Discover the ZTS ZHD High-Sensitivity RF Detector Series

Meta Title: Keysight 8473B / 8473C Alternative | High-Sensitivity RF Detector | ZTS

Meta Description: Looking for an alternative to Keysight 8473B/8473C, MACOM 2087-6001-13, Herotek DZ1018 or discontinued Fairview RF detectors? ZTS ZHD high-sensitivity zero-bias detectors cover 1 to 26.5 GHz with ≥1,500 mV/mW sensitivity.

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For decades, engineers looking for broadband microwave detectors have repeatedly encountered familiar names such as Keysight 8473B, Keysight 8473C, MACOM 2087-6001-13 and Herotek DZ1018.

They are established products. But they are no longer the only serious choices.

The ZTS ZHD Series High-Sensitivity Coaxial Detectors combines zero-bias Schottky technology, broadband operation up to 26.5 GHz, open-circuit voltage sensitivity of ≥1,500 mV/mW, tangential signal sensitivity of ≤-52 dBm, and fast pulse response in a compact SMA connectorized package.

If your application needs to detect weak microwave signals — or you are looking for a second source, alternative supplier, legacy detector replacement or more cost-effective OEM solution — the ZHD Series deserves a place on your cross-reference list.

One High-Sensitivity Platform from 1 to 26.5 GHz

The ZTS ZHD family is available in three main frequency ranges:

All three series share the same key high-sensitivity performance:

· Open-circuit voltage sensitivity: ≥1,500 mV/mW

· Tangential signal sensitivity: ≤-52 dBm

· Flatness: ±1.0 dB typical, ±1.25 dB maximum

· Maximum RF input: +20 dBm / 100 mW CW

· Rise time at 50 Ω: ≤10 ns

· Input-to-output delay: ≤30 ns

· 50 Ω nominal impedance

· SMA male RF input / SMA female detected-voltage output

· Compact Ø9.0 × 34.5 mm stainless-steel housing

Six standard configurations are available: ZHD08N, ZHD08P, ZHD18N, ZHD18P, ZHD26N and ZHD26P.

That means engineers can select the required frequency range and either positive or negative detected-voltage polarity without changing detector platforms.

The Number to Notice: ≥1,500 mV/mW

There are plenty of microwave detectors on the market.

What makes the ZHD Series particularly interesting is its sensitivity.

The specified minimum open-circuit voltage sensitivity is:

≥1,500 mV/mW

or equivalently:

≥1.5 mV/µW

For weak-signal detection, this matters.

Higher voltage sensitivity produces a larger detected output voltage from a given low RF input level, which can simplify the job of the following video amplifier, ADC, monitoring circuit or automatic-level-control system.

This becomes even more interesting when compared with several long-established detector families.

Keysight specifies low-level sensitivity of >0.5 mV/µW for the 8473B. The 8473C is specified at >0.5 mV/µW through 18 GHz and >0.18 mV/µW from 18 to 26.5 GHz.

The corresponding published minimum specification of the ZHD Series is ≥1.5 mV/µW.

That does not make the products identical, nor does it mean ZHD is a universal mechanical drop-in replacement. Keysight offers advantages in areas such as operation below 1 GHz, broadband flatness and higher input-power capability.

But if your design operates from 1 GHz upward and detector sensitivity is one of the key selection criteria, the ZHD comparison becomes difficult to ignore.

ZHD18 vs. Keysight 8473B

The Keysight 8473B is one of the best-known microwave diode detectors and covers 10 MHz to 18 GHz.

For systems whose actual operating frequency is between 1 and 18 GHz, the ZTS ZHD18N or ZHD18P can be evaluated as a functional alternative.

ZHD18 offers:

1–18 GHz frequency coverage
≥1,500 mV/mW sensitivity
≤-52 dBm TSS
≤10 ns rise time at 50 Ω
Positive or negative output polarity

Keysight specifies >0.5 mV/µW minimum low-level sensitivity for the 8473B, equivalent to >500 mV/mW.

In other words, the published ZTS minimum voltage-sensitivity specification is three times the published Keysight 8473B minimum figure.

The two devices are not mechanically identical — notably, Keysight uses a 3.5 mm RF input while ZHD uses SMA — so the correct wording is functional alternative, not universal drop-in replacement.

For new designs, OEM equipment, second-source qualification and systems that do not require operation below 1 GHz, however, ZHD18 is a serious candidate.

ZHD26 vs. Keysight 8473C

Need detection all the way to 26.5 GHz?

The ZHD26N / ZHD26P extends the same high-sensitivity architecture from 1 to 26.5 GHz, making it particularly relevant when evaluating alternatives to the Keysight 8473C.

Keysight specifies the 8473C at >0.5 mV/µW to 18 GHz and >0.18 mV/µW from 18 to 26.5 GHz.

ZTS specifies ≥1.5 mV/µW across the ZHD26 operating range.

For engineers primarily concerned with sensitivity between 1 and 26.5 GHz, ZHD26 therefore offers an aggressive performance proposition.

Again, frequency coverage, connector configuration, flatness, power handling and system requirements must be checked before substitution. But if you automatically specify an 8473C simply because it is the detector you have always used, it may be time to evaluate another option.

