Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel
Summary of Contents for RF Concepts Alpha 4500A Series
- Page 1 RF Concepts Alpha 4500A Series Radio-Frequency Power Meter User Manual rfconcepts.com Document Issue 1.0 December 2014...
- Page 2 303-473-9232 Prepared for RF Concepts by MH/GP/NG/LW. To reach technical support or obtain copies of this document, go to rfconcepts.com. Copyright © 2014 RF Concepts LLC. All rights reserved. Specifications subject to change without notice. IMPORTANT FCC Notice This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
-
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Contents Contents 1. Introduction ........1-1 1.1 Product Capabilities 1-1 1.2 Theory of Operation 1-5 1.3 Product Safety 1-7... - Page 4 Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual RF Concepts LLC Contents Document Issue 1.0 Page iv December 2014...
-
Page 5: List Of Procedures
List of Procedures List of Procedures Procedure 3-1, “Position the meter,” page 3–1 Procedure 3-2, “Set up the host PC and SoftMeter software,” page 3–2 Procedure 3-3, “Connect the cables,” page 3–3 Procedure 3-4, “Configure the USB COM port,” page 3–5 Procedure 3-5, “(Optional) Change the RF coaxial connectors,”... - Page 6 Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual RF Concepts LLC List of Procedures Document Issue 1.0 Page vi December 2014...
-
Page 7: Introduction
1.1 Product Capabilities Alpha 4500A series power meters (wattmeters) are laboratory-grade devices that measure parameters describing power flow along a 50-ohm transmission line. Specifically, they measure forward power, reflected power, delivered power, and standing-wave ratio (SWR). - Page 8 50 W, and the delivered power is 150 W. In the ideal case, SWR = 1 and the coaxial transmission operates with minimum loss. Four models of Alpha 4500A series power meter are available: 4505A, 4510A, 4515A, 4520A. Their capabilities are summarized in Table 1-1...
-
Page 9: Display Method
RF Concepts LLC Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual Introduction Ranges of operation All power-meter models operate across the frequency range from 1.75 to 55 MHz. As shown in Table 1-1, the models vary in their power ranges of operation. -
Page 10: Power Supply
Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual RF Concepts LLC Introduction Figure 1-1 Model 4510A analog meter and digital LED display Figure 1-2 Model 4520A analog meter and digital LED display Power supply The power meters are supplied with a universal-input (100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz) power supply that provides a 12-VDC source. -
Page 11: Theory Of Operation
RF Concepts LLC Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual Introduction 1.2 Theory of Operation The functional block diagram for all of the models is shown in Figure 1-3. Figure 1-3 Functional block diagram The power meter contains two printed circuit boards (PCBs): the RF PCB... - Page 12 Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual RF Concepts LLC Introduction • Logarithmic amplifier. A second important and unique feature of the power meter is the logarithmic amplifier. Made by Analog Devices, it features an advertised dynamic range of greater than 90 dB. The RF...
-
Page 13: Product Safety
RF Concepts LLC Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual Introduction The RF microprocessor drives a USB port on the rear panel of the power meter. This port allows direct computer access to digital data describing SWR, forward-power, and reverse-power estimates from the RF microprocessor. -
Page 14: Product Assistance
Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual RF Concepts LLC Introduction 1.5 Product Assistance Technical assistance from RF Concepts is available from several sources. • Go to our website at rfconcepts.com and click Support for the following assistance: — Alpha Forum —... -
Page 15: Operational Specifications
RF Concepts LLC Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual Introduction Operational The following table lists the power meter’s operational specifications. Specifications Table 1-2 Operational specifications for the Alpha 4500A series power meter Parameter Specification Notes Frequency of operation 1.75–55 MHz... - Page 16 Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual RF Concepts LLC Introduction Table 1-2 Operational specifications for the Alpha 4500A series power meter Parameter Specification Notes DC power requirement 10–14 VDC, <1 A Mating DC power connector Digikey PN-839-1015-ND Outside sleeve is negative...
- Page 17 RF Concepts LLC Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual Introduction Figure 1-5 Power error as a function of power at 14.1 MHz with SWR near unity *'*% , $+$& $( '$ *' $&+ % * # &) %#$&#'$'...
