Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment a device is usable to measure radio frequency (RF) signals including microwave signals to provide an alarm when a power level at its input exceeds predetermined levels. A user can attach the device to a coax cable on a microwave or wireless tower to determine if certain power levels are present and what levels are exceeded. If high power is indicated by the device, the user will then avoid attaching that coax cable to other measurement equipment which would be damaged by excessive RF power. The device is further usable, for example, to apply power to one coax cable in a cable bundle then identify which cable of the bundle is getting the power by connecting the device on the output end of each coax in the bundle, one by one.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, an apparatus for analyzing signals comprises a spectrum analyzer and a frequency extension module. The spectrum analyzer includes an IF switch which switches between an internal IF signal and an external IF signal, and a LO coupler which is configured to output a portion of one or more LO signals. The frequency extension module is configured to receive the one or more LO signals from the spectrum analyzer and send an IF signal to the spectrum analyzer. A diplexer band switch is used to direct the low band signals to the spectrum analyzer and to direct the high band signals to the frequency extension module where they are downconverted to the external IF which is output to the IF switch.

Abstract: An enhanced programmable automatic level control loop comprising an input for receiving an input RF signal; a level modulator, wherein the level modulator receives the input RF signal and a control signal and wherein the level modulator produces a first signal; a mixer that receives the first signal and mixes it with an LO signal to produce a second signal; a programmable attenuator that receives the second signal and produces an output signal; a level detector that monitors RF power of the output signal and produces a DC voltage proportional to the RF power; and wherein the DC voltage is received at a loop amplifier which produces the control signal.

Abstract: An enhanced programmable automatic level control loop comprising an input for receiving an input RF signal; a level modulator, wherein the level modulator receives the input RF signal and a control signal and wherein the level modulator produces a first signal; a mixer that receives the first signal and mixes it with an LO signal to produce a second signal; a programmable attenuator that receives the second signal and produces an output signal; a level detector that monitors RF power of the output signal and produces a DC voltage proportional to the RF power; and wherein the DC voltage is received at a loop amplifier which produces the control signal.