RFStandard
RF Power Meter
RF Power Measurement Solutions
USER MANUAL
for Instruments with Firmware 70.08 or higher
info@rfstandard.com www.rfstandard.com
Doc# 6001601
Rev1.86
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RFStandard
Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................... 3
RF Power Meter Description............................................................................ 3
Items Supplied ................................................................................................. 3
Optional Accessories ....................................................................................... 3
Applicability of this User Manual ...................................................................... 3
Specifications .................................................................................................. 4
Installation ........................................................................................................... 6
RF Line Connection ......................................................................................... 6
AC Line Connection ......................................................................................... 7
Chapter Two ......................................................................................................... 8
Operating Instructions ......................................................................................... 8
Front Panel ...................................................................................................... 8
Charging the battery ...................................................................................... 10
Performing a High Accuracy Power measurement ........................................ 11
Averaging and Pulsing Signals Operation ..................................................... 12
Serial Interface .................................................................................................. 13
Serial Communication Flow Control .............................................................. 13
Serial Cable Connector ................................................................................. 14
Command Syntax .......................................................................................... 15
USB Interface .................................................................................................... 28
Virtual COM Port Driver Installation Windows 2000 / XP ............................... 29
Virtual COM Port Driver Installation Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 ............................... 30
Virtual COM Port Driver Installation Windows 10 .......................................... 31
Virtual COM Port Driver Installation Macintosh.............................................. 31
Virtual COM Port Driver Installation Linux 2.40 ............................................. 31
Maintenance ..................................................................................................... 32
Calibration ..................................................................................................... 32
Battery Maintenance ...................................................................................... 32
Cleaning ........................................................................................................ 33
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................. 34
Warranty ........................................................................................................... 36
Limited Warranty ........................................................................................... 36
Chapter Seven .................................................................................................... 37
Revision History ................................................................................................ 37
RF Power Measurement Solutions
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RF Power Measurement Solutions
Introduction
RF Power Meter Description
The RF sensor and entire processing unit are packed on a single, small
enclosure. It offers the convenience of a display (no computer required) - for bench
measurements- and RS-232 or USB connection for automated measurement systems.
The technology is patent pending and covered by intellectual property legislation.
All readings are displayed on the front panel and are also available through a
serial communication.
The RF Standard Power Meter can be powered by a wall power plug adapter,
USB interface, or internal rechargeable battery.
Items Supplied
• RF Power Meter
• 90VAC-264VAC wall plug adapter
• USB cable
• Installation USB media containing
o User Manual (this manual)
o USB software drivers
o Virtual Front Panel
o LabVIEW® serial drivers
• Pelican Case ® with the manufacturer life-time warranty
Optional Accessories
- Region specific wall plug adapter
- 3-1/8EIA to 1-5/8EIA adapter (for 50kW option)
Applicability of this User Manual
- Region specific wall plug adapter
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Nominal Impedance
Nominal Power
Nominal Frequency
MAX Power Allowable
Max. Allowable Terminating
Calibration Technique
Calibration Cycle, Nominal
Forward Power Accuracy at
Insertion loss
Directivity
Frequency Range
Harmonic rejection
Pulsing capability
Gamma
VSWR
Specifications
VSWR
nominal frequency into 50Ω
RF Power Measurement Solutions
50Ω
See the instrument front panel*
See the instrument front panel*
120% of Nominal Power
LCD will display a message “Power Overload” if RF
power is in excess of 120% of Nominal Power
Continuous use: VSWR 3:1
Frequency/Power/Temperature/Directivity calibration
factors stored in nonvolatile memory
12 months
Depends on Calibration Method and Max Power.
Refer to your specifications.
a) Standard Calibration: 1% of the reading or
0.1% of Max Power whichever is higher.
Generator Calibration Plane
b) Calorimeter Calibration: 0.5% of the reading
or 0.5W, whichever is higher
Load Calibration Plane
Power and Temperature must be within specification
limits. Frequency must be within specification limits
and set to the carrier value
< 0.05dB
> 30dB
See the instrument front panel*
> 20dB **
10Hz – x10KHz range***
Calculated from Pr – Reflected power and Pf Forward power
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P
Gamma =
P
Calculated from Gamma
r
f
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Gamma
−
+
1
Operating Power
Connectors
Batteries
Battery Life
Battery Charge Time
Battery Charger
Display
Interfaces
Output Data Rate, Nominal
Humidity, Max.
