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Adaptive Amplifier/Antenna/Cell Combinations Generate 10 To 200 V/m

Feb. 13, 2008

Related To: AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation

With today's strict design requirements, engineers are forced to closely scrutinize data sheets. To help them take those specifications further, a series of application notes shows how amplifier/ antenna/cell combinations can generate 10 V/m, 20 V/m, 50 V/m, 100 V/m, or 200 V/m continuous wave (CW) or pulse modulated as well as with 80 percent amplitude modulation (AM) for radiated immunity testing. From 10 kHz to 40 GHz, such generation is done inside a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) cell or ARCell, between the elements of an E-field generator, or at a distance of 1 m from a radiating antenna. This information is shown in application notes 19 through 23 from AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation.

Each of the documents comprises five pages. A table depicts the various amplifier/antenna/cell combinations. That table is used in conjunction with a product-selection flow chart and system diagram. To determine the right combination of products, one must first note the physical size of the device under test (DUT). It is the size of the test object that determines the appropriate path taken on the flow chart. When testing small objects, for example, a TEM cell provides an economical solution because it can be used instead of a radiating antenna and shielded enclosure.

The notes succeed in showing a clear breakdown of products according to frequency, CW and pulse or 80-percent amplitude-modulation amplifiers, antenna or cell, and DUT placement. The corresponding selection chart shows what equipment is required to generate 10 V/m, 20 V/m, 50 V/m, 100 V/m, or 200 V/m at a distance of 1 to 3 m.

AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation, 160 School House Rd., Souderton, PA 18964-9990; (215) 723-8181, Internet: www.ar-worldwide.com.

About the Author

Nancy Friedrich | RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense, Keysight Technologies

Nancy Friedrich is RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense at Keysight Technologies. Nancy Friedrich started a career in engineering media about two decades ago with a stint editing copy and writing news for Electronic Design. A few years later, she began writing full time as technology editor at Wireless Systems Design. In 2005, Nancy was named editor-in-chief of Microwaves & RF, a position she held (along with other positions as group content head) until 2018. Nancy then moved to a position at UBM, where she was editor-in-chief of Design News and content director for tradeshows including DesignCon, ESC, and the Smart Manufacturing shows.