Ian Messer and John Mink
Agilent Technologies

This application note, Part 1 of the Fundamentals of RF and Microwave Power Measurements, introduces the historical basis for power measurements, and provides definitions for average, peak, and complex modulations. This application note overviews various sensor technologies needed for the diversity of test signals. It describes the hierarchy of international power traceability, yielding comparison to national standards at worldwide national measurement institutes (NMIs) like the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology. Finally, the theory and practice of power sensor comparison procedures are examined with regard to transferring calibration factors and uncertainties.