Operating Temperature
Altitude
Case Temperature
Storage Relative Humidity,
Altitude
Storage Temperature range
RF Power Measurement Solutions
Operating Environmental conditions
range
(imposed from exterior)
1
VSWR
USB power (wall plug or computer) or battery
Depends on the max power specification ****
Li-Ion
12 Hours minimum
6 hours maximum
Built in. Power supplied by wall plug adapter or USB
port
LCD 4 lines of 16 characters
RS-232 standard, USB 2.0
15 readings/second
85% (non condensing)
+68° to +95°F (20° to 35°C)
78.8kPa to 106kPa (6,562 feet (2,000 m) to -1640ft
(-500m)
<35°C (95°F)
=
Gamma
Storage/Transportation Environmental conditions
95% (non condensing)
Max
10,000 feet (3,000 m)
-20° to + 70°C (-4° to +158°F)
* Max Power levels for Forward and Reflected channels and frequency range can
be customized (up to 50kW). The instrument displays the maximum power and
frequency range upon power up.
** Characteristic for narrow band instruments (with max ±5% frequency range)
*** The instrument performs hardware and software averaging for pulse
(modulated) signals. Please read the Averaging and Pulsing Signals Operation
chapter
**** N female for powers up to 1.5kW, HN female for powers up to 5kW, 7/16EIA and
LC female for powers up to 12kW, 3-1/8EIA flange for powers up to 50kW
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RF Power Measurement Solutions
Installation
This chapter provides information about preparing the RF Standard Power Meter
for use.
RF Line Connection
WARNING
Never attempt to connect or disconnect RF equipment from the
transmission line while RF power is ON!
CAUTION
Do not exceed the specified Maximum Power Allowable for the device.
Damage to the Power Meter may occur.
NOTE: FLOATING RF SYSTEMS WARNING: The RF line ground is
connected to the USB and serial communication ground. The meter can be used on
floating RF systems (where the RF ground is at a different potential then the USB or
serial communication ground) only if a proper isolator is used (ex: an optical isolator).
Using the meter without regarding this note can cause permanent damage to the
meter and life hazard.
Observe the arrow on the front panel of the Power Meter. The arrow is indicating
the direction of the RF power.
No damage will occur if the sensor will be connected in reverse direction but the
values for the FWD and REW Power on the LCD display and on the serial
communication will be also reversed.
Connect the end of the Power Sensor labeled “RF IN” to the RF source. Connect
the end labeled “RF OUT” to the load or antenna.
WARNING
DO NOT USE MECHANICALLY OR ELECTRICALLY DAMAGED RF
CONNECTORS. ANY TRACE OF RESIDUE MUST BE CLEANED
BEFORE USING RF CONNECTORS. ENGAGE THE RF
CONNECTORS ALL THE WAY IN. FAILING TO DO SO WILL RESULT
INTO UNCONSISTENT READINGS AND/OR BURNED
CONNECTORS
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Inspect the RF connectors and cables before use for:
- Burned, bent, pushed in or missing central connector. Do not use such cables!
- Residue on the insulators. Try and clean the insulator using Isopropyl alcohol.
Dry the insulator before use!
Torque the RF connectors to the manufacturer specifications. Failure to do so will
result in unstable readings, damage of the connector and fire hazard.
RF Power Measurement Solutions
NOTE: SERIAL COMMUNICATION WARNING: Typical RF systems are
controlled by a CPU thru a serial connection (RS232/Devicenet/Profibus). At the same
time the RF output is at ground connection. If the instrument is connected to the same
CPU a ground loop is created. Depending on the ground leak current this configuration
may or may not work.
The instrument may “freeze” if the ground leak current is too high. As a solution
use either a serial isolator or use a separate CPU (other than the one used to
communicate with the RF generator) to communicate with the instrument. If
necessary, use ON/OFF button to reset the instrument.
AC Line Connection
RF Power Meter is supplied with a universal (90VAC to 264VAC) wall plug
adapter. Let us know if you are going to use the RF Power Meter outside U.S. so we
can supply the proper wall plug.
NOTE: Notify RF Standard if you are going to use the device with non-U.S.
voltages. A proper wall plug adapter will be provided.
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Chapter Two
RF Power Measurement Solutions
Operating Instructions
This chapter describes operator controls and indicators on the RF Power Meter.
For remote operation using a USB or RS-232 interface, refer to the instructions in
following two chapters
Front Panel
Charging indicator
Load RF Plane Generator RF Plane
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Figure 2-1
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Push Button
Desc
ription
RF Power Measurement Solutions
SET
ON/OFF
Navigational button. Press to increase the
set value or to move UP.
Navigational button. Press to decrease the
set value or to move DOWN.
Press to indicate the value that you want to
set. It will change the cursor position
between line 3 and 4 on display.
If you want to change the frequency, position
the cursor on line 3 (where the frequency is
displayed) then increase/decrease the
frequency value using the arrows.
The frequency will increment/decrement in
x10kHz steps
For additional information displayed (VSWR,
Gamma, Temperature, #Averages), position
the cursor on line 4 and use the arrows to
navigate among options.
Press to turn the Power Meter On or Off.
