Mini-Circuits PWR-2.5GHS-75, PWR-4GHS, PWR-4RMS, PWR-6GHS, PWR-6LGHS User Manual

AN-48-003 Rev.: G (April 12, 2018) M167331 (R93281) File: AN-48-003(G).doc
This document and its contents are the propert y of Mini-Circuits

User Guide

The PWR series covers:

0.009 – 8000 MHz

-60 to +20 dBm
50 and 75 Ω Impedance models
Peak & Average, RMS and CW models

POWER SENSORS

USB &

Ethernet

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Important Notice

This guide is owned by Mini-Circuits and is protected by copyright, trademark
and other intellectual p r oper ty laws.

The information in this guide is provided by Mini-Circuits as an accommodation
to our customers and m ay be used only to pr om ote and accom p any the
purchase of Mini-Circuits’ Parts. This guide may not be reproduced, modified,
distributed, published, stored in an electronic database, or transmitted and the
information containe d her ei n may not be exploited in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical recording or otherwise, without prior written permission
from Mini-Circuits.

This guide is subject to change, qualifications, variations, adjustments or
modifications without notice and may contain errors, omissions, inaccuracies,
mistakes or deficiencies. Mini-Circuits assumes no responsibility for, and will
have no liability on account of, any of the foregoing. Accordingly, this guide
should be used as a guideline only.

Trademarks

Microsoft, Windows, Visual Basic, Visual C# and Visual C++ are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. LabVIEW and CVI are registered
trademarks of National Instruments Corporation. Delphi is a registered
trademark of Delphi Technologies, Inc. MATLAB is a registered trademark of
The MathWorks, Inc. Agilent VEE is a registered trademark of Agilent
Technologies, Inc. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Mac is a
registered trademark of Apple Inc. Python is a registered trademark of Python
Software Foundation Corporation.

All other trademarks cited within this guide are the property of their respective
owners. Neither Mini-Circuits nor the Mini-Circuits USB/Ethernet Smart RF
Power Meter are affiliated with or endorsed or sponsored by the owners of the
above referenced trademarks.

Mini-Circuits and the Mini-Circuits logo are registered trademarks of Scientific
Components Corporation.

Mini-Circuits

13 Neptune Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11235, USA
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.minicircuits.com

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1 – General Information ........................................................5-9

1.1 Scope of the User Guide ..................................................................................... 5

1.2 Warranty ............................................................................................................. 5

1.3 Definitions ........................................................................................................... 5

1.4 General Safety Pre cauti o ns ................................................................................ 6

1.5 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 6

1.6 Service and Calibration ....................................................................................... 7

1.7 Contact Information ............................................................................................. 7

1.8 Technical Description ....................................................................................... 7-9

1.8.1 Features of Mini-Circuits power sensors .................................................................. 7

1.8.2 Intended Applications .............................................................................................. 8

1.8.3 Conformity ............................................................................................................... 8

1.8.4 Supported software environments ........................................................................... 8

1.8.5 Model Selection Guide ............................................................................................. 9

Chapter 2 – Installation and S e t up ................................................. 10-15

2.1 Software Setup ..................................................................................................10

2.2 Installation .................................................................................................... 11-10

2.3 Power Sensor Physical Setup ...................................................................... 13-15

Chapter 3 – Using PWR Smart Power Se ns ors ............................. 16-37

3.1 USB Interface ............................................................................................... 16-20

3.2 Ethernet Interface (RC suffix models only) .................................................. 21-22

3.3 Main Screen ................................................................................................. 23-26

3.3.1 Left Side of Screen (Fig. 3.3) ................................................................................. 23

