• VBA230 Series — 150 kHz to 230 MHz Class-A RF Power Amplifiers
  • VBA230 Series — 150 kHz to 230 MHz Class-A RF Power Amplifiers
  • VBA230 Series — 150 kHz to 230 MHz Class-A RF Power Amplifiers
  • VBA230 Series — 150 kHz to 230 MHz Class-A RF Power Amplifiers

VBA230 Series — 150 kHz to 230 MHz Class-A RF Power Amplifiers

  • Class-A operation for low distortion and highly linear RF output
  • 100% mismatch tolerant (Infinity:1 VSWR) with no fold-back protection required
  • Push-pull MOSFET architecture for even-order harmonic suppression
  • Wide instantaneous bandwidth from 150 kHz to 230 MHz
  • Compact rack or bench configurations for lab and chamber use
  • Designed for continuous EMC testing environments

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Select Options/Sizes:

VBA230-22, 150k-230MHz, 22W

VBA230-35, 150k-230MHz, 35W

VBA230-80, 150k-230MHz, 80W

SPECIFICATIONS

VBA 230 Series — 150 kHz to 230 MHz Class-A RF Power Amplifiers

150 kHz to 230 MHz | Class-A | 100% Mismatch Tolerant

The Vectawave VBA230 Series is a family of wideband, Class-A solid-state RF power amplifiers optimized for EMC immunity testing, transducer excitation, antenna drive, and general linear RF applications across the 150 kHz to 230 MHz frequency range.

 

Designed specifically for demanding EMC environments, the VBA230 amplifiers combine rugged push-pull MOSFET output stages with unconditional stability and continuous operation into severe load mismatch, including Infinity:1 VSWR. This makes the series exceptionally well-suited for IEC 61000-4-6 conducted immunity testing, BCI setups, and transducer drive where load conditions are unpredictable.

Key Technical Advantages

  • Class-A architecture for lowest distortion in immunity testing and stable operation into difficult loads; no fold-back needed during high reflection, ensuring full output even with open/short conditions. 

  • Push-pull MOSFET output topology suppresses even-order harmonics for cleaner spectra during test. 

  • Wideband 150 kHz–230 MHz coverage across the series for conducted RF, BCI, TEM/stripline, and small fixture/antenna drive. 

  • Unconditional stability & extreme VSWR tolerance (continuing at full power into open/short); suitable for varying BCI clamp impedances. 

 

Models & Core Specifications  

SpecificationVBA230-22VBA230-35VBA230-80
Picture
Typ. Performance Curve
Frequency Range 150 kHz–230 MHz 150 kHz–230 MHz 150 kHz–230 MHz
Type Class-A;
rugged push-pull MOSFET		 Class-A;
rugged push-pull MOSFET		 Class-A;
rugged push-pull MOSFET
Output VSWR Tolerance ∞:1,
100 % mismatch tolerant		 ∞:1,
100 % mismatch tolerant		 ∞:1,
100 % mismatch tolerant
Rated / Typical Power CW ≥22W (>27W typ.),
P1dB ≥16W (>20W typ.)		 CW ≥35W (>37W typ.),
P1dB ≥25W (>30W typ.)		 CW ≥80W (>90W typ.),
P1dB ≥70W (>80W typ.)
Gain (min) 46 dB 46 dB 50 dB
Gain Flatness ±2 dB ±2 dB ±2 dB
TOI (typ) 54 dBm 55 dBm 58 dBm
Harmonics @ Linear Power < –20 dBc < –20 dBc < –20 dBc
RF Input / Output Connectors Type N Female Type N Female Type N Female
Input Power (Mains) 85-264V ac
47-63Hz,  <120VA
 IEC320		 85-264V ac
47-63Hz,  <140VA
 IEC320		 85-264V ac
47-63Hz,  <400VA
 IEC320
Size & Weight 19-inch, 3U Case, 400mm Deep, 12kg 19-inch, 3U Case, 500mm Deep, 12kg 19-inch, 3U Case, 500mm Deep, 13kg
Interface none, Opt. USB/GPIB Interface none, Opt. USB/GPIB Interface none, Opt. USB/GPIB Interface
Notes Front or Rear connectors Front or Rear connectors Front or Rear connectors

Common characteristics (series): Class-A operation, rugged push-pull MOSFET output stages, mismatch tolerance for EMC, and broadband instantaneous bandwidth. 

