Giga-tronics RF and Microwave Power Meters

Giga-tronics provides options in both single-input and dual-input configurations to accommodate different testing setups. In the 8540C Series, the 8541C is a single-input instrument, whereas the 8542C is a dual-input model that allows for simultaneous multi-channel testing. Similarly, the 8650A Series offers the single-channel 8651A and the dual-channel 8652A. Dual-channel architectures are valuable for ratio measurements and checking system gains or losses across two distinct points in real-time.

Choosing between these meters often depends on signal complexity and processing speed. The 8541C and 8542C deliver speeds up to 500 readings per second over GPIB. They support CW, Pulse Modulated, AM, TDMA, CDMA, and PHS signals, utilizing sensor series such as the 80300A, 80350A, 80400A, and 80600A.

For higher throughput requirements, the 8650A Series (such as the 8652A) increases CW measurement speed to greater than 1,750 readings per second over GPIB, and modulated speeds to over 300 readings per second. The 8652A supports complex communication systems, including GSM, TDMA, and CDMA formats like IS-95 and 3G 10 MHz wideband. It also adds advanced analysis features like automatic time gate setting and direct crest factor measurement.

When testing fast-pulsed radar or modern communications with sharp rise-time profiles, the 8500A Series offers specialized peak power measurement capability. The 8502A is a dual-channel peak power meter with a color LCD graphic display, a peak dynamic range of 40 dB, and a CW dynamic range of 90 dB. When paired with the 85001 sensor, it achieves rise and fall times of less than 15 ns, making it suitable for analyzing narrow pulse widths down to 100 ns across a broad frequency span of 0.01 to 50 GHz.