3.3.2 Top Center of Screen (Fig. 3.3) ............................................................................. 24

3.3.3 Bottom Center of Screen (Fig. 3.3) ........................................................................ 24

3.3.4 Right Side of Screen (Fig. 3.3) ............................................................................... 24

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Table of Contents

3.4 Real-Time Graph................................................................................................26

3.4.1 Real-Time graph indicators and functions (Fig. 3.4) ............................................... 26

3.5 Relative Frequency Points Table ................................................................. 27-27

3.6 Creating and using Offset Files .................................................................... 28-29

3.7 Data Record Window ................................................................................... 30-32

3.7.1 Left side of Screen (Fig. 3.7).................................................................................. 30

3.7.2 Right side of Screen (Fig. 3.7) ............................................................................... 30

3.7.3 View Graph ............................................................................................................ 31

3.7.4 Open Data File ...................................................................................................... 31

3.7.5 Create Excel File ................................................................................................... 32

3.8 Firmware Update (Supported models only) .................................................. 33-34

3.9 Compact View ....................................................................................................35

3.10 Working with multiple sensors .................................................................... 36-37

Chapter 4 – Peak Power and Pulse profiling ...................................... 38

4.1 Configuring sample period & Trigger (Peak power only) ....................................38

4.1.1 Trigger Options (Fig. 4.1) ...................................................................................... 38

4.1.2 Output Options (Fig. 4.1) ...................................................................................... 38

4.2 Pulse Profile Analysis .........................................................................................39

4.2.1 Pulse profiling display options (Fig. 4.2) ................................................................. 40

4.2.2 Markers for Graphs ................................................................................................ 40

4.2.3 Zoom Graph Configuration .................................................................................... 41

4.2.4 Zoom on Pulse config window ............................................................................... 41

4.2.5 Calculated parameters........................................................................................... 42

Chapter 5 – Revision History ............................................................... 43

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1 Chapter 1 – General Information

1.1 Scope of the User Guide

This User Guide provides general introduction, installation instructions and operating
information for Mini-Circuits PWR series of USB and Ethernet smart power sensors. For
detailed instructions on specific measurement applications using Mini-Circuits measurement
applications software see the

Application Measurement guide.

1.2 Warranty

See the Mini-Circuits website http://www.minicircuits.com/support/ordering.html for warranty
information.

1.3 Definitions

Note: A note advises on important information you may need to ensure proper operation of the equipment.

There is no risk to either the equipment or the user.

A caution advises about a condition or proced ure which can cause damage to the
equipment (no danger to users).

A warning alerts to a possible risk to the user and steps to avoid it. DO NOT proceed
until you are sure you understand the warning .

CAUTION

WARNING

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1.4 General Safety Precautions

Please observe the following safety precautions at all times when using Mini-Circuits
smart power sensors.

1. Note the maximum input power rating in the datashee t and the conditions

specified for it. Exceeding these values may damage the power sensor.

2. Do not exceed the operational safe power levels for extended periods of time.

1.5 Introduction

Traditionally, when you wanted to measure signal power from electronic components or circuit
boards, you’d have to connect them to a bulky and expensive bench-top power meter. Not
anymore. Mini-Circ u its PW R power sensors offer a whole new approach, using a quick, simpl e,
USB or Ethernet connection to turn your Windows

®

PC or laptop into an RF/Microwave power

meter.
The PWR series offers a low-cost replacement solution for conventional RF/Microwave power

meters, but goes even further by adding portability, easy data storage, advanced data­processing capabilities, and remote operation via Ethernet. Unlike most conventional bench-top
instruments, they’re self-calibrating and compensate automatically for temperature. They’re
quick and easy to use, whether you’re in the field or helping someone complete a remote test
installation over the phone.

CAUTION

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1.6 Service and Calibration

The only user-performed service possible for the PWR models is external cleaning of the case
and connectors as needed. Do not use any detergents or spray cleaning solutions to clean the
PWR unit. To clean the connectors, use an alcohol solution, and to clean the PWR case, a soft,
damp cloth. The recommended calibration cycle for Mini-Circuits PWR series smart power
sensors is once a year. Calibration service is available from Mini-Circuits. For details; see
Ordering, Pricing & Availability Information link from individual model pages on the website.

