Tektronix,
Inc., a leading innovator of signal generation and analysis solutions required
for the microwave and RF industry, has introduced a family of compact RF and
microwave power sensors/meters that feature the industry’s fastest measurement
speed, cover a wide frequency range, and provide extensive power measurements
from basic average power to pulse profiling. The Tektronix PSM RF Power Meter Series come fully calibrated over
their entire operating temperature range, eliminating the need for sensor
zeroing and meter reference calibration.
The
new Tektronix PSM3000, PSM4000, and PSM5000 Series are compact USB power
sensors/meters that can be used for a broad range of CW and pulse modulation
measurements depending on the model selected. The meters are delivered with
Microsoft Windows-based power meter application software for controlling the
meter, displaying readings and recording data. This combination provides a
complete test solution, eliminating the need for a separate meter mainframe.
“Our
new power sensors/meters are a major step forward for applications ranging from
installation and maintenance of a wireless base station, production testing, or
research and design for wireless devices and radars,” said Mike Flaherty,
general manager, Source Analyzer Product Line for Tektronix. “They deliver
industry leading accuracy and performance along with a desirable form factor
and exceptional temperature stability and breadth of measurements.”
Accurate
power measurements have emerged as an absolute requirement in RF and microwave
design and manufacturing. While testing of RF products has become faster and
easier over the past several years, testing RF power still remains one of the
most basic and time consuming tests. This has led to a market need for more
capable, compact power sensors/meters such as the PSM Series.
Tektronix
PSM Series power sensors feature the industry’s fastest measurement speed,
rated at 2000 readings per second. This speed can significantly reduce test
times and provide dynamic power measurement information that was previously
unavailable. A high-speed logging application provides a mechanism for getting
this data into a host PC for analysis. The PSM
Series
products are highly versatile thanks to a wide dynamic range (–60 dBm to +20
dBm) and frequencies ranging from 10 MHz up to 26.5 GHz.
Zero
and calibration are important considerations since these requirements can cost
time and add incremental expense, especially in automated test systems, where
every second is valuable. The Tektronix PSM sensors employ a patented technique
to ensure stability and calibration over the entire temperature range, which
makes them more accurate over varying ambient temperatures than any other
sensor on the market. Other power sensors require time-consuming
disconnecting or zeroing and frequent calibration.
“RF
power meters are an important part of system calibration for the active
harmonic load-pull solutions we provide,” said Johannes Benedikt, CTO, Mesuro
LTD. “By not requiring zero and calibration procedures prior to taking a
measurement it saves us time and provides needed confidence that our
measurements are accurate and traceable.”
PSM3000
Series RF power meters provide true average power measurements, giving accurate
power measurements independent of signal modulation and bandwidth. The PSM4000
Series delivers average power (CW) measurements, and adds pulse and peak power
measurements for gathering basic data on pulsed RF and microwave signals.
PSM5000 Series power sensors/meters provide the same measurements as the
PSM4000, and add pulse profiling capability for signal viewing and
characterization in pulsed RF and microwave systems.
Availability
& Pricing
Tektronix PSM Series RF power sensors/meters are available now worldwide and start at $2,590 US MSRP.
Tektronix PSM Series RF power sensors/meters are available now worldwide and start at $2,590 US MSRP.
About
Tektronix
For more than sixty years, engineers have turned to
Tektronix for test, measurement and monitoring
solutions to solve
design challenges, improve productivity and dramatically reduce time to market.
Tektronix is a leading supplier of test instrumentation for engineers focused
on electronic design, manufacturing, and advanced technology development.
Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Tektronix serves customers worldwide and
offers award-winning service and support. Stay on the leading edge at www.tektronix.com