Product Catalog

Boonton Products
Founded in 1947, Boonton has built on over 70 years of service and support. Boonton’s portfolio includes Peak
experience in RF technology. From the beginning, products and Average power meters, RF voltmeters, Modulation &
have gained a reputation for high-performance combined Audio meters. Boonton’s diverse and innovative products
with high reliability. This has not changed and Boonton are used in terrestrial and satellite communication, radar,
customers recognize the products for their dependabili- telemetry, avionics, military, and an expanding number of
ty, accuracy, and state-of-the art measurement capabili- wireless communication applications.
ties. All products are backed by our exemplary customer

USB Power Sensor RF Voltmeters

Real-Time Power Processing™ technology delivers unsur- Reliable voltage measurement from 10Hz to 1.2GHz
passed speed and accuracy. • Boonton 9240
• Boonton 55 Series
Audio Analyzers
Peak and Average (CW) RF Power Meters Most accurate signal analysis from 10Hz to 200kHz
The right RF analyzer for any need, from basic average • Boonton 1121A
RF power meter to high-performance systems suited for
most complex measurement applications. Modulation Analyzers
• Boonton 4500B Analyzing AM and FM signals from 100kHz to 2.5 GHz
• Boonton 4540 • Boonton 8201A
• Boonton 4530
• Boonton 4240
• Boonton RF power sensors

Boonton 2
 Boonton 4500B

Boonton 4500B RF Peak Power Analyzer

High-Performance Test Instrumentation for R&D, Production and Field Applications
The Boonton Model 4500B is the instrument of choice for capturing, displaying, analyzing fast and complex RF
Signals. The 4500B Peak Power Analyzers provide most accurate measurements even for highly demanding RF
measurement requirements. This power meter is taking performance to a new level and changes the way the industry
views and analyzes RF signal powers. The 4500B features a rise time of less than 5ns, 100 picoseconds time base
resolution, video bandwidth greater than 50 MHz, flexible triggering and greater than 80 dB dynamic range - that
without the need of range switching. The 4500B also features an optional statistical power analysis package, offer-
ing continuous or gated CCDF, CDF or PDF presentations. When numeric information is required, users can choose an
individual set of up to 15 different measurements parameters per channel – displayed simultaneously. Furthermore,
envelope and persistence views provide fast in-depth signal analysis. 4500B’s I/O capabilities include LAN, GPIB and
USB ports for storing data such as instrument setups, trace waveforms and bitmap image files.

Features and Benefits:

• RF frequency range: 1MHz to 40 GHz
• Measurement Range (Pulsed / Modulated): -50 to + 20 dBm / -60 to +20 dBm
• Time base resolution: 100 ps (0.01% accuracy)
• Rise time: <5ns
• Automatic peak-to-peak, delay-by-time and delay-by-events triggering
• Envelope, persistence and roll mode displays
• Includes one or two general-purpose oscilloscope channels
• Large 8.4” TFT color LCD display
• GPIB, USB and LAN
• Compatible with industry leading 57006, 59318 and 59340 peak power sensors

Related products
Boonton Wideband Peak Power Sensors
Boonton RF Power Meter 4540
Boonton RF Power Meter 4530
Amplifier Test Bench™ Software
For more information, please refer to the Boonton 4500B data sheet.

Boonton 3
Boonton 55 Series Wideband USB Power Sensor

55 Series Wideband USB Power Sensor

Boonton once again sets the standard for fast RF power measurements with the introduction of its 55
Series Wideband USB power sensors. Built with Boonton’s Real-Time Power Processing™ technology
(patent pending), this new product line offers speed and accuracy never before seen in a USB form factor. The 55
Series sensors are ideal for automated manufacturing, design, research, and service in commercial and military ap-
plications such as telecommunications, avionics, RADAR, and medical systems. They are the instrument of choice
for fast, accurate and highly reliable RF power measurements, equally suitable for product development, compliance
testing, and site monitoring applications.

