A power sensor is a fundamental measurement tool in RF engineering. However, today's marketplace is filled with myriad choices, and as a result, it can be difficult to determine which sensor will meet the requirements.
This primer outlines the basics of RF power sensors and highlights a few key characteristics that will help you select the best one for each application. The narrative has three parts. First, we focus on choosing the right type of sensor: multipath, wideband, average power and thermal can satisfy slightly different measurement needs. The second section covers the five major attributes of sensor performance, and what to look for relative to your requirements. Finally, we outline three ways to integrate a sensor into your measurement application.
This article describes the advantages of open-loop sensors over closed-loop current sensors. Examples of LEM and Honeywell open-loop sensors are described.
