VBA400 Series — 10 kHz to 400 MHz Class-A RF Power Amplifiers

Broadband, mismatch-tolerant RF power for EMC immunity and transducer drive
The VBA400 Series covers 10 kHz–400 MHz with true Class-A linearity and push-pull MOSFET output stages. The result is low distortion, high reliability, and unconditional tolerance of severe load mismatch—ideal for Bulk Current Injection (BCI), IEC 61000-4-6 conducted immunity, and demanding transducer/fixture drive. 

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 10 kHz–400 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. 

• Integrated digital interfaces (select models), including USB/GPIB for control/monitoring and interlocks. 

Models & Core Specifications 

Specification	VBA400-30	VBA400-80	VBA400-100	VBA400-110	VBA400-150	VBA400-260
Picture
Typ. Performance Curve
Frequency Range	10 kHz–400 MHz	10 kHz–400 MHz	1 MHz–400 MHz	10 kHz–400 MHz	10 kHz–400 MHz	10 kHz–400 MHz
Type	Class-A; rugged push-pull MOSFET	Class-A; rugged push-pull MOSFET	Class-A; rugged push-pull MOSFET	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	∞:1, 100 % mismatch tolerant	∞:1, 100 % mismatch tolerant	∞:1, 100 % mismatch tolerant
Rated / Typical Power	CW ≥30 W (37 W typ),  P1dB ≥20 W (30 W typ)	CW ≥80 W (90 W typ),  P1dB ≥60 W (70 W typ)	CW ≥100 W (>140 W typ),  P1dB ≥75 W (>100 W typ)	CW ≥110 W (>150 W typ),  P1dB ≥80 W (>110 W typ)	CW ≥150 W,  P1dB ≥100 W (>150 W typ)	CW ≥260 W (>300 W typ),  P1dB ≥210 W (>240 W typ)
Gain (min)	46 dB	48 dB	51 dB	51 dB	52 dB	54 dB
Gain Flatness	±2 dB	±2 dB	±2 dB	±2 dB	±2.5 dB	±3 dB
TOI (typ)	55 dBm	58 dBm	61 dBm	61 dBm	61 dBm	64 dBm
Harmonics @ Linear Power	< –20 dBc	< –20 dBc	< –20 dBc	< –20 dBc	< –20 dBc	< –20 dBc
RF Input / Output Connectors	Type N (f)	Type N (f)	Type N (f)	Type N (f)	Type N (f)	Type N (f)
Input Power (Mains)	85-264V ac 47-63Hz,  IEC320	85-264V ac 47-63Hz, 400VA  IEC320	85-264V ac 47-63Hz, <1kVA  IEC320	100-240V ac 47-63Hz, <1kVA  IEC320	100-240V ac 45-63Hz, <1kVA  IEC320	100-264V ac 45-63Hz, <2kVA  IEC320 C20
Size & Weight	19-inch, 3U Case, 440mm Deep, 12kg	19-inch, 3U Case, 440mm Deep, 13kg	19-inch, 4U Case, 550mm Deep, 17kg	19-inch, 4U Case, 440mm Deep, 18kg	19-inch, 4U Case, 500mm Deep, 18kg	19-inch, 6U Case, 440mm Deep, 30kg
Interface	non, Opt. USB/GPIB Interface	non, Opt. USB/GPIB Interface	non, Opt. USB/GPIB Interface	non, Opt. USB/GPIB Interface	non, Opt. USB/GPIB Interface	USB/GPIB control; front panel display.
Notes	Front or Rear connectors	Front or Rear connectors	Front or Rear connectors	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, broadband instantaneous bandwidth. 

Note: Some legacy datasheets list model-specific start frequencies (e.g., VBA400-100 from 1 MHz); Absolute EMC will help select the correct model against your standard and fixture bandwidth. 

EMC Applications & Standards Coverage

• Conducted RF Immunity (Coupling/Decoupling Networks): IEC/EN 61000-4-6.

• Automotive BCI/RI (clamp drive and forward-power control): ISO 11452-4, SAE J1113-4.

• Military Conducted Susceptibility: MIL-STD-461 CS114 BCI

• Avoionics Conducted Susceptibility: RTCA DO-160 Section 20 BCI testing

• Fixture/Transducer Drive: TEM/stripline fixtures, small RF antennas, current clamps, and injection probes across 10 kHz–400 MHz. 

Control, Monitoring & Protection (Model-Dependent)

• Local front-panel metering and interlocks; USB/GPIB remote control/monitoring on higher-power units (e.g., VBA400-260). 

• 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 400 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 VBA400-260 simplify integration). 

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 VBA400-260 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 (e.g., 210 W min on VBA400-260). 

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

Q4. How do I reach all Levels of MIL-STD and DO-160 requirements?
Yes, the VBA400-110 can be used to meet MIL-STD requirements at all levels with the correct BCI probe. The VBA400-260 can reach all levels to meet the +6dB requirements during DO-160 testing. A high-power BCI probe is needed. See IP-DR250

Ordering Information

• Models: VBA400-30, -100, -110, -150, -260 (10 kHz–400 MHz series; note model-specific start frequencies per datasheet). 

• Included: Amplifier, mains cable, user manual; 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.