Atec Com-Power-pa-840 User Manual
Application, Features, Preamplifier description
Application
Finding it difficult to measure low amplitude signals
radiating from equipment under test (EUT) is a com-
mon problem faced by most EMC test engineers.
This problem is more evident when testing products
above 1 GHz. A high gain preamplifier amplifies the
received signal before it reaches the receiver input so
that it can seen above the noise floor. Otherwise, these
signal will be completely missed during measurment.
For example, Horn antennas are recommended for
EMC measurements above 1 GHz. In a typical test
seup the receiving horn antenna is placed at a distance
about 1-3 meters from EUT and connected to the re-
ceiver via cable of suffient length. This arrangement
reduces the signal level at the receiver input due high
antenna factors and cable loss. A standard horn antenna
operating above 18 GHz can an have antenna factors
as has high as 40 dB/m in addtion to cable losses that
can be signinficant.
Some requirements specify extremely low emissions
limits, making measurement sensitivity even more
critical. Without a preamplifier, the noise floor of the
receiver may exceed the test limits.
Features
Broadband - 18 GHz - 40 GHz
High Gain - 25 dB typical
Gain Flatness - ± 2.5 dB.
Three Year Warranty
Com-Power Corporation
(174) 528 - 8800
www. com-power.com
PAM-840
Preamplifier
Description
The preamplifier model PAM-840 is a broadband,
high gain, bench top microwave preamplifier specifi-
cally made for EMC emissions testing applications.
It also can be used for other applications that require
signal amplification within its operating range. It has
an operating frequency range of 18 GHz to 40 GHz.
The PAM-840 has a gain variation of less than 2.5
dB for the entire frequency range with noise figure of
less than 3.7 dB, which the PAM-840 a good bench
top instrument for increasing measurement sensitivity
of analyzers and receivers to low amplitude signals.
It has simple front panel consisting of two 50 Ω K
type input and output connectors and power switch
with indicator light. Power to the unit is supplied by
an external wall mount adapter.
Each preamplifier is individually calibrated. The data
and certificate of calibration is shipped with the unit.
The PAM-840 is an excellent addition to a measurement
systemx that uses Com-Power AH-840 or AH-826 and
AH-640 horns.