RF low power measurement using network analyzer

[sharethewell]

Does anyone know how to measure RF power (output power, 10 mW) of a power amplifier with a network analyzer? Someone suggested me that I can do this but I don't know how. Could someone give me some ideas? Thanks a lot!

 

[BigBoss]

Some Network Analyzers are capable to measure power but it's not so accurate..
Power Meter is much better

 

[tony_lth]

Agilent new veersion NA can measurement power more accurate than old version.
You should calibrate the NA before using. The calibration have two methods: one is using external signal generator, and the other is using the internal signal generator of NA.
After calibration, you can measure your signal power precisely.

 

[enjunear]

Does anyone know how to measure RF power (output power, 10 mW) of a power amplifier with a network analyzer? Someone suggested me that I can do this but I don't know how. Could someone give me some ideas? Thanks a lot!

First, be ABSOLUTELY sure you don't overdrive the receiver on the Network Analyzer. Check the NA's specs to make sure you don't blow out the front-end!!!! (very $$$$$$$$$ to fix)

The NA will give you forward gain very accurately. If you set the input source power to 0 dBm, then the gain value you read will be the output power in dBm. (input power + gain = output power... 0 dBm + 9 dB gain = 9 dBm). If you set your source power to -10 dBm, then the -10+gain will be your output power in dBm (-10 dBm + 9 dB gain = -1 dBm).