Ladybug USB PowerSensor+ LB A Series User manual

LBXXXA Series USB PowerSensor+™
Product Manual PMA (Power Meter Application)
Revision: 08/02/11 - 1 -
Product Manual for the
POWER METER APPLICATION
MODELS LB478A/479A/480A/559A/579A/589A/679A/680A

LBXXXA Series USB PowerSensor+™
Product Manual PMA (Power Meter Application)
Revision: 08/02/11 - 2 -
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..............................................................................................................................................................................................2
NOTICES....................................................................................................................................................................................................................3
1. GENERAL INFORMATION ....................................................................................................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................................................................................4
DESCRIPTION ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................4
USB CONSIDERATIONS.............................................................................................................................................................................................4
More information related to USB.........................................................................................................................................................................5
How to identify the type of USB port...................................................................................................................................................................5
APPLICATIONS..........................................................................................................................................................................................................6
ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED...........................................................................................................................................................................................6
SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................................................................................................................................................7
OPTIONS..................................................................................................................................................................................................................8
WARRANTY ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................8
SERVICE ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................8
CALIBRATION CYCLE.................................................................................................................................................................................................8
CONTACT INFORMATION............................................................................................................................................................................................8
2. INSTALLATION......................................................................................................................................................................................................9
INITIAL INSPECTION...................................................................................................................................................................................................9
SUPPORT CONTACT INFORMATION.............................................................................................................................................................................9
OPERATING SYSTEM AND COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................................................9
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE .......................................................................................................................................................................................9
Install the Software.............................................................................................................................................................................................9
3. BASIC OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS –GETTING STARTED ............................................................................................................................10
OPERATING PRECAUTIONS ......................................................................................................................................................................................10
PROGRAM START UP..............................................................................................................................................................................................10
CONFIGURING THE SENSOR.....................................................................................................................................................................................11
Measurement Update Rate...............................................................................................................................................................................11
Addressing the Sensor .....................................................................................................................................................................................11
MAKING BASIC MEASUREMENTS ..............................................................................................................................................................................12
Zeroing and Reference Power Calibration........................................................................................................................................................12
Setting the Center Frequency...........................................................................................................................................................................12
Display Preferences and Measurement Units...................................................................................................................................................13
Measurement Resolution..................................................................................................................................................................................14
Instrument Preset.............................................................................................................................................................................................14
Making an Average Power (CW) Measurement................................................................................................................................................15
Making a Pulse Power Measurement ...............................................................................................................................................................16
Alternate Pulse Measurement using Duty Cycle...............................................................................................................................................17
4. DETAILED OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS...........................................................................................................................................................19
MEASUREMENT OVERVIEW AND EXAMPLES ..............................................................................................................................................................19
The Power Meter Application............................................................................................................................................................................19
The Pulse Profiling Application.........................................................................................................................................................................19
Pulse Measurement Criteria (LB4XXA models only).........................................................................................................................................20
Pulse Peak Criteria (LB4XXA models only) ......................................................................................................................................................21
Measurement Example: OFDM Pilot Tone (LB4XXA models only) ...................................................................................................................22
Measurement Example: GSM (LB4XXA models only) ......................................................................................................................................25
GUI FUNCTIONS .....................................................................................................................................................................................................26
The Menu Bar...................................................................................................................................................................................................26
The Toolbar......................................................................................................................................................................................................27
Averaging.........................................................................................................................................................................................................29
Extended Averaging.........................................................................................................................................................................................29
Max Hold..........................................................................................................................................................................................................29
Anti-alias Control..............................................................................................................................................................................................30
Offset Correction..............................................................................................................................................................................................31
Making a Relative Power Measurement............................................................................................................................................................32
Frequency Response Correction......................................................................................................................................................................33
Impedance Matching........................................................................................................................................................................................34
Triggering.........................................................................................................................................................................................................35
Recorder ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................37
Data Logging....................................................................................................................................................................................................38
Limits Pass/Fail................................................................................................................................................................................................40
MEASUREMENT ACCURACY .....................................................................................................................................................................................42

