The Giga-tronics 8542C is a high-performance dual-channel universal power meter designed for precision RF and microwave power measurements. It features a unique power sweep calibrator with an internal thermistor and supports CW, peak, and true average power measurements when paired with the appropriate 80000-series sensors.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | GPIB |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 90 to 253 VAC, 47 to 440 Hz |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 50 |
Measurement Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 10 MHz to 40 GHz (with 80300A Series sensors) |
| Dynamic Range | Up to 90 dB (with a single sensor) |
| Maximum Power | Up to 50 W (sensor dependent) |
| Measurement Modes | CW, Peak, True Average |
| Measurement Speed | Up to 500 readings/s (over GPIB with 80300A Series) |
| Modulation Bandwidth | Up to 40 kHz (80400A Series) / Up to 1.5 MHz (80600A Series) |
| Signal Capability | CW, Pulse Modulated, AM, TDMA, CDMA, PHS |
Sensor & Calibration Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Channels | 2 (Dual Input) |
| Supported Sensor Families | 80300A Series (CW), 80350A Series (Peak), 80400A Series (Modulated), 80600A Series (Modulated) |
| Internal Reference Frequency | 50 MHz |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Display Resolution | 0.001 dB |
| Zeroing | Automatic |
Control & Software
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GPIB Emulation Modes | HP 437B, HP 438A |
Accuracy & Calibration
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Instrumentation Accuracy (Logarithmic) | ± 0.02 dB |
| Instrumentation Accuracy (Linear) | ± 0.5% |
| Internal Calibrator Connector | Type N (female) |
| Internal Calibrator Uncertainty | ± 1.2% (1 year) |
Technology
RF / Microwave
Applications
Power Measurement