RF power meters, also known as RF output power meters, generally focus on measuring over the frequency range of 100 MHz to 40 GHz. In choosing a system, finding one that matches the user’s RF signals and modulation types is essential. Advanced Test Equipment Corporation offers affordable RF power meter rental test equipment from top manufacturers such as Keysight, Giga-Tronics, Boonton, and Rohde & Schwarz.
what is an RF Power Meter?
RF power is needed for many different applications and RF power meters measure this data in the time and statistical domains. The equipment consists of the meter itself, which displays the power reading; and a sensor head, which contains the power-sensing component and connects to both the meter and the device under test. An RF power sensor works in conjunction with an RF power meter, a spectrum analyzer, and other devices to perform power measurement and analysis. Test engineers select a sensor based on its frequency range, dynamic range, and modulation format, the last being essential to the type of test to be performed. Power sensors come in a variety of modulations allowing them to measure the characteristics of CW (continuous wave), average, peak, and pulse waveforms.
choosing a power meter rental
Power specifications are vital to the design of RF components and are reflected directly in the performance of nearly all devices that generate microwaves, so many industries rely on them. The growing number of devices that support wideband data transmission require RF output power meters and sensors to determine average power, peak-to-average ratios, and peak power or time-gated profiles.
Since there are multiple ways of measuring RF power, different test equipment exists to be used for RF power measurement:
- In-line RF power meters (measure power flowing along a feed-line)
- Absorptive RF power meters (absorb the power they measure and convert it into a signal)
- Spectrum analyzers (measure power level on a particular frequency)
Choosing the right power meter rental is crucial in testing equipment as accurate RF signal detection is very important in any application.