Key facts:

• Power measurement range: 50 uW to 12 kW
• Frequency bandwidth: DC to 100 kHz
• Sampling rate: 500 ksample/s
• Supports three switchable crest factors

The R&S NPA101 comes with a brilliant QVGA color display (320 × 240 pixel) that can simultaneously display up to 10 user‑configurable measurement results with a refresh rate of 10 measurements per second. The instrument has a basic accuracy of 0.05 %. Signals are acquired from DC to 100 kHz with a sampling rate of 500 ksample/s. Current and voltage are displayed with 16 bit resolution. The R&S NPA101 logging function lets users store measured data with a timestamp in .CSV format for a nearly unlimited period of time. Screen content can be saved to a USB flash drive at the push of a button.

Beyond numerical displays of 26 critical parameters, the instruments offer optional graphical features and compliance protocols aligned with industry standards depending upon the chosen model. The NPA101 power meter delivers basic measurements in voltage, current, power, and THD applications. For more advanced analysis, the NPA501 power analyzer offers peak-to-peak value measurements, four BNC ports for analog and digital inputs and outputs, graphical functions including waveform and trend chart, inrush function, harmonics recording, and a PASS/FAIL feature, ideal for production testing. The inclusion of additional sensor input for connecting a current clamp or shunt further extends the current measuring range to meet user requirements. The top-tier model, NPA701 compliance tester, encompasses performance and compliance protocols such as IEC 62301, EN 50564, or EN 61000-3-2. Connecting to the device under test is streamlined through an AC mains adapter like the NPA-Z1, where the DUT is seamlessly integrated. The color-coded cables establish connections between the AC plug contacts and the corresponding NPA plugs. Different versions of the NPA adapters are available to support the different AC outlet types found in different regions of the world.

The entire NPA family is designed for remote control via Ethernet or USB interfaces, free driver packages for LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI allowing seamless integration into existing test systems. All this comes with the simple, user-friendly, and intuitive operating system of Rohde & Schwarz that navigates users through the settings and function menus.