Rohde & Schwarz introduces new RF power transfer standards

Munich – Rohde & Schwarz has introduced the new R&S NTS series of RF power transfer standards, designed for RF power measurements at the highest metrological level. These devices are intended to replace outdated thermistor standards, for which new parts are no longer manufactured and availability has ceased.

The new R&S NTS sensors are specifically developed for traceable RF power measurements up to 170 GHz. They are suitable for use as primary standards in microcalorimeters and as transfer standards for national metrology institutes (NMIs) and accredited calibration laboratories. The purely passive, analog design allows seamless integration into existing microcalorimeter setups without requiring additional base units.

The development of these devices leverages Rohde & Schwarz's over two decades of experience with R&S NRP power meters. The R&S NTS series offers high accuracy due to its RF and DC heaters, ensuring near-perfect RF-DC substitution. The optimized heater design enhances linearity, and the influence of the operating point on the calibration factor is minimized. Excellent RF properties, such as good impedance matching and a flat frequency response, reduce measurement uncertainty.

The series includes several coaxial models from DC to 67 GHz, as well as a waveguide model up to 170 GHz. Special variants for open, short, and mismatch conditions are available to support the determination of correction factors in microcalorimeters. Rohde & Schwarz also provides software support to facilitate the transition to the new standards.