Broadband Amplifier Portfolio Expands to 1,000 W in Auto, Aerospace, Defense Apps
Rohde & Schwarz extended its R&S BBA300 family of compact, solid-state broadband amplifiers with the debuts of its R&S BBA300-DE500 and R&S BBA300-DE1000 models. The family now covers power requirements of 500 W and 1,000 W. Designed as single-band solutions, these units work over the entire frequency range from 1 to 6 GHz without band switching, significantly increasing efficiency in automated test sequences.
In the automotive, aerospace, and defense sectors, requirements for broadband amplifiers are steadily increasing. They must precisely generate high field strengths, especially in applications like vehicle component testing, full-vehicle testing, and high-intensity radiated fields (HIRFs).
R&S tackles this challenge by basing the BBA300 family on advanced solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) technology. The result: higher availability and robustness compared to traditional traveling-wave-tube (TWT) amplifiers.
These amplifiers handle a wide range of modulation types, from standard amplitude and pulse modulation to complex OFDM signals. Their high linearity and extreme mismatch tolerance results in reproducible measurement results even under difficult load conditions.
The high-power-density systems come housed in 30U racks pre-configured for mounting horn antennas. To minimize cable loss at high frequencies, the RF output (optimized with 7/16 connector characteristics) is positioned centrally in the rack. This shortens the path to the antenna and optimizes the system link budget.
The BBA-PK1 option (available for the BBA300-DE500) allows the unit to be flexibly adapted to specific testing requirements. Users are able to adjust the bias point to prioritize either maximum linearity for complex signals or precise reproduction of pulsed signals. In addition, the ratio between output power and mismatch tolerance can be individually configured.
"By expanding the BBA300 series to up to 1,000 W in single-band operation, we are directly addressing our customers' needs for higher test speeds and system reliability," said Ralf Heinrich, Product Manager at Rohde & Schwarz. "The combination of solid-state robustness and the ability to operate across ultra-broadband frequencies without band changes sets a new standard for efficiency in EMC test centers."
The BBA300 family features a modular concept. Existing systems can be expanded or combined with other amplifier families, such as the BBA130/150, to create tailored system solutions. This ensures high investment security for test houses and development laboratories.
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In his long career in the B2B electronics-industry media, David Maliniak has held editorial roles as both generalist and specialist. As Components Editor and, later, as Editor in Chief of EE Product News, David gained breadth of experience in covering the industry at large. In serving as EDA/Test and Measurement Technology Editor at Electronic Design, he developed deep insight into those complex areas of technology. Most recently, David worked in technical marketing communications at Teledyne LeCroy, leaving to rejoin the EOEM B2B publishing world in January 2020. David earned a B.A. in journalism at New York University.