Microwave power sensor R&S®NRQ6

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Overview
The R&S®NRQ6 is a receiver-based frequency-selective power sensor that performs band-limited power measurements from 50 MHz to 6 GHz with a level range of -130 dBm to +20 dBm. It combines wide dynamic range, high speed and advanced measurement modes (trace, ACLR, ultrafast triggered pulses) and can be extended via options for I/Q capture, fast power servoing and phase-coherent multichannel measurements.

Key facts

• Frequency range: 50 MHz to 6 GHz
• Power measurement range: -130 dBm to +20 dBm
• Typical measurement bandwidth: up to 100 MHz (zero‑IF options up to 400 MHz)
• Optional I/Q data interface for vector signal capture
• Optional phase-coherent multichannel measurements

Product description
The R&S®NRQ6 leverages receiver technology to achieve precise, high-speed power measurements beyond the limits of conventional diode sensors. It supports continuous average power, trace and ACLR measurements and ultrafast triggered pulse capture. With option cards the unit can provide direct I/Q output for external demodulation, act as an RF frontend in measurement chains or be integrated in automated power-servo setups.

Features & benefits

• Receiver-based architecture for fast, low-level measurements
• Continuous average power measurement down to -130 dBm
• Trace and ACLR measurement capability for spectral analysis
• I/Q data capture (optional) for vector signal analysis
• Phase-coherent measurements (optional) for multichannel phase comparison
• Ultrafast triggered pulse measurements for pulsed/RF component testing

Easy operation

• Intuitive web GUI and hardware interfaces
• Autoset and automatic frequency tracking
• Spectrum/trace display for quick signal checks
• Network connectivity for remote control and data transfer

I/Q data capturing
With the R&S®NRQ6-K1 option the sensor acts as a standalone RF frontend to capture vector I/Q data. Captured I/Q streams can be exported via SCPI for external demodulation and analysis in compatible software (e.g. R&S®VSE) or recorded for post‑processing.

Fast power servoing
The R&S®NRQ6-K2 option enables a fast serial communication channel over trigger connectors to implement power servo loops (e.g. with R&S®SGT100A). Typical iteration times in component test setups are on the order of 1 ms to 1.5 ms for rapid output-power stabilization.

Phase-coherent measurements
Optional phase-coherent operation (R&S®NRQ6-K3) establishes a primary/secondary relationship between multiple sensors to distribute LO and clock signals and triggers. This enables synchronous multichannel RF phase measurements with very low typical uncertainty (example: ≈0.1° at -60 dBm in multichannel setups).

Available models (summary)

• R&S®NRQ6 — Frequency range: 50 MHz – 6 GHz; Level range: -130 dBm to +20 dBm; Connector: N (m); Typical RBW: up to 100 MHz (zero‑IF options available)

Technical specifications

• Frequency range: 50 MHz to 6.0 GHz
• Impedance (SWR): <1.20 (50–100 MHz), <1.13 (>100 MHz–2.0 GHz), <1.20 (>2.0 GHz–6.0 GHz)
• Power measurement range: -130 dBm to +20 dBm (RBW dependent)
• Damage level: max. average power 1 W (+30 dBm) continuous; max. peak envelope power 2 W (+33 dBm) for max. 1 µs
• Max. DC voltage at input: ±20 V
• RF input attenuation: 0 dB and 30 dB
• Measurement subranges: 0 dB attenuation: -130 dBm to -10 dBm; 30 dB: -100 dBm to +20 dBm
• Resolution bandwidth (RBW): SSB mode 10 Hz to 40 MHz; zero‑IF mode (RF ≥ 400 MHz): 50/80/100/400 MHz
• Acquisition/sample rate: ~119 MHz to 121 MHz
• Displayed average noise level (DANL): frequency- and attenuation-dependent (examples in full spec)
• Uncertainty: frequency- and temperature-dependent (examples available in full spec)
• Connector type: N (m)