Rohde & Schwarz NRV RF Power Meter Series
4 models with full specifications from Rohde & Schwarz.
The Rohde & Schwarz NRV series represents a classic ecosystem of RF power meters, voltmeters, and compatible sensors designed for precise measurements in laboratory and production environments. This family comprises versatile single-channel and dual-channel base units along with specialized sensors, allowing engineers to perform accurate power, voltage, and reflection measurements from DC up to 40 GHz depending on the connected sensor. Every base unit in the series—including the single-channel Rohde & Schwarz NRV and Rohde & Schwarz NRVS, as well as the dual-channel Rohde & Schwarz NRVD—interfaces directly with intelligent sensors like the Rohde & Schwarz NRV-Z1. These instruments automatically read calibration and linearity correction factors from the sensor's internal EEPROM, minimizing manual configuration errors and ensuring repeatable measurement accuracy. Whether configured for basic laboratory testing or automated remote testing over GPIB interfaces, this series provides robust, accurate power detection across a wide range of frequencies and power levels.
- Frequency Range
- 0 Hz to 40 GHz (sensor dependent)
- Available Channels
- 1 or 2
- Diode Sensor Range
- -50 dBm to +13 dBm
- Display Resolution
- Up to 0.001 dB
Models in this series
| Model | Type | Storage Temperature Range | Compatible Sensors | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NRV | Power Sensors | — | R&S URV5-Z and NRV-Z series | — |
| NRVD | Power | -40 °C to +70 °C | R&S URV5-Z and NRV-Z series (thermal, diode, peak power, voltage probes) | Backlit LCD with variable backlighting, two separate digital readouts, and dual bargraph indicators |
| NRVS | Peak Power | -40 °C to +70 °C | — | 4.5-digit LC display |
| NRV-Z1 | Power Sensors | -40 °C to +70 °C | — | — |
Comparing the Base Units
The series features three main base units: the Rohde & Schwarz NRV, Rohde & Schwarz NRVD, and Rohde & Schwarz NRVS. The Rohde & Schwarz NRV is a single-channel power meter and voltmeter compatible with compatible sensors. Similarly, the Rohde & Schwarz NRVS offers single-channel average power, calculated pulse peak power, and Peak Envelope Power measurements with a GPIB remote interface, weighing 2.5 kg and housing a 4.5-digit LC display.
For dual-channel requirements, the Rohde & Schwarz NRVD provides two independent measurement channels. This allows for simultaneous measurements and real-time mathematical operations such as ratio (A/B, B/A) and difference (A-B, B-A). The Rohde & Schwarz NRVD also includes a backlit LCD with variable backlighting and dual bargraph indicators, displaying absolute measurements in units of W, dBm, V, and dBuV.
Sensor Integration and the NRV-Z1
The system's accuracy relies on automatic sensor detection and correction. Sensors store their unique calibration factors on an internal EEPROM, which the base units read automatically upon connection.
The Rohde & Schwarz NRV-Z1 is a diode-based RF power sensor designed for this ecosystem. Operating from 10 MHz to 18 GHz, it measures continuous average power from -50 dBm (10 nW) to +13 dBm (20 mW). It features a male N-type RF connector, a maximum SWR of 1.10 between 10 MHz and 4 GHz, and can withstand up to 200 mW continuous or 1 W peak power.
Calibration and Noise Filtering
To maintain precision, the base units utilize sophisticated filtering and calibration routines. The Rohde & Schwarz NRVD and Rohde & Schwarz NRVS units incorporate 13 selectable digital noise-suppression filters, enabling averaging factors from 1 up to 4096 to stabilize readings on low-level signals.
For reference calibration, the Rohde & Schwarz NRVD includes a front-panel 50 MHz reference source providing exactly 1.00 mW (0 dBm) with a VSWR of 1.05 or less. The Rohde & Schwarz NRVS can be configured with an optional check source, which provides an equivalent 50 MHz, 1.00 mW reference via an N-female connector.
Frequently asked questions
- What calculations can be performed with the dual-channel Rohde & Schwarz NRVD?
- The Rohde & Schwarz NRVD supports real-time dual-channel computations including ratio (A/B, B/A), difference (A-B, B-A), SWR, Return Loss, and Reflection Coefficient.
- What are the power limits for the Rohde & Schwarz NRV-Z1 sensor?
- The Rohde & Schwarz NRV-Z1 measures power from -50 dBm to +13 dBm. It can tolerate a maximum continuous input power of 200 mW (+23 dBm), a maximum peak power of 1 W for up to 10 µs, and a maximum DC input voltage of 20 V.