Saelig introduces elite RF DAx/DBx RF amplifiers

Elite RF’s series of broadband RF amplifiers and modules, while diverse in application, are specifically geared for use in EMC testing applications and are available in power levels from 20W to 2000W. These solid-state amplifiers are biased class AB and feature built-in temperature and current protection. They cover the most popular spectrum ranges used by the test labs around the world, such as 9kHz – 100MHz, 9kHz – 400MHz, 20MHz – 1000MHz, 80MHz – 1000MHz, 500MHz – 6GHz, 1GHz – 6GHz, 2GHz – 18GHz, 18GHz – 26.5GHz, 26.5GHz – 40GHz and others. Higher power Elite RF systems and modules up to 5kW up to 1kW are also available. The DAx and DBx amplifiers are housed in metal 2U through 16U rack-mount cases for installing in system setups.

Amplifiers play a pivotal role in EMC testing, particularly in radiated immunity tests, where they are used to create high enough field strengths which are required to properly evaluate a device’s resilience to electromagnetic interference. Amplifier ‘class’ is defined by how the amplifier output stages influence the output signal over a full cycle of a sinusoidal input. Class AB Amplifiers are a hybrid class where both output amplifiers conduct around the waveform’s crossover point, eliminating crossover distortion. They are more efficient than class A and more linear than class B.

The two main forms of EMC compliance testing are immunity tests and emissions tests. Immunity tests gauge a product’s susceptibility to damage and improper operation when subjected to a wide variety of electrical disturbances and interference. Thorough immunity testing requires an RF signal source, an RF power amplifier, an RF receiver/power meter, electrostatic discharge (ESD) generator, electrical burst generators, surge generator, and a method of applying signals that closely mimic the requirements set in the US, EU, or other country standards.