Model 44A/AP: Broadband RF Watt Meter
Model 44A/AP: Broadband RF Watt Meter
Model 44A/AP: Broadband RF Watt Meter
BROADBAND RF
WATT METER
OPERATION MANUAL
®
Telewave, Inc.
Model 44A/AP
CONTENTS PAGE
1. SPECIFICATIONS 2
2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION 3
3. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION 5
4. FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
Schematic and Parts List 6
Functional Description 7
Accessory List 8
5. OPERATION
Unpacking and Connections 9
Power Measurements 10
VSWR Calculations 11
True Power at Load Calculation 11
Directivity and Insertion Error 12
6. MAINTENANCE
Warranty Service and Calibration 13
Parts Location 14
Calibration / Adjustment Procedure 15
7. REFERENCE
VSWR Nomograph 17
Low Frequency Correction Chart 18
Jumper Cable Cutting Chart 19
Page 2
2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
2.1 This manual provides the physical and functional description and
operating theory necessary for effective use of the Telewave Model
44A/AP Broadband Radio Frequency (RF) Wattmeter. Its features
include:
6
5
8
7
10
5 5
S2
R1 R2
15 15
R3 R4 R5 R6
50 50
R7 R8 R9 R10
1 150
5
R11 R 0 R R14
12 1
3
5 500
0
R15 R 0 R R18
16 1
7
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Optional Accessories
4.6 The table below lists the most common accessories for the
Model 44A/AP Wattmeter. Consult the current price list or our
website for current pricing.
Part Number Description
TC44 Leather carry case with accessory pouch
TWL-35 Coaxial Dry Load - 35 watts
TWL-50 Coaxial Dry Load - 50 watts
TWL-60 Coaxial Dry Load - 60 watts
TWL-75 Coaxial Dry Load - 75 watts
TWL-100 Coaxial Dry Load - 100 watts
TWL-150 Coaxial Dry Bench Load - 150 watts
TWL-300 Coaxial Dry Bench Load - 300 watts
QC44B Quick Change BNC-female connector
QC44D Quick Change 7-16 DIN-female connector
QC44N Quick Change N-female connector
QC44S Quick Change UHF-female connector
QC44T Quick Change TNC-female connector
ANTA-02-5 Jumper - RG-213/U, 5 ft., N-Male
ANTD-03-5 Jumper - RG-142B/U, 5 ft., N-Male
Telewave, Inc.
Model 44A/AP
Unpacking
IMPORTANT
5.2 The following procedure will assist the user in preparation for
making an RF power measurement. Refer to Figure 2-1.
Step Procedure
1 Remove the RF power from the transmission line.
Step Procedure
2 Set the RF Range Switch to the 500 Watt position.
3 Connect the RF Source to the Model 44A/AP FWD input
connector, located on the left side of the instrument nearest the
mode switch.
4 Connect the RF Load to the Model 44A/AP FWD output
connector, located on the right side of the instrument nearest the
range switch.
Step Procedure
1 Set the Mode Switch to the FWD position.
2 Apply RF power to the transmission line.
3 Move the RF Range Switch to a lower range if necessary to
obtain a reading in the upper two-thirds of the scale.
4 Note the meter reading. Apply appropriate correction factor if
the frequency is between 20-150 MHz. Refer to Figure 7-2.
Step Procedure
1 Set the Mode Switch to the REV position.
2 Repeat Step 2 of 5.03.
3 Repeat Step 3 of 5.03.
4 Repeat Step 4 of 5.03.
VSWR Calculation
5.5 The following procedure will assist the user in determining the
Voltage Standing Wave Ratio.
Step Procedure
1 Perform the procedures outlined in 5.03 and 5.04. Record the
true incident and reflected power.
2. Refer to the VSWR Chart on the rear of the instrument or
Figure 7-1. Apply the readings from Step 1 to the chart.
3. The VSWR is read from the nearest sloping line. For higher
accuracy, calculate the VSWR by the formula:
PREV (Watts)
1+ PFWD (Watts)
VSWR =
PREV (Watts)
1- PFWD (Watts)
5.6 The following procedure will assist the user in determining the
actual power delivered to the load.
Step Procedure
1 Perform the procedures outlined in 5.03 and 5.04. Record the
true incident and reflected power.
2 Subtract the reflected power from the incident power.
This difference is the true power at the load.
Page 11
Directivity Error
5.7 Directivity error results from the effect of imperfect directivity in
the Dual Directional Coupler. Directivity is the ability of the
coupler to sense power flowing in one direction and be insensitive
to any power which may be flowing in the reverse direction. The
directivity error is included within the specified instrument
accuracy of ± 6%.
Insertion Error
5.8 When the RF load and RF source are well matched, any error con-
tributed by inserting the Model 44A/AP Wattmeter alone is negli-
gible. However, the use of a jumper cable to connect the wattmeter
in the system will change the characteristic impedance of the line,
especially in a system with high VSWR. Since the impedance on
either side of 1/2 wavelength is identical, the jumper cable added to
the input or output of the Model 44A/AP should be of an
appropriate length to equal 1/2 wavelength at the frequency of
operation, thus eliminating any error due to the additional length.
