The thermal power sensor provides precision and traceability in the 110 to 170 GHz frequency range, setting a new RF power measurement technology standard.
Rohde & Schwarz have launched the R&S NRP170TWG(N), a thermal power sensor designed for accurate power measurements in the D-band. The company claims that the sensor stands out as the only one in the market capable of full traceability to national metrology institutes (NMI) within the 110 GHz to 170 GHz frequency range, a key factor for commercialising this frequency band.
The sensor minimises measurement noise and drifts while maintaining high accuracy and user-friendliness. These fully calibrated, plug-and-play sensors connect via USB or LAN to any measurement setup. The press release says the thermal power sensor is pivotal in diverse R&D fields, including 6G mobile communications, emerging sub-THz communications, sensing, and future automotive radar technologies. Their precision is crucial for complex wideband measurements, offering long-term stability and compensation for environmental temperature variations within a 0°C to +50°C range. With a dynamic range of –35 dBm to +20 dBm and the capability for up to 500 measurements per second, these sensors are fast and deliver good performance. They are uniquely NMI-traceable RF power sensors suitable for the D-band.
The power sensors allow researchers, developers, and production engineers to focus on complex tasks. The sensors maintain power readings below -20 dBm and are unaffected by drift or external temperature changes, including out-of-band signals like far infrared (FIR). They offer quick measurement speeds and simple digital data access, valid in mass production.
Daniel Blaschke, head of development for RF and microwave Power Metres at Rohde & Schwarz, says: “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. Rohde & Schwarz is proud to be the first to transform this technological accomplishment into a commercially viable, traceable RF power sensor up to 170 GHz.”
