Agilent V3500A Data Sheet

Agilent
V3500A Handheld RF Power Meter

Data Sheet

The first palm-sized power meter from Agilent
Technologies that delivers high lab quality
RF power measurements for installation and
maintenance or R&D lab environments

Why Agilent’s Power Meters and Sensors?

Reliable, high-performing solutions

Every power meter and sensor from Agilent consistently delivers great results.

A sure investment for many years to come

Code-compatibility between power meters reduces the need for re-coding. Not
only that, all Agilent power meters are backward-compatible with most legacy
power sensors.

One specific application: One right solution

Agilent offers a wide selection of power meters and sensors for practically
all application needs—wireless communications, radar pulse measurements,
component test and more.

Global network support

No matter where you are, Agilent is committed to giving you the 24-hour sup­port you need regarding our products, applications or services.

Agilent’s power meters have long been
recognized as the industry standard for
RF and microwave power measurements.

2

Compact, Portable Solutions for Today’s RF Power Measurements

For production testing For R&D and design verification For installation and

maintenance

• Integrated power sensor eliminates
the need to carry separate sensor

• Lightweight and rugged

• Truly portable (with AA batteries)

• Wide dynamic and frequency range

• Quick and easy testing with built-in
backlight display

• Compact build saves rack space

• Compact build saves bench space

• Simple set-up and usage

• Wide dynamic and frequency range

• Simple set-up and usage

• Wide dynamic and frequency range

• High accuracy

• Advanced troubleshooting of
designs with built-in backlight
display for easy readings and data
recording

Associated with mobile phones and infrastructure, wireless
sensors and transceivers, and WiMAX™, WLAN, RFID, mobile

®

radio, Zigbee, and Bluetooth

devices

3

Introducing the New Member of the Power Meter Family –
the Agilent V3500A

Key features

• Broad 10MHz to 6GHz
frequency range enables use
in variety of applications,
including test of mobile
phones and infrastructures,
WLAN devices, RFID readers,
and WiMAX devices

• Large dynamic range of
–63dBm to +20dBm
measures various types of
signals, either directly from the
device-under-test or through
layers of cabling and fixtures

• Integrated power sensor
eliminates the need to carry a
separate sensor and makes it
the most compact and portable
RF power measurement
instrument

• Internal power reference
enables self-calibration and
excludes the need to perform
independent calibration before
using the instrument

• Compensate for cable losses
with the Relative Offset
function that can add an offset
to the display ranging between
–99.99dB and +99.99dB

• Absolute accuracy up to
±0.21dB enables more precise
characterization of devices,
tighter test limits, and more
accurate fixture calibration

The Agilent V3500A handheld RF
power meter is a compact, portable
instrument that makes lab quality RF
power measurements in both field
and R&D laboratory environments.
With an absolute accuracy up to
±0.21dB, a wide frequency range of
10MHz to 6GHz, and measurement
range of –63dBm to +20dBm, the
V3500A is suitable for a wide variety

of RF measurement applications. Its
built-in power sensor eliminates the
need for users to carry both an instru­ment and a separate sensor module,
and the same sensor is used when
duplicating tests or measurements
for better repeatability. Truly portable,
the V3500A fits easily into your hand
or a toolkit and optional loop holster
carrying case with shoulder strap
is also available to fit your need. To
optimize flexibility, it’s capable of
drawing operating power from batter­ies, an AC-DC converter module, or a
computer via the USB interface. With
its features and very attractive price,
the V3500A truly redefines superior
value.

High accuracy in both the lab
and field

Whether it’s used in the field or on
the factory floor, the Agilent V3500A
makes lab quality RF measurements
quickly and easily. Its absolute
accuracy up to ±0.21dB,enables
more precise characterization of
devices, tighter test limits, and more

accurate fixture calibration. In the
laboratory, it can be used as an RF
power data-logger. Using normal or
high speed mode, it easily captures
and transfers data to your personal
computer through its built-in USB
interface (cable supplied), allowing
for trend or drift analysis. Despite its
small package, the V3500A provides
outstanding accuracy on the bench,
replacing much larger and more
expensive instrumentation.

