Which equipment is appropriate for testing power levels in a coaxial system?

In a coaxial system, testing power levels is crucial for maintaining signal integrity and ensuring optimal performance. The appropriate equipment for measuring power levels in this context is a power meter.

A power meter is specifically designed to measure the power output in a coaxial cable system, providing precise readings of signal strength in both analog and digital formats. It works by assessing the RF (radio frequency) energy being transmitted through the coaxial cable, which is essential for diagnosing issues related to signal quality, attenuation, or interference.

Other devices, while useful in their own right, serve different functions. A spectrum analyzer, for example, provides insights into the frequency spectrum of signals rather than specifically measuring power in dBm or other units directly associated with signal strength. A power amplifier is employed to boost signal levels but does not measure them. Lastly, a multimeter, although versatile for measuring voltage and current, is not suited for accurately measuring RF power levels in coaxial systems, as it does not have the necessary calibration and features for frequency-specific measurements.