Test & Measurement: Radio-Systems Signal-Strength RF Meter Offers A Low-Cost Solution

March 15, 2004

Priced at only $80, the portable RF Meter is a low-cost signal-strength measurement tool for designers of RF radio systems. Two models are available to detect signals at 315 MHz or 433.2 MHz. Radio-transmitter signal strength is indicated by a 10-digit LED display with a one-second peak hold function to simplify measurement readings. The unit operates from a 9-V flat battery, and it has low-battery indication and an auto-shutoff feature that activates after 60 seconds of no operation. RF sensitivity is −110 dBm. The IF bandwidth is 600 kHz. Housed in a 4.33- by 2.56- by 0.94-in. ABS enclosure, it operates from 0°C to 60°C.

OKW Electronicswww. okwelectronics.com; (800) 965-9872

About the Author

Roger Allan

Roger Allan is an electronics journalism veteran, and served as Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors, components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military electronics, robotics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics technologies. He is a contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science. Roger has worked for major electronics magazines besides Electronic Design, including the IEEE Spectrum, Electronics, EDN, Electronic Products, and the British New Scientist. He also has working experience in the electronics industry as a design engineer in filters, power supplies and control systems.

After his retirement from Electronic Design Magazine, He has been extensively contributing articles for Penton’s Electronic Design, Power Electronics Technology, Energy Efficiency and Technology (EE&T) and Microwaves RF Magazine, covering all of the aforementioned electronics segments as well as energy efficiency, harvesting and related technologies. He has also contributed articles to other electronics technology magazines worldwide.

He is a “jack of all trades and a master in leading-edge technologies” like MEMS, nanolectronics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, military electronics, biometrics, implantable medical devices, and energy harvesting and related technologies.