Comparison Between Thermoelectric and Bolometric Microwave Power Standards

This paper describes a comparison of microwave power standards based on thermoelectric sensors to 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 as being suitable for 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.