1.7 Contact Information

Mini-Circuits inc.
13 Neptune Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Phone: [phone]
General Fax: [phone]
Sales / Customer Service Fax: [phone]

[e-mail]

For regional offices and tech support see

http://www.minicircuits.com/contact/offices.html

1.8 Technical Description

1.8.1 Features of Mini-Circuits power sensors

✓ Pocket-sized portability

✓

Automatic frequency calibration & temperature compensation

✓

Turns a laptop or PC into a low-cost replacement power meter

✓

Effective, easy-to-use software

• User-friendly GUI for any Windows® 32- or 64-bit computer (command-line support for
Linux

®

)

• Multiple data display and output optio ns , including Excel

®

• Data averaging

• Relative measurements

• Scheduled data recording with user defined spec limits

• Multi-sensor support (up to 24), display options, and management tools

• Measurement Applications suite to simplify many common test scenarios

• Remote operation via TCP/IP networks

• DLL COM objects for both ActiveX, and .NET supporting LabVIEW

®

, Delphi®, C++, C#,

Visual Basic

®

, and more (see programming handbook and application note AN-49-001

for details)

• Download and install in seconds all required software from

https://www.minicircuits.com/softwaredownload/pm.html.

For specific model features, performance data and graphs, outline drawing, ordering information
and environmental specifications, see our catalog at:

https://www.minicircuits.com/WebStore/PortableTestEquipment.html

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1.8.2 Intended Applications

Mini-Circuits PWR series smart power sensors are intended for indoor use in:

- Lab and test equipment setups for both manual and automated measurements

- Remote location monitori ng

- Automatic, scheduled data collection

- Evaluation of high-power, multi-port devices with built-in virtual couplers/attenuators & other
software tools

The models can be used by anyone familiar with the basics of electronics measurements.

1.8.3 Conformity

Mini-Circuits PWR series power sensors conform to all requirements for the following
international standards

:

RoHS – The models comply with EU directive for Restriction of Hazardous Substances

for 6 substances.

USB 2.0 – The models meet the specifications of the Universal Serial Bus Ver. 2.0

communication standard as described by USB-IF.

USB HID – The models meet the requirements for Universal Serial Bus Human

Interface Devices according to USB-IF’s Device Class Definition for Human
Interface Devices firmware rev. 1.11.

TCP/IP – The RC suffix series models’ Ethernet communication complies with the

specifications of the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet
Protocol (IP) as defined in RFC 791 and RFC 793.

HTTP – The RC suffix series models’ support all requirements for commun ic at ing with

the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) as defined in RFC 1945.

Telnet – The RC suffix series models’ support all requirements for communicating with

the Telnet protocol, as defined in RFC 854.

1.8.4 Supported software environments

Mini-Circuits PWR series power sensors have been tested in the following operating systems:
32 bit: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP Windows 98
64 bit: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Linux
The power sensors will work with almost any software environment that supports ActiveX or
.Net including: C++, C#, CVI

®

, Delphi®, LabVIEW® 8 or newer, MATLAB® 7 or newer, Python,

Agilent VEE

®

, Visual Basic®, AutoIT, Visual Studio® 6 or newer, and more

Additionally the HTTP and Telnet protocols can operate from almost any computer with a
network connection.
For more information see

Mini-Circuits programming manual on our website.

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1.8.5 Model Selection Guide

Model

Name

Frequency Range

Impedance

(Ω)

Sensor

Type

Input Power

Measurement

Speed

(ms)

Max

DC

Current

(mA)

Control

Min Max

Min

(dBm)

Max

(dBm)

