RF Power Meter

General Description

The RF Power Meter plugin transforms the Scopy Data Logger into a specialized RF power measurement instrument when connected to compatible hardware. This plugin provides real-time monitoring of RF power levels, voltage measurements, and temperature readings through an intuitive seven-segment display interface.

The RF Power Meter plugin automatically detects devices with the powrms IIO device and configures the Data Logger for RF-specific measurements. It displays forward and reverse power readings in dBm, along with corrected and raw voltage measurements in millivolts.

https://raw.githubusercontent.com/analogdevicesinc/scopy/doc_resources/resources/rfpowermeter/rfpowermeter.png

Note

The RF Power Meter plugin requires the Data Logger plugin to be installed and enabled. It transforms the Data Logger interface rather than creating a standalone tool.

Warning

Ensure proper RF safety precautions when working with RF power measurement equipment. Follow device-specific safety guidelines and power handling limitations.

Key Features

Power Measurements

  • Forward Power: Real-time measurement of forward RF power in dBm

  • Reverse Power: Detection and measurement of reflected power in dBm

  • Bidirectional Monitoring: Simultaneous forward and reverse power tracking

Voltage Monitoring

  • Corrected Voltages: Temperature and calibration-corrected input/output voltage readings

  • Raw Voltages: Uncorrected voltage measurements for diagnostic purposes

  • Precision: Millivolt-level measurement accuracy

Hardware Requirements

Compatible Devices

The RF Power Meter plugin requires hardware that exposes a powrms Industrial I/O (IIO) device. Compatible devices include:

  • ADI RF power measurement evaluation boards

  • Custom RF power meters with IIO interface

  • Development boards with integrated power monitoring

Software Dependencies

  • Scopy v2.2.0 or later

  • Data Logger Plugin: Must be installed and enabled

  • IIO drivers for the target hardware

Connection Requirements

  • USB or Ethernet connection to the RF power measurement device

  • Stable IIO context for device communication

Plugin Operation

Automatic Detection

The plugin automatically detects compatible devices when connecting to hardware with a powrms IIO device. No manual configuration is required for device recognition.

Real-time Operation

Once connected and configured, the plugin provides:

  • Continuous monitoring of all configured channels

  • Live updates of power and voltage readings

  • Temperature-compensated measurements

  • Frequency-adjustable operation

Error Handling and Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Plugin Not Loading

  • Symptom: RF Power Meter plugin doesn’t appear when connecting

  • Cause: Device doesn’t expose powrms IIO device

  • Solution: Verify hardware compatibility and IIO driver installation

Data Logger Dependency Error

  • Symptom: Error message about DataLogger plugin not found

  • Cause: Data Logger plugin not installed or enabled

  • Solution: Install and enable Data Logger plugin before using RF Power Meter

No Measurements Displayed

  • Symptom: Seven-segment display shows no data

  • Cause: Measurement channels not enabled or IIO communication failure

  • Solution: Check channel enable status and device connection

For More Information