–240VAC, 20VA max
• Fuse: 100mAT at 100–220V; 62.5mAT at 220–240V
• Input Frequency: 48–66 Hz / 360–440 Hz
• Front Panel Controls: ZERO, RANGE (rotary), LINE ON/OFF, CAL ADJ trimmer, CAL FACTORS switches
• Front Panel Outputs: POWER REF output (1 mW / 0 dBm at 50 MHz)
• Rear Panel Connections: POWER SENSOR INPUT, RF BLANKING INPUT, RECORDER OUTPUT, POWER REF OUTPUT, AC line inlet with fuse drawer
• Dimensions: 12" W × 7" H × 6" D
• Form Factor: Benchtop with fold-out front support leg
• Included: Power meter unit only — no power sensor, cables, or manual

Applications

The HP 435B was part of Hewlett-Packard's long-running line of analog RF power meters, introduced in the 1970s and widely used through the 1980s and into the 1990s in RF labs, microwave test benches, and telecommunications test environments. It is designed to work with HP/Agilent 8480-series power sensors (as well as earlier compatible sensors), which cover frequency ranges from low MHz up to 26.5 GHz and beyond depending on the sensor model. Typical applications include transmitter output power measurement, signal generator level verification, antenna and waveguide system characterization, and general RF component testing. The analog meter display was favored in many lab settings for its immediate visual indication of power level and ease of null/peak finding. The 435B remains in use today in facilities that maintain legacy HP test benches and in educational and amateur radio settings, where its simplicity, robustness, and compatibility with widely available 8480-series sensors make it a practical and cost-effective instrument. It preceded the later HP 436A and Agilent E4418B digital power meters, which added digital readout and IEEE-488 (GPIB) remote control.