-
Page 18: Serial Interface Specifications
Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual RF Concepts LLC Introduction Figure 1-7 Return loss as a function of frequency $#! " $ ! " # " ... - Page 19 RF Concepts LLC Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual Introduction • Estimated frequency (MHz) — accurate only to +/–2%; used for frequency compensation NOTE: Delivered power is a derived value, not a measured value. It is calculated as the difference between forward and reflected power for any given measurement.
- Page 20 Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual RF Concepts LLC Introduction $APW02,0.256680,0.033417,2.129019,78.012496,4.533681,*FF Example 2 RF operating mode = PEP Forward power = 0.256680 W Reflected power = 0.033417 W SWR = 2.129019 ° Temperature = 78.012496 Frequency = 4.533681 MHz Document Issue 1.0...
-
Page 21: Power-Meter Components
IMPORTANT Do not open the power meter. There are no internal controls or user- serviceable parts inside any Alpha 4500A series power meters. Opening the unit voids the manufacturer’s warranty. Any damage or problems resulting from opening the unit are not covered by warranty. -
Page 22: Models 4510A/4520A) Analog Meter And Digital Led Display
Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual RF Concepts LLC Power-Meter Components Figure 2-1 Power-meter front panel 2.1 (Models 4510A/4520A) Analog Meter and Digital LED Display Power-meter models 4510A/4520A have two built-in physical displays that enable you to view meter measurements (see Table 2-1). -
Page 23: Models 4510A/4520A) Control Switches
RF Concepts LLC Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual Power-Meter Components 2.2 (Models 4510A/4520A) Control Switches For power-meter models 4510A/4520A, all functions and modes are accessible from the front panel by means of 16 control switches (see Table 2-2). -
Page 24: Softmeter Software
Digital LED display: Delivered power 2.3 SoftMeter Software SoftMeter is a PC application that monitors all meter functions simultaneously. All models of the Alpha 4500A series power meter ship with SoftMeter software. For models 4505A/4515A, meter readings are available only via the SoftMeter software. -
Page 25: Rear-Panel Connectors
RF Concepts LLC Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual Power-Meter Components Figure 2-2 Alpha 4500A SoftMeter screen 2.4 Rear-Panel Connectors The rear panel of each power-meter model contains the following (none of them user-adjustable): • Power-supply input connector (12 VDC) and USB connector for serial-data output (upper left) •... - Page 26 Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual RF Concepts LLC Power-Meter Components Document Issue 1.0 Page 2–6 December 2014...
-
Page 27: Setting Up The Power Meter
Setting Up the Power Meter 3.1 Position the Meter 3–1 3.2 (Optional) Set Up the Host PC and SoftMeter Software 3–2 3.3 Connect the Cables 3–3 3.4 (SoftMeter Users) Configure the PC’s USB COM Port 3–5 3.5 (Optional) Change the RF Coaxial Connectors 3–5 3.1 Position the Meter Procedure 3-1 Position the meter... -
Page 28: Optional) Set Up The Host Pc And Softmeter Software
3.2 (Optional) Set Up the Host PC and SoftMeter Software NOTE: If you are not using SoftMeter software, skip this section. All models of the Alpha 4500A series power meter ship with SoftMeter software. For models 4505A/4515A, meter readings are available only via the SoftMeter software. -
Page 29: Connect The Cables
RF Concepts LLC Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual Setting Up the Power Meter 3.3 Connect the Cables Procedure 3-3 Connect the cables Step 1 Ensure that your installation is properly grounded. Step 2 If you are using SoftMeter software, connect the meter to the host PC. - Page 30 Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual RF Concepts LLC Setting Up the Power Meter NOTE: For models 4510A/4520A, the default settings upon initial powerup are as follows: • RF operating mode: PEP • Power-segment-selection mode: AutoSense • Analog-meter display: SWR •...
-
Page 31: Softmeter Users) Configure The Pc's Usb Com Port
RF Concepts LLC Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual Setting Up the Power Meter For standard SO-239 UHF-style connectors, inspect the male PL- 259 connectors on the end of the coaxial cable before mating them with the connectors on the back of the meter. Use a fine- grade file to remove any excess solder and remnants of solder flux on the center pin. - Page 32 IMPORTANT Do not open the power meter. There are no internal controls or user- serviceable parts inside any Alpha 4500A series power meters. Opening the meter voids the manufacturer’s warranty. Any damage or problems resulting from opening the meter are not covered by warranty.