Keep the button pressed for at least 1
second for the command to take effect.
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RF Power Measurement Solutions
Charging the battery
The charging LED is going to be ON if the Li-Ion battery is charging (from the USB
connection or from the wall plug adapter). The LED will turn OFF when the battery is
fully charged (4.2V)
Battery charge is performed either the instrument is ON or OFF.
Charging time to full capacity depends on how much the battery is discharged
and the power source. Some computer USB ports are limiting the charging current. A
full charge may take up to 6 hours.
Run time on battery is at least 12 hours (typically 16 hours) and decays with the
age of the battery. Standard Li-Ion battery has a life of about 500 charging cycles.
Before a complete discharge (below 3.6V) the instrument will display a message
to recharge and it shuts down automatically to protect the battery. Upon re-power, the
instrument will re-start but if the low battery condition is detected it will shut down.
The instrument has full functionality during re-charging.
NOTE: Battery is not user accessible. User cannot replace the battery!
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RF Power Measurement Solutions
Performing a High Accuracy Power measurement
There are several simple rules that will help the user perform accurate
measurements:
- Use only good cables and connectors. Any sign of heating is a result of RF
losses; therefore some of your RF power is lost as heat instead of being delivered to
your application.
- Careful grounding. Ground loops (or lack of proper grounding) will affect the RF
propagation, therefore is going to affect your application and the instrument readings.
- Allow the instrument to stabilize with the temperature. The instrument
compensates for temperature and keeps the accuracy within specifications but during
temperature transitions there are gradients that will affect the accuracy. The instrument
will be within specifications during temperature changes when operating within specified
temperature range.
- Observe the calibration plane: Generator or Load. Take into consideration and
compensate (if is the case) for the insertion loss of the instrument. The calibration plane
is marked on the calibration label.
- Accuracy degrades with VSWR. The instrument is guaranteed to be accurate in
50Ω applications but it works also (with some limitations) into complex loads. Contact us
if you need to perform 1% measurements into complex loads.
- Select the frequency. The instrument needs to be set to the actual frequency so it
can perform adequate compensations.
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RF Power Measurement Solutions
Averaging and Pulsing Signals Operation
The standard instrument works in two modes, depending on the number of
averages (higher or lower than 32).
Up to 31 averages the firmware will perform an adaptive averaging: if the power
level is increasing (or decreasing) with more than 10% the previous value, the
averaging is reset and starts with the new power value. This feature is helpful for fast
transition signals but it is a drawback when we are measuring pulsing signals. The
adaptive averaging is disabled for averages higher than 32.
As a general rule, for pulsing/modulated signals higher averaging will give higher
accuracy.
The RF Power Meter contains an internal low pass filter with a cut off frequency
of 2 kHz, therefore this filter will average all signals (pulsed or modulated) with a
higher frequency then 2 kHz.
For pulsing or modulated frequencies lower than 2 kHz we recommend to
increase the number of averages (see serial commands chapter; format of command
rR).
For very low frequencies (Hz-x10Hz) the averaging must be carefully selected
and it must be correlated with the duty factor. Standard instrument takes about 65mS to
do a measurement.
Maximum number of averaging elements is limited to 254.
From the front panel display press the set button until the 4th line is underlined.
After that press either arrow button until the #Averages line is displayed. During
normal operation the display will look like Fig 2-1.
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Figure 2-2
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Chapter Three
RF Power Measurement Solutions
Serial Interface
USB communication has a MASTER function over RS232. If both cables (USB
and RS232) are connected, the instrument will communicate thru USB. If the USB
cable is disconnected from the computer the serial communication is defaulted to
RS232.
Refer to USB interface chapter for further details.
NOTE: SERIAL COMMUNICATION WARNING: Typical RF systems are
controlled by a CPU thru a serial connection (RS232/Devicenet/Profibus). At the same
time the RF output is at ground connection. If the instrument is connected to the same
CPU a ground loop is created. Depending on the ground leak current this configuration
may or may not work.
The instrument may “freeze” if the ground leak current is too high. As a solution
use either a serial isolator or use a separate CPU (other than the one used to
communicate with the RF generator) to communicate with the instrument. If
necessary, use ON/OFF button to reset the instrument.
Serial Communication Flow Control
Operators should understand EIA Standard RS-232-C and have basic computer
programming skills before attempting serial communication with the device.
The RF Standard RS-232 interface has the communication parameters fixed
(factory set) and the user cannot change them.
Baud rate 19200
Data bits 8
Parity None
Stop bits 1
Flow Control None
NOTE: There is a delay of 65mSec between sending the command and
reading or implementing the result. When programming, a delay of at least 65mSec
should be implemented between serial write and read commands.
NOTE: All the data sent by the device is followed by <CR> (carriage
return) character.
