Tektronix PSM5120 USB Power Sensor, 100 MHz – 8 GHz

The Tektronix PSM5120 is a compact USB power sensor that delivers accurate RF and microwave power measurements from 100 MHz to 8 GHz. Connected via USB 2.0 to a PC, it eliminates the need for a dedicated meter mainframe while providing full measurement control, display, and data logging through the included Windows Power Meter application.

Technical Specifications

Frequency Range: 100 MHz to 8 GHz Power Measurement Range: −60 dBm to +20 dBm

• Internal trigger range (100 MHz–6 GHz): −45 dBm to +20 dBm


• Internal trigger range (6 GHz–8 GHz): −40 dBm to +20 dBm Measurement Speed: Up to 2000 readings/second Measurement Uncertainty: As low as 2.6%; signal level trigger accuracy ±1 dB Impedance: 50 Ω nominal Connector: N-type Physical Dimensions: 48 mm diameter × 62 mm length (plus connector); 149 g USB Requirements: USB 2.0 port supplying >450 mA at 5 V

Key Features

• Average power, peak power, and duty cycle corrected pulse power measurement


• Pulse profiling with envelope trace display, rise/fall time, and pulse width analysis


• Full-trace and gated measurements with statistical analysis (CCDF, PDF)


• Crest factor and overshoot characterization for pulsed and modulated signals


• TTL trigger input/output for synchronization and external control


• Factory-calibrated across full temperature range; no zero or offset calibration required

Typical Applications RF and microwave power measurement across communications, pulse characterization, modulated signal analysis, and pulsed system development.

Compatibility & Integration Windows Power Meter application software included. LabVIEW drivers and programming examples available. Programmatic control via DLL (LB_API2.DLL) for custom integration.