Looking for a MACOM 2087-6001-13 Alternative?

The MACOM 2087-6001-13 is another widely recognized broadband detector covering approximately 10 MHz to 18 GHz.

Published data lists an open-circuit voltage sensitivity of approximately 800 mV/mW minimum and positive detected-voltage output.

For applications operating above 1 GHz, the ZTS ZHD18P is therefore an obvious cross-reference candidate:

If your system does not need operation below 1 GHz, 1,500 mV/mW versus 800 mV/mW alone makes ZHD18P worth evaluating.

For OEM manufacturers or engineers looking to qualify an alternative source for the 2087-6001-13, send ZTS your existing detector specification and operating conditions and we can evaluate the application.

How Does ZHD18 Compare with Herotek DZ1018?

Herotek is well known for high-sensitivity microwave detectors, and the DZ1018 is a particularly relevant benchmark.

DZ1018 covers 1–18 GHz and published specifications list approximately 1.8 mV/µW — 1,800 mV/mW — sensitivity. It also uses an SMA male RF input and SMA female output, with negative and positive-polarity versions available.

This makes Herotek DZ1018 vs. ZTS ZHD18 a much more direct high-sensitivity comparison than many conventional detector families.

ZHD18 specifies ≥1,500 mV/mW, putting it firmly in the same high-sensitivity detector category.

If you are considering Herotek DZ1018 or DZ1018P, the corresponding ZTS models to evaluate are:

DZ1018 → ZHD18N

DZ1018P → ZHD18P

Exact interchangeability should still be verified against system requirements, but ZHD18 provides another option for engineers who need a compact, zero-bias, high-sensitivity 18 GHz detector.

Discontinued Fairview Detectors? ZTS Offers Another Path

Legacy component availability can become just as important as electrical performance.

Fairview Microwave currently identifies several detector models, including SMD0118 and SMD0126, as discontinued or available only until remaining inventory is depleted.

That creates an obvious problem for engineers maintaining existing systems.

Depending on the actual operating frequency and interface requirements, potential ZTS evaluation candidates include:

These are engineering cross-reference candidates rather than guaranteed drop-in replacements. Frequency range, polarity, RF connector, video load, flatness, VSWR, maximum input power and mechanical dimensions should always be reviewed before replacing an existing detector.

Detecting Signals Down to the Nanowatt Level

Sensitivity is not only about mV/mW.

The ZHD Series also specifies:

TSS ≤ -52 dBm

equivalent to approximately 6 nW under the specified measurement conditions.

This is particularly important in applications where the detector is expected to respond to genuinely weak signals rather than simply measure relatively high RF power.

Typical applications include radar and electronic warfare systems, AM-noise measurement, RF source monitoring, automatic level control, swept transmission and reflection measurements, ultra-wideband pulse measurement, aerospace systems, communication equipment and general microwave test instrumentation.

High Sensitivity — Without Sacrificing Speed

High detector sensitivity is much less useful if the detector cannot respond quickly enough.

The ZHD Series specifies a ≤10 ns rise time and ≤50 ns pulse width with a 50 Ω load, together with an input-to-output delay of ≤30 ns.

This combination of sensitivity and speed makes ZHD suitable not only for CW monitoring but also for applications involving RF pulses, radar envelopes and fast control loops.

With a 10 kΩ load, the detector provides a rise time of ≤1 µs and pulse width of ≤3 µs, giving designers additional flexibility depending on the video circuit being used.

Stop Assuming the Legacy Brand Is the Only Option

If you are maintaining an old test system, the original detector may still be the most convenient choice.

But if you are developing new equipment, qualifying a second source, replacing an obsolete device, reducing BOM cost or simply looking for a more flexible supply option, there is little reason to limit the evaluation to the same legacy brands.

The ZTS ZHD Series offers:

1 to 26.5 GHz coverage

≥1,500 mV/mW high sensitivity

≤-52 dBm tangential signal sensitivity

≤10 ns rise time

Positive and negative output options

Compact SMA connectorized construction

Zero-bias Schottky technology

That makes ZHD a serious candidate for high-sensitivity microwave detection in commercial, aerospace, radar, communications, electronic-warfare and test systems.

Need a Replacement for Your Existing RF Detector?

Already using a Keysight, MACOM, Herotek, Fairview or another microwave detector?

Send us the manufacturer and part number.

ZTS can review the key specifications — frequency range, voltage sensitivity, polarity, response speed, interface and power handling — and recommend the closest ZHD configuration.

Whether you need a Keysight 8473B alternative, Keysight 8473C alternative, MACOM 2087-6001-13 replacement candidate or a solution for a discontinued RF detector, talk to ZTS before paying legacy-brand prices by default.

High sensitivity. Fast response. Up to 26.5 GHz. Another serious choice for microwave detection.

Keysight, MACOM, Herotek, Fairview Microwave and all referenced part numbers are trademarks or product identifiers of their respective owners. ZTS Technologies is not affiliated with or endorsed by these companies. Reference models are provided for engineering comparison and cross-reference purposes only. Compatibility should be verified for each specific application before substitution.