Enhanced RF wideband power measurement sensor family

The new R&S NRPxxP family from Rohde & Schwarz has sensors with a measurement bandwidth of up to 30MHz, a new, improved design and an expanded frequency range. The three-model family covers frequency ranges from 50MHz to 18GHz, 50MHz to 40GHz, and a new top model for 50MHz to 50GHz.

The sensors are optimised to be small enough to be handheld for simple and convenient installation close to the DUT. The interface utilises standard USB hardware and a test and measurement class driver for remote control with no dedicated base unit, making the sensors an excellent tool for installation, maintenance or monitoring applications and simplified test system integration. The extended frequency range of up to 50GHz covers the entire Q band employed in satellite communications, terrestrial microwave communications, radio astronomy studies, defence communications, and all 5G FR2 frequencies that are currently commercially relevant.

The family can measure pulses as short as 50 nanoseconds when making power measurements on pulsed signals. The automatic pulse analysis eradicates time-consuming marker settings. The complementary cumulative distribution function allows sensors to calculate the probability of above-average power levels by sampling a million points within 25 milliseconds. Users also have maximum operating flexibility thanks to timed trigger measurements or burst detection triggers. The sensors can connect to an R&S NRX power meter, selected signal generators and analysers, a PC with the R&S NRPV virtual power meter or a mobile phone running the R&S Power Viewer mobile.