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NOTE: No termination has to be sent to the device. Sending a termination
will either make the instrument to ignore or delay the command.
The device can stream data at a rate of 15 readings/second. This speed can be
sustained if all parameters are within specifications (power, frequency) and no key is
pressed. Key activation has a higher priority and may delay the serial communication.
We recommend sending a Key Lock command (to lock the keyboard) in order to
preserve the communication rate.
RF Power Measurement Solutions
Serial Cable Connector
The serial RS-232 host port connector is a 9-pin, female, shielded subminiatureD connector. A standard 9-pin serial cable can be used for serial communication.
Figure 3-1
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Read/Write
Description
RF Power Measurement Solutions
Command Syntax
NOTE: All commands are case sensitive.
There are two types of commands: Read and Set.
Read commands are executed by sending 2 characters. No termination has to
be sent. Sending a termination will either make the instrument to ignore or delay the
command.
Set commands are executed by sending 2 characters and <CR> followed by a
delay of at least 65mSec followed by 3 or 4 decimal digits.
Command
RS
PM
Pm
FM
Fm
FS XXXX
FR
FV
CD
SN
Resets the device. It takes 10 seconds for a full RESET
and auto-calibration. Do NOT send any serial commands
during this period of time.
Reports the Maximum Power of the FWD Channel
Reports the Maximum Power of the RFL Channel
Reports the Nominal Maximum Frequency of the device
Reports the Nominal Minimum Frequency of the device
Set the current frequency
Reports the current frequency
Reports the Firmware version
Reports the calibration date
Reports the Serial Number
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SW
GA
PC
FC
RC
ER
BT
TE
KL
K?
rR<CR>xxx
A?
Reports the VSWR
Reports the Gamma
Reports the Forward and Reflected Power
Reports the Forward Power
Reports the Reflected Power
Reports the number of Errors
Reports the voltage of the internal bus
Reports the temperature of the RF sensor
Locks/Unlocks the device keyboard
Reports the status of the keyboard (locked=1,unlocked=0)
Set the number of averages
Reports the number of averages
Table 3.1
RF Power Measurement Solutions
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Re Set Format RS
FUNCTION – will reset the device
NOTE: Reset takes 10 seconds. Do NOT send any serial commands
during this period of time!
IMPLEMENTATION – RS
The device will reset. All the settings will go to default values. The LCD will
display the device information (serial number, firmware version, power and frequency
specifications, last calibration date).
Power Max Format PM
FUNCTION – will return the nominal maximum power supported by the FWD
channel of the device
RF Power Measurement Solutions
NOTE: Allow 65mSec between the write and the read commands.
IMPLEMENTATION – PM
The device can measure above the nominal maximum power but the accuracy is
not guaranteed by the manufacturer
The answer has the following format:
PFWDMax=xxxxxW
The answer has a variable length depending on the number of digits to be
displayed
Power m Format Pm
FUNCTION – will return the nominal maximum power supported by the RFL
channel of the device
NOTE: Allow 65mSec between the write and the read commands.
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IMPLEMENTATION – Pm
The device can measure below the minimum power but the accuracy is not
guaranteed by the manufacturer
The answer has the following format:
PRFLMax=yyyyyW
The answer has a variable length depending on the number of digits of the min
power.
Frequency Max Format FM
FUNCTION – will return the nominal maximum frequency of the RF signal
supported by the instrument
RF Power Measurement Solutions
NOTE: Allow 65mSec between the write and the read commands.
IMPLEMENTATION – FM
The device will do measurements outside the frequency range but they may not
be within the manufacturer accuracy specifications.
The answer has the following format:
FMax=cccccccHz<CR>
The answer has a variable length depending on the number of digits of the
frequency.
Frequency min Format Fm
FUNCTION – will return the nominal minimum frequency
NOTE: Allow 65mSec between the write and the read commands.
IMPLEMENTATION – Fm
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The device will do measurements outside the frequency range but they will not
be within the manufacturer accuracy specifications.
The answer has the following format:
FMin=cccccccHz<CR>
The answer has a variable length depending on the number of digits of the
frequency.
Frequency Read Format FR
FUNCTION – will return the frequency of the device
NOTE: Allow 65mSec between the write and the read commands.
NOTE: The device cannot measure the frequency. Setting the right
frequency is mandatory for accurate power measurement.
IMPLEMENTATION – FR
The device will report the value of the frequency set by the user. Nominal
frequency is the default frequency. Upon power up or reset the device will start with
the nominal frequency.
The answer has the following format:
Freq=ccccccccHz<CR>
The answer has a variable length depending on the number of digits of the
frequency.
Firmware Version Format FV
FUNCTION – will return the firmware version
RF Power Measurement Solutions
NOTE: Allow 65mSec between the write and the read commands.