LBXXXA Series USB PowerSensor+™
Product Manual PMA (Power Meter Application)
Revision: 08/02/11 - 3 -
Sensor Technology...........................................................................................................................................................................................43
Functional Block Diagram.................................................................................................................................................................................44
5. ERROR MESSAGES ...........................................................................................................................................................................................45
6. ERRATA AND USER UPDATES –BY DATE.......................................................................................................................................................45
REV DATE:01/07/08...............................................................................................................................................................................................45
REV DATE:03/24/08...............................................................................................................................................................................................45
REV DATE:04/15/08...............................................................................................................................................................................................45
REV DATE:06/16/08...............................................................................................................................................................................................45
REV DATE:08/19/08...............................................................................................................................................................................................45
REV DATE:11/20/08...............................................................................................................................................................................................45
REV DATE:02/06/09...............................................................................................................................................................................................45
REV DATE:02/24/09...............................................................................................................................................................................................45
REV DATE:03/27/09...............................................................................................................................................................................................45
REV DATE:04/09/09...............................................................................................................................................................................................46
NOTICES
© 2007 - 2011 LadyBug Technologies LLC
This document contains information which is copyright protected. Do not duplicate without permission or as allowed by
copyright laws.
SAFETY
A WARNING indicates a potential hazard that could completely damage the product. Do not continue until you fully
understand the meaning.
A CAUTION indicates a potential hazard that could partially damage the product. Do not continue until you fully
understand the meaning.
A NOTE provides additional pertinent information related to the operation of the product.
CONFORMITY
WEEE Compliant
RoHS Compliant
USB 2.0 Compliant
DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee as to the
accuracy of the material presented or its application. Any errors of commission or omission will be corrected in
subsequent revisions or made available by errata.
WARRANTY
See the warranty section of this document for details.
DOCUMENT NUMBER
Not Assigned (Reference LBXXXA Product Manual for the Power Meter Application).

LBXXXA Series USB PowerSensor+™
Product Manual PMA (Power Meter Application)
Revision: 08/02/11 - 4 -
1. General Information
Introduction
This manual provides information about the installation and operation of the LB478A/479A/480A/LB679A/LB680A and
LB559A/579A/589A model USB power sensors when using the Power Meter Application software. The LB4XXA
series (reference to models LB478A/79A/80A and LB679A/80A) of sensors make CW and pulse measurements. The
LB5XXA series of microwave sensors make average - True RMS - (CW or modulated) measurements only. (The
LB480A/LB680A sensors are also capable of making pulse profile measurements –refer to the Pulse Profile
Application Quick Start Guide and Product Manual for the Pulse Profiling Application). This manual also contains
information regarding product features and support, specifications, compatibility, and some measurement examples.
Refer to the product Programming Guide for programming information. The Errata and User Update section at the end
of this document reflects recent changes in product development.
Description
The LBXXXA Series USB Power Sensor features a highly compact power sensor body that connects directly to a
desktop or laptop computer using a standard USB port and standard USB cable(s). A separate power meter is not
required. The LBXXXA Series USB Power Sensors convert RF and microwave power into digital data at the point of
measurement. The companion Power Meter Application software provides a front panel display, or Graphical User
Interface (GUI), that allows the user to make typical CW and pulse (modulation) measurements. This application is the
primary subject of this document. A programmatic interface is also supplied with the product.
Sensor zeroing and meter reference calibration are not required. This reduces setup time and simplifies programming.
The unit features optional source Trigger IN/OUT or Recorder OUT connectors in addition to a variety of RF input
connectors. Please refer to the Options section of this document for a complete listing of product options to include
extended performance and support.
PowerSensor+™ products address key aspects of general purpose scalar measurements as well as CW, pulse, and
other modulated power measurements. PowerSensor+™ products offer benefits in overall cost, accuracy,
measurement speed, flexibility and test development time.
SPECIAL NOTE: The RF input connector is field replaceable if the connector type remains the same regardless of
sex. For example: The user can replace an SMA female connector with an SMA male, however, an SMA connector
cannot be replaced with Type-N. Field replacement of the connector voids calibration and should only be done where
calibration is not required.
USB Considerations
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) provides adequate power for the sensor under normal circumstances. However, when
using a longer cable (greater than 3-5 meters), or when some laptop or portable computers are used, an active or self-
powered hub may be required. These are available at most computer stores and often sell for under $20.00. The
sensor is powered directly via the USB cable and typically draws 450 mA at a nominal 5 VDC. An active hub will
compensate for the DC voltage drop beyond approximately 3-5 meters. The reason an active hub is recommended
when using a portable computer is to conserve the battery life of the computer. PowerSensor+™ products are USB 2.0
compliant. The following information is provided for reference when selecting a hub:
Bus-powered hub: Draws a maximum of 100 mA at power up and 500 mA during normal operation.
Self-powered hub: Draws a maximum of 100 mA and must supply 500 mA to each port.
Low power, bus-powered functions: Draws a maximum of 100 mA (often applies to portable computers).
High power, bus-powered functions: Self-powered hubs: Draws a maximum of 100 mA and must supply 500 mA to
each port.
Suspended device: Draws a maximum of 0.5 mA

