AD-100 V2.0 Half-Wave Tuned Dipole Antenna Kit

(855) 364-2362

AD-100 V2.0

30 MHz–1000 MHz

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AD-100 V2.0 Half-Wave Tuned Dipole Antenna Kit 30 MHz to 1 GHz Reference Antenna

AD-100 V2.0 Half-Wave Tuned Dipole Antenna Kit

  • Implements a precision half-wave tuned dipole antenna system covering 30 MHz–1000 MHz using four calibrated baluns (DB1–DB4).
  • Designed per Appendix E of ANSI C63.5 reference antenna drawings for site validation and antenna calibration applications.
  • Provides nominal 50 Ω impedance with VSWR <2.0 (average 1.5:1) and maximum continuous input power of 25 Watts.
  • Covers four frequency subranges: 30–65 MHz (DB1), 65–180 MHz (DB2), 180–400 MHz (DB3), and 400–1000 MHz (DB4).
  • Enables Normalized Site Attenuation (NSA) calibration of Open Area Test Sites (OATS) and Semi-Anechoic Chambers (SAC).
  • Serves as the mandatory reference antenna for broadband antenna calibration using the ANSI C63.5 reference antenna method.
  • Supports radiated emissions compliance testing per FCC, CISPR 16-1-4, and international EMC standards.
  • Used as a substitution antenna for Effective Radiated Power (ERP) and Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) measurements of intentional radiators.
  • Improves radiated test accuracy by providing calculable antenna factors using the ANSI formula: 20*log(freq in MHz) – 31.9 + balun loss.
  • Enhances EMC laboratory efficiency through tunable elements, collapsible extensions, and frequency-specific balun selection.

Features

  • ▸ Reference-grade tuned dipole standard — tuned half-wave dipoles are the reference (standard) antenna for EMC measurements; the AD-100 V2.0 is the antenna against which broadband antennas (biconicals, log-periodics, etc.) are calibrated using the reference antenna method described in ANSI C63.5:2006.
  • ▸ Full 30 MHz to 1 GHz coverage — complete frequency range subdivided across four standard ANSI C63.5 baluns (DB1: 30–65 MHz, DB2: 65–180 MHz, DB3: 180–400 MHz, DB4: 400 MHz–1 GHz).
  • ▸ Built per ANSI C63.5 reference dimensions — designed based on the Reference Antenna Example Drawings given in Appendix E of ANSI C63.5, ensuring conformity with the standard’s geometry requirements.
  • ▸ Adjustable (tunable) elements — element lengths are adjusted at each test frequency to maintain half-wave resonance, providing the precise impedance match and well-defined antenna factor that broadband antennas cannot match.
  • ▸ Per-balun factory verification — insertion loss of each balun is verified during manufacturing, and VSWR is measured at low, middle, and high frequencies of each balun’s range with elements tuned to resonance.
  • ▸ Calibration-by-calculation per ANSI C63.4 / CISPR 16-1-4 — no laboratory calibration is required beyond balun loss and VSWR verification; antenna factor is determined by formula (see below), simplifying acceptance and re-verification.
  • ▸ Optional NIST-traceable / ISO 17025 calibration — while not required by the standards, formal NIST-traceable or 17025 accredited calibration of the dipole set is available on request for labs that want it for QA records.
  • ▸ Suitable for OATS and SAC site validation — preferred antenna for discrete-frequency Normalized Site Attenuation (NSA) calibrations of Open Area Test Sites and Semi-Anechoic Chambers.
  • ▸ Substitution-antenna applications — used as the substitution antenna for Effective Radiated Power (ERP) and Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) measurements of intentional radiators (RF transmitters).
  • ▸ Rugged custom carrying/storage case — complete kit ships in a custom hard case sized to hold all four baluns and the full element set for organized transport and protected storage.
  • ▸ Modular replacement parts — individual baluns, fixed and collapsible element sets, tripod clamps, mast adapters, and the carrying case are available separately as replacement or supplementary items.
  • ▸ Three-year standard warranty — backed by manufacturer support.

Calibration Formula

Per ANSI C63.4 and CISPR 16-1-4, half-wave tuned dipoles do not require laboratory calibration beyond verification of balun insertion loss and VSWR. The antenna factor is determined by calculation.

For a theoretical “loss-less” half-wave dipole:

Loss-less Dipole Factor = 20 × log(Freq. in MHz) − 31.9

To account for balun loss:

Dipole Factor = 20 × log(Freq. in MHz) − 31.9 + Balun Loss (dB)

Worked example (using a typical 0.5 dB balun loss):

Dipole Factor = 20 × log(Freq. in MHz) − 31.9 + 0.5

NIST-traceable or ISO 17025 accredited calibration of the AD-100 V2.0 Tuned Dipole Set is available on request.

