The simplified method, and in particular the system base-RF-power determination used in the simplified method equation, only applies to far-field data. Why? Well, as an example, the radiation polar-plot provided by antenna suppliers is far-field data and in no way represents how the field-strength varies with angle close to the antenna.So where exactly is the near-field / … [Read more...]

The Simplified Method of Establishing the RF Power Required by a RF Immunity System Continued...Previously we presented the novel idea that the RF power required by a RF immunity system is a base RF power level (determined entirely by constants), minus the gain of the antenna. The basic principle is shown pictorially in Figure 1. The picture says the system RF power requirement … [Read more...]

The use of commercial items (CI) or commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment presents a dilemma between imposing military E3 standards and the desire to take advantage of existing commercial systems, and accept the risk of unknown or undesirable electromagnetic interference (EMI) characteristics. Regardless of the pros or cons of using COTS, any procured equipment should meet … [Read more...]

Please Note: - This blog entry continues the thinking behind the creation of the AH Systems webinar on selecting antennas for today’s test requirements. Supporting notes on the webinar can be found on the AH Systems website.(Hint - click the ‘Tech Notes’ Tab and simply select the first document listed on the main page itself).In the last entry we introduced a method that … [Read more...]

A.H. Systems recently sponsored an EMC Live webinar on selecting antennas for today’s test requirements in which I introduced a simplified method of establishing the amplifier power required by an above 1GHz RF immunity system. Existing methods, such as slotting numbers into a spreadsheet, do not provide the necessary visualization of the test system behavior, and provide … [Read more...]

Hopefully as you’ve been following along our SSRA related posts, you realize that Spectrum Supportability is not something that can be assumed; spectrum demand is increasing and available spectrum is decreasing. The requirement to perform and submit SSRAs is part of the DoD effort to ensure that we don’t continue to field systems with spectrum use issues and/or interference … [Read more...]

Whenever I missed an EMC show I always wished there was some sort of report I could read to get a feel for some of what I missed. To that end, here is one on Santa Clara. I have tried to make it informative and fun for non-attendees and attendees alike.This is a major event with a lot of presentations happening in parallel, and I could only attend a short time, so I apologize … [Read more...]