IMPLEMENTATION – FV
The answer has the following fixed format:
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FV=cc.cc<CR>
The answer has a fixed length of 9 bytes (including the Carriage Return).
Calibration Date Format CD
FUNCTION – will return the date of the last calibration
NOTE: Allow 65mSec between the write and the read commands.
IMPLEMENTATION – CD
The answer has the following fixed format:
CD=DDMMYY<CR>
The answer has a fixed length of 10 bytes (including the Carriage Return).
The format is DDMMYY
Serial Number Format SN
FUNCTION – will return the serial number of the device
RF Power Measurement Solutions
NOTE: Allow 65mSec between the write and the read commands.
IMPLEMENTATION – SN
The answer has the following fixed format:
SN=cccccc<CR>
The answer has a fixed length of 10 bytes (including the Carriage Return).
Standing Wave Format SW
FUNCTION – will return the VSWR
NOTE: Allow 65mSec between the write and the read commands.
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IMPLEMENTATION – SW
The answer has the following fixed format:
VSWR=c.cc<CR>
The answer has a fixed length of 10 bytes (including the Carriage Return).
GAmma Format GA
FUNCTION – will return the Gamma
NOTE: Allow 65mSec between the write and the read commands.
IMPLEMENTATION – GA
The answer has the following fixed format:
Gamma=c.cc<CR>
The answer has a fixed length of 11 bytes (including the Carriage Return).
Power Carrier Format PC
FUNCTION – will return the Forward and Reflected Power
RF Power Measurement Solutions
NOTE: Allow 65mSec between the write and the read commands.
IMPLEMENTATION – PC
The answer has the following fixed format:
Fwd=xxxx.xW Rfl=yyyy.yW<CR>
The answer has a fixed length of 24 characters (including Carriage Return)
xxxx.x is the Forward power and yyyy.y is the Reflected power. The format of the
power is on 4 digits. If the power level requires less than 6 digits an empty space will
be send (the length of the answer will remain 24 characters)
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Forward Carrier Format FC
FUNCTION – will return the Forward Power Carrier
NOTE: Allow 65mSec between the write and the read commands.
IMPLEMENTATION – FC
The answer has the following fixed format:
Fwd=xxxx.xW<CR>
The answer has a fixed length of 12 characters (including Carriage Return)
xxxx is the Forward power. The format of the power is on 6 digits. If the power
level requires less than 6 digits space character(s) will be sent (the length of the
answer will remain 12 characters)
Reflected Carrier Format RC
FUNCTION – will return the Reflected Power Carrier
NOTE: Allow 65mSec between the write and the read commands.
IMPLEMENTATION – RC
The answer has the following fixed format:
Rfl=yyyy.yW<CR>
The answer has a fixed length of 12 characters (including Carriage Return)
Yyyy.y is the Reflected power. The format of the power is on 6 digits. If the power
level requires less than 6 digits a space character(s) will be sent (the length of the
answer will remain 12 characters)
ErRors Format ER
FUNCTION – will return the Reflected Power
RF Power Measurement Solutions
NOTE: Allow 65mSec between the write and the read commands.
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IMPLEMENTATION – ER
The answer has the following fixed format:
Error=zzz<CR>
The answer has a variable length depending on the number of errors
BaTtery Format BT
FUNCTION – will return the voltage of the bus
NOTE: Allow 65mSec between the write and the read commands.
IMPLEMENTATION – BT
The answer has a fixed length of 11 characters (including Carriage Return)
Buss=c.cc<CR>
If the device is an option with rechargeable battery then the buss voltage is the
battery voltage. The device will perform an auto-shutdown when the battery voltage is
below 3.3V. Before shutdown a message will be displayed on the screen.
TempErature Format TE
FUNCTION – reports the temperature of the RF sensor
RF Power Measurement Solutions
NOTE: Allow 65mSec between the write and the read commands.
IMPLEMENTATION – TE
The value of the temperature is used to correct the reported values.
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RF Power Measurement Solutions
▲ ▼
Temp out of spec
T=3DegC
Extreme temperature values (too high or too low) are not supported (see
specifications) and the readings may be out of the accuracy specifications. In these
cases the meter will display a specific message (see Fig 3.1). In this case we
recommend waiting for the temperature to reach the specifications limits.
KeyLock Format KL
FUNCTION – locks/unlocks the device keypad
SET
Figure 3-2
ON
OFF
RF
IN
NOTE: The command is useful when we intend to use the device as a
remote monitor and we do not want any unauthorized changes from the keypad. The
command will not lock the Power button.
IMPLEMENTATION – KL
To confirm the action the device will display the message:
KeyL
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Key? Format K?
FUNCTION – will return the status of the keyboard
NOTE: Allow 65mSec between the write and read commands.
IMPLEMENTATION – K?
