R&S®NRP Power Meter
The art of measuring power accurately
Innovative SMART SENSOR TECHNOLOGY TM
The Power Sensors R&S NRP-Z11, R&S NRP-Z21, R&S NRP-Z22, R&S NRP-Z23 and R&S NRP-Z24 fuse multiple-path architecture, multiple-diode technology and a simultaneously scanning multichannel measurement system into a unique high-performance concept. Multiple-path architecture means combining two or three diode detectors to obtain a large dynamic range for modulated signals. This is achieved by operating each detector exclusively in the square-law region, and only using the optimally driven detectors for the measurement. Multiple diodes comprise several zero-bias Schottky diodes connected in series and integrated on one chip. When used in an RF detector, they expand its square-law region, because the measurement voltage is split among several diodes – so that each one is driven less – while at the same time the detected voltages of the individual diodes are added.
Sensor architecture in R&S NRP-Z11/-Z21/-Z22/-Z23/-Z24
The multipath architecture, for which Rohde & Schwarz has a patent pending, has the following features:
- 3 signal paths, each fitted with triple diodes
- 6 dB wide overlap ranges, smooth transitions
- Simultaneous scanning and analysis
- Chopper stabilization of the signal paths for repetitive signals
- No restrictions on the RF bandwidth of the test signal
- Larger dynamic range
The advantages over conventional technology are obvious: high signal/noise ratio throughout, low modulation effect, negligible delays and discontinuities when switching signal paths, and the ability to perform a time-domain analysis of the test signal within the available video bandwidth.Thus these sensors not only compete with peak power meters, they are even superior in two respects:
Thus it is now already possible to analyze extremely broadband signals, such as are planned for wireless LAN, or will be created by combining several carriers in accordance with 3GPP.
