Giga-tronics 8540C Series Universal Power Meters
2 models with full specifications from Giga-tronics.
The Giga-tronics 8540C Series consists of universal power meters designed for measuring CW, peak, and true average power of complex modulated signals. This series is engineered for high-throughput RF and microwave power measurements in both manual testing and automated systems. It features an internal power sweep calibrator with an embedded thermistor to ensure precise measurement calibration across its dynamic range. Both models support a variety of sensor series and feature GPIB connectivity for remote program control. Depending on the measurement requirements, engineers can select between the single-channel Giga-tronics 8541C and the dual-channel Giga-tronics 8542C. These instruments provide accurate, high-speed power monitoring capabilities for development, production, and calibration environments.
- Measurement Modes
- CW, Peak, True Average
- Maximum Measurement Rate
- Up to 500 readings/s over GPIB
- Compatible Sensors
- 80300A, 80350A, 80400A, 80600A Series
- Reference Output
- 50 MHz, 0.0 dBm (1.0 mW)
- Display Resolution
- 0.001 dB
Models in this series
Common Capabilities and Sensor Integration
The Giga-tronics 8540C Series instruments share a core architecture designed for versatility in RF and microwave applications. Both the Giga-tronics 8541C and Giga-tronics 8542C support a broad lineup of sensor families, including the 80300A Series for CW measurements, the 80350A Series for peak power, and the 80400A and 80600A Series for modulated signals. Depending on the attached sensor, the systems can deliver a single-sensor dynamic range of up to 90 dB.\n\nModulation bandwidth capability depends on the sensor family connected: the 80400A Series supports bandwidths up to 40 kHz, while the 80600A Series handles up to 1.5 MHz. Signal capabilities cover a wide array of formats including CW, pulse modulated, AM, TDMA, CDMA, and PHS. Both models also feature an internal 50 MHz calibration reference with a 50 \u2126 Type-N female output connector.
Channel Differences and Application Selection
The primary distinction within the series lies in the channel configuration:\n\n* Giga-tronics 8541C: A single-input power meter ideal for dedicated, single-path measurements where space and complexity are minimized.\n* Giga-tronics 8542C: A dual-input power meter designed for multi-channel measurements, ratio calculations, or monitoring multiple points in an RF signal chain simultaneously.\n\nIn addition to dual-channel hardware, the Giga-tronics 8542C includes legacy GPIB emulation modes for HP 437B and HP 438A power meters, allowing for integration into existing automated test environments without extensive software rewriting.
Measurement Speed and Accuracy
The series is optimized for high-throughput testing, achieving measurement rates of up to 500 readings per second over the GPIB interface when paired with 80300A Series sensors. Accuracy is maintained via automatic zeroing and high-performance internal electronics, providing a logarithmic instrumentation accuracy of \u00b10.02 dB and a linear instrumentation accuracy of \u00b10.5% for the Giga-tronics 8542C.
Frequently asked questions
- What sensor series are compatible with the Giga-tronics 8540C Series?
- The Giga-tronics 8540C Series power meters are compatible with the Giga-tronics 80300A, 80350A, 80400A, and 80600A Series sensors.
- What legacy power meters can the Giga-tronics 8542C emulate?
- The dual-channel Giga-tronics 8542C offers GPIB emulation modes for the HP 437B and HP 438A, facilitating seamless replacements in legacy test setups.
- What is the maximum modulation bandwidth supported by these meters?
- The modulation bandwidth depends on the attached sensor. It is up to 40 kHz when using the 80400A Series, and up to 1.5 MHz when using the 80600A Series.