Rohde & Schwarz NRV-Z5 100KHz – 6GHz 500 mW 50 Ohm Power Sensor

The Rohde & Schwarz NRV-Z5 is a high-sensitivity diode power sensor engineered for precision power measurements across RF and microwave frequencies. Built on zero-bias Schottky diodes, it delivers accurate readings from the picowatt range up to 500 mW, making it ideal for applications demanding low-level signal detection and broad dynamic range coverage.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency range: 100 kHz to 6 GHz


• Power measurement range: 10 nW to 500 mW (average)


• Sensitivity down to 100 pW (−70 dBm)


• Maximum average power handling: 500 mW Measurement Accuracy


• Zero offset: ±5 nW


• Display noise: 2 nW


• Linearity uncertainty: 0.03 dB (0.7%)


• Power coefficient: 0


• 50 Ohm impedance with N-type male connector Impedance Matching


• 100 kHz to 4 GHz: SWR ≤ 1.05


• 4 GHz to 6 GHz: SWR ≤ 1.10

Key Features The sensor operates in two distinct measurement regimes. Within the square-law region (−70 dBm to −20 dBm), It has RMS-weighted measurements of modulated signals with linearity independent of temperature and frequency. This region is suitable for measuring modulated waveforms including FM, AM, FSK, and GMSK. Outside the square-law region, the sensor measures up to 20 mW (+13 dBm) with high accuracy, though measurements are restricted to spectrally pure, unmodulated signals (CW only). Short measurement times are achievable due to the high signal-to-noise ratio inherent in diode detection.

Typical Applications

• Low-level RF signal detection and monitoring


• Modulated signal power measurement in the square-law region


• CW power measurement across 100 kHz to 6 GHz


• Precision power monitoring in microwave test systems


• Applications requiring picowatt-level sensitivity

Compatibility & Integration The NRV-Z5 integrates with Rohde & Schwarz NRVS and NRVD base units, enabling integration into automated test and measurement systems across commercial, industrial, and laboratory environments.