The answer has the following fixed format:
Keyboard=1<CR> (the keypad is locked)
Or
Keyboard=0<CR> (the keypad is not locked)
The answer has a fixed length of 11bytes (including Carriage Return)
Averages? Format A?
FUNCTION – will return the number of averages
RF Power Measurement Solutions
NOTE: Allow 65mSec between the write and read commands.
IMPLEMENTATION – A?
The answer has the following fixed format:
#Averages=xxx<CR>
The answer has a variable length depending on the number of digits to be
displayed
When measuring pulsing signals the number of averages is critical. Read also
the chapter Averaging and Pulsing Signals Operation.
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Set
Description
Set commands are executed by sending 2 characters followed by a delay of at
least 65mSec followed by 3 or 4 decimal digits. No termination has to be sending.
Sending a termination will either make the instrument ignore or delay the command.
NOTE: Set command must be complete. The device will wait for the entire
information.
Command
FS
rR
Frequency Set Format FS<CR>XXXX
FUNCTION – will set the carrier frequency.
RF Power Measurement Solutions
Will set the current frequency
Will set the number of Averages
NOTE: The device cannot measure the frequency. It is important to set the
frequency for accurate power measurement. At power up the device will start with the
last frequency before shutting down.
IMPLEMENTATION – FS 1356
The command has two parts. First send the FS characters followed by enter
<carriage return> characters and after a delay of at least 65mSec send the first 4 digits
of the frequency.
Digit position First Digit Second Digit Third Digit Fourth Digit
Frequency x10MHz x1MHz x100kHz x10kHz
Example
13.56MHz
Example
360kHz
For 360kHz send an argument 0036
IMPLEMENTATION – FS 0036
1 3 5 6
0 0 3 6
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If the value send is outside the range an error message will be displayed for a
second on LCD “Freq out of spec” and the frequency will remain unchanged.
If the command was successful the new frequency is displayed on the LCD and it
can be read using the command FR.
rR Format rR <CR>XXX
FUNCTION – will set the number of elements for the circular average
NOTE: The device is performing an adaptive averaging for 31 or less
averages. The instrument will restart with the last average settings. Factory default (as
shipped) is 24 and cannot be changed from the instrument keyboard (only using serial
communication)
If the number of averages is below 32 then the averaging will be restarted every
time a 10% change in power is detected. This mode is proper for continuous RF
signals.
For averages above 32 (including 32) the instrument will do a continuous
averaging. This mode is proper for pulsing or modulated signals.
Read also the Averaging and Pulsing Signals Operation chapter.
IMPLEMENTATION – rR<CR> 010
The command has two parts. First send the rR followed by enter <carriage
return> characters and after a delay of at least 65mSec send the 3 digits of the
average. For example 6 averages should be coded with 3 digits as: 006. The limit of
averages is set at 254.
If the command was successful the new average is displayed on the 4th line on
the LCD (you may have to scroll on the menu of the 4th line).
RF Power Measurement Solutions
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Chapter Four
RF Power Measurement Solutions
USB Interface
The RF Power Meter interface is USB2.0 Compatible.
USB interface contains a “bridge“ that translates the USB communications to a
RS232 communication. Practically the software drivers will install first the USB
resources and after that will create a virtual RS232 port.
There are two notes in red regarding “how to” handle USB that should be
followed in order to avoid software errors.
It is a good practice to check under System Properties, HARDWARE tab that a
serial port is listed as CP2102 USB to USART Bridge Controller
The above window capture is from Windows 2000 Pro
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Upon successful installation of the USB drivers one can use serial commands to
communicate with the RF Power Meter. See previous chapter for serial commands.
NOTE: Always first power ON the RF Power Meter and only then connect
USB cable. Upon USB connection the instrument does a USB initialization that is
possible only if it is powered. Not following this instruction does not affect the
instrument but it can make the USB communication difficult to establish.
NOTE: Always first turn OFF the acquisition software (VFP or any custom
software) and only then disconnect USB cable. Upon USB disconnection of the USB
cable the virtual serial port is removed from the computer system. Any software that is
exchanging information with the virtual port it will lock or will give an error.
The charging LED is going to be ON if the battery is charging from the USB. The
LED will turn OFF once the battery is charged.
Battery charge using USB is performed either the instrument is ON or OFF. The
instrument is not affected if both cables (USB and power cable – from the AC adapter)
are connected at the same time.
On the following installation instructions we assume that the operator is using the
CD (or USB media) provided and the CD (or USB media) is mapped on the computer
as D:\ but it may be any other letter. If you downloaded the drivers, use the proper
location to refer to the drivers.
All drivers are located on the folder “USB Drivers” folder.
USB communication has a MASTER function over RS232. If both cables
(USB and RS232) are connected, the instrument will communicate thru USB. If USB
cable is disconnected the serial communication is defaulted to RS232. If the
instrument is charging from the provided USB power supply, the communication will be
thru the RS232.
