Makes power measurements up to 33 GHz faster and more precise.
Munich, July 22, 2009 — The new R&S NRP-Z31 from Rohde & Schwarz is the first diode power sensor to operate up to 33 GHz. It does not require a base unit. It can be connected to a PC via the USB interface with its power measurements displayed on the PC screen by the accompanying PC software. In addition to delivering cost and space benefits, the R&S NRP-Z31 offers outstanding performance for manufacturers of satellite communications systems (Ka band), RF/microwave components and radio-relay link systems. Compared to other power sensors, the R&S NRP-Z31 achieves double the measurement accuracy (0.119 dB) and its 4 ms measurement speed is faster by a factor of 10. For measuring modulated signals, the R&S NRP-Z31 achieves unsurpassed precision over the entire dynamic range of 90 dB thanks to its multipath technology.
Rohde & Schwarz has integrated its tried-and-tested multipath technology into the R&S NRP-Z31 diode power sensor: Measurements are performed simultaneously on three separate diode paths that cover different power ranges. Each path is weighted differently depending on the measured power. As a result, modulated signals can be measured independently of their RF bandwidth. The power ranges of the paths overlap in order to improve the linearity in the transition ranges. The result is maximum measurement accuracy over the entire dynamic range (90 dB).
The R&S NRP-Z31 is ideal for many applications. Amplifiers for satellite-system ground stations and satellites can be measured thanks to the high frequency range of up to 33 GHz. Users who perform multiple tests will benefit from fast measurement speed compared to the other solutions: The R&S NRP-Z31 continues to offer maximum precision even at high measurement speeds. Moreover, the sensor is ideal for performing maintenance directly on ground stations. Service technicians can carry out the required measurements simply by using a laptop — no base unit required.
Numerous measurement modes — including trace, timeslot and gated — allow flexible signal analysis. The embedding function makes it possible to store the influence of adapters or attenuators in the sensor so that these values can be included in the measurement.
The new R&S NRP-Z31 diode power sensor is now available from Rohde & Schwarz. It can be operated as a standalone unit or connected to all signal generators and most signal, spectrum and network analyzers from Rohde & Schwarz.
