Electronic devices have become pervasive, enriching all aspects of our lives. As market applications in 6G and beyond, artificial intelligence, machine learning, medical telemetry, autonomous vehicles, IoT, drones and many more emerge, the quantity and sophistication of electronic devices will only increase. As the devices proliferate, so too does the potential for electromagnetic interference. This interference can range from a nuisance to complete product or system failure.
The industry uses electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing to measure the levels and effects of this interference. These tests measure radiated emissions, which is unintentional electric, magnetic or electromagnetic field energy that escapes the equipment. The tests will also measure conducted emissions that are unintentional energy emitted from the equipment on power or signal cables. In addition to measuring emissions, EMC testing will determine how well a device continues to function as intended in the presence of several electromagnetic phenomena.
The purpose of EMC immunity testing is to verify whether the equipment can function properly when exposed to high levels of RF energy. Typically, EMC immunity tests require field strengths in the range of 3 to 200 V/m. EMC power amplifiers (PAs) generate the RF power required to create the necessary field strengths required for EMC testing. A signal generator creates the test signal that is amplified by the PA and sent to an E-field generator. The magnitude of this E-field will be determined by the field strength required at a given distance from the antenna.
Figure 1 REMC18G40GC2 EMC benchtop power amplifier.
To meet these requirements, RF-Lambda has expanded its family of solid-state benchtop EMC RF system amplifiers with the REMC18G40GC2 that operates from 18 to 40 GHz. The performance of the device eliminates the need for multiple amplifiers and this conserves rack space, along with reducing costs. The PA’s input connector is a 2.92 mm male and the output connector is a WRD180C24. This product also has a calibration feature that enables customers to compensate for time and temperature changes. It also provides over-temperature and over-current protection, along with an autocalibration feature. The REMC18G40GC2 is shown in Figure 1.
To reach the high field strengths required for EMC immunity testing, the GaN-based amplifier provides a typical saturated power of 44 dBm over the frequency range. To reach these saturated output powers, the REMC18G40GC2 provides a typical small-signal gain of 60 dB. This gain level allows the user to reach the saturated power output using a standard input signal source. The precision of the output signal power is enhanced with the built-in 15 dB attenuator. Users can adjust the output power in 0.5 dB increments. The REMC18G40GC2 switches seamlessly between 110 and 220 VAC power inputs and there is a remote-control feature for added convenience. The full set of electrical performance parameters for the REMC18G40GC2 are shown in Table 1.
Figure 2 Gain at +25°C.
Figure 3 Pulsed saturation power with 5 dB attenuation.
Figure 2 shows the room temperature gain from 17 to 41 GHz, with markers set at the 18 to 40 GHz band edges. Despite the wide bandwidth of the unit, it easily meets the ±8 dB gain flatness specification. Figure 3 shows the saturation power versus frequency.
The REMC18G40GC2 is a versatile tool for EMC testing. With the wide frequency range and its performance characteristics, this benchtop EMC PA can be used in a variety of applications. These include wireless infrastructure, defense, aerospace, research and development and test applications.
RF-Lambda is a global company that continues to grow and evolve by challenging the boundaries of technology. We manufacture RF components and specialize in RF broadband and high-power solutions. Our designs and extensive customization capabilities create innovative solutions that connect people, places and things through high-power applications. RF-Lambda is ISO and ITAR-registered, we are empowering and revolutionizing RF components for defense, aerospace and commercial applications.
We offer a broad range of RF components, modules and systems. These components range from RF solid-state PAs and LNAs to RF switches, phase shifters and attenuators. With the microprocessor and FPGA capabilities that are included in our RF system designs, our products find use in high-power radar, phased array and broadband jamming systems. Whatever your need, we can offer customized designs supporting various applications, including wireless infrastructure, RF test equipment, defense and aerospace.
RF-Lambda’s state-of-the-art designs are important but repeatability and reliability are just as critical for those who depend on our products. We have implemented robust quality assurance procedures in our production lines and our facilities are compliant with standards like MIL-STD-883/810/202. Maintaining superior quality relies on understanding manufacturing processes and RF-Lambda is constantly improving these processes through stricter standards and superior equipment.
RF-Lambda
San Diego, Calif.
www.rflambda.com