Convenient utilities

The V3500A incorporates several
handy and practical utilities that
make it easier than ever to attain high
quality RF measurements with this
handheld instrument. Compensate
the display reading for any losses or
gains between the location where
the level of power is desired and the
actual point where the power can be
measured. Typically the compensation
will be required for cable loss. The
relative offset factor can be as large
as 99.99dB, and the offset can be
programmed with a resolution of

0.01dB. A number of averaging val­ues can be used when the signal you
want to measure varies significantly
with time. A hold command saves a
measurement that is made in a hard
to reach area until the instrument
can be retrieved. A backlight can be
illuminated when making measure­ments in poorly lit areas. To maximize
battery life, the V3500A can be set up
to turn off the backlight or the instru­ment entirely after a specific period of
time. Once the instrument utilities are
setup in the manner you prefer, the
instrument state can be saved for the
next use.

4

Take a Closer Look

RF connector

In the RF world, cables are often
equipped with N-connectors and
SMA connectors. N-con nectors
are commonly used on test instru­mentation, because they are rugged,
can handle high powers, and perform
well up to about 18GHz.

This section contains information
about how to make RF signal
connections to the Type N male
RF connector (50 Ω characteristic
impedance—refer to Figure 1) of the
V3500A for power measurement.

Connection for a power
measurement

NOTE: When connecting the Type N
connector of the V3500A to a Type
N female connector for a power
measurement, observe the following
proper practice for tightening the
connection.

Type N male
connector
nut

While holding the body of the power
meter in one hand, turn the Type N
male connector nut to tighten the
connection (do not turn the body
of the V3500A). Continue to do so
until the connection is hand-tight.
It is important to turn the nut of the
connector rather than the body of
the power meter when tightening the
connection.

USB port

NOTE: The term USB (Universal
Serial Bus) is used in this data sheet.
USB is simply another term for the
Universal Serial Bus.

The power meter has a USB 2.0
interface with a USB type Mini-B port
(refer to Figure 2). The V3500A can be
remotely programmed over this USB
interface. In addition to programming,
the V3500A can be powered by the
USB. With the USB connected and
providing power, and the optional
external power disconnected, the
V3500A will be powered from USB
regardless of whether batteries are
present.

NOTE: The interface is USB 2.0 com­patible, but with an interface speed of
12Mbps.

External power connector

The power connector provides a
connection for the optional external
power supply (refer to Figure 2). If the
external power supply is connected,
the V3500A will be powered by the
external supply, regardless of whether
USB power or batteries are present.

CAUTION: Only connect the optional
external power supply (V3500A-PWR)
to this connector. Instrument dam­age may result if improper power is
applied.

Battery power

The V3500A can also be powered
by two AA batteries. If installed, the
batteries will power the V3500A only
if the external power supply and USB
are not connected.

Figure 1. Signal connection

Body – small and lightweight
build to fit into your hand

Built-in backlight display ensures
visibility in dark locations

“Zeroing” key function allows
a more accurate measurement
at low power levels

Frequency keys for rapid setting
of input signal

Arrow keys for menu selection
and settings

“Hold” key allows saving of
measurement that made in
hard to reach area until the
instrument can be retrieved

5

USB type
Mini-B port
for connection
to PC

Figure 2. USB and power connector

External power
connector (use
with optional
power supply)

Specifications

Frequency range 10 MHz to 6 GHz

Power range –63 dBm to +20 dBm

Maximum power +23 dBm, 5 VDC

Power accuracy

Frequency range
10 MHz to 3 GHz
3 GHz to 5 GHz
5 GHz to 6 GHz

Frequency range
10 MHz to 3.75 GHz

3.75 GHz to 6 GHz

Frequency range
10 MHz to 3.75 GHz

3.75 GHz to 6 GHz

Frequency range
10 MHz to 3.75 GHz

3.75 GHz to 6 GHz

(at 23 °C ±5 °C)

+20 dBm to +6 dBm

±0.24 dB (characteristic)
±0.16 dB (characteristic)
±0.22 dB (characteristic)

+6 dBm to –9 dBm

±0.26 dB; ±0.07 dB (typical)
±0.40 dB; ±0.07 dB (typical)

–10 dBm to –29 dBm

±0.26 dB; ±0.05 dB (typical)
±0.37 dB; ±0.05 dB (typical)