-
Page 33: Operating The Power Meter
4.7 (Models 4510A/4520A) Enter/Exit Sleep Mode 4–8 IMPORTANT • The Alpha 4500A series power meter is designed to be easy to set up, operate, and maintain. However, failure to carry out each procedure exactly as described in this manual is likely to lead to meter damage. -
Page 34: Connect The Meter To The Rf Source And Load To Be Measured
Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual RF Concepts LLC Operating the Power Meter 4. The analog display lights up. 5. The meter makes a short audible tone. NOTE: For models 4510A/4520A, the default settings upon initial powerup are the following: •... -
Page 35: Determine The Measurement Modes
RF Concepts LLC Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual Operating the Power Meter • Standing-wave ratio (SWR) — Forward-traveling and reverse- traveling (reflected) voltage waves exist on the coaxial transmission line. Large voltages can exist on the transmission line at places where these two voltages are in phase and coherently add. - Page 36 Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual RF Concepts LLC Operating the Power Meter In carrier/tune mode, the meter measures 32 discrete samples and uses all Carrier/Tune (Non-PEP) Mode of them to calculate the average value for a given reading.
-
Page 37: Softmeter Users) Read Measurements On The Software Display
RF Concepts LLC Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual Operating the Power Meter measuring forward power and you select 0.3 W but 3 KW of RF power is applied, the analog meter reads full scale. The digital LED display continues to show the accurate RF output level. - Page 38 Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual RF Concepts LLC Operating the Power Meter Procedure 4-2 Read measurements on the software display Step 1 Select the RF operating mode by clicking PEP to toggle between the following: • PEP (switch is on) •...
-
Page 39: Models 4510A/4520A) Read Measurements On The Physical Displays
RF Concepts LLC Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual Operating the Power Meter 4.6 (Models 4510A/4520A) Read Measurements on the Physical Displays For power-meter models 4510A/4520A, you can read the power levels and SWR not only via the SoftMeter software but also via the physical... -
Page 40: Models 4510A/4520A) Enter/Exit Sleep Mode
Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual RF Concepts LLC Operating the Power Meter Step 3 Read the power levels or SWR as follows (see Table 4-2). Table 4-2 Reading measurements on the physical displays For this And read the measurement Press... -
Page 41: Troubleshooting The Power Meter
Troubleshooting the Power Meter CHECK: Check the DC power supply and connector polarity. Meter does not power up • If the power supply does not measure 12 VDC, replace it. • If the connector polarity (the connector on the rear of the meter is a 5.5 x 2.5 mm coaxial power jack) is not tip positive (+) and barrel negative (–), replace the power supply. - Page 42 Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual RF Concepts LLC Troubleshooting the Power Meter Document Issue 1.0 Page 5–2 December 2014...
- Page 43 Terminology Terminology NOTE: For detailed explanations of the following terms, see various publications including the latest American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Handbook. AB1 — ampere — Modulation class AB1. Class that provides Unit of electric current (1 coulomb per good linearity in a push-pull configuration. second).
- Page 44 Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual RF Concepts LLC Terminology FCC — FSK — Federal Communications Commission. Frequency-shift keying. Type of For more information, go to www.fcc.gov. frequency modulation in which information is conveyed by shifts in the output frequency FM —...
- Page 45 RF Concepts LLC Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual Terminology OPR — Operate. PCB — the modulation envelope under normal Printed circuit board. Board that operating conditions. mechanically supports and electrically connects electronic components. PSK — Phase-shift keying. Digital modulation PEP —...
- Page 46 Alpha 4500A Series RF Power Meter User Manual RF Concepts LLC Terminology T/R — transceiver — Transmit /receive. Device that has both a transmitter and a receiver within the same circuitry or chassis. UHF — Ultra-high frequency. Radio frequency US —...
- Page 47 Schematics Schematics NOTE: The following pages contain detailed schematics for the Alpha 4500A series power meter.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Alpha 4500A Series and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers