NI introduces USB-controlled RMS RF power meter

-- Test & Measurement World, 1/8/2008 4:21:00 AM

National Instruments has announced the company’s first USB-controlled true RMS RF power meter. The 6-GHz NI USB-5680 power meter features high measurement accuracy and wide dynamic range packaged in a size similar to a typical power head. In automated test applications, the small size frees up rack space without sacrificing performance. Powered solely from the USB cable, the new power meter is also suitable for portable applications because it consumes only 100 mA of current without an external power supply.

Traditional power meters feature a power sensor or head located close to the unit under test and connect via cable to an accurate A/D converter located in conventional instrumentation housing. In contrast, the USB-5680 combines both the sensor and the A/D converter in one package occupying less than 9.6 cubic inches. The USB-5680 connects directly to an available USB port on any PC or PXI controller.

With a broad frequency range, high dynamic range and precise measurement accuracy, engineers can use the USB-5680 true RMS power meter for a broad range of applications. Features include

•        small 8.5 x 3.0 x 5.6-cm size,
•        50-MHz to 6-GHz frequency range,
•        63-dB dynamic range, and
•        : ±0.18-dB amplitude accuracy.

The USB-5680 comes with a full-featured, executable soft front panel and intuitive, easy-to-use software libraries to help engineers quickly set up their systems. Engineers who need to measure continuous wave RF signals up to 6 GHz can use the USB-5680 in a stand-alone configuration with a VXI plug&play-compatible executable soft front panel to facilitate interactive control. To incorporate the USB-5680 in an automated test and measurement system, engineers can use the application programming interface (API) with their programming environments of choice including NI LabView, LabWindows/CVI, and the Microsoft .NET environment. Base price: $2499

www.ni.com

Talkback

We would love your feedback!

Post a comment

» VIEW ALL TALKBACK THREADS

Related Content

• Topics
• Author

Related Content

• NI ports LabView and LabWindows/CVI drivers to Anritsu test gear

By This Author

There are no other articles written by this author.

Sponsored Links

TMW Resource Center

Browse Resources by Type:

• Application Note
• Product Demo
• Reference Guide
• White Paper

• Ensuring Reliability in Mobile WiMAX™ Receivers
  Agilent | White Paper
  VIEW NOW
• Access to EASE (Equipment Appraisal Search Engine)
  DispoDog | Product Demo
  VIEW NOW

View More