Keithley Launches Handheld RF Power Meter

Cleveland -- Keithley Instruments, Inc. announces the release of the Model 3500 Portable RF Power Meter, which the company claims is the first lab-quality, handheld RF power meter on the market. Designed to make RF power measurements in both field and R&D lab environments, the compact Model 3500 combines a benchtop RF power meter with a portable instrument. The Model 3500 expands Keithley's family of RF test and measurement solutions, which also includes the Model 2910 Vector Signal Generator and Model 2810 Vector Signal Analyzer.

With a frequency range of 10 MHz to 6 GHz, the Model 3500 is suited for a variety of applications, including test of mobile phone and cellular infrastructures, WLAN devices, RFID readers, WiMax devices, and wireless sensors. Its dynamic range of -63dBM to +20dBM enables the Model 3500 to measure signals either directly from the device under test or through layers of cabling and fixtures. A built-in power sensor eliminates the need to carry both an instrument and a separate sensor module. An internal power reference enables self-calibration and eliminates the need to perform an independent calibration.

The Model 3500 makes lab quality RF measurements and enables precise characterization of devices, tighter test limits, and accurate fixture calibration. In the lab, the Model 3500 can be used as an RF power datalogger. Using normal or high-speed mode, it captures and transfers data to a personal computer through its built-in USB interface, allowing for trend or drift analysis. In addition, a number of averaging values can be used when the measured signal varies with time.

The Model 3500 can be handheld and fits into a toolkit. An optional belt-loop holster carrying case with shoulder strap is also available. The Model 3500 is capable of drawing operating power from batteries, an AC-DC converter module, or a computer via the USB interface. When making measurements, a hold command saves a measurement made until the instrument can be retrieved. A backlight provides illumination when making measurements in poorly lit areas. Also, to conserve battery life, the Model 3500 can be set up to turn off the backlight for the instrument entirely after a specific period of time. Once the instrument utilities are set up, the instrument state can be saved for the next use.

The Model 3500 is suitable for designers, manufacturers, and service and installation providers of RF products. It can be used by both technicians and engineers to take average RF power measurements for design verification, production test, system calibration, troubleshooting, installation, and maintenance.

SOURCE: Keithley Instruments, Inc.