Features and Benefits: CREST FACTOR FOR COMMUNICATION

• Ultra-fast rise time: 3ns*
• Time resolution: 100 ps 100.0
OUTPUT

• RF Frequency Range: Up to 40GHz

INPUT
10.0

• Continuous Sample rate: 100 Msamples / sec 1.0

• Effective Sample Rate: 10 Gsamples / sec % 0.1

• Class leading Video Bandwidth: 195 MHz*

8.48 dBr, 0.0100% 9.21 dBr, 0.0100%
0.01

• Statistical Measurements 100 Mpoints / sec 0.001

• Trace acquisition speed: 40 k sweeps / sec 0.0001

0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 18.0 20.0
dBr

• Real Time Power Processing™:

No latency due to buffer processing by host PC
• Internal RF or External TTL trigger, Statistical Measurements
Master/Slave in/out connector Parameter INPUT OUTPUT
• Synchronized multi-channel measurements 10% 3.609 dB 3.569 dB
1% 6.536 dB 6.412 dB
• Removable, locking USB cable
0.1% 8.178 dB 6.412 dB
*55006
0.01% 9.207 dB 8.478 dB
0.01% 9.874 dB 8.780 dB
Related products 0.0001% 10.293 dB 8.919 dB
Cursor Pct 0.01 % 0.01%
Boonton Wideband Peak Power Sensors
Cursor Pwr 9.210 dB 8.480 dB
Boonton 4500B RF Peak Power Analyzer Average -9.551 dBm 4.740 dBm
Boonton RF Power Meter 4540 Max 1.479 dBm 13.822 dBm

Boonton RF Power Meter 4530 Peak/Avg 11.030 dB 9.083 dB

For more information, please refer to the Boonton 55 Series data sheet.

Boonton 4
 Boonton 55 Series Wideband USB Power Sensor (continued)

Specifications 55006 55318 55340 55518 55540

RF Frequency
Range 50 MHz to 6 GHz 50 MHz to 18 GHz 50 MHz to 40 GHz 50 MHz to 18 GHz 50 MHz to 40 GHz
Average
Dynamic Range -60 to +20 dBm -34 to +20 dBm -34 to +20 dBm -50 to +20 dBm -50 to +20 dBm
Pulse Dynamic
Range -50 to +20 dBm -24 to +20 dBm -24 to +20 dBm -40 to +20 dBm -40 to +20 dBm
Internal
Trigger Range -38 to +20 dBm -10 to +20 dBm -10 to +20 dBm -27 to +20 dBm -27 to +20 dBm
Rise time (fast/slow) 3 ns/<10 µs 5 ns/<10 µs 5 ns/<10 µs <100 ns/<10 µs <100 ns/<10 µs
Video Bandwidth 195 MHz/350 kHz 70 MHz/350 kHz 70 MHz/350 kHz 6 MHz/350 kHz 6 MHz/350 kHz
Single-shot
Bandwidth 35 MHz 35 MHz 35 MHz 6 MHz 6 MHz
RF Input Type N, 50 ohm Type N, 50 ohm 2.92 mm, 50 ohm Type N, 50 ohm 2.92 mm, 50 ohm
VSWR 1.25 (0.05 to 6 GHz) 1.15 (0.05 to 2.0 GHz) 1.25 (0.05 to 4.0 GHz) 1.15 (0.5 to 2.0 GHz) 1.15 (0.05 to 2.0 GHz)
1.28 (2.0 to 16 GHz) 1.65 (4 to 38 GHz) 1.20 (2.0 to 6.0 GHz) 1.65 (4.0 to 38 GHz)
1.34 (16 to 18 GHz) 2.00 (38 to 40 GHz) 1.28 (6.0 to 16 GHz) 2.00 (38 to 40 GHz)
1.34 (16 to 18 GHz)

Series Specifications
Sampling Techniques Real-time/Equivalent Time/Statistical Sampling
Continuous sample rate 100 MHz
Effective sample rate 10 GHz
Time Resolution 100 ps
Statistical Analysis Continuous or gated CCDF
Statistical Speed 100M points/sec
Trigger Sources Internal or External TTL
External Trigger in/out TTL in (slave) or out (master)
Minimum Trigger Width 10 ns
Maximum Trigger Frequency 50 MHz
Trigger Jitter 0.1 ns rms
Trace Acquisition Speed 100K sweeps/second
Measurement Speed 100K meas/sec (buffered mode)
over USB 800 meas/sec (continuous)
Trigger Modes Auto, Normal, Single, Free run
Trigger Arming Continuous, Trigger Holdoff,
Frame (gap) Holdoff
Remote Connectivity USB 2.0, type B connector
Command Protocol IVI-C and IVI-Com
Maximum Input Power 200mW avg, 1W for 1us peak
Size (LxWxH) 145 x 43 x 43 (mm)
5.7 x 1.7 x 1.7 (inches)
Weight 363 grams/0.8 lbs.
Cable (with locking USB) 1.8 m / 6 ft
Power Consumption 2.5W max (USB high power device)
Operating Temperature 0 to 55⁰C
Storage Temperature -40 to 70⁰C

