Featured Downloads

1. How To Use Antenna Factors 10/25/2021

   Antenna factor (AF) is a comparison between the field level presented to the antenna and the actual voltage produced by the antenna at its connector. AF varies with frequency, that is, for the same presented field strength. But at a different frequency, the voltage produced at the connector is not constant.

2. Magnetic Field Testing 10/18/2021

   The strength of the magnetic component of the electromagnetic field is typically measured with loop antennas. The design of loops varies with the application and frequency range. In most cases, the loops are electrostatically shielded by enclosing the wire turns inside a tubular conducting shield, which is broken at the some point around the periphery to prevent the shield acting as a shorting turn.

3. How To Determine Proper Antenna Calibration Intervals 9/21/2021

   An antenna calibration is a verification of performance and the measurement of the antenna's properties. Much of the success or failure of EMC testing depends on the performance of a calibrated antenna. Learn how to determine the proper antenna calibration interval with this application note.

4. Understanding And Implementing RF Current Probes 10/1/2020

   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.  

5. Understanding Antenna Gain, Beamwidth, And Directivity 4/9/2020

   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.

6. A Simple Guide To Antenna Selection 4/7/2020

   This guide discusses special considerations that are sometimes required in antenna design typically at very high and very low frequencies.

7. Why Connections Can Ruin Testing & How To Create A Valid Test Environment 4/7/2020

   Connectors will influence RF test results in various and sometimes unpredictable ways. Test equipment can compensate for some of these influences but often with detrimental effects. This article discusses how connections will affect test results and why it is important to create a valid test environment.

8. The Importance Of Antenna Beamwidth In RF Testing 9/17/2019

   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 its importance for compliance testing.

9. EMC Test System Power Amplifier Checks 8/28/2019

   Go inside a fault-finding test procedure that establishes the health of the preamplifier using its small signal performance data, which is gathered and checked against previously recorded data.

10. Biconical Antenna Selection 7/12/2019

    For many years, most regulatory standards called for the use of a half-wave dipole antenna set for frequencies above 20 MHz. However, to reduce test time, broadband antennas such as the biconical antennas began to be accepted.