LBXXXA Series USB PowerSensor+™
Product Manual PMA (Power Meter Application)
Revision: 08/02/11 - 5 -
More information related to USB
1. Supplied voltage by a host or a powered hub port is between 4.75 V and 5.25 V.
2. Maximum voltage drop for bus-powered hubs is 0.35 V from its host or hub to the hub output port.
3. Normal operational voltage for functions is 4.75 V (minimum).
How to identify the type of USB port
The PowerSensor+™ requires your computer to have USB 2.0 port(s) for correct operation. You can identify what
type of USB port you have using the following process:
Click Start and select Control Panel. Select the Performance and Maintenance category then pick the System icon.
Click the Hardware tab and select Device Manager as shown below. Now expand the Universal Serial Bus
controllersheading as shown and look for the word “Enhanced” or USB2 to indicate that USB 2.0 is present on your
computer.

LBXXXA Series USB PowerSensor+™
Product Manual PMA (Power Meter Application)
Revision: 08/02/11 - 6 -
Applications
The PowerSensor+™ line of products is designed specifically for the following measurement applications:
oGeneral Average and Pulse Power Measurements
oPower Measurements Requiring High Accuracy:
CW & Pulsed Signals
Narrow and Wide Band Signals: CDMA, W-CDMA,
QAM, OFDM, GSM, TDMA, QPSK, FSK, AM, FM
Recorders, Power Monitoring, and ALC Loops
oResearch & Development and Manufacturing
oMaintenance, Repair, Installation and Service
oCommunications
oRadar, Wireless, Satellite, Radio Links
Accessories Supplied
The product is shipped with the following items:
1. A sensor with selected hardware and software options.
2. Standard or optional return to factory warranty.
3. 2-meter high speed USB cable.
4. Software CD or USB flash drive, includes the following:
Data sheet.
This product manual.
A user application (GUI) –provides a means of making measurements.
Drivers –several interfaces are available.
Programming Guide with sample code.
5. Quick Start Guide and Quick Start Card.
6. NIST traceable calibration certification.
7. Packing list and invoice.

LBXXXA Series USB PowerSensor+™
Product Manual PMA (Power Meter Application)
Revision: 08/02/11 - 7 -
Specifications
Refer to the data sheet by individual model number for a complete listing of product specifications to include pulse
profiling capability (LB480A/LB680A only). Data sheets are available on-line at the company website –see Contact
Information.
Product Comparison Table:
Model Number and Description
SWR
Dynamic Range*
Avg
Pk & Pulse
Pulse Profiling
LB478A CW PowerSensor+
.01 –8.0 GHz (functional to 10 GHz)
1.15:1
-35 to +20 dBm
Yes
No
LB479A CW Wide Dynamic
Range PowerSensor+
.01 –8.0 GHz (functional to 10 GHz)
1.09:1
-60 to +20 dBm
Yes
No
LB480A Pulse Profiling Wide
Dynamic Range PowerSensor+
.1 –8.0 GHz (functional to 10 GHz)
1.09:1
-60 to +20 dBm
Yes
Yes
LB559A Microwave PowerSensor+
.01 –12.5 GHz
1.20:1
-55 to +20 dBm
Avg
No
LB579A Microwave PowerSensor+
.01 –18 GHz
1.20:1
-55 to +20 dBm
Avg
No
LB589A Microwave PowerSensor+
.01 –26.5 GHz
1.20:1
-55 to +20 dBm
Avg
No
LB679A Microwave PowerSensor+
.05 –20 GHz
1.20:1
-40 to +20 dBm
Yes
No
LB680A Pulse Profiling
Microwave PowerSensor+
.05 –20.0 GHz
1.20:1
-40 to +20 dBm
Yes
Yes
* CAUTION: Max Input = +20 dBm; Damage Level = +23 dBm (all models)

