Agilent Technologies Inc. has released Agilent U2000 series of USB-based power sensors, which are more affordable and lighter weight than typical power meters and similar power-sensing solutions.
Since the sensors operate without power meters or extra hardware modules, they save bench space, and make field work easier and simpler.
These sensors can be used with a variety of Agilent signal sources, spectrum analyzers and network analyzers, extending each instrument's capabilities to perform accurate average-power measurements.
In addition to fast and easy setup with plug-and-play USB connectivity, the sensors also ease monitoring and troubleshooting with the feature-packed N1918A Power Analysis Manager software.
Because the Agilent U2000 Series sensors are USB-powered and provide built-in triggering, they do not 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.
"With the rising need for multiple-channel power measurements in various industries, these power sensors are the affordable, simple solution that our customers have requested."
"From hardly mobile conventional power measurement solutions to highly portable solutions of the U2000 Series, this introduction demonstrates, yet again, our commitment to provide affordable, reliable and continually improved test and measurement solutions," said Gooi Soon Chai, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Electronic Instruments Business Unit.
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 Hi-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 N1918A Power Analysis Manager software. On top of the normal waveform monitoring option, the software also eases monitoring and troubleshooting with functions such as limit and alert settings, record and playback, multiple-list view, overlay, and channel mathematics.