Boonton 5
 Boonton 4540

Boonton 4540 RF Power & Voltage Meter Series

Fast and High-Precision RF Power Analyzer for the Lab, Field and Production Floor
Boonton’s 4540 Series RF Power Meters are the leading instruments for capturing, displaying and
analyzing RF power in both time and statistical domains. They perform RF peak power measurements, RF average
power measurements of signals up to 40 GHz and RF Voltage measurements. Applications include pulsed RF signals
such as RADAR, repetitive pulsed signals such are MRI, and pseudorandom or noise-like signals such as CDMA, WLAN,
WiMAX, WCDMA/ UMTS and LTE.

The 4540 Series RF power and voltage meters are suitable for virtually all kind of RF signals. Boonton offers
a large variety of high-dynamic peak and average power sensors, as well as voltage probes for the 4540 Series.
This advanced instrument provides average, modulated signal, pulsed signal and statistical operating modes
making it well suited for R&D, manufacturing, control and maintenance operations. The Power meter is available as
single channel version (4541) and dual channel version (4542).

Boonton’s 4540 Series RF Power Meter offers a very detailed representation of measured signals, allowing thorough
RF signal analysis. A time resolution of 200 picoseconds, unprecedented in a power meter of this class, and
sophisticated Random Interleaved Sampling (RIS) technique, together with optimized sensor characteristics allows
for this very high signal definition. RIS delivers an effective sampling rate of up to 5 GSamples/second. Furthermore,
4540’s state-of-the-art hardware and special algorithm provide an ultra-fast screen repetition rate.

Features and Benefits:

• Frequency range: 9.9kHz to 40 GHz • Effective sampling rate (RIS): 5GSamples/second
• Time resolution: 200 ps • Statistical analysis including CCDF
• Video bandwidth: 70MHz • GPIB, USB (device) and LAN standard
• Rise time: <7ns

Related Products
Boonton Peak Power Sensors Boonton Voltage Probes
Boonton Average Sensors Boonton Amplifier Test Bench ™ Software
Boonton Voltage Probes
For more information, please see the Boonton 4540 data sheet.

Boonton 6
 Boonton 4530

Boonton 4530 RF Power Meter Series

Affordable Peak Power Analysis
The 4530 series RF Power and Voltage Meters offer high dynamic average and peak power measurements at
frequencies from 9.9 kHz to 40 GHz.

Boonton’s advanced 4530 Series RF power meters combine accuracy of a laboratory-grade instrument with
capabilities required for production test. For measuring average power or peak power of EvDo, WCDMA, WIMAX, LTE
or HDTV signals, Boonton’s single-channel (4531) and dual-channel (4532) models provide a wealth of powerful
features.

Besides peak power, average power, and voltage, the 4530 series perform statistical power analysis (CDF and PDF).
It is compatible with a wide variety of Boonton RF power sensors and voltage probes. Sensor setup is easy and
accurate: the instrument recognizes sensors and downloads calibration and setup data from the sensor
automatically, as soon as they are connected to the instrument.

Features and Benefits:

• Frequency range: 9.9 kHz to 40 GHz (sensor dependent)
• Dynamic range: >60 dB (peak), 90 dB (CW) (sensor dependent)
• Bandwidth: 20 MHz
• Dual-channel statistical measurements (CDF/PDF)
• SCPI commands for remote control through GPIB and RS-232

Related Products
Boonton Peak Power Sensors
Boonton Average Power Sensors
Boonton Voltage Probes
Boonton 4540 Series RF Power Meters
For more information, please see the Boonton 4530 data sheet.

