The BK Precision RFM3004 4-Channel RF Power Meter works in combination with B&K Precision's RFP3000 Series of USB RF Peak Power Sensors to extend their capabilities and eliminate the need for a remote computer. This benchtop solution supports capturing, displaying, and analyzing peak and average RF power in both the time and statistical domains through an intuitive, multi-touch touchscreen display.

Two on-screen markers can be dragged over a waveform for greater measurement details. A selection of useful trigger options and channel synchronization settings provide the perfect tool set for working with multiple channel measurements.

Measurement modes can be quickly changed form Continuous to Pulse or Statistical modes with one touch. For simple, intuitive measurements of repetitive waveforms, the RFM3004 Continuous Mode of operation provides a numeric display of average, maximum and minimum signal powers. Analysis of fast-rising single pulses or pulses with short pulse repetition intervals (PRIs) requires an instrument with sophisticated trigger and data acquisition capability. Within Pulsed Mode, more than 16 pulse parameters can be measured. Complementary Cumulative Distribution Function or CCDF plot shows the rate of occurrence of a specific crest factor for signals, such as those used in 5G, 4G/LTE, and Wi-Fi applications.

Characterization and compliance testing of Wi-Fi and LTE chipsets and devices involves significant challenges for design and test engineers. With multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) architectures and channel bandwidths up to 160 MHz, testing is complex, especially when measuring RF power per channel and time alignment between channels. The RFM3004 enables packet power measurements to be performed independently on multiple synchronous or asynchronous transmit chains with a common timebase shared among sensors. By comparing the peak-to-average power ratio, or crest factor (CF), of input and output signals of an RF transmission chain, engineers can assess circuit linearity. Additional insight can be provided with the RFM3004 Series statistical mode Complementary Cumulative Distribution Function (CCDF) plot displaying the rate of occurrence of a specific CF. As an amplifier output compresses, the CF will reduce and the CCDF plot will move left.

Design, verification, troubleshooting and maintenance of secondary surveillance radar (e.g. IFF-based radar) has never been more demanding. Proper design and operation of SSR systems is critical to the safety and security of aviation. The RFM3000 Series can be used to easily and accurately capture SSR waveforms. Markers enable measurements on specific portions of the waveform.

Industry-leading rise time (< 3 ns) enables characterization of the most demanding radar signals. Utilize the superior 100 ps time resolution to zoom and uncover signal characteristics that might otherwise be missed. Users can take advantage of the RFM3000 Series automated pulse measurement feature to measure and calculate 16 common power and timing parameters and display the parameters of interest: rise-time, fall time, pulse width, off-time, period, pulse repetition frequency, duty cycle, pulse peak, pulse overshoot, pulse average, waveform average, top level power, droop, bottom level power, edge delay, and pulse edge skew between channels.