Technical data

3
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is no
longer a stranger to many and is
increasingly gaining favor as an
alternative interface in the world of
testing and measurements. USB
provides easy and wideband data
connections to peripheral devices.
The U2000 Series USB power sensor
is developed based on the technology
of our classic microwave diode power
sensors, which depended on the
stable detection properties of the Low
Barrier Schottky (LBS) microwave
diode technology. It is able to sense
CW and average power within the
frequency range of 9 kHz to 24 GHz,
and power levels from –60 dBm to
+20 dBm at a measurement speed
of up to 1000 readings per second
in buffered mode. Furthermore, each
sensor is able to operate on the DC
power supply of the USB data system
and each sensor draws approximately
170 mA from the USB port. Hence,
external power cables are not
required.
By liberating the power sensing
measurement from its traditional
electronic power meter instrument,
and providing the display and analysis
capability on a regular personal
computer (PC), a wide variety of
new applications can be envisioned.
Remote power sensing fi rst comes
to mind, measuring power up on
a transmitter tower, for example,
because sensor cabling is immediately
simplifi ed.
Production applications requiring
multiple power sensors are also easily
accomplished since multiple U2000
Series sensors’ data can be
multiplexed to the same computer
display. This data can be manipulated
for cross-sensor parameters, such as
refl ection coeffi cient, component gain
measurements, and so forth.
The U2000 Series comes with a
powerful companion data analysis and
control, the Agilent N1918A Power
Panel. It provides a front panel display,
a standard graphical user interface
(GUI) for the sensor. Thus, making the
PC act like a traditional power meter
display with both analog and digital
displays available simultaneously.
Figures 3 to 5 show some typical
display options providing powerful
applications measurements in various
data formats.
A New USB Power Sensor Series and Power Analysis Manager Software
The power and frequency coverage of the new family of U2000 Series are:
Agilent Model Frequency Range Power Range
U2000A 10 MHz to 18 GHz –60 dBm to +20 dBm
U2001A 10 MHz to 6 GHz –60 dBm to +20 dBm
U2002A 50 MHz to 24 GHz –60 dBm to +20 dBm
U2004A 9 kHz to 6 GHz –60 dBm to +20 dBm
Higher power level models with capabilities of up to +44 dBm (25 Watts) will be
offered soon.
Figure 3 The N1918A Power Panel tool mimics an analog meter of a normal
power meter instrument (only larger), and performs a wide variety of
data computations.