RF power-review of current techniques for power sensor calibration

The traceability for RF power measurements in the range 100 kHz to 26.5 GHz is normally achieved by NAMAS accredited laboratories using thermocouple power sensor calibrated by SESC. This system has given adequate uncertainties over the past fifteen years. There is an increasing requirement for the upper frequency limit to be extended and for some sensors to be calibrated with lower uncertainties. Techniques that minimise the mismatch uncertainty could be introduced in commercial laboratories NPL have the capability to extend the frequency range and can provide lower uncertainties for the Reference Standard sensors. These measures should be sufficient to keep pace with industry requirements