Articles
A collection of our recent articles on antennas and compliance testing.
Practical overview of antenna parameters
Article
Understanding key antenna parameters is essential for selecting and using antennas in virtually all applications. There are a variety of standardized methods for describing antenna parameters, and this article aims to provide an overview of key antenna parameters and relevant background.
Understanding Antenna Gain, Beamwidth, And Directivity
Article
Antenna gain is a performance indicator gauged in comparison to a reference source. This article explains antenna gain and dispels some of the misconceptions surrounding this valuable metric.
A Simple Guide to Antenna Selection
Article
Not all antennas are created equal, and when it comes to frequency different antenna styles perform better at some frequencies and not at others. This guide will discuss special considerations that are sometimes required in antenna design typically at very high and very low frequencies.
The Importance of Antenna Beamwidth in RF Testing
Article
Understanding antenna beamwidth and how it influences a test environment is critical to accurate and repeatable tests. This article defines antenna beamwidth, explores the antenna beamwidth properties and explains it's importance for compliance testing.
A primer on antenna near-field and far-field
Article
This paper aims to educate those new to the concepts of antenna field regions and help readers to understand the calculations involved in determining the boundaries between the various regions.
Connections in RF testing
Article
Almost every RF test setup requires connectors and cables. Knowing how the connections used in a test setup will affect test results is important to create a valid test environment.
4 Reasons To Get A Bilogical Antenna First For Device Testing
Article
There are many types of antennas, but for most companies, the first investment should be in a bilogical antenna. Used in a variety of applications such as radiated emissions, immunity and shielding effectiveness testing this flexible and convenient antenna is an inexpensive solution to broadband applications.
Make Smart Use Of Preamps In RF Testing
Article
There are a number of ways that mistakes with preamps in test configurations can lead to misleading or incorrect readings or even damaged equipment and unnecessary costs. With some attention and proper equipment matching, results will be accurate and useful, and expenses will remain at a minimum.
Antenna Factor Calculations and Deviations
Article
The term "Antenna Factor" is used in EMC/EMI testing to convert received voltage to the radiated field intensity. This article explains the terms definition and it's deviations.
Biconical Antenna Selection for Compliance Testing
Article
The Biconical Antenna is considered a standard workhorse for every compliance test lab. Used in a variety of applications such as radiated emissions, immunity and shielding effectiveness testing; this article will help guide the decision process of which Biconical Antenna to purchase.
Understanding and Implementing RF Current Probes
Article
Current probes generate and measure RF currents, combining great diagnostic utility with ease of use. However, a basic knowledge of these devices is necessary to maximize their effectiveness.
Selecting antenna/power amplifier combinations for the coming new RF immunity standards
Article
This article explains different power amplifier / antenna matching combinations for some new RF immunity standards. Though far from certain, it looks as if 6 GHz is a strong candidate for the upper frequency for consumer products.
VSWR Explained
Article
VSWR Stands for 'Voltage Standing Wave Ratio' and is used in EMC to specify the effect of a mismatch presented to a test system signal. Here is a brief history and Explanation the term VSWR.
