RF Voltage and Power Measurement
Jerry Whitaker · 2017
Measurement of Radio frequency (RF) power output is typically performed with a directional wattmeter, calibrated for use over a specified range of frequencies and power levels. Measurements in RF work are often expressed in decibels. Radio frequency signals span a wide range of levels, too wide to be accommodated on a linear scale. Noise performance is an important parameter in the operation of any RF amplifier or oscillator. Most RF test equipment checks phase directly by measuring proportion of one signal cycle between zero crossings of the signals. The main quality characteristics of a voltmeter or power meter are high measurement accuracy and short measurement time. Both can be achieved through care in the design of the probe or sensor and through use of microprocessors for computed correction of frequency response, temperature effect, and linearity errors. Measurement of RF power output is typically performed with a directional wattmeter, calibrated for use over a specified range of frequencies and power levels.