Rohde & Schwarz develops R&S NRP170TWG(N) power sensor
James Thorpe
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Rohde & Schwarz has confirmed the launch of its new R&S NRP170TWG(N) thermal power sensor for precise power level measurements in the D-band.
According to the company, this is the only RF power sensor available that offers full traceability to national metrology institutes (NMI) in the frequency range from 110 GHz to 170 GHz.
This is an important prerequisite for commercialising the frequency band.
R&S NRP170TWG(N)
The R&S NRP170TWG(N) hardware has been designed to help reduce measurement noise and drift.
Remaining highly accurate and easy to use, the sensors are calibrated plug and play devices that can be integrated into any measurement setup with a USB or LAN connection.
The sensors are used in general R&D for 6G mobile communications, novel sub-THz communications, sensing and future automotive radar applications.
Moreover, the sensors are calibrated for long term stability and can compensate for environmental temperature influences within the specified operating range (from 0°C to + 50°C).
R&S NRP170TWG(N) sensors have a dynamic range of –35 dBm to +20 dBm and are also capable of taking 500 measurements per second.
The company collaborated with Germany’s metrology institute, the Physikalisch-Technische-Bundesanstalt (PTB), as well as other NMIs as part of a EU project to establish traceability up to 170 GHz.
“Accurate and calibrated power levels”
“Through partnering with the PTB and other NMIs we helped extend traceability into the D-band, preparing commercialisation and mass adoption of products operating in this frequency range,” said Daniel Blaschke, Head of Development for RF & Microwave Power Meters, Rohde & Schwarz.
“Rohde & Schwarz is extremely proud to be the first to transform this technological accomplishment into a commercially viable, traceable RF power sensor up to 170 GHz.”
Dr. Karsten Kuhlmann, Head of the Working Group – High-Frequency Basic Quantities, PTB added: “Having accurate and calibrated power levels across the setup in the sub-THz region is no trivial task.
“Power levels at the DUT measurement plane need to be measured accurately, reliably and traceably to national standards.
“We are happy to advance the commercialisation and mass production of future D-band products with our industry collaboration.”