Boonton 7
 Wideband Peak Power Sensors

Boonton Wideband Peak Power Sensors

Wideband Average RF
Ultra-Fast, High-Dynamic Peak Power Sensors Peak Power Power
Sensors Sensors

Features (sensor dependent):

• Rise time: <7ns
• Bandwidth: up to 65 MHz
• Frequency range: 50MHz to 40GHz
• Dynamic range: -50dBm to +20dBm (peak)
-60dBm to +20dBm (CW)

Model Frequency Range Dynamic Range Overload Rating Sensor Response Applicability
RF Connector (Low Bandwidth) Peak Power Range** Pulse/Continuous Fast Risetime Slow Risetime 4500B 4540 4530

CW Power Range (Bandwidth) (Bandwidth)

Int. Trigger Range

57006 0.5 - 6 GHz -50 to +20 dBm 1 W for 1µs <7 ns <10 µs

N (M) (0.05 - 6 GHz) -60 to +20 dBm 200 mW (70 MHz typical) (350 kHz) X X X

-40 to +20 dBm

59318 0.5 - 18 GHz -24 to +20 dBm 1 W for 1µs <10 ns <10 µs -

N (M) (0.05 - 18 GHz) -34 to +20 dBm 200 mW (50 MHz typical) (350 kHz) X X X

-10 to +20 dBm

59340 0.5 - 40 GHz -24 to +20 dBm 1 W for 1µs <10 ns <10 µs

K (M) (0.05 - 40 GHz -34 to +20 dBm 200 mW (50 MHz typical) (350 kHz) X X X

-10 to +20 dBm

56318 -24 to +20 dBm 1 W for 1µs <15 ns <200ns -

N (M) 0.5 - 18 GHz -34 to +20 dBm 200 mW (35 MHz) (1.75 MHz) - - -

-10 to +20 dBm

56326 -24 to +20 dBm 1 W for 1µs <15 ns <200 ns -

K (M) 0.5 - 26.5 GHz -34 to +20 dBm 200 mW (35 MHz) (1.75 MHz) - - -

-10 to +20 dBm

56518 -40 to +20 dBm 1 W for 1µs <100 ns <300 ns -

N (M) 0.5 - 18 GHz -50 to +20 dBm 200 mW (6 MHz) (1.16 MHz) - - -

-27 to +20 dBm

57518 0.1 - 18 GHz -40 to +20 dBm 1 W for 1µs <100 ns <10 µs

N (M) (0.05 - 18 GHz) -50 to +20 dBm 200 mW (6 MHz) (350 kHz) - X X

-27 to +20 dBm

57540 0.1 - 40 GHz -40 to +20 dBm 1 W for 1µs <100 ns <10 µs

K (M) (0.05 - 40 GHz) -50 to +20 dBm 200 mW (6 MHz) (350 kHz) - X X

-27 to +20 dBm

56526 -40 to +20 dBm 1 W for 1µs <100 ns <300 ns -

K (M) 500 MHz to 26.5 GHz -50 to +20 dBm 200 mW (6 MHz) (1.16 MHz) - - -

-27 to +20 dBm

** For pulse signal only

For more information, please see the Boonton Wideband Peak Power Sensors data sheet.
Boonton 8
 Average RF Power Sensors

Boonton Average RF Power Sensors

Versatile, High-Dynamic Range RF Power Sensors Features (sensor dependent):
Average sensors from Boonton provide accurate RF • Frequency range: 9.9kHz to 40GHz
power measurements over a wide dynamic range and • Dynamic range: up to 90dB
allow average power measurements of modulated and • Max power: up to +40dBm
pulsed signals.

Model Frequency Range Dynamic Range Overload Rating

RF Connector Pulse/Continuous

Wide Dynamic Range Dual Diode Sensors

51075A 500 kHz to 18 GHz -70 to +20 dBm 1 W for 1µs

N (M) 300 mW

51077A 500 kHz to 18 GHz -60 to +30 dBm 10 W for 1µs 

N (M) 3W

51079A 500 kHz to 18 GHz -50 to +40 dBm 100 W for 1µs 

N (M) 25 W

51071A 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz -70 to +20 dBm 1 W for 1µs 

K (M) 300 mW

51072A 30 MHz to 40 GHz -70 to +20 dBm 1 W for 1µs 

K (M) 300 mW

Thermocouple Sensors

51100(9E) 10 MHz to 18 GHz -20 to +20 dBm 15 W for 1µs 

N (M) 300 mW

51200 10 MHz to 18 GHz 0 to +37 dBm 150 W for 1µs 

N (M) 10 W

Special Purpose Dual Diode Sensors

51011A(EMC) 10 kHz to 8 GHz -60 to +20 dBm 1 W for 1µs

N (M) 200 mW

51011A 100 kHz to 12.4 GHz -60 to +20 dBm 1 W for 1µs 

N (M) 300 mW

51013A 100 kHz to 18 GHz -60 to +20 dBm 1 W for 1µs 

N (M) 300 mW

51015A 100 kHz to 18 GHz -50 to +30 dBm 10 W for 1µs 

N (M) 2W

Diode Average Sensor (For use with 4530, 5230, 4230, 4240, 4540)

