Comparison between Thermoelectric and Bolometric Microwave Power Standards

TL;DR

This paper compares microwave power standards based on thermoelectric and bolometric sensors, analyzing their accuracy and identifying their respective advantages and weaknesses across a broad frequency range.

Contribution

It provides a detailed comparison of thermoelectric and bolometric microwave power standards using a twin-type microcalorimeter, including error analysis and measurand definition.

Findings

Thermoelectric and bolometric standards have distinct advantages and weaknesses.

The study offers a systematic accuracy assessment for both standards.

Results inform optimal choice of power standard depending on application.

Abstract

In the paper, a comparison is described of the microwave power standard based on thermoelectric sensors against an analogous standard based on bolometric sensors. Measurements have been carried out with the classical twin-type microcalorimeter, fitted with N-connector test ports suitable for the frequency band 0.05 - 18 GHz. An appropriate measurand definition is given for being suitable to both standard types. A system accuracy assessment is performed applying the Gaussian error propagation through the mathematical models that interpret the microcalorimeter response in each case. The results highlight advantages and weaknesses of each power standard type.