Frequency-Selective Power Sensor Combines Best of Both Worlds (.PDF Download)

Power meters and spectrum analyzers are fundamental instruments in any RF/microwave test lab. But what do you get when you combine the accuracy of a power meter with the dynamic range of a spectrum analyzer? Those intrigued by that question may want to consider the NRQ6 frequency-selective power sensor developed by Rohde & Schwarz (Fig. 1).

1. The NRQ6 frequency-selective power sensor covers a frequency range of 50 MHz to 6 GHz.

The NRQ6, based on receiver technology, can perform band-limited power measurements, i.e., power measurements on a selected transmission channel. What’s impressive about the NRQ6 is its measurement range—it’s able to measure signals ranging from −130 to +20 dBm. In terms of frequencies, the NRQ6 has a measurement frequency range of 50 MHz to 6 GHz. It offers a measurement bandwidth of 100 MHz.

A LAN web interface controls the NRQ6. Connection to the LAN is achieved with a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE+) switch. In addition, the power sensor’s integrated web server makes it possible to operate the graphical user interface (GUI) without any extra software—all that’s needed is a PC with a web browser.