5.9 The chart shown in Figure 7-3 shows the required length (including
connectors) of RG-213/U cable to act as a 1/2 wave line section at
frequencies from 25-500 MHz.
6 MAINTENANCE
6.1 The Model 44A/AP Wattmeter is designed with high reliability
com- ponents and operates on low DC power levels. It can be
expected to operate at peak performance for long intervals.
Periodic calibration by Telewave or an RF standard laboratory is
recommended to main- tain peak instrument performance.
Warranty Service
6.2 The Model 44A/AP Wattmeter is covered under Telewave’s stan-
dard 1 year warranty. See the inside back cover for exact terms.
Faulty units should be returned to:
Telewave, Inc.
ATTN: Repairs
660 Giguere Court
San Jose, CA 95133
1-800-331-3396 / +1 408-929-4400
Calibration
6.4 Adjustments to the instrument should be performed by Telewave,
or other RF calibration laboratory. Calibration or adjustment
should be made at a frequency of 467 MHz when possible. If it is
necessary to perform calibration below 150 MHz, consult Figure
7-1 for the correction factor. The adjustment potentiometers are
located on the main PC board inside the instrument. Refer to
Figure 4-1 and 6-1.
R18R2R1R15
R6R3
R14R10R7R11 R13R5R8R16
R17R9R4R12
CU1CU2
Figure 6-1: Adjustment Potentiometers and Parts Location
REVERSE RANGES
R2 5 watt range
R6 15 watt range
R10 50 watt range
R14 150 watt range
R18 500 watt range
FORWARD RANGES
R1 5 watt range
R3 15 watt range
R7 50 watt range
R11 150 watt range
R15 500 watt range
Variable Low Model In-Line
Powe
RF ► Pass ► 44A Under ► Calibrate ► r
Power Filte Calibratio d
Senso
Source r n Attenuato
r
7.1 Part 7 contains additional data for the Model 44A/AP RF Watt-
meter which is helpful in making low frequency and VSWR
mea- surements.
7.2 Figure 7-1 (below) shows a nomograph for estimating VSWR
from the measured incident and reflected power. See 5.05 for
cal- culation procedures.
7.3 Figure 7-2 (pg. 18) shows the watt meter correction factor for
power measurements below 150 MHz. For example:
Frequency = 43 MHz
Indicated Power = 275 Watts
Correction Factor for 43 MHz = +12%
275 x 1.12 = 308 Watts (+/- 6%)
100
50
VSWR R
E
F
CHART 20 L
E
C
T
10 E
D
5 P
O
W
E
R
2 W
A
T
1 T
S
(PREV)
0.5
0.2
0.1
1 2 5 10 20 50 100 200 500
FORWARD POWER - WATTS (PFWD)
25
50
7
5
FREQ
UENC
Y
(MHz)
10
0
12
5
15
0
Figure 7-2: Model 44A/AP RF
Wattmeter Correction
Telewave, Inc.
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7.4 Figure 7-3 shows a chart for a jumper cable to be used inline
with the Model 44A/AP Wattmeter to minimize potential
measurement errors in systems with high VSWR. The chart
shows lengths for a 50-ohm, RG-213 jumper cable, including N
connectors, using a velocity factor of 0.66 for the cable and
connectors. The jumper cable and wattmeter together should
equal as close to 1/2 wave- length equivalent as possible, at the
test frequency.
Adjustment will not be allowed for products which have been damaged by
lightning, subjected to abuse, improper application or installation, alteration or
accident, or negligence in use, storage, transportation or handling. Alteration
or removal of the serial number or identification markings voids the Warranty.
Seller shall have the right of final determination as to the existence and cause
of a defect, whether adjustment will be allowed, and if allowed, whether
adjustment will be by repair, replacement, or refund. Where adjustment is not
allowed, a charge of 5% of the original purchase price will be made to the
Buyer to cover the Seller’s cost of in- spection and handling.
Shipping and packaging instructions must be obtained from the Seller before
prod- ucts are returned for adjustment. The Buyer will pay for packing,
transportation, and transit insurance costs for returned products. The Seller
reserves the right to discontinue models at any time or change specifications,
design, or price without notice and without incurring any obligation. Products will
be returned to the Buyer with transportation cost collect.
Subject to the provisions of its “Patent Indemnity” clause, the Seller also
warrants that it has the right to sell its products, that the Buyer shall have and
enjoy quite possession thereof as against any lawful claims existing at the time
of the sale by the Seller, and that said products are free from any charge of
encumbrance in favor of third persons existing at the time of sale by the Seller.
TELEWAVE, INC.
660 Giguere Court
San Jose, CA 95133
USA
1-800-331-3396
+1 408-929-4400