RF power sensors take centre stage at electronica 2022

The new R&S NRP90S and R&S NRP90SN power sensors combine a frequency range of 50 MHz to 90 GHz with a dynamic range from -70 dBm to 20 dBm along with high measurement speeds of 50,000 measurements per second.

Compared to current thermal power sensors for measurements over 67 GHz, the diode technology increases the power measurement dynamic range by 35 dB and significantly cuts test times.

By extending the maximum frequency from 67 GHz to 90 GHz, the new sensors can cover the latest spectrum allocation for 5G FR2-2 up to 71 GHz, satellite communications in both the 71 GHz to 76 GHz band and the 81 GHz to 86 GHz band, automotive radars operating from 76 GHz to 81 GHz, as well as other lower frequency wireless transmission technologies.

Their portable form factor and flexible operating modes make all R&S NRPxxS power sensors ideal for both local and remote installation in maintenance or monitoring applications. Users benefit from maximum operating flexibility. The power sensors can be connected to an R&S NRX power meter, selected Rohde & Schwarz signal generators and analyzers, or a PC with the R&S NRPV virtual power meter installed. The devices support the USBTMC protocol industry standard for easy integration into test systems. The R&S NRPxxSN also includes an Ethernet interface to support remote LAN operation.

For precise RF power measurements in V, E and W waveguide bands, Rohde & Schwarz has added the new NRPxxTWGN models.

They have LAN interface for more flexible connectivity with TCP/IP technologies, including stand-alone PCs, remote access or cloud systems.

Since R&S NRPxxTWG thermal power sensors were launched in 2018, they have had the highest precision available for frequencies from 50 GHz to 110 GHz when measuring RF power with WR-10, WR-12, or WR-15 waveguides.

All three sensor models cover different frequencies from 50 GHz – 110 GHz in line with waveguide standards and come with a power range from -35 dBm to +20 dBm.

The new R&S NRP75/90/110TWGN models are now part of the family, the “N” stands for additional network connectivity.

The LAN interface has a standard RJ45 socket for full network capability, whether connected to a local network consisting of nothing more than a laptop or to any IP address that is accessible for full remote operation. For easy and convenient R&S NRP75/90/110TWGN integration, these models are powered with PoE, eliminating the need for additional DC input. The “N” models also have an 8-pole interface and dedicated cables to connect to standard USB sockets on a PC, selected Rohde & Schwarz instruments, an R&S NRX base unit, or a mobile phone that has the R&S Power viewer mobile app installed.