RF Peak Power Calibration of Modulated Signals

A new calibration method of a power sensor for measuring the peak power of digitally modulated signals is introduced. This method uses an amplitude-modulated sine-wave source and is relatively simple to the currently available method that uses a digitally modulated signal source and an oscilloscope. Basic theory and calibration procedures for measuring the correction factor for peak power are described. Using a commercial peak power sensor that is calibrated with the proposed method, the peak power of a Global System for Mobile Communications at 900 MHz modulated signal is measured and compared with that measured by an oscilloscope. Various examples of choosing the calibration parameters are also discussed. The best uncertainty in the calibration of a peak power sensor is estimated to be 0.34% (k = 2).