Installation guide

2
Making an accurate power measurement requires both a power meter and a power
sensor. The power sensor converts the RF signal and microwave signal into analog
signals. Subsequently, the power meter will perform the statistical processing and
display the result in decimal format. Today, the Agilent U2000 Series USB power sensors
connect to a PC via the USB port, providing power measurements ranging from +20 dBm
to –60 dBm, and over frequencies ranging from 9 kHz to 24 GHz. The combination of
power meter and power sensor makes the U2000 Series USB power sensor a standalone
instrument that provides an affordable solution for power measurement. Results of the
power measurement can be retrieved through the power measurement software on the
PC via USB cable or via SCPI commands. The U2000 Series USB power sensors are also
compatible with Agilent instruments such as the vector network analyzer, spectrum
analyzer, signal generator, cable and antenna tester, and FieldFox RF analyzer.
This application note explains how the U2000 Series USB power sensor performs source
power calibration with the N5230A PNA-L and scalar analysis of a frequency converter
with E5071C ENA vector network analyzer. The U2000 Series USB power sensors are
able to turn the N9340A handheld spectrum analyzer into a power meter function and
also perform user fl atness correction (UFC) with external leveling using the N5183A MXG
signal generator.
Introduction
The U2000 Series USB power sensors are USB-based power sensors, which are more
affordable and lighter in weight than typical power meters (see Figure 1). The USB power
sensor can measure true average power from the RF and microwave device and thus
makes the power sensor similar to power-sensing solutions. Current power measurement
solutions require the power sensor to be connected to a power meter in order to perform
measurements.
The new breakthrough design of the U2000 Series USB power sensors enables the
sensors to function as standalone instruments that can operate with a PC to provide the
power measurement. The plug-and-play USB connectivity provides fast and easy setup.
The power sensor also eases monitoring and troubleshooting with the features-packed
N1918A Power Analysis Manager software.
Features
• Frequency ranging from 9 kHz to 24 GHz (sensor dependent)
• Wide dynamic range of –60 dBm to +44 dBm
• Internal triggering capability without the need for an external triggering module and
power supply
• Internal zeroing capability that eliminates the need for external calibration
• High measurement speed of up to 250 readings per second
• Power measurement in PC or selected Agilent instruments
• True average power measurement for all signal types with unlimited bandwidth
Figure 1 U2000 Series USB power sensor
U2000 Series USB Power Sensor as an Agilent Instrument
Accessory
Table of Contents
Introduction 2
U2000 Series USB Power 3
Sensor’s Compatibility with
Agilent Instruments
How Does It Work?
• N5230C PNA-L Vector 4
Network Analyzer
• E5071C ENA Vector 6
Network Analyzer
• N9340x Handheld Spectrum 8
Analyzer
• N5183A MXG Signal Generator 12
Conclusion 13
Related Literature 14
Product Web Site 14