Frequency Subranges & Baluns

Start Frequency (MHz) Stop Frequency (MHz) Balun Designation
30 65 DB1
65 180 DB2
180 400 DB3
400 1000 DB4

Kit Components & Replacement Parts

Part Number Description
AD-100 V2.0 Half-Wave Tuned Dipole Antenna Kit, 30 MHz to 1 GHz, with carrying case
ABAL-AD100-DB1 V2.0 Balun, 30 MHz to 65 MHz
ABAL-AD100-DB2 V2.0 Balun, 65 MHz to 180 MHz
ABAL-AD100-DB3 V2.0 Balun, 180 MHz to 400 MHz
ABAL-AD100-DB4 V2.0 Balun, 400 MHz to 1 GHz
AELE-AD100-KIT V2.0 Antenna Element Kit (complete element set)
AELE-AD100V2-F3 Fixed Elements, 300 mm — 2 pieces
AELE-AD100V2-F7 Fixed Elements, 700 mm — 4 pieces
AELE-AD100V2-CL Collapsible Long Elements — 2 pieces
AELE-AD100V2-CS Collapsible Short Elements — 2 pieces
ATC-22M-AD Antenna Tripod Clamp — 22 mm rod
AMA-22MR Antenna Mast Adapter — 22 mm rod (optional)
CASE-AD100 V2.0 Carrying Case (replacement)

Specifications

Product Half-Wave Tuned Dipole Antenna Kit
Model AD-100 V2.0
Frequency Range 30 MHz to 1 GHz
Maximum Input Power 25 Watts (continuous)
Polarization Linear
Input/Output Impedance 50 Ω (nominal)
Antenna Factors -1.3 to 29.1 dB/m (nominal)
Isotropic Gain ≈ 1 dBi (nominal)
VSWR < 2.0 : 1 [average: 1.5]
RF Connectors N-type (female)
Calibration No formal calibration required per ANSI C63.4 / CISPR 16-1-4 (factory verification of balun loss and VSWR); NIST traceable / ISO 17025 calibration available on request
Minimum Element Length 2.5" [63 mm]
Maximum Element Length 109" [2777 mm]
Carrying Case Dimensions (W × D × H) 38.5" × 18" × 7.25" [978 × 457 × 184 mm]
Overall Weight 19.5 lbs [8.8 kg]

Element Lengths, Antenna Factors & Isotropic Gain

Frequency (MHz) Element Length (mm) Element Length (inches) Antenna Factor (dB/m) Isotropic Gain (dBi)
30 2413 95 -1.3 1.1
35 2080 81.9 0 1.1
40 1803 71 1.1 1.1
45 1600 63 2.2 1.1
50 1438 56.6 3.1 1.1
60 1197 47.1 4.7 1.1
70 1026 40.4 6 1.1
80 889 35 7.2 1.1
90 791 31.1 8.2 1.1
100 714 28.1 9.1 1.1
120 589 23.2 10.7 1.1
140 500 19.7 12 1.1
160 438 17.2 13.2 1.1
180 389 15.3 14.2 1.1
200 352 13.9 15.1 1.1
250 283 11.1 17.1 1.1
300 235 9.3 18.6 1.2
400 175 6.9 21.1 1.2
500 143 5.6 23.1 1.1
600 117 4.6 24.7 1.1
700 102 4 26 1.1
800 89 3.5 27.2 1.1
900 79 3.1 28.2 1.1
1000 76 3 29.1 1.1

All values are typical, unless specified. All specifications are subject to change without notice.

Title Link
AD-100 V2.0 Datasheet_Rev-D022326 View PDF
AD-100 V2.0 Manual_Rev-021626 View PDF
Old Version: AD-100A Datasheet View PDF
Old Version: AD-100A Manual View PDF

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AD-100 V2.0 Half-Wave Tuned Dipole Antenna Kit – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the AD-100 V2.0 half-wave tuned dipole antenna kit and what is its primary purpose in EMC testing?
The AD-100 V2.0 half-wave tuned dipole antenna kit is a precision reference antenna system covering 30 MHz to 1 GHz used in EMC compliance testing. It is specifically designed for Normalized Site Attenuation (NSA) validation, antenna calibration, and radiated emissions measurements. Unlike broadband antennas, it operates at discrete tuned frequencies, providing highly predictable performance required for standards-based validation work in EMC labs.

2. Why is a half-wave tuned dipole considered a reference antenna in EMC standards?
A half-wave dipole is considered a reference antenna because its electrical characteristics are well understood and mathematically predictable. Standards such as ANSI C63.4, ANSI C63.5, and CISPR 16-1-4 rely on this predictable behavior to define measurement accuracy. This allows labs to compare measured results against theoretical expectations, ensuring test site validity and repeatability.

