High Power Log Periodic Antenna

• Frequency Range: 200 MHz to 1 GHz
• Power (CW): 500 Watts
• Average Gain: 6 dBi
• Average VSWR: 1.2: 1
• Polarization: Linear
• Impedance: 50 Ω
• Connector: N type (f)
• Width: 29 in / 75 cm
• Length: 29 in / 75 cm
• Weight: 5 lb / 2.2 kg

ALP-100 Power Log Periodic Antenna FAQs

What frequency range does the ALP-100 cover and why is its high-power capability important?

The ALP-100 operates over 200 MHz to 1 GHz and supports up to 500 watts of continuous input power. This allows EMC engineers to generate strong RF fields required for radiated immunity testing without switching antennas across the band.

What types of EMC tests commonly use the ALP-100 antenna?

The antenna is typically used for radiated immunity testing, radiated emissions measurements, Open Area Test Site (OATS) verification, semi-anechoic chamber validation, shielding effectiveness testing, field monitoring, and EMC site surveys.

Which EMC standards can be tested using the ALP-100?

The antenna supports compliance testing under standards such as FCC, CISPR, EN, ETSI, FAA, MIL-STD-461, and SAE automotive EMC standards.

How does the 500-watt power handling improve radiated immunity testing?

The 500 W continuous power capability allows the antenna to generate higher field strengths at standard test distances such as 1 meter or 3 meters. This enables laboratories to meet immunity test requirements without requiring extremely large amplifiers.

Why are log periodic antennas preferred for broadband EMC testing?

Log periodic antennas provide stable impedance, predictable gain, and wide frequency coverage. This allows EMC engineers to sweep a large frequency band without replacing antennas or tuning individual elements.

What gain and antenna factor characteristics does the ALP-100 provide?

The antenna provides typical isotropic gain of approximately 4.4 to 6.9 dBi and an antenna factor of about 11.7 to 24 dB(m−1). These parameters allow accurate conversion between measured voltage and electric field strength during EMC measurements.

What polarization does the antenna support and how is polarization changed during testing?

The ALP-100 provides linear polarization. The mounting assembly includes a hinge mechanism that allows quick switching between horizontal and vertical polarization, which is required for most radiated EMC tests.

What impedance and RF connector type does the ALP-100 use?

The antenna uses a 50-ohm nominal impedance and a Type-N female RF connector, making it compatible with most EMC receivers, RF power amplifiers, and measurement cables.

How is the ALP-100 calibrated for compliance measurements?

Each antenna is individually calibrated according to ANSI C63.5 with NIST traceability, helping support measurement accuracy and repeatability required for regulatory EMC testing.

Can the ALP-100 be used for both transmitting and receiving measurements?

Yes. The antenna can operate in transmit mode for radiated immunity testing and in receive mode for radiated emissions measurements, making it suitable for both compliance testing and engineering diagