Tiny antenna claims large EMC functionality

Laplace Instruments has a new type of antenna for EMC and related testing applications.

Laplace Instruments has a new type of antenna for EMC and related testing applications.

The CTS011 antenna is novel in offering small size with high sensitivity.

It has been developed for applications where small size is paramount, such as screening tests in small enclosures, characterisation of test chambers and screened rooms, study of emission patterns from RF sources, EMC measurements in confined spaces and on-site field testing.

The key feature of this new product is that although it is very small, it matches the performance if the much larger conventional EMC test antennas.

The CTS011 antenna is a miniature dipole in a moulded housing just 9.5 x 7.5 x 2.0cm.

This includes a low-noise head amplifier that provides matching and equalisation to deliver high performance across the complete frequency range and a 50ohm output impedance.

Power to the head amplifier is provided by a phantom power technique from an interface unit.

This small interface unit (10.5 x 8.6 x 3.6cm) includes rechargeable batteries and 0 and 20dB gain channels.

Operating time on batteries is typically 8h.

All necessary cables and battery charger are included with the antenna and interface unit.

The small size, rugged packaging and battery powered design makes the CTS011 ideal for site investigations and mobile applications.

However, one of the main applications already identified for the antenna is the measurement of screening characteristics of small enclosures.

In the UK the antenna has already been specified for use in EMC screening assessments on equipment bays within aircraft structures.

With this antenna, performance comparable with the much larger (>1metre long) log periodic and bilog types is achieved across the entire range from 30MHz to 2GHz.

Typical calibration data is shown on the attached brochure which shows that the AF is within the range +10 to -14dB over the range 30MHz to 2GHz when used with the included preamplifier.

With such a small antenna, many of the undesirable consequences of conventional antennas are overcome.

For instance, in test chambers the effects of local coupling between walls and antenna elements is essentially avoided, measurements adjacent to floor or roof can be facilitated and a study of emission patterns from the EUT can be made.

This antenna is much more than an EMC antenna with a reduced size.

It opens up a whole new group of applications that could not be undertaken with the existing range of antennas.

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