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Agilent Technologies has released a series of USB-based power sensors, which are affordable and lighter weight than typical power meters and similar power-sensing solutions. Since these sensors, labeled U2000, operate without power meters or extra hardware modules, they save bench space, and make fieldwork easier and simpler.

Hence, these sensors can be used with a variety of supplier's signal sources, spectrum analyzers and network analyzers, extending each instrument's capabilities to perform accurate average-power measurements. In addition, with the feature-packed N1918A power analysis manager software, the sensors also ease monitoring and troubleshooting.

Because the Agilent U2000 series sensors are USB-powered and provide built-in triggering, they don't require external power adapters and triggering modules for synchronization with external instruments or events.

“The U2000 series USB sensor's ability to operate without a power meter marks a breakthrough in our offerings for power measurements,” said Ee Huei Sin, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Basic Instruments Division.

The Agilent U2000 series currently includes four models that deliver up to 250 readings/s, 9 kHz to 24 GHz frequency range and -60 dBm to +20 dBm power range. Each sensor includes a high-speed USB 2.0 interface for simple, quick setup. With internal zeroing capability, calibration can be done without disconnecting the sensor from the device under test, hence reducing test time and sensor wear and tear.

The sensor displays power measurement results on a PC or selected Agilent instrument with the power analysis manager software. On top of the normal waveform monitoring option, the software eases monitoring and troubleshooting with functions such as limit and alert settings, record and playback, multiple-list view, overlay, and channel mathematics.

For more information, visit www.agilent.com.