–30 dBm to –40 dBm

±0.21 dB; ±0.12 dB (typical)
±0.27 dB; ±0.13 dB (typical)

1

(at 0 °C to 18 °C)

+20 dBm to +6 dBm

2

2

2

±0.24 dB
±0.16 dB
±0.22 dB

+6 dBm to –9 dBm

3

3

±0.26 dB
±0.40 dB

–10 dBm to –29 dBm

3

3

±0.30 dB
±0.43 dB

–30 dBm to –40 dBm

3

3

—
—

Linearity (at 23 °C ±5 °C) ±0.10 dB, –40 dBm to +6 dBm

Noise floor –63 dBm

Speed Normal ~2 readings per second (> approximately – 30 dBm)

~1 readings per second (≤ approximately – 30 dBm)

High-speed ~23 readings per second (> approximately – 30 dBm)
~10 readings per second (≤ approximately – 30 dBm)

4

(at 28 °C to 50 °C)

4

+20 dBm to +6 dBm

±0.24 dB
±0.19 dB
±0.47 dB

+6 dBm to –9 dBm

±0.26 dB
±0.40 dB

–10 dBm to –29 dBm

±0.26 dB
±0.37 dB

–30 dBm to –40 dBm

—
—

1. Customer spec: X = (x,f) + K(=2) · δ(x,f) + ∆

(x,f[18 °–28 °C]) + μ

E

where:
X = mean of the data taken in the frequency range stated (x,f)
δ = standard deviation of the data taken in the frequency range stated (x,f)
x = measured value at test frequencies
f = frequency range over which data was taken for specification
μ = measurement uncertainty
∆

= change associated temperature variation

E

18 °–28 °C = statistics generated separately at these temperatures and larger statistical value used in setting spec.

2. Characteristic (or expected value): characteristic indicates performance that a unit would be expected to exhibit under the following conditions:

• Ambient operating temperature of 18 ° to 23 °C, unless otherwise noted

• After specified warm up time of 30 minutes

• Does not include measurement uncertainty
This performance is not warranted.

3. Typical (mean + 3 standard deviations): typical indicates performance that all units will meet under the following conditions:

• Ambient operating temperature of 23 °C, unless otherwise noted

• After specified warm up time of 30 minutes

• Does not include measurement uncertainty
This performance is not warranted.

4. Typical performance that all instruments will meet under the following conditions:

• Temperature range of 0 to 18 °C or 28 °C to 50 °C as specified

• After specified warm up time of 30 minutes

• Does not include measurement uncertainty
This performance is not warranted.

6

Specifications

SWR 1.12:1, 10 MHz to 3.75 GHz

1.20:1, 3.75 GHz to 6 GH

SWR (typical)

1.18

1.16

1.14

1.12

1.10

1.08

SWR (x:1)

1.06

1.04

1.02
1

0 1000 2000 3000

Frequency (MHz)

1. Typical (mean + 3 standard deviations): typical indicates performance that all units will meet under the following conditions:

• Ambient operating temperature of 23 °C, unless otherwise noted

• After specified warm up time of 30 minutes

• Does not include measurement uncertainty
This performance is not warranted.

1

4000 5000 6000

7

Specifications (continued)

Product characteristics

Power (equipped with auto-shutoff) • Two 1.5 V alkaline AA batteries (typical battery life: 17.5 hours1 with low battery indicator

• USB interface cable (Standard-A to Type-B)

• Optional external DC power supply3 (V3500A-PWR)

Display • 4 digits with backlight and auto-shutoff feature

• Hold feature—most recent reading is shown on the display and is no longer updated

Connector • USB 2.0 interface with a mini-B USB connector

• Type N male RF connector (50 Ω characteristic impedance)

Operating environment • At 0 ° to 50 °C

• Up to 80% RH for temperature up to 35 °C, non-condensing

• Altitude up to 2,000 meters

Storage compliance • –10 °C to 70 °C

• Non-operating maximum humidity: 90% at 65 °C, non-condensing

EMC compliance Certified with

• IEC 61326-2-1:2005/EN 61326-2-1:2006

• Canada: ICES-001:2004

• Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS CISPR11:2004

Pollution degree Pollution Degree 2

Dimensions (W × H × D) 79 mm × 134 mm × 49 mm (without N-connector)

Weight 0.5 kg

Waranty • One year for the V3500A Handheld RF Power Meter

• Three months for the standard shipped and optional accessories

Calibration cycle One year

2

4

1. Typical battery life was measured in the default conditions from the factory at 500 MHz with backlight off and no USB communications. With
backlight on, typical battery life is 2.5 hours.

