B&K Precision RFM3004 – 4 Channel RF Power Meter (without GPIB)

BK Precision RFM3004 – 4 Channel RF Power Meter (without GPIB)

The RFM3000 Series of meters work 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.

Several models available

The RFM3000 in four configurations – 2 or 4 channels, as well as with or without GPIB. The following is overview of part numbers and features.

Measurement modes

Measurement modes can be quickly changed form Continuous to Pulse or Statistical modes with one touch.

Continuous mode

For simple, intuitive measurements of repetitive waveforms, the RFM3000 Series Continuous Mode of operation provides a numeric display of average, maximum and minimum signal powers.

Pulsed mode

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.

Statistical mode

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.

Addressing RF communications and radar measurement challenges

Peak-to-average power

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 RFM3000 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.

Addressing radar measurement challenges

1. USB host: Connect up to 4 USB sensors for multi-channel measurements
2. Sync port: Sync ports to source or receive triggers for timing and synchronization
3. 5-inch WVGA touch display: Multi-touch display with intuitive user interface
4. Intuitive control: One touch to quickly access presets and favorite functions
5. Measurement modes: Touch to select Continues, Pulse or Statistical mode, and select between Graph and Text
6. RF out: Test source to verify sensor operation

7. Optional GPIB interface
8. External trigger input
9. Auxiliary sensor
10. Sync inputs
11. LAN interface: LAN connectivity to ethernet
12. HDMI interface: HDMI output for remote front panel display

High performance USB power sensors (sold separately)

The RFM3000 Series Power Meter utilizes RFP power sensors with industry leading performance and capabilities. All RFP sensors incorporate Real-Time Power Processing technology, which virtually eliminates gaps in measurement suffered by other power sensors and enables industry leading measurement speeds. In terms of RF performance, the RFP3000 Series Real-Time Peak Power Sensors are the fastest responding sensors with 3 ns rise times and 195 MHz of video bandwidth.

These sensors can be found in the accessories section of this page.