National Instruments has launched the company's first USB-controlled true RMS RF power meter, which provides a highly flexible solution for automated test, measurement and monitoring applications in a small footprint. The 6GHz NI USB-5680 power meter features high measurement accuracy and wide dynamic range packaged in a size similar to a typical power head. In automated test applications, the small size frees up valuable rack space without sacrificing performance. Powered solely from the USB cable, the new power meter is also ideal for portable applications because it consumes only 100mA of current without an external power supply.
Traditional power meters feature a power sensor or head located close to the unit under test and connect via cable to an accurate A/D converter located in conventional instrumentation housing. Using the latest PC and A/D converter technologies, the USB-5680 combines both the sensor and the A/D converter in one package occupying less than 9.6 cubic inches – much smaller than the benchtop equivalent. The USB-5680 simply connects directly to an available USB port on any PC or PXI controller.
National Instruments, www.ni.com
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National Instruments’ easy-to-use 6GHz meter combines measurement accuracy with small size