RF Power Measurement Solutions
Virtual COM Port Driver Installation Windows 2000 / XP
Follow these steps to install the Windows 2000 or XP USB driver:
1. Connect the USB cable between the host computer and the RF Power
Meter.
2. Windows will open a “Found New Hardware Wizard” window. Press Next
to continue
3. Select “Search for a suitable driver for my device (recommended)” and
press next.
4. Check “Specify a location” and press Next
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5. Press Browse to locate the “slabbus.inf” driver installation file. The default
location is the “D:\USB Drivers\Win 98_2000_XP” directory. Once this file
is selected press OK.
6. Verify that the correct path and filename are shown and press “Next”.
7. Press Finish to finish installing the “CP210x USB Composite Device”.
8. Windows will open a second “Found New Hardware Wizard” window.
Press Next to continue.
9. Select “Search for a suitable driver for my device (recommended)” and
press “Next”.
10. Check “Specify a location” and press Next
11. Press Browse to locate the “slabw2k.inf” driver installation file. The default
location is the “D:\USB Drivers\Win 98_2000_XP”” directory. Once this file
is selected press OK.
12. Verify that the correct path and filename are shown and press “Next”.
13. Press Finish to finish installing the “CP210x USB to UART Bridge
Controller”
RF Power Measurement Solutions
Virtual COM Port Driver Installation Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1
Follow these steps to install the Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 USB driver:
1. Connect the USB cable between the host computer and the RF Power
Meter.
2. Windows will open a “Found New Hardware Wizard” window.
3. Select “Install from a list of specific locations (Advanced)” and press
“Next”.
4. Select “Include this location in the search”
5. Press Browse to locate the “D:\USB Drivers\Win 7_8_8.1_10” directory.
Once this file is selected press OK.
6. Verify that the correct path and filename are shown and press “Next”.
7. Press Finish to finish installing the “CP210x USB Composite Device”
8. Windows will open a second “Found New Hardware Wizard” window.
9. Select “Install from a list of specific locations (Advanced)” and press
“Next”.
10. Select “Include this location in the search”
11. Press Browse to locate the “D:\USB Drivers\Win 7_8_8.1_10” directory.
Once this file is selected press OK.
12. Verify that the correct path and filename are shown and press “Next”.
13. Press Finish to finish installing the “CP210x USB to UART Bridge
Controller”
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RF Power Measurement Solutions
Virtual COM Port Driver Installation Windows 10
Windows 10 contains by default the drivers for the CP210x chipset, no user
interaction required. Upon connecting the instrument, Windows 10 should
automatically recognize the chipset and list it as a COM port.
In the isolated case Windows 10 is requesting the drivers, point to the folder
“D:\USB Drivers\Win 7_8_8.1_10”
Virtual COM Port Driver Installation Macintosh
Follow these steps to install the Macintosh driver:
To install the Macintosh OS-X virtual COM port driver, extract the cardinal-osx-
V1_00c-release.zip file located in the “D:\USB Drivers\Mac” directory. Next, run the
extracted file SLAB_USBtoUART Installer.
Macintosh OS-9 virtual COM port drivers are currently available by request only.
Virtual COM Port Driver Installation Linux 2.40
Follow these steps to install the Linux USB driver:
The Linux virtual COM port driver included support Linux versions 2.40 and later.
To install the driver, extract the cardinal-redhat-V0_81a.tar file located in the D:\
“D:\USB Drivers\Linux” directory. Next, run the extracted file load_mcci_usb. To
uninstall the driver, run the extracted file unload_mcci_usb.
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Chapter Five
RF Power Measurement Solutions
Maintenance
This chapter describes routine maintenance, along with troubleshooting
instructions for the RF power meter.
Calibration
Recommended calibration time interval for standard instruments is 12 Months.
Transfer standards (higher accuracy) or custom standards can have a lower
calibration period (typical 6 months).
Upon power up the device will display the last calibration date.
Schedule a calibration by phone or email. Log on to www.rfstandard.com for
contact information. Have the SN# and contact information available when contacting
us.
Battery Maintenance
The battery is NOT accessible by user. All the charging discharging cycles are
managed by specialized electronics.
Li-Ion batteries can support at least 500 full cycle charges/discharge cycles. This
is equivalent to a minimum 2 year lifetime.
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Cleaning
The Power Meter requires simple, routine maintenance.
NEVER ATTEMPT TO CONNECT OR DISCONNECT RF EQUIPMENT
FROM THE TRANSMISSION LINE WHILE RF POWER IS BEING APPLIED.
LEAKING RF ENERGY IS A POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARD.
• Check the RF connectors and cables for damage.
