Bolometer Bridge BM6010A

The BM6010A establishes itself as a groundbreaking tool for high-frequency and microwave power measurements, offering unmatched precision and flexibility. Its adoption by leading metrology institutes underscores its status as a best-in-class instrument for standards laboratory applications.

Three Integrated Units:

• Self-Balancing Bolometer Bridge: Ensures stable and accurate operation, ideal for precision power measurement.
• Reference Voltage Generator: Offers a highly stable internal reference voltage for reliable calculations.
• Zero Voltmeter: Enables precise null detection, critical for accurate bridge balancing.

These components are housed in a single, cohesive unit for seamless operation.

Bolometer Mount Compatibility:

• Designed for use with bolometer mounts, which are essential for accurate power measurement in high-frequency and microwave applications.
• Compatible with mounts that feature either coaxial or waveguide inputs.
• Supports both thermistor and barretter bolometer elements, offering flexibility for varying operational requirements.

The instrument’s performance, including frequency and power range, depends on the specific bolometer mount used. Typically, the power levels measured are below 10 milliwatts.

Precision in Measurement:

• • Incorporates four ultra-precise resistors, manufactured by Wekomm, adjusted to a precision better than 0.5 µΩ/Ω.
  • Long-term stability of better than 10 µΩ/Ω per year, ensuring consistent performance over time.
  • These high-precision resistors play a critical role in making the BM6010A one of the most accurate measurement bridges available.

Power Calculation:

• • • The BM6010A is not a direct-reading instrument, requiring manual or automated power calculation.
    • Internal reference voltage data suffices for most requirements, but demanding applications (e.g., National Metrology Institutes) benefit from an external high-precision voltmeter for enhanced accuracy.

Enhancements Over Tech II Bridge:

• Broader Application Scope: Addresses limitations of the Tech II bridge, enabling use in applications that were previously unattainable.
• Integrated Modern Features: Combines robust analog measurement techniques with microprocessor control and touch-screen operation.
• Improved Flexibility: Adapts to a variety of bolometer mounts and configurations, expanding its usability in standards laboratories and calibration facilities.

Long-Term Reliability and Standards Compliance:

• The BM6010A is built for longevity, with design and components optimized for minimal drift and stable performance over years of operation.
• Its adoption in National Metrology Institutes underscores its reliability and precision for primary reference calibrations.