RF & Wireless News Test & Measurement Teseq Offers New 100 A, 3-phase Burst Pulse CDN for EFT Testing Researchers aim to bring directivity to electricallysmall antennas Electrically-small antennas - antennas whose dimensions are small relative to the wavelenght of the signals they carry, are generally limited to omnidirectional radiation, which is suitable for many wireless applications for communicating objects, such as UHF RFID, wireless telemetry and home automation. CEA-Leti (Grenoble) and three partners in the SOCRATE project are developing concepts to significantly improve the directivity of electrically small antennas, which could create new wireless applications with improved spectral efficiency, reduced environmental electromagnetic impact and usage features that increase functionality. The SOCRATE Project is based on an analysis of the fundamental limits of radiation properties of compact antennas. It brings a new vision to the concepts of super-directional antennas with the contribution of new technologies. In addition to Leti, the project includes IETR, a French umbrella organisation for researchers in the electronics and telecommunications sectors. It also includes two industrial partners that are developing innovative applications requiring compact antenna directivity with UHF frequencies: Movea, leading provider of data-fusion and motionprocessing technologies for consumer electronics, and TAGSYS, provider of RFID-based item-level inventory management systems. The three-year project, initiated by CEA, will build two demonstrators to illustrate how super-directivity of miniature antennas could lead to the development of new applications in object designation and tracking. Movea‘s interests in the project include object designation with a universal wireless remote controller. The partners also will explore how a high degree of miniaturisation of the infrastructure can provide new mainstream applications, such as industrial and home automation, as well as wireless sensor networks. ■ CEA-Leti, www.leti.fr Teseq now offers a 100 A, 3-phase burst pulse coupling/decoupling network (CDN) designed for electrical fast transient (EFT) or burst testing. The new manual CDN 3083-B100 is ideal for use in the power and telecom industries. This CDN can easily carry out applications that require higher AC and DC voltages as well as high inrush or pulse-shaped peak currents like those found in renewable energy. Some applications include smart grid, inverters, solar, energy monitoring as well as applications for electric vehicles and charging stations. The CDN 3083-B100 can couple up to 8.8 kV (5/50 ns – 50 Ohms) EFT pulses simultaneously into the supply lines of the equipment under test (EUT). It is designed to be used with an EUT supply up to 690 VAC, either line-to-line or line to protective earth, Agilent Technologies Introduces World‘s Fastest USB Thermocouple Power Sensors with Best Linearity and Accuracy Agilent Technologies Inc. announced the Agilent U8480 Series, the world‘s fastest USB thermocouple power sensors. Based on the same front-end design as the Agilent 8480 and N8480 Series power sensors, the new U8480 Series offers improved specifications, including a measurement speed of 400 readings per second, 10 times faster than the legacy series. The U8480 Series provides the best accuracy in Agilent‘s power-meter and sensor portfolio and comes with a power linearity of less than 0.8 percent. As Agilent‘s first power sensor with the ability to measure down to DC, the U8480 Series covers a broader range of test applications. DCrange measurements are frequently used for source calibration, as power-measurement references, and for testing select electromagnetic compatibility. or up to 1,000 VDC line-to-line or line to protective earth. This compact, lightweight CDN is compliant to IEC 61000-4-4-Ed. 3.0. It is compatible with all brands of burst generators and is extremely portable. Teseq’s CDN 3083-B100 is convenient for field testing and allows for more set-up options in standard compliance applications because it is external to the generator and it’s very compact size. Although it is designed for continuous performance up to 100 A per phase, the CDN 3083-B100 can withstand higher currents for shorter durations of time. The CDN also features built-in temperature monitoring to prevent damage to its internal components and avoid overload. Teseq’s CDN 3083-B100 includes screw terminals rated for 200 A, a SHV burst input connector with maximum burst voltage of 8.8 kV and earth terminal grounding. Weighing approximately 5 kg (11 lbs), the CDN is 410 mm (16.14”) wide, 170 mm (6.69”) high and 190 mm (7.48”) deep. ■ Teseq Ltd www.teseq.com With USB functionality, U8480 Series power sensors plug directly in to PCs or USB-enabled Agilent instruments and offer users the ability to measure power without needing an external power meter or power supply. With their built-in trigger function, Agilent‘s thermocouple power sensors give test engineers the ability to synchronize measurement capture without needing an external module. The internal calibration function saves time and reduces wear and tear on connectors. These power sensors also come bundled with Agilent‘s N1918A Power Panel software, making the U8480 Series one of the most cost-effective solutions in the company‘s power-meter and sensor portfolio. ■ Agilent Technologies www.agilent.com 60 hf-praxis 10/2013
RF & Wireless TESEQ CBA 400M-260 Amplifier operates from 10 kHz to 400 MHz and has a rated power of 260 watts Teseq has expanded its broadband amplifier line to include a Class A linear and low distortion model that operates from 10 kHz to 400 MHz with a rated power level of 260 watts. For use in commercial or in-house EMC test laboratories, the CBA 400M-260 is ideal for automotive, military and aerospace BCI (bulk current injections) applications that require testing at higher levels and has a three year parts and labour warranty. Like other Teseq broadband amplifiers in its class, the CBA 400M-260 uses gallium arsenide (GaAs) integrated circuit technology to provide better compression characteristics and increased efficiency compared to silicon-based power amplifiers. This amplifier reduces overall power consumption. The new CBA 400M-260 is designed for demanding EMC testing environments with non-ideal load conditions due to mismatch caused by the coupling device or equipment under test (EUT) in an antenna’s path, making it ideal for automotive, military and aerospace BCI EMC testing. The push pull design of the GaAs amplifier circuit ensures high reliability and low distortion linear performance across the unit’s frequency range as well as continuous operation at full power, even when an open or short circuit is present. The CBA 400M-260 is powered from a switched mode power supply for high efficiency, giving the amplifier a high power factor and a wide voltage operating range. All tests are performed with this single band amplifier - no range switching or amplifier changes are necessary. Integral fans are built into the amplifier for cooling and an excess temperature sensor in the unit prevents possible damage due to a blocked filter or faulty cooling. A remote control option is available for the CBM 400M-260 upon request. Two safety interlock BNC connectors are provided for added flexibility should a standby mode be needed. Front panel indicators denote over-temperature and RF interlock conditions. The new TESEQ CBA 400M-260 amplifier features harmonics better than -20 dBc at 210 W output and has an operating temperature range from 0º to 40 ºC (32 ºF to 104 ºF) ■ Teseq Ltd www.teseq.com RF Solutions JFW Industries from Programmable Systems Rotary Attenuators Fixed Attenuators Terminations RF Switches Programmable Attenuators RF Power Dividers RF Matrix Switches RF Test Accessories Now Visit JFW at www.jfwindustries.de JFW Industries Call 317-887-1340 Toll Free 877-887-4JFW (4539) E-mail sales@jfwindustries.com Visit www.jfwindustries.com hf-praxis 10/2013 61
