Lab #1 Scalar Measurements

OBJECTIVES: This lab will be an introduction to standing waves and RF/microwave

scalar power measurements. Insertion loss of various passive components will be
measured.

PRE-LAB:
1. Review material on transmission line characteristics.
2. Read the following sections of the user manual on calibration and operation of the
power meter:
a. Getting Started: 1-3 to 1-15
b. Power Meter Operation: 2-7 to 2-11; 2-16 to 2-17
3. Find information on how a microwave oven works. In this lab you will attempt to
measure the speed of light using a microwave oven. You must research ways to
do this PRIOR to coming to lab. Bring appropriate material with you to enable
you to perform this experiment. Only a microwave oven will be provided for
your use.

PROCEDURE:

1. Perform your experiment to measure the speed of light. Record your observations and
measurements. Explain what you did.

2. Configure the test station per diagram below for the following measurements:

Power
Meter

Coaxial RF cable

Signal Power
Generator Device Sensor
Under
Test

a) Power Meter Set-up: before using the power meter for power measurements,
perform the sensor zero check and power calibration procedure. (see user
manual for details) We will initially be measuring a 3 GHz signal from the signal
generator.
b) Signal Generator Set-up: Set signal frequency to 3 GHz. Set output power level
to 0 dBm. RF output port should be off until the proper cable and/or the power
meter sensor are attached.
 c) To check the actual RF power produced by the signal generator, carefully attach
the power meter sensor directly to the signal generator output port. Turn on the
RF port of the signal generator and record the measured power at the output of the
signal generator. (It should coincide with your original power setting on the
signal generator.)
d) Carefully connect the N-type RF coaxial cable to the signal generator. Be careful
not to bend the RF cable too much as this will cause permanent damage. (RF
cables are not as flexible or as tolerant to bending as common BNC cables.)
Using an N-type to SMA adapter, connect the power sensor to the RF cable.
e) At f = 3 GHz measure and record (in dBm and mW) the absolute power at the
output of each of the following:
1. the signal generator
2. the RF cable (by itself)
3. 3 dB SMA attenuator (pad)
4. 6 dB SMA attenuator (pad)
5. 10 dB SMA attenuator (pad)
6. 20 dB SMA attenuator (pad)
f) Measure the transmitted power through a filter (provided by the TA) from 1 to 4
GHz in 200 MHz steps. Compute the nominal insertion loss of the filter in its
passband. What is the 3-dB cutoff frequency for this filter (frequency where the
insertion loss drops 3dB from the nominal passband loss)?

ANALYSIS:

A) Include a brief summary of your speed of light experiment. Discuss accuracy of

measurement, problems encountered and suggestions for doing this a better way.

B) From an electromagnetic perspective describe the principles of how a microwave oven

works.

C) From your scalar measurements, determine:

1. The insertion loss (in dB) of the cable and each component tested.
2. The attenuation constant, , in dB/m for the RF cable.
3. For each attenuator determine the measured insertion loss difference (absolute
and percentage) compared to the advertised attenuation.
4. Plot insertion loss vs. frequency for the filter. What type of filter did you
measure (low-pass, band-pass, or high-pass)?

D) Write a brief summary of the importance of calibration in making scalar

measurements.

E) In general, how would impedance mismatch at your device-under-test affect your

measurements?