Mini-Circuits PWR-8GHS USB RF Power Sensor
Manufacturer: Mini-Circuits
Package / Case: JL1504 Sensor Head with N-Type Male RF Connector
Description: 1 MHz to 8 GHz USB CW RF Power Sensor, −30 to +20 dBm Range, 0.01 dB Resolution, 30 ms Measurement Speed
The Mini-Circuits PWR-8GHS is a compact USB smart power sensor designed to turn a Windows or Linux computer into a CW RF power meter. It covers frequencies from 1 MHz to 8 GHz and measures input power from −30 to +20 dBm, providing a total dynamic range of 50 dB.
The sensor is powered and controlled through USB and requires no separate benchtop power meter. Its compact design, N-type RF connector and software automation support make it suitable for laboratory measurements, production calibration and remote RF power monitoring.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Manufacturer | Mini-Circuits |
| Part Number | PWR-8GHS |
| Product Type | USB Smart RF Power Sensor |
| Measurement Type | CW average power |
| Frequency Range | 1 MHz to 8 GHz |
| Power Measurement Range | −30 to +20 dBm |
| Dynamic Range | 50 dB |
| Impedance | 50Ω |
| Measurement Resolution | 0.01 dB |
| Measurement Speed, Faster Mode | 30 ms typical |
| Measurement Speed, Low-Noise Mode | 100 ms typical |
| Averaging Range | 1 to 999 measurements |
| Input VSWR | 1.10:1 typical; 1.30:1 maximum |
| Measurement Linearity | ±3% maximum at +25°C |
| Measurement Uncertainty | ±0.10 to ±0.20 dB typical, depending on frequency and input power |
| Control Interface | USB HID |
| RF Connector | N-type male |
| Case Style | JL1504 |
| Dimensions | 4.89 × 1.74 × 0.95 in |
| USB Current | 40 mA typical; 70 mA maximum |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +50°C |
| Storage Temperature | −30°C to +70°C |
| RoHS Status | RoHS compliant |
| Export Classification | ECCN EAR99 |
Applications
Typical uses for the PWR-8GHS include:
Laboratory and benchtop RF power measurement
Signal-generator output calibration
Production test-system calibration
Amplifier output monitoring
Receiver and transmitter testing
Base-station and remote installation monitoring
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G and sub-6 GHz 5G testing
Automated RF test equipment
The sensor is particularly useful when a compact USB-controlled instrument is preferred over a conventional benchtop power meter.
Related Mini-Circuits Power Sensors
| Model | Frequency | Power Range | Measurement Type | Control | Speed |
| PWR-8GHS | 1 MHz–8 GHz | −30 to +20 dBm | CW average | USB | 30 ms |
| PWR-8FS | 1 MHz–8 GHz | −30 to +20 dBm | CW average | USB | 10 ms |
| PWR-8GHS-RC | 1 MHz–8 GHz | −30 to +20 dBm | CW average | USB and Ethernet | 30 ms |
| PWR-8PW-RC | 10 MHz–8 GHz | −60 to +20 dBm | Peak and average | USB and Ethernet | High-speed sampling |
Frequently Asked Questions
What signals can the PWR-8GHS measure?
The PWR-8GHS is designed to measure average power from CW or single-tone RF signals. It is not intended for direct peak, pulse-envelope or true-RMS measurements of complex modulated signals.
What is the measurement range of the PWR-8GHS?
It measures RF power from −30 to +20 dBm over a frequency range of 1 MHz to 8 GHz, providing a 50 dB measurement dynamic range.
Does the PWR-8GHS require a separate power supply?
No. It receives power through the USB connection and typically draws approximately 40 mA from the host computer.
Does the PWR-8GHS support Linux and Python?
Yes. Mini-Circuits provides direct USB programming support for Linux and programming examples for Python and several other languages. The graphical desktop application is primarily provided for Windows.
What is the difference between PWR-8GHS and PWR-8FS?
Both models cover 1 MHz to 8 GHz and measure −30 to +20 dBm CW signals. The PWR-8FS offers a faster 10 ms measurement rate, compared with 30 ms for the PWR-8GHS.
Can the PWR-8GHS measure signals above +20 dBm?
The guaranteed measurement range ends at +20 dBm. Although the sensor has a higher safe operational limit, signals above +20 dBm should be reduced with an external attenuator to protect the sensor and maintain specified accuracy.