PWR-2.5GHS-75 100 kHz 2.5 GHz 75 CW -30 +20 30 70 USB

PWR-4GHS 9 kHz 4 GHz 50 CW -30 +20 30 70 USB

PWR-4RMS 50 MHz 4 GHz 50 RMS -35 +20 30 140 USB

PWR-6GHS 1 MHz 6 GHz 50 CW -30 +20 30 70 USB

PWR-6LGHS 50 MHz 6 GHz 50 CW -45 +10 30 110 USB

PWR-6LRMS-RC 50 MHz 6 GHz 50 RMS -45 +10 30 300

USB &

Ethernet

PWR-6RMS-RC 50 MHz 6 GHz 50 RMS -35 +20 30 300

USB &

Ethernet

PWR-8FS 1 MHz 8 GHz 50 CW -30 +20 10 70 USB

PWR-8GHS 1 MHz 8 GHz 50 CW -30 +20 30 70 USB

PWR-8GHS-RC 1 MHz 8 GHz 50 CW -30 +20 30 250

USB &

Ethernet

PWR-8P-RC 10 MHz 8 GHz 50

Peak

& Avg

-60 +20 0.002 450*

USB &

Ethernet

For additional details and ordering information, click on model P/N.

*With Ethernet disabled, increases to 600mA with Ethernet control enabled

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2 Chapter 2 – Installation and Setup

System requirements for the PWR models are a computer (Pentium II or better) with support for
USB HID. To run the GUI program a Windows operating system for either 32 or 64 bits is also
required.
The RC models can also be operated remotely over a network with mains power (100-220V)
supplied using the included power adaptor.

2.1 Software Setup

If you have had any problems installing the software, we’re here to help.

Try following these complete step-by-step instructions. If you still experience problems,
give us a call at Mini-Circuits Worldwide Technical support. It’s [phone] or e-mail
[e-mail] for North America, or go to minicircuits.com/contact/worldwide_
tech_support.html for other regional numbers and addresses.

2.1.1 First save all work in progress and close any other programs that may be running.

2.1.2 Next, Insert the Mini-Circuits CD into the CD-ROM drive, or download the full CD

software from minicircuits.com. If installing from files downloaded from the web - unzip the
downloaded files to a temporary folder on your desktop or C: drive, then open the file folder
you created and double-click the “Install” icon.

2.1.3 If installation from the CD does not start automatically, run

install.exe from the <CD drive> root directory.

Figure 2.1.3 CD file listing window

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2.2 Installation

2.2.1 The installer window should now appear. Click the “Install Now” button.

Figure 2.2.1 Installation window

2.2.2 The license agreemen t should now appear. To proceed, click “I Agree” and

the “Continue” button.

Figure 2.2.2 License agreement

2.2.3 The installation program will launch. Click the “OK” button to continue.

Figure 2.2.3 Installation Program window

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2.2.4 The destination directory window will appear. At this point it’s a good idea to

take a second and confirm the full destination address for the software. In most cases, the
default will be your computer’s hard drive (C:)\Program Files (x86)\Mini-Circuits Power Met er\.
Or Change it then click the large button at the top to continue.

Figure 2.2.4: Destination Directory window

2.2.5 The Program Group window will appear. This window allows you to select the

program group under which the link for the smart power meter program in the Start Menu will
be created. If you change the Program Group for this software, be sure to record that
information together with your destination address. Click on “Continue” to proceed.

Figure 2.2.5: Program Group Window

2.2.6 In a second or two, your installation will be complete. Click “OK” to

close the installer.

Figure 2.2.6: Installation complete

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2.3 Power Sensor Physical Setup

2.3.1 For CW and RMS power sensors, align the red dot at the Power Sensor

USB connection with the one on the supplied cable and press in until you hear a ‘click’.

2.3.2 For Peak power sensors, simply connect the standard USB cable supplied to

the USB port.

1. Note the maximum rating power input in the datasheet and the conditions

specified for it. Exceeding these values may damage the power sensor.

2. Do not exceed the operational safe power levels for extended periods of time.

2.3.3 For USB control, connect the USB type A plug of the supplied cable to the

computer USB port and begin testing. In RC models the RJ45 connector remains unconnected
when in USB control.

Figure 2.3.1: Plug cable into unit

Figure 2.3.3a: Connections for USB control of a CW or RMS RC model

CAUTION