3. What real-world EMC applications require the use of the AD-100 V2.0?
In real EMC environments, the AD-100 is used for OATS and semi-anechoic chamber validation, broadband antenna calibration, ERP/EIRP measurements, and regulatory compliance testing. It is commonly used during lab setup, accreditation processes, periodic site verification, and troubleshooting scenarios where high measurement accuracy is required.

4. How does the AD-100 V2.0 support ANSI C63.5 Appendix E requirements?
The AD-100 is built according to ANSI C63.5 Appendix E reference antenna design, including precise element geometry and defined electrical characteristics. This ensures it can be used as a standardized calibration reference for antenna factor determination and site validation, meeting strict regulatory requirements for EMC test facilities.

5. How does this antenna differ from broadband antennas like biconical or log periodic antennas?
Broadband antennas such as biconical and log-periodic antennas are designed for wide frequency sweeps and fast scanning. In contrast, the AD-100 is a tuned dipole antenna optimized for discrete frequencies, providing significantly higher accuracy. While broadband antennas are ideal for general testing, the AD-100 is essential when precision, traceability, and standards compliance are required.

6. When should engineers use a tuned dipole instead of a broadband antenna?
Engineers should use a tuned dipole like the AD-100 when performing site validation, antenna calibration, or substitution measurements. These tasks require high accuracy and known antenna characteristics, which broadband antennas cannot provide at the same level of precision.

7. How does the AD-100 V2.0 enable antenna factor calculations without calibration?
The antenna factor of the AD-100 can be calculated using the ANSI C63.5 formula, which relates frequency to antenna factor. Because the antenna is built to strict geometric and electrical standards, its performance is predictable, eliminating the need for frequent recalibration while maintaining measurement confidence.

8. What is the role of the four baluns (DB1–DB4) in this antenna kit?
The four baluns divide the full frequency range into optimized sub-ranges: 30–65 MHz, 65–180 MHz, 180–400 MHz, and 400–1000 MHz. Each balun ensures proper impedance matching and stable performance, allowing the antenna to maintain accuracy across the entire frequency range.

9. How is the AD-100 used in the substitution method for antenna calibration?
In the substitution method, the AD-100 is used as a reference antenna with known characteristics. Measurements are first taken using the dipole, then repeated with the antenna under test. By comparing results, engineers can accurately determine the performance of the test antenna.

10. Can the AD-100 V2.0 be used for ERP and EIRP measurements?
Yes, the AD-100 is widely used for Effective Radiated Power (ERP) and Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) measurements. Its predictable gain and known antenna factor make it ideal for determining transmitted power levels in wireless devices and intentional radiators.

11. How does the AD-100 compare to horn antennas at higher frequencies?
Horn antennas are typically used above 1 GHz due to their high gain and directivity. The AD-100 operates up to 1 GHz and is not intended to replace horn antennas in higher-frequency applications. However, within its range, it provides more accurate reference measurements than broadband antennas.

12. What standards and compliance frameworks require the use of this antenna?
The AD-100 is required or referenced in ANSI C63.4, ANSI C63.5, CISPR 16-1-4, and is also applicable in FCC, CE, and MIL-STD-461 testing environments. These standards rely on dipole antennas for validation and calibration procedures to ensure measurement accuracy and repeatability.

13. How does this antenna improve measurement accuracy in EMC testing?
Because it is tuned to specific frequencies and built to strict standards, the AD-100 minimizes uncertainties associated with broadband antennas. This results in more precise field strength measurements, especially during validation and calibration procedures.

14. What practical setup considerations are important when using the AD-100?
Engineers must ensure correct element length adjustment, balun selection, polarization alignment, and antenna height. Proper setup is critical for maintaining compliance with standards and ensuring repeatable and accurate results.

15. Can the AD-100 V2.0 be used in MIL-STD-461 testing applications?
Yes, the AD-100 can be used in MIL-STD-461 RE102 testing, particularly for verification and calibration steps. While broadband antennas are often used for scanning, the dipole is valuable for confirming measurement accuracy.

16. What types of EMC labs benefit most from this antenna?
The AD-100 is ideal for accredited compliance labs, certification facilities, R&D EMC labs, and chamber manufacturers. Any lab performing site validation, antenna calibration, or regulatory testing will benefit from having a reference dipole antenna.

17. Why is the AD-100 V2.0 considered essential equipment for EMC compliance testing?
The AD-100 provides a standards-compliant reference for accurate and repeatable measurements. It ensures confidence in test results, supports regulatory requirements, and reduces uncertainty in EMC testing workflows, making it a fundamental tool for professional EMC laboratories.

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