51085 500 kHz to 18 GHz -30 to +20 dBm 1 W for 1µs

N(M) 5W (*)

For more information, please see the Boonton Average RF Power Sensors data sheet.
Boonton 9
 Boonton 4240 Series

Boonton 4240 Average RF Power Meter

RF Power Meter with 90 dB Dynamic Range
Boonton’s Model 4240 Series RF Power Meters are available as single (4241A) or dual-channel (4242A)
instrument, capable of measuring power levels from –70 dBm to +44 dBm (sensor dependent) within a 90 dB
dynamic range. Boonton 4240 RF power meters are compatible to a vast variety of Boonton average power sensors.
These instruments are very accurate and provide measurement speeds up to 200 readings per second, equally
fulfilling production and lab requirements. The 4240 series displays measurement data with up to 5-digit resolution
in logarithmic (dB) or linear (W) units. Numeric or bar graph display can be selected. Showing both channels (4242)
allows simultaneous indication of two signals, making comparisons simple. Log or linear readouts can be selected
along with +/- difference and ratios.

Features and Benefits:

• Dynamic range: 90 dB
• Frequency range: 10 kHz to 40GHz
• Over 200 readings per second in single channel mode
• GPIB interface standard
• HP 437B and HP 438B emulation

Related Products
Boonton Average Sensors
Boonton 4530 Series Power Meter
For more information, please see the Boonton 4240 data sheet.

Boonton 10
 Boonton 9240 Series

Boonton 9240 Series RF Voltmeter

Accurate Analog RF Voltmeter 10Hz to 1.2GHz
Boonton’s 9240 RF Voltmeter provides precise voltage measurements from audio frequencies to the GHz region.
The range extends from 200 μV to 10 volts; with accessory 100:1 divider up to 300 V. The 9240 RF Voltmeter is
simple to use on the bench, and comprehensive enough to integrate into an ATE system.

Features and Benefits:

• Frequency range: 10 Hz to 1.2 GHz (Probe dependent)
• Voltage range: 200 μV to 10 V (to 300V @ 700MHz with optional 100:1 divider)
• RMS response to 30 mV (to 3 V @ 700 MHz with 100:1 divider)
• DC recorder output
• Dual channel and differential voltage measurements (9242)

Related Products
Boonton 4540 Series RF Power and Voltage Meter
Boonton 4530 Series RF Power and Voltage Meter
Boonton 4240 Series RF Power Meter
For more information, please see the Boonton 9240 data sheet.

Boonton 11
 Boonton 1121A

Boonton 1121A Audio Analyzer

High-Precision Audio Analyzer, Built-In Test Signal Generator
Boonton Model 1121A audio analyzer provides fast and very accurate measurements including frequency, AC or DC
level, distortion, SINAD and signal-to-noise ratio. It also includes an audio source providing low distortion signals over
wide frequencies and level ranges.

The 1121A incorporates selectable output impedances of 50, 150 and 600 ohms, 16 volt RMS output, additional 0.3
mV full scale measurement range, and quasi-peak detection. The 1121A Audio Analyzer also tunes and manages
auto-ranging automatically for maximum accuracy and resolution. Distortion, frequency response, AC and DC voltage
measurements require only one single keystroke. The instrument is ideally suited for stimulus response applications
because of an on-board low-distortion audio source. Internal control of the source and analyzer allows for swept
measurements.

For the accurate measurement of complex waveforms and noise, the audio analyzer uses true RMS average or
quasi-peak detection. Accurate distortion measurements can be made to –90 dB (0.003%) between 20 Hz and 20
kHz. Over the same frequency range, flatness measurements are possible to 0.05 dB (0.5%). The audio analyzer
precision reciprocal counter gives fast and accurate characterization of audio frequencies.

Features and Benefits:

• Frequency range from 10 Hz to 200 kHz
• Measurement level from 300 μV to 300 V (full scale)
• Low-distortion audio source for testing systems, amplifiers, receivers and components
• Instant recall of up to 99 complete front panel setups

Related Products
Boonton 8201A Modulation analyzer
Boonton 4240 Average power meter
Boonton 4540 RF Power Meter
For more information, please see the Boonton 1121A data sheet.

