Agilent 5991-0423EN Techniques for Precise Power Measurements in the Field - Application Note c20140722 [21] free download

File name 5991-0423EN Techniques for Precise Power Measurements in the Field - Application Note c20140722 [21]

Keysight Technologies Techniques for Precise Power Measurements in the Field Using FieldFox Handheld Analyzers Application Note Abstract This application note will discuss techniques for measuring average and peak power and the associated equipment options available for field testing. As there is a range of instrument types that can measure power, this application note will focus on the two most widely employed RF/microwave instruments, namely, the power sensor and the spectrum analyzer. Measurement examples will include signals such as CW, pulsed and digitally modulated waveforms. It is important to understand the accuracy and limitations of each instrument including factors that can affect the instruments' performance in the field. Comparisons between different power sensors and spectrum analyzers will be presented. Introduction The output power level of a system is the critical factor in the design and performance of almost all radio frequency (RF) and microwave equipment [1]. The transmitted and received power levels determine the overall performance of any communication or radar system. The measurement of signal power is so important that it is measured at every stage of a system beginning with the initial design and prototyping of individual components, during system manufacturing and qualification testing, during on-site system installation and lastly as part of periodic maintenance and troubleshooting in the field. Given that power measurements have important ramifications to the performance and compliance of a system, it is important that power measurements can be duplicated at different times and at different places. This requires high performance instruments (accuracy) delivering measurements that are stable under various environmental and operating conditions (repeatability). It is also very important that all measured results, regardless of the equipment, have a common agreement as to what is considered an absolute value for the power measurement (traceability). This application note will discuss techniques for measuring average and peak power and the associated equipment options available for field testing. Power Measuring Equipment Configurations There are a variety of instruments capable Selection of the power measurement of measuring RF and microwave power equipment involves a trade-off between including power sensors and meters, accuracy, frequency range, dynamic signal analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and range, portability, durability and warm-up network analyzers [2]. This application time. This application note will review the note will discuss field-capable instruments, benefits and tradeoffs when using a power namely, the power sensor and the spec- s