Amp Adds Switches For Test Versatility

March 16, 2011

The Rohde & Schwarz BBA100 broadband amplifier system now includes a new series of switches to allow it to handle a wide range of measurement applications, including electromagnetic-compatibility (EMC) testing. The amplifier system can operate without need of external switching matrices. The new RF output switches can be used to apply the RF signal to various loads, such as clamps or antennas. The amplifiers can be specified in configurations with two inputs and one output or one input and two outputs, and also cascaded as needed.

A sample port switch automatically applies the right sample signal (forward and reflected power) to the sample ports when a frequency band is selected, for ease of use when connecting to other test instruments. The rack-mount amplifier systems operate from 9 kHz to 1 GHz with power levels to 500 W, with a software-upgradable system controller. The amplifier features a number of remote-control connections, including GPIB, USB, Ethernet, and optical Ethernet.

About the Author

Jack Browne

Technical Contributor

Jack Browne, Technical Contributor, has worked in technical publishing for over 30 years. He managed the content and production of three technical journals while at the American Institute of Physics, including Medical Physics and the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology. He has been a Publisher and Editor for Penton Media, started the firm’s Wireless Symposium & Exhibition trade show in 1993, and currently serves as Technical Contributor for that company's Microwaves & RF magazine. Browne, who holds a BS in Mathematics from City College of New York and BA degrees in English and Philosophy from Fordham University, is a member of the IEEE.