RefRad X Comb Generator 10 kHz - 3 GHz

RefRad X Comb Generator The newly developed battery-operated comb generator RefRad X is specially designed for checking the quality of radiated and conducted EMC and EMF tests. Initially introduced at the beginning of 2008, several modifications in the print design have enhanced the RefRad X considerably.

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Data Sheet

Manual

SPECIFICATIONS

RefRad X Comb Generator

Check out our Comb Generator Selection Guide.

The newly developed battery-operated comb generator RefRad X is specially designed for checking the quality of radiated and conducted EMC and EMF tests. Initially introduced at the beginning of 2008, several modifications in the print design have enhanced the RefRad X considerably.

The RefRad X Comb Generator can be used to perform conducted measurements. When the antenna element is attached the device turns into the convenient, easy-to-use RefRad X Field Source for radiated system checks with no cables required. With the available FibreLink X, an external synchronization with the measurement receiver makes a small measuring bandwidth possible and improves the signal-to-noise ratio by up to 30dB. Thus it is a valuable tool for engineers to ensure the quality of EMC tests in the frequency range between 10 kHz up to 3 GHz and beyond.

A comb generator is built inside a conical antenna element. Therefore no cable between the antenna and generator is necessary. This allows for repeatable measurement results and reliable simulation of radiation performance. Three switchable frequency settings are available: 10 kHz, 1 MHz, and 5 MHz.

Field Source Applications

  • normalized site attenuation measurements in fully anechoic rooms (FAR)
  • system checks for test labs (radiated emission)
  • shielding measurements
  • investigation of table and mast influence
  • laboratory inter-comparison measurements
  • test site correlation measurements (same type)
  • correlation of alternative test methods

Comb Generator Applications

  • system checks for test labs (radiated emission)
  • system checks for test labs (conducted emission)
  • “pseudo” EUTs
  • cable loss calibrations
  • normalized site attenuation measurements (SAC)
  • normalized site attenuation measurements (FAR)
  • laboratory inter-comparison measurements
  • test site correlation measurements (same type)
  • correlation of alternative test methods
  • chamber factor measurements
  • investigation of table and mast influence

FibreLink

  • synchronization of generator and receiver
  • REF-OUT of the receiver is converted to an optical signal and fed to RefRad X via fiber optic cable
  • Advantages:
    - 1 Hz RBW possible
    - Up to 30 dB more dynamic range compared to the built-in oscillator
    - Increased measurement accuracy due to better SNR
Set # RefRad X Battery Charger Conical Antenna H-Holder 20dB Att Transport Case Accredited Cal LISN Adators
    Conical Antenna for Radiating Conical Antenna for Radiating Conical Antenna for Radiating Transportation Cass for RefRad X Accredited calibration for RefRad X
RR2 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes  
RR1 Yes Yes     Yes Yes Yes  
RO1 Yes Yes         Yes  
RO2     X          
RO3       X        
RO4           X    
RO5               RO5-400
RO5-230
RO5-DC
RO6   X            
RO7         X      

 

Application Description
System  Check with Radiated Field Procedure: the well-defined field generated by the RefRad X Field Source is measured with the EMC/EMF measurement system. This measurement is done once with a well-checked setup as a reference, and it is repeated before each measurement campaign. A comparison between the reference and the actual system check ensures the quality of the results. 
Advantages:
  • convenient detection of defects in the receiving system
  • suitable for all antennas
  • suitable for GTEM and other microcells 
Considerations:
  • influenced by the test environment (EMF)
  • influenced by the EUT (EMC)
  • coupling to the receive cable hinders fault detection positioning can be critical
System Check with Antenna Coupler

Procedure: the well-defined field generated by the antenna coupler connected to the RefRad X Comb Generator is measured with the EMC/EMF measurement system. Same procedure as System Check with Radiated Field.
Advantages:

  • not influenced by the test environment (EMF)
  • not influenced by the EUT (EMC)
  • reliable detection of defects in the receiving system
  • easy and precise positioning for high repeatability

Considerations: 
individual coupler required for each antenna

System Check with LISN Coupler

Procedure: check of conducted emission test setup using the RefRad X Comb Generator and the LISN coupler. Same procedure as System Check with Radiated Field. 
Advantages: 

  • reliable detection of defects in the measurement system
  • easy and precise operation 

Considerations: 
individual coupler required for each LISN type

 

Application Description
Coaxial System Check

Procedure: check of a coaxial section of conducted or radiated emission test setup using the RefRad X Comb Generator and the protective attenuator. Same procedure as System Check with Radiated Field.

Advantages:

  • reliable identification of the fault source
  • easy and precise operation 
Normalized Site Attenuation Measurement,Semi Anechoic Chamber 

Procedure: the RefRad X Comb Generator is used as a signal generator in the normalized site attenuation measurement [1,2]. 

Advantages:

  • high measurement speed with modern EMI receiver
  • high output power guarantees a good signal-to-noise ratio
  • the FibreLink X can be used to increase the dynamic range by up to 30 dB
  • battery-powered operation avoids metallic cables in the test volume

Software: CalStan 11.0, NSA SAC module recommended

Normalized Site Attenuation Measurement, Fully Anechoic Room

Procedure: the RefRad X Field Source is used as a signal generator and transmit antenna in the normalized site attenuation measurement

Advantages:

  • ideal radiation characteristic, no metallic feed cable
  • high measurement speed with modern EMI receiver
  • high output power guarantees a good signal-to-noise ratio
  • the FibreLink X can be used to increase the dynamic range by up to 30 dB 

Software: CalStan 11.0, NSA FAR module recommended

Cable Loss Measurement Procedure: the RefRad X Comb Generator with the protective attenuator is used as a signal generator.

Advantages:

  • convenient measurement of installed cables
  • high measurement speed with modern EMI receiver 

Considerations:

  • overload of receiver possible when no attenuator is used

Software: CalStan 11.0, cable loss module recommended 

 

Application Description
Field Strength Transfer

Procedure: the RefRad X Field Source is used as a signal generator and transmit antenna to compare the site attenuation of different test site types. The field strength generated is measured on the calibration site (e.g., Open Area Test Site) and then in the GTEM cell. The difference is the calibration factor of the cell. 

Advantages:

  • calibration of TEM and GTEM cells
  • no metallic feed cable – no field disturbance
  • high measurement speed with modern EMI receiver
  • high output power guarantees a good signal-to-noise ratio
  • the FibreLink X can be used to increase the dynamic range by up to 30 dB 

Considerations:

  • overload of receiver possible when no attenuator is used
Shielding Attenuation Measurement

Procedure: the RefRad X Field Source, Sync Mode, is used as a signal generator and transmit antenna to investigate the shielding attenuation of enclosures. 

Advantages:

  • optical fiber does not degrade shielding performance
  • high output power guarantees a good signal-to-noise ratio

 


 
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