4 Steps for Making Better Power Measurements

This application note will provide you with a brief review of the four factors that influence the quality of your power measurements. Before you select a power meter and its associated sensors, make sure that you have taken the following four steps into consideration, each of which can influence the accuracy, economy, and technical match to your application.

1. Understand the characteristics of your signal under test and how they interact with the power sensing processes.

2. Understand power measurement uncertainties and traceability to a primary power standard at a national laboratory.

3. Understand the characteristics and performance of available sensor technologies and operating features of various power meters.

4. Make the performance comparison and select the right product for your application.