Getting an accurate read of RF power is more than a convenience these days. It’s also a necessity in more RF and wireless applications. Benchtop meters are available, but many if not most wireless products are mobile, making a portable RF power meter a real benefit.

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Agilent Technologies’ first handheld power meter, the V3500, includes a built-in LCD and integrated power sensor (see the figure). It’s an ideal and affordable power measurement solution for installation and maintenance projects in the field as well as for the R&D lab.

The V3500A features a broad frequency range of 10 MHz to 6 GHz, a wide dynamic range of –63 dBm to +20 dBm, and absolute accuracy up to ±0.21 dB. It’s powered by two 1.5-V alkaline AA cells or an optional dc supply.

Connections include a standard N-type RF connector and a USB 2.0 connector for connection to a laptop or PC. With the connection to the computer, the V3500A can be used for data logging operations such as trend or drift analysis. Standing-wave ratio (SWR) performance is typically 1.12 up to 3.75 GHz and 1.2 up to 6 GHz.

The Agilent Technologies V3500A is a portable RF power meter with a frequency range of 10 MHz to 6 GHz.

The meter has all of the essential average power measurement capabilities, with good repeatability and accurate measurements. Measuring 79 by 134 by 49 mm, it simplifies field tasks as well. The V3500A costs $1808 and is available worldwide now.

Agilent Technologies