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Output Power Meter in Siglint 1032X-grade Generators?
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NT0Z:
Hi, gang,

I need to build several 8307-style log-based RF power meters, and I want to find an easy way to properly calibrate the 8307 units.

Years ago, when I had access to an RF lab, I'd simply connect the home-brew power meter to the calibrated output of a Marconi or HP (big buxx) signal generator, mark the appropriate meter deflection spots on the meter face, and boom!

I'd like to be able to do that again, and I was wondering whether the output of something like a 1032X is metered/adjustable, and how accurate it might be for my purposes. I am considering the purchase anyway, for RF generation and to use as a frequency counter (I have a 10-MHz SDO to "discipline" it).

I also have a Rigol 815 spectrum analyzer with tracking gen. I haven't looked into it yet, but I may simply be able to generate a tracking signal, measure it on the SA, and swap the SA input for the 8307 input to get the reading. If anyone knows whether this will work, please let me know.

Ten years ago I stopped buying radios and started buying test equipment. Now I obviously have to learn better how to use it to do specific tasks... :)

As always, thanks for your help.

Kirk, NT0Z
Rochester, MN
www.stealthamateur.com

 
tautech:
Welcome to the forum.

What resolution/accuracy over what frequency range ?

SDG1032X while one of my favourites is not really up to the task compared to the specs of SDG2042X.
Look up Output Characteristics:
https://int.siglent.com/u_file/download/22_06_23/SDG1000X_DataSheet_DS0201X_E01I.pdf
https://int.siglent.com/u_file/download/22_07_28/SDG2000X_DataSheet_DS0202X-E02G.pdf

SDG2042X in particular can offer better flatness than a SA TG as when we Normalise any nonlinearity is removed from the TG sweep.
NT0Z:
Well, I guess, in this case, the accuracy of the output wave in terms of power is the most critical. The 8307 measures power in the -70 to +10 dBm range (approx), so if I could nail a level near 0 dBm I guess I could do other calibration points with a set of attenuators?

It would certainly be handy to simply spin the dial and tick off each 1 dBm mark on my analog meter scale like I did back in the day.

The 8307s are quite linear to 500 MHz, which exceeds my needs.

Thanks,

Kirk, NT0Z
xrunner:
Hello NT0Z,

I built two power meters using an AD8310 and AD8307 and an Arduino for a controller. The 8307 project starts about here in another (long) thread -

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/rf-microwave/cb-and-ham-radio-techs-love-their-bird-wattmeters/msg4329763/#msg4329763

Don't know if it will help you or not.

You can buy a used hp 437B without a sensor and it will have a very accurate 0.0 dBm reference. Might cost between $40 and $60, then as you said use attenuators to reduce power as needed. Good luck.
switchabl:

--- Quote from: tautech on January 18, 2023, 12:02:13 am ---SDG1032X while one of my favourites is not really up to the task compared to the specs of SDG2042X.
Look up Output Characteristics:
https://int.siglent.com/u_file/download/22_06_23/SDG1000X_DataSheet_DS0201X_E01I.pdf
https://int.siglent.com/u_file/download/22_07_28/SDG2000X_DataSheet_DS0202X-E02G.pdf

--- End quote ---

Can you expand on that? Both datasheets appear to share the same ±(1% + 1 mVpp) accuracy (@1 kHz) and ±0.3 dB flatness (up to 60/100 MHz) specifications.
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