Amplifiers enable high-field immunity testing expansion

IBL-Lab GmbH, the DAkkS (Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH) accredited EMC test laboratory of IB-Lenhardt AG, has expanded its high-field immunity testing capabilities with a substantial investment in a suite of high-power amplifier systems from Rohde & Schwarz. This upgrade directly addresses increasing demands from the defense sector for rigorous and realistic testing compliant with standards like MIL-STD-461, AECTP-500, VG 95373 and VG 95370.

The core of this optimisation lies in the deployment of the R&S BBA300-FG180 amplifier (6-18 GHz), coupled with a Schwarzbeck HWRD650 EMS antenna through a direct-mount configuration. This approach eliminates RF cable losses, enabling IBL-Lab to achieve field strengths exceeding 400 V/m – a level rarely attained – with a target of surpassing 600 V/m.

The integration of Rohde & Schwarz equipment provides several key advantages for IB-Lenhardt. A comprehensive testing range from 9 kHz to 18 GHz is now supported by the integrated system comprising the R&S BBA300-FG180, R&S BBL200A-A5000, R&S BBA150-BC2000, and R&S BBA300-DE1000 amplifiers. Direct antenna mounting on the BBA300-FG180 maximizes power transfer and significantly boosts field strength in the 6-18 GHz range, a capability crucial for demanding defense applications.

As Florian Schmidt, Head of Department EMC at IBL-Lab GmbH, explains: “Direct antenna mounting on the BBA300-FG180 was the key to achieving field strengths exceeding 400 V/m in the 6–18 GHz range. Combined with our other amplifiers, this setup enables high-field immunity testing across the entire frequency range from 9 kHz to 18 GHz for demanding defense applications.”

Furthermore, amplifiers like the R&S BBA300-FG180 and R&S BBA300-DE1000 offer wide frequency coverage alongside high linearity, while the R&S BBL200A-A5000 delivers 5 kW of continuous power with 100% mismatch tolerance. Leveraging Rohde & Schwarz’s reputation for precision and reliability reinforces IBL-Lab’s DAkkS accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025) and NATO CAGE Code (CNH80), bolstering confidence in test results.