Saelig introduces Boonton PMX40 40GHz RF Power Meter

It utilises the excellent performance and capabilities of the external Boonton RTP and CPS families of USB RF power sensors which offer 3ns rise times and 195MHz of video bandwidth. They can make accurate measurements virtually independently of signal modulation bandwidth. Up to four USB sensors can be connected for multi-channel power measurements.

Independent or synchronised multi-channel measurements of CW, modulated, and pulsed signals provide great flexibility in a benchtop unit without the need for PC control. This makes it well suited for use in ATE/rack-mount setups.

The PMX40's intuitive, multi-touch display enables fast configuration of the sensors, as well as easy access to measurement and analysis tools, providing a standalone solution for capturing, displaying, and analysing peak and average RF power in both the time and statistical domains. The meter also incorporates a test source to verify sensor operation.

For simple, intuitive measurements of repetitive waveforms, the PMX40 Continuous Mode of operation provides a numeric display of average, maximum and minimum signal powers. Analysis of fast-rising single pulses or pulses with short pulse repetition intervals (PRIs) requires an instrument with sophisticated trigger and data acquisition capability; with Pulsed Mode, more than 16 pulse parameters can be measured.

In Statistical Mode, the PMX40 plots the Complementary Cumulative Distribution Function (CCDF). The CCDF plot shows the rate of occurrence of a specific crest factor for signals, such as those used in 5G, 4G/LTE, and WiFi applications.

Characterisation and compliance testing of WiFi and LTE chipsets and devices involves significant challenges for design and test engineers. With multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) architectures and channel bandwidths up to 160MHz, testing is complex, especially when measuring RF power per channel and time alignment between channels. The PMX40 enables packet power measurements to be performed independently on multiple synchronous or asynchronous transmit chains with a common time-base shared among sensors.

Design, verification, troubleshooting, and maintenance of secondary surveillance radar (e.g. IFF-based radar) has never been more demanding. The PMX40 can be used to easily, accurately capture SSR waveforms. Markers enable measurements on specific portions of the waveform.

As a benchtop meter, the PMX40 provides a standalone solution for capturing, displaying, and analysing peak and average RF power in both the time and statistical domains through an intuitive, multi-touch touchscreen display. Connecting a PC adds additional software capabilities.