Model 12100 Series USB RF Power Sensors

1Overview

The Model 12100 Series is a family of compact, USB-powered RF average power sensors. They plug into a host computer and run with no external meter, no cable harness, and no manual zeroing or pre-use calibration. Setup takes minutes, so measurements start almost immediately whether the work happens on the bench or in the field.

Each sensor measures true-RMS average power across any modulation format, including 802.11ac, GSM, CDMA2000, IS-95, TDMA, OFDM, multi-tone, QAM, and CW. Coverage spans 9 kHz to 67 GHz with a dynamic range of -60 to +26 dBm, so the family reads both subtle and high-level signals with traceable accuracy. Patented thermal-stability technology holds readings steady over the full operating range without drift, and deep internal memory with internal or external triggering supports long-term logging.

2Model Selection

Eight variants set the frequency reach and connector. The S suffix is the Standard build starting at 1 MHz; the L suffix is the Extended build starting at 9 kHz. The 12154L and 12167L ship as Extended (L) only.

S = Standard (from 1 MHz). L = Extended (from 9 kHz). The 12167L carries a reduced dynamic range and a lower continuous-average ceiling; see Specifications.

3Key Features

• True-RMS responding and modulation independent across all formats.
• USB plug-and-play operation: no zeroing, no pre-use calibration, no external meter.
• 9 kHz to 67 GHz coverage with a -60 to +26 dBm dynamic range.
• Patented thermal stability holds measurements steady with no drift over the full range.
• Full dynamic range processed with each sample.
• Interfaces: USBTMC and USB HID, with optional SPI or I2C TTL for direct and embedded control.
• IEEE 488.2 SCPI command set, command-compatible with the Agilent U2000 family.
• Extensive internal memory for trace capture and long-term logging.
• Real-time clock with backup, plus optional unattended autonomous operation (UOP).
• Security options: MIL (write-lock) and SEC (secure erase).

4Specifications

5PowerEye Software

Every 12100 Series sensor ships with BNC PowerEye Precision Power Meter software. It installs quickly and runs a plug-and-play GUI that handles measurements from basic average power through complex triggered captures. A demo version is available online, and the software tools are free.

• Works with any 12100 Series sensor; USB threading speeds multi-sensor use.
• Two calculation windows for Gain, Loss, VSWR, Reflection Coefficient, Mismatch Loss, and Return Loss.
• Trigger control for level, delay, slope, hysteresis, and impedance.
• Tabular logging with file storage and retrieval, plus offset and frequency-dependent offset tables.
• Remote programming via the IEEE 488.2 SCPI command set, with support for LabVIEW, Python, and MATLAB environments.

6Applications

• Telecommunications transmitter and component power verification.
• Broadcast power monitoring and maintenance.
• Radar and satellite system test.
• EMC and pre-compliance measurement.
• Manufacturing and automated test equipment (ATE), including direct programmatic control.
• Research and development across the bench and the field.

7Ordering & Connectors

Specify the model number, which sets both the frequency reach and the standard connector. Choose the S build for coverage from 1 MHz or the L build for coverage from 9 kHz. Add options such as SPI / I2C, Analog Recorder Out (Option 001), Unattended Operation (UOP), and the MIL or SEC security options as the application requires.