Workpackage leader: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., INTA

Other participants: TÜBITAK, CMI, GUM, SIQ, NIS, NQIS, METAS

The aim of this work package is to provide traceable measurements in specific areas regarding RF power. Since RF power measurement has important commercial applications, it is essential to get reproducibility for RF power measurements at different times and at different places. This requires well-characterized equipment and well establishment measurement techniques. The traditional power measurement techniques make use of thermistor sensors and power sensors with power meters. The main parameter in characterization of power sensors is the calibration factor (CF) which is traceable to microcalorimeter measurements. Microcalorimeter measurements are generally done a different level than they are used in routine measurements.

The CF of a thermocouple type power sensor is measured using the substitution method with an applied power of around 0 dBm, whereas the diode type power sensor is calibrated at around -30 dBm to -20 dBm because of its power range. It is thus necessary to make use of additional standards and of a suitable calculation method in order to decrease the power level reaching the diode. Diode type sensors are very sensitive to the harmonics of the applied signal. Therefore, the harmonic content of the applied signal and its effect on the diode should be known when measuring CF.

 

Calibration of a power sensor