2. With the USB connected and providing power, and the optional external power disconnected, the V3500A will be powered from USB regardless of
whether batteries are present.

3. If the external power supply is connected, the V3500A will be powered by the external supply, regardless of whether USB power or batteries are
present.

4. The interface is USB 2.0 compliant but with an interface speed of 12 Mbps.

8

Agilent Power Meter and Power Sensors Selection Guide

Peak-and-average power sensors
(breakdown by dynamic range)

Power

N1922A (30 MHz BW)

N1921A (30 MHz BW)

E9327A (5 MHz BW)

E9326A (1.5 MHz BW)

E9323A (5 MHz BW)

E9322A (1.5 MHz BW)

E9325A (300 kHz BW)

–65 to +20 dBm –60 to +20 dBm –35 to +20 dBm

E9321A (300 kHz BW)

N848XB Series

–5 to +44 dBm

E930XB Series

–30 to +44 dBm

U200XB Series

–30 to +44 dBm

N848XH Series

–15 to +35 dBm

E930XA/H Series

–50 to +30 dBm

U200XH Series

–50 to +30 dBm

848XA Series

–30 to +20 dBm

N848XA Series

–35 to +20 dBm

E930XA Series

–60 to +20 dBm

U200XA Series

–60 to +20 dBm

V3500A

–63 dBm to +20 dBm

E441XA Series

–70 to +20 dBm

848XD Series

–70 to –20 dBm

Average power sensors
(breakdown by dynamic range)

Power

N8481B

N8482B

E9300B
E9301B

U2001B
U2000B

N8481H

N8482H

E9300H
E9301H
E9300A OPT-H25

E9304A OPT-H19

U2002H
U2001H
U2000H

V8486A W8486A

8483A (75 ohm)

N8486AQ

N8486AR

N8487A
N8485A OPT-33
N8481A

N8482A

E9300A OPT-H24
E9301A

E9304A OPT-H18

U2004A

U2002A
U2001A
U2000A
V3500A

E4413A OPT-H33
E4412A

8487D

Q8486D

R8486D

8485D OPT-33
8481D

9 kHz

Frequency

Legend

2 GHz

6 GHz

18 GHz

33 GHz

40 GHz

50 GHz

10 MHz

100 kHz

50 MHz

4.2 GHz

26.5 GHz

75 GHz

■ N192x peak-and-average sensors

Compatible with P-Series power meters

■ E932x peak-and-average sensors

Compatible with EPM-P and P-Series power meters

110 GHz

9 kHz

Frequency

Legend

100 kHz

■ N848X average thermocouple sensor

10 MHz

50 MHz

2 GHz

6 GHz

4.2 GHz

18 GHz

24 GHz

33 GHz

26.5 GHz

40 GHz

50 GHz

75 GHz

110 GHz

■ 848XD average diode sensor

■ 848X thermocouple sensor

■ E441X 1-path diode CW-only sensor

■ E930X 2-path diode true-average sensor

■ U200X USB sensors

■ V3500A Handheld RF Power Meter

9

Ordering Information

V3500A handheld RF power meter

Standard shipped accessories

USB interface cable Type A to Mini-B, 2.5 meter (8.2 feet)

User’s guide Printed Agilent V3500A Handheld RF Power Meter, 10 MHz to 6 GHz User’s Guide

CD-ROM Agilent V3500A Product Reference CD-ROM

Accessories, calibration and documentation options

V3500A-PWR External power supply

V3500A-SHL Holster carry case with shoulder strap

V3500A-CA1 USB cable type A to Mini-B, 2.5 meter (8.2 feet)

V3500A-ABA English User’s Guide

V3500A-ABJ Japanese User’s Guide

V3500A-AB2 Simplified Chinese User’s Guide

10

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Revised: October 1, 2009

Product specifications and descriptions in
this document subject to change without
notice.

© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2010
Printed in USA, April 21, 2010
5990-5483EN