RF POWER MEASUREMENT

Advantages and Disadvantages

High frequency, 1MHz < f < 1.8GHz

Most accurate method at > 100 MHz

Grounded device measurement

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Network Analysis (Reflection) Technique
Theory of Operation

V INC

DUT
VR

VR ZL- Z O
= =
V INC ZL + Z O

Kobe Instrument Division

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Back to Basics - LCRZ Module
 Summary
Which compensation technique should you select?
- Selection Guideline -

Fixture Connection Residual

Instruments
Primary Fixture Secondary Fixture Compensation
Direct OPEN/SHORT
Test Fixture only

Direct Test Fixture Cable correction +

Z Analyzer
OPEN/SHORT
Specified HP Cable
LCR Meter Complicated Fixture Cable correction +
Scanner, etc. OPEN/SHORT/LOAD
(4284A, Non-specified HP cable
4285A Direct Test Fixture OPEN/SHORT/LOAD
etc.) Non-HP cable
Other Fixtures
OPEN/SHORT
Self-made Test Fixture or
OPEN/SHORT/LOAD

Kobe Instrument Division

3
Back to Basics - LCRZ Module
 Units and Definitions

 Unit of power is the watt (W): 1W = 1 joule/sec

 The watt is a basic unit: 1 volt is defined as 1 W/ampere

 Relative power measurements are expressed in dB: P(dB) = 10 log(P/Pref)

 Absolute power measurements are expressed in dBm: P(dBm) = 10 log(P/1 mW)

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 Power: P = (I)(V)

+
V R
-

AC component of power DC component of power

P

Amplitude

t
I

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 Power Measurements at Different Frequencies

+ Z
 DC V ±
S
R
L
-

 Low Frequency Z
S
R
V L

Z
S
 High Frequency R
L
Z
O
V Inc

VR

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 Types of Power Measurements

 Average Power CW RF signal

 Pulse Power Pulsed RF signal

Gaussian pulse signal

 Peak Envelope Power

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Average Power

Average over several modulation cycles

time
Average over many pulse repetitions
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 Measurement Types Summary

 For a CW signal, average, pulse, and peak envelope power give the same results

 Average power is more frequently measured because of easy-to-use measurement

equipment and highly accurate and traceable specifications

 Pulse and peak envelope power can often be calculated from average power

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Power Meter Errors

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 Methods of Sensing Power

Thermistors
Power
Thermocouples Display
Substituted DC or
Meter
Net RF power absorbed by
Diode Detectors low frequency
sensor
Power equivalent
Sensor

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 Power Meters for Thermistor Mounts

 HP 432A Power Meter

Thermistor mounts are

located in the sensor, not
the meter.

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 The Basic Power Meter

Diode Sensor Synchronous Meter

Diode BPF Ranging Detector LPF ADC
Detector Chopper
RF DC AC

AUTOZERO

Square Wave µProcessor

220 Hz Generator
DAC

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