• Clean the connector contacts with pure isopropyl alcohol. Wait until the
contacts are properly dried before use!
THE RF POWER METER CONTAINS NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS.
Do not use harsh or abrasive detergents for cleaning.
RF Power Measurement Solutions
WARNING
WARNING
DO NOT REMOVE ITS COVER.
CAUTION
Clean the RF Power Meter and its display with a soft cloth dampened with mild
detergent and water only.
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Problem
Possible Cause
Correction
Troubleshooting
Due to the complexity of the RF Power Meter, field repairs beyond general
Removal or disturbance of the instrument cover will affect the calibration and
If a malfunction is not listed or is not corrected by the listed corrective actions,
contact the manufacturer
Thermal devices insure internal protection. There are no fuses to change!
RF Power Measurement Solutions
CAUTION
maintenance should not be attempted.
will result in cancellation of the warranty.
Meter has no power
Display is blank or
not updating
Meter turns off while
on battery power
Frequency value is
not
increasing/decreasing
when I press
UP/DOWN button
VSWR and/or
Gamma values are
unstable
Push buttons do not
respond
Did you press the ON/OFF
button?
Battery is discharged Connect the USB
Improper serial commands Reset the device by cycling
Battery is discharged Connect the USB
Battery is discharged Connect the USB
You reached the frequency limit of
the device
Forward power is very low Repeat the measurement
Random serial commands/
improper serial commands
Press the ON/OFF button
connection to charge the
battery
the power (press the
ON/OFF button)
connection to charge the
battery
connection to charge the
battery
Consult the specifications
of the device for frequency
range
at high power or use a
device with higher
accuracy at low RF power
Reset the device by cycling
the power (press ON/OFF
button)
The keyboard was locked using a
serial command. KeyL message
on the upper right corner of
display?
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Meter displays
“Temp out of range”
message
Meter does not
respond to serial
commands
Temperature of the ambient is out
of specifications
Serial/USB cable connected?
Serial cable too long or routed
thru un-compliant ports/cards
Serial/USB cable OK?
RF Power Measurement Solutions
Wait until the meter
reaches a temperature
within specifications
Connect the serial cable
Standard serial cable
should be 6 ft. Some hubs
and laptops use uncompliant 100% chip-set.
Use a different computer
Use the cable provided
with the meter
Serial port –hardware- is listed
under computer resources?
Check the computer
hardware resources
Use Hyper-terminal
program to check
communication
Check that the proper COM
port is assigned
Check that no other
software is using the same
COM port
Cycle the power to the
meter
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Chapter Six
RF Power Measurement Solutions
Warranty
Limited Warranty
The products manufactured by Seller are warranted to be free from defects in
material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from date of shipment and to
conform to applicable specifications, drawings, blueprints and/or samples. Seller’s sole
obligation under these warranties shall be -at his discretion- to either: issue credit (up
to the invoice value), repair or replace any item or part thereof which is proved to be
other than as warranted. No allowance shall be made for any labor charges of Buyer
for replacement of parts, adjustment or repair, or any other work.
If Seller’s products are claimed to be defective in material or workmanship or not
to conform to specifications, drawings, blueprints and/or samples, Seller shall, upon
prompt notice thereof, either examine the products where they are located or issue
shipping instructions for return to Seller (transportation charges paid by Buyer).
The above warranties shall not extend to any products or parts thereof which
have been subjected to any misuse or neglect, damaged by accident, rendered
defective by reason of improper installation or by the performance of repairs or
alterations outside of our plant, and shall not apply to any goods or parts thereof
furnished by the Buyer or acquired from others at the Buyer’s request and/or Buyer’s
specifications.
The warranty does not cover mechanical damages, bent, pushed in or burned
connectors.
For the warranty to apply, the Power Meter must be used according to the user
manual, the maximum power rating must not be exceeded, the Power Meter circuit
must be properly terminated and not subjected to physical abuse and the
manufacturer warranty sticker must be intact.
The warranty is lost if the instrument is altered or modified by the customer.
The obligations under the foregoing warranties are limited to the precise terms
thereof. These warranties provide exclusive remedies, expressly in lieu of all other
remedies including claims for special or consequential damages.
SELLER NEITHER MAKES NOR ASSUMES ANY OTHER WARRANTY
WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS, STATUTORY, OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS, AND NO PERSON IS
AUTHORIZED TO ASSUME FOR SELLER ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY NOT
STRICTLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOREGOING.
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Chapter Seven
RF Power Measurement Solutions
Revision History
Revision 1.86
The instruments with Firmware previous to 70.08 were starting with Nominal
Frequency while Instruments with Firmware 70.08 and later are starting with last
Frequency set before power down.
Inserted Instructions for Windows 10 installation.
Revision 1.85
Inserted Instructions for Windows 7 installation.
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