EMC generator focuses on the field

EMC generator focuses on the field

RadiField_tmb Claiming a paradigm shift in EMC immunity testing, Dare!! Instruments has introduced a RadiField Triple A active antenna array. From now on, says the company, it is no longer about power, from now on it is all about field! The company is represented at this year’s Southern Manufacturing show by Frequensys.

A conventional EMC immunity test system is built from several discrete components: a signal generator, amplifier, coupler, one or two power meters, antenna and interconnecting cables. Due to cable, combiner and connector losses this is expensive and bulky. The company designed the Active Antenna Array or Triple A and introduces what it believes is a revolutionary approach, where amplifiers, combiner, power meters and antennae are combined in one integrated device, the patented RadiField Triple A. It makes cables, connectors and combiner redundant. There is no need for a 19-inch rack to be placed inside the anechoic chamber, either, often used as losses of long cables prevent customers achieving the required field. However this sidestep may disturb chamber characteristics and often causes self-inflicted influence of the test equipment itself.

The RadiField Triple A combines the RF field in an antenna array. Each antenna is driven by its own broadband integrated amplifier. The coupler and two power meters are brought together in one compact instrument. RF signal as well as power and the communication to the unit run over the same regular coaxial cable. The RadiSupply power supply is positioned outside the chamber in a standard modular RadiCentre. This can be equipped with the RadiGen signal generator. The RF signal from the RadiGen or other external signal generator is fed into the RadiSupply and relayed over the coaxial cable to the active antenna array.

This approach generates high fields at much lower cost, says the company. This is due to the high level of integration and the field combining approach. For example, fields of over 10V/m will be generated at an input of 0dBm at 3m distance over an homogeneous area. Higher fields can be achieved by stacking amplifier or antenna modules. To characterise a field generator, the three meter equivalent field is generated at a 3m distance over a homogeneous area of 1.5 x 1.5m. This parameter allows easy calculation of fields.

The RadiField Triple A is switched off by the RadiCentre interlock system the moment a door is opened during testing. The power supply is also safe, with the voltage used and because the voltage is immediately switched off the moment the communication with the RadiField is lost or disturbed.

See Frequensys on stand E32 or visit www.frequensys.co.uk

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