 

EMC Applications & Standards Coverage

 

  • IEC 61000-4-6 conducted RF immunity testing
  • Bulk Current Injection (BCI)
  • Transducer and coil excitation
  • Antenna drive at VHF frequencies
  • Automotive, aerospace, and industrial EMC testing
  • General-purpose linear RF amplification

 

 

Control, Monitoring & Protection (Model-Dependent)

  • Designed for continuous duty in varying matches without fold-back, maintaining linear performance for repeatable immunity levels. 

 

Why Absolute EMC

Absolute EMC provides application-specific system design (BCI loops, clamps, CDN selection, power meters/couplers, LISNs), installation, and correlation guidance to IEC, ISO, SAE, DO-160, and MIL standards—so your amplifier integrates correctly with sensors, control, and calibration chains from day one.

What to Specify (Selection Guide)

  1. Required test method & level (e.g., IEC 61000-4-6 level X, ISO 11452-4 forward power for clamp Y).

  2. Fixture/transducer type and insertion loss.

  3. Required linear output (P1dB) at the highest frequency of interest.

  4. Available mains power and control interface needs (USB/GPIB).

  5. Space/rack constraints and RF connectorization.

 

Typical System Block 

Signal source / RF generator → leveling & power meter/coupler → VBA 1230 amplifier → CDN / BCI clamp/transducer → EUT, with reverse-power/VSWR monitoring and interlocks routed to the amplifier (∞:1 VSWR tolerance and unconditional stability on models like VBA230-80 simplify integration). 

Typical EMC Test Configuration Diagram

 

VBA230 Series in Conducted Immunity / BCI Applications

Signal Flow Description

 

  1. RF Signal Source
              A signal generator or EMC immunity controller produces the required test signal.
  2. VBA230 Series RF Power Amplifier
    • Amplifies the RF signal from 150 kHz to 230 MHz
    • Operates in Class A for low distortion
    • Maintains stable output under 100% load mismatch
  3. Injection Device
    • CDN (Coupling/Decoupling Network) for IEC 61000-4-6
    • BCI clamp for automotive and aerospace immunity testing
    • Transducer or antenna for direct excitation
  4. Device Under Test (DUT)
             RF disturbance is coupled onto cables or structures under controlled conditions.
  5. Monitoring & Control
    • Forward and reflected power monitored at the amplifier
    • Safety interlock ensures controlled operation
    • Optional USB/GPIB interfaces for automated immunity test systems

 

Why the VBA230 Series Excels in This Configuration

 

  • No fold-back protection ensures uninterrupted test levels
  • Infinity:1 VSWR tolerance protects the amplifier during unknown load conditions
  • Wide instantaneous bandwidth supports swept and fixed-frequency immunity tests
  • Compact 3U form factor simplifies rack integration in EMC labs

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Will the amplifier survive a severe mismatch from my clamp or CDN?
Yes. The series is designed for EMC use with 100% mismatch tolerance, and models like the VBA230-80 explicitly state that they operate at full power even with open/short circuits. 

Q2. Do I size by rated (P3dB) or linear (P1dB) power?
For immunity targets, size to P1dB at the top frequency to preserve linearity margin; see model-specific P1dB 

Q3. Can I remote-control the amplifier?
Yes—higher-power models provide USB/GPIB for enabling, metering, health, and interlock management. 

 

Ordering Information 

  • Models: VBA230-22, -35, -80 (150 kHz–230 MHz series; note model-specific start frequencies per datasheet). 
  • Included: Amplifier, mains cable, user manual, and interface kit where applicable.
  • Options/Accessories: RF directional couplers & power meters, BCI clamps, CDNs, TEM/stripline fixtures, control/monitoring packages.
  • Warranty & Support: Provided by Absolute EMC with commissioning assistance and application support.
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