Boonton 12
 Boonton 8201A

Boonton 8201A AM/FM/PM Modulation Analyzer

High-Precision Analyzer for AM/FM Radio Technology
The Model 8201 AM/FM Modulation Meter offers a unique combination of measurements including AM, FM and
PM, Carrier level and frequency, Signal, noise and distortion power (SINAD), thus eliminating the need for different
discrete items of test equipment. With a carrier level resolution of 0.01dB, a frequency resolution of 10Hz and an
accuracy of 1% AM and FM modulation measurements, the 8201 is well suited for the most demanding requirements.

Modulation is detected using peak, while residuals are measured using RMS and referenced to a specific level. These
values are displayed in %, dB or quasi-peak, and the highest values are stored using the peak-hold function. Signal
frequency and level can be acquired automatically or input via the keyboard or remote command. The 8201 is a
cost-effective measurement tool for an ATE system, signal generator calibration or mobile radio production testing.

Features and Benefits:

• Carrier frequency range: 100 kHz to 2.5 GHz
• 0 to 500 kHz FM deviation to 1% accuracy
• 0 to 99% AM to 1% accuracy
• 0 to 500 radians to 3% accuracy
• Audio distortion range: 0.01% to 100% THD or 0 to 80 dB SINAD
• Remote control through GPIB

Related Products
Boonton 1121A Audio Analyzer
Boonton 4540 RF Power Meter
Boonton 4240 Average RF Power Meter
For more information, please see the Boonton 8201 data sheet.

Boonton 13
 Applications

Detailed RF Pulse Analysis

Highly Detailed Waveform Traces Allow Accurate Measurements, Efficient Alignment and Detailed Analysis
of Linear and Pulsed RF Components and Systems
Wide dynamic range pulsed RF applications like radar and MRI are challenging for test engineers. These signals
transmit high power signals but return weak signals facing significant ambient noise. Power measurements are vital
for any kind of RF transmission system: too much power, and signals distort, too little power, and signals submerge
in the noise. Power meters are the most accurate way to perform RF power measurements. Determining sensitivity,
measuring maximum output power, or analyzing linearity of RF components are just a few of many parameters power
meters are tasked to perform with great precision.

For pulsed RF signals, critical specifications are peak power,

average power, rise time, fall time, overshoot, and undershoot
(see Figure 1). To achieve highest detail and accuracy, power
sensors must be fast, provide a wide bandwidth and must
offer a high dynamic range. Power meters with high
sampling rate capture signal points in small increments,
which are then used to reconstruct the signal waveform
on the screen for further analysis. Boonton power meters
not only utilize fast sampling, but they offer an additional
Figure 1 powerful feature: sampling performed at random intervals.
Why is this important? This sampling technique operates
independent of the instrument’s time base and has huge
advantages whenever repeating signals are measured. Repeating signals constitute the vast majority of
all signals measured in RF applications. This asynchronous sampling technique is also known as Random In-
terleaved Sampling or RIS for short. RIS sampling provides a detail depth that reveals much more waveform
information than conventional sampling.

Screenshots in Figure 2 show three consecutive measurements of a fast signal transition using two power meters.
The upper row illustrates a power meter with conventional sampling technique; the lower row illustrates a Boonton
4540 power meter with RIS technology. Both power meters measure the same signal. As one would expect, both
power meters are able to measure the fast signal transitions, but using RIS technology Boonton’s power meters have
an effective time resolution in the 100 ps range. With this it generates significantly more detail of the displayed
waveform, allowing the user to analyze the signal thoroughly. The undersampled waveform measurement varies by
30mW, while the Boonton only varies by 8mW.

Related Products
Boonton Peak Power Analyzer 4540 Series
Boonton Peak Power Analyzer 4500B
Boonton 55 Series Wideband USB Sensors
For more information, please see the
Boonton Peak Power Meter data sheet.

