The new R&S NRP150T thermal power probe from Munich-based electronics group Rohde & Schwarz is equipped with a next-generation 0.80-millimeter coaxial high-performance RF connector that supports frequencies up to 150 gigahertz. According to the manufacturer, it offers the world's largest continuous frequency range among all commercially available RF power sensors, opening up new applications in high-frequency power measurement, such as for upcoming automotive radar bands. In addition, the new broadband power sensor also simplifies the validation and calibration of RF devices.

Focus on research in higher frequency regions

The ADAS/AD industry is currently coordinating with standardization authorities to define frequencies up to 148.5 gigahertz for future radar sensors. In addition to automotive applications, the power probe also enables power measurements in areas such as satellite communications, intersatellite links, and radio astronomy, and particularly supports research in higher frequency regions.

Efficiency through high measurement speed and wide frequency coverage

The R&S NRP150T thermal power probe can perform up to 500 measurements per second. Combined with its wide frequency range, this enables single-sweep measurements across the entire spectrum, which significantly speeds up the validation and calibration of vector network analyzers and other RF devices. The power detector is compatible with any application that uses next-generation 0.80 mm RF connectors for frequencies up to 150 GHz and is suitable for both device development and component manufacturing.

Technical excellence combined with user-friendliness

The R&S NRP150T thermal power probe offers a wide dynamic range from minus 35 to plus 20 decibels milliwatts and good long-term stability. It compensates for ambient temperature fluctuations within the operating range of zero to 50 degrees Celsius and offers excellent drift behavior. It is resistant to external temperature influences and out-of-band signals. With a maximum standing wave ratio (VSWR) of 1.7, the power level sensor ensures excellent matching and efficient energy transfer. Thanks to USB connectivity, it is easy to use and compatible with standard PCs and Android mobile devices via a free remote control app or the R&S NRX base unit from Rohde & Schwarz.

Traceability to national metrology institutes

Like all power measurement heads in the R&S NRPxT series, the new R&S NRP150T measurement head also offers traceability to national metrology institutes (NMIs) – a prerequisite for the commercial and industrial use of a frequency band. The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) and other European NMIs, in collaboration with Rohde & Schwarz and using R&S technology, have established NMI traceability for the D-band range from 110 to 170 gigahertz for the first time. This also covers frequencies up to 150 gigahertz, which are used by the R&S NRP150T power measurement heads.

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