National Instruments has unwrapped its 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 6 GHz 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 aimed at portable applications because it consumes only 100 mA 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 analog-to-digital converter (ADC) located in conventional instrumentation housing. Using the latest PC and ADC technologies, the USB-5680 combines both the sensor and the ADC 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, said NI.

With a broad frequency range, high dynamic range and precise measurement accuracy, engineers can use the USB-5680 true RMS power meter for a broad range of applications. Key features include small size of 8.5 x 3.0 x 5.6 cm (3.35 x 1.18 x 2.2 in), wide frequency range of 50 MHz to 6 GHz, high dynamic range of 63 dB and amplitude accuracy of ±0.18 dB. In addition, it offers -40 dBm to +23 dBm power range, 50 MHz to 6 GHz frequency range, 10 and 100 Hz typical channel bandwidth and ±0.13 dB accuracy at <+18 dBm and 100 mA typical power consumption.

To realize full instrumentation capabilities, the USB-5680 comes with a full-featured, executable soft front panel and intuitive, easy-to-use software libraries to help engineers quickly set up their systems. Engineers who need to measure continuous wave RF signals up to 6 GHz can use the USB-5680 in a stand-alone configuration with a VXI plug & play-compatible executable soft front panel to facilitate interactive control. To incorporate the USB-5680 in an automated test and measurement system, engineers simply use the intuitive API with their programming environments of choice including LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI and the Microsoft .NET environment.
www.ni.com