Figure 2

Boonton 14
 Applications (continued)

Using Statistical Methods to Measure Noise-like Carrier Signals

Boonton 55 Series Wideband USB Power Sensor, 4540 and 4500B Peak Power Analyzers with High Dynamic
Range, Allow Aligning Modern Telecommunication Amplifiers with Greatest Precision
Unlike simple, average power measurements using CW tones, statistical analysis is beneficial when comparing
peak to average ratios of signals. Results are shown in percent with respect to the total signal time. This method is
particularly useful for noise-like signals like LTE, WiMAX, or UMTS. The peak power values are sorted, or binned,
according to their magnitude, normalized by the average power, and displayed in log-log plot in dBr as crest factor.
An important display is the CCDF, or complementary cumulative distribution function. The CCDF in figure 1 shows how
frequently a particular power level is present as a percentage of the total signal time. A value of 0 dBr is equal to the
average power and 0% time is equal to maximum instantaneous crest factor. Figure 1 shows a crest factor probability
of 0.0001% occurs at 15 dBr with respect to the average.

Frequent
Events

Toggle between
screens using the
graph button
Increasing
Probability

Infrequent
Events

Figure 1 Increasing Crest Factor

Using CCDF Distributions to Compare Amplifier Input and Output.

The right-hand side of figure 1 shows two CCDF distributions comparing the input and output of the amplifier
under test. The blue signal serves as a reference input, while the yellow signal is the output of the DUT. Wide dynamic
range peak power sensors allow direct comparison of input and output peak to average ratio using the CCDF display.
The amplifier can be tested over its entire dynamic range using the signal of interest.

The graph button on a Boonton 4540 series power meter allows the user
to toggle between the average power measurement and the dual CCDF
statistical display. The peak to average ratio deviation of the DUT input
to output using the CCDF display illustrates the difference between an
average 1 dB compression point figure of merit and the statistical display.
In this example amplifier compression begins well before the 1 dB
compression point is reached (see Figure 2). The 1dB compression, or third
order-intercept point figures of merit do not include information above the
physical layer, but a CCDF statistical graph can infer BER qualities about Figure 2
the amplifier from previously measured receivers. The advanced statistical
measurement capability in Boonton power meters provide flexibility, high
accuracy, and a reduction in amplifier test measurement time.

Related Products
Boonton Peak Power Analyzer 4540 Series
Boonton Peak Power Analyzer 4500B
Boonton 55 Series Wideband USB Sensors
Boonton Peak Power Analyzer 4530 Series
For more information, please see the Boonton Peak Power Meter data sheet.
Boonton 15
Who We Are
Wireless Telecom Group is a global designer and manufacturer of radio frequency (“RF”) and microwave-based products for wireless and
advanced communications industries. We market our products and services worldwide under the Boonton Electronics (“Boonton”), Microlab/FXR
(“Microlab”) and Noisecom brands. Our Brands and products have maintained a reputation for their accuracy and performance as they support
our customers’ technological advancements within communications. We offer our customers a complementary suite of high performance
instruments and components meeting a variety of standards including peak power meters, signal analyzers, noise sources, power splitters,
combiners, diplexers, noise modules and precision noise generators. We serve commercial and government markets within the satellite, cable,
radar, avionics, medical, and computing applications.We are headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, in the New York City metropolitan area and
we maintain a global network of Sales offices dedicated to providing excellent product support.

Wireless Telecom Group, Inc. continuously targets opportunities that allow us to capitalize on our synergies and our talents. Our technological
capabilities along with our customer service strategies remain essential competencies for our success.

Noisecom is a global provider of electronic noise generation equipment and noise sources in the commercial and military telecommunications
fields. Utilized for accurate, reliable measurements, users look to Noisecom for specialized assistance with their equipment design.

Boonton Electronics, a wholly owned subsidiary, is a leader in the manufacture of test equipment dedicated to measuring the power of RF and
Microwave systems used in multiple telecommunication markets. A pioneer in the industry, Boonton continues to provide high quality and high
value instruments for users backed with outstanding customer support.

Microlab, a wholly owned subsidiary, is a global provider of passive microwave components including power splitters, directional
couplers and filters. These products are employed as system components in commercial applications such as wireless base stations for cellular,
emergency services and private communications, in-building wireless signal distribution, television transmitters and aircraft navigation landing
systems. Microlab products are also used in military systems such as electronic countermeasures and missile guidance.

Wireless Telecom Group Inc.

25 Eastmans Rd
Parsippany, NJ
United States
Tel: +1 973 386 9696
Fax: +1 973 386 9191
www.boonton.com
Follow us on:
WTGinnovation
Wireless Telecom Group
blog.wtcom.com
WTGinnovation
B/CAT/V3/0813/EN

Note: Specifications, terms and conditions

are subject to change without prior notice.