LBXXXA Series USB PowerSensor+™
Product Manual PMA (Power Meter Application)
Revision: 08/02/11 - 8 -
Options
Refer to the order guide by individual model number for all product options. Order guides are available on-line at the
company website –see Contact Information.
Warranty
The warranty on the LadyBug PowerSensor+™ series of products is one year, return to factory. Extended warranty
and calibration service options are available. Please see the Order Guide for details.
SPECIAL NOTE: The RF input connector is field replaceable if the connector type remains the same, regardless of
sex. For example, the user can replace an SMA female connector with an SMA male; however, an SMA connector
cannot be replaced with Type-N. Field replacement of the connector voids calibration and should only be done where
calibration is not required.
Service
There are no serviceable parts on the LadyBug PowerSensor+™ series of products. Recommended service is return
to factory for repair. A high-quality connector saver (adapter) can be used on the RF input connector to extend the
useful life of the factory installed connector.
Calibration Cycle
The recommended calibration cycle for the LadyBug PowerSensor+™ series of products is one year, return to factory.
Extended warranty and calibration service options are available. Please see the Order Guide for details.
Contact Information
LadyBug Technologies LLC
3317 Chanate Rd. Suite 2F
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.ladybug-tech.com

LBXXXA Series USB PowerSensor+™
Product Manual PMA (Power Meter Application)
Revision: 08/02/11 - 9 -
2. Installation
Initial Inspection
Check the shipment for any damage to the shipping container or the components inside.
Support Contact Information
LadyBug Technologies LLC
3317 Chanate Rd. Suite 2F
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.ladybug-tech.com
Operating System and Computer Requirements
The PowerSensor+™ line of products is compatible with Windows 2000 (SP2 or greater), Windows XP, and Windows
7 operating systems with version 4.5 LB software. Support is available for various test development environments
including MS Visual Basic 6.0; MS Visual Basic .NET; MS C# .NET; NI LabVIEW; NI LabWindows; and Agilent VEE.
Recommended PC configuration:
Pentium D
1G RAM
1.0 GHz Processor
CD Drive
USB 2.0 Port*
* The USB port or hub must supply 500 mA @ 5 V for each power sensor operation. Refer to the USB Considerations
section of this manual to determine if your computer has a USB 2.0 port(s).
Installation Procedure
Install the Software
Refer to the Quick Start Card (Windows XP or Windows 7) to install the version 4.5 software.

LBXXXA Series USB PowerSensor+™
Product Manual PMA (Power Meter Application)
Revision: 08/02/11 - 10 -
3. Basic Operating Instructions –Getting Started
Operating Precautions
Observe the cautions and warnings about maximum input power in the specifications section. Insure that the RF input
connector on the sensor is clean and undamaged as well as the mating connector. The following procedures assume
the software and hardware have been installed according to the installation process outlined in the preceding section
of this manual.
Program Start Up
Starts the software if it is not currently running by clicking on the desktop icon labeled “Power Meter Application” or
launch it from its program location (select Start > All Programs > LB Technologies LLC > LB Power Meter Application).
Sensor(s) are selected by serial number if more than one sensor is connected to the computer. The serial number is
stamped below the USB port on the sensor body. We will be using the LB480A user interface for demonstration
purposes throughout this document. You may not have the LB480A sensor but the interface is common to all models
in the power meter configuration.
The GUI comes up by default in the average power or CW mode of operation for all models; frequency is set to 1 GHz;
averaging is set to 75 measurements; the measurement update rate is medium; offsets and frequency response are
disabled. These parameters are accessible from the Measurement menu. The Preset button will return the interface
to the default state. (There will be no Pulse Power mode of operation for the LB5XXA CW power sensor). Refer to the
GUI Functions section of this manual under Detailed Operating Instructions for more information about configuring the
sensor.
A separate GUI with unit model, serial number and address will appear for each active device when you open a new
instance of the Power Meter Application.The GUI allows identification of the individual sensor(s) by blinking the LED
on the sensor body. Clicking the ID button shown above will cause the LED on the sensor to blink four times in quick
succession. The ID and Preset functions are duplicated on the Measurement menu.