Lightning strikes and other signal sources capable of generating high-intensity radiated fields can temporarily expose equipment to extremely strong electromagnetic fields. To ensure that various types of equipment—whether automobiles, aircraft or other devices—remain unaffected and undamaged, relevant tests specified by electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards must be performed. These standards define the requirements for high-intensity electromagnetic field testing, in which the required electromagnetic fields are generated by signal sources, high-power signal amplifiers and corresponding antennas.

With the latest air-cooled R&S BBA130-BC6500, BC9500 and BC13000 power amplifiers, high-intensity electromagnetic field testing applications can achieve continuous-wave RF power of up to 13 kW. The R&S BBA130-BC series covers a frequency range from 80 MHz to 1 GHz and has now been extended to higher power levels, with saturation power ratings of 6.5 kW, 9.5 kW and 13 kW, respectively. These solid-state power amplifiers provide excellent linearity up to the 1 dB compression point (P1dB), offer robust protection against impedance mismatch, and deliver high reliability.

Like all members of the R&S BBA130 amplifier family, these latest power amplifier models allow flexible performance adjustment to suit a wide variety of test applications. By switching the amplifier operating bias point between Class A and Class AB, the amplifier can provide either excellent linearity or highly faithful reproduction of pulse signals. With the power reserve function, the power amplifier can achieve an optimal balance between maximum output power under high VSWR conditions at the output and the ability to withstand higher reflected power.

Two high-intensity electromagnetic field test systems incorporating 9.5 kW, 80 MHz to 1 GHz power amplifiers (R&S BBA130-BC9500) have already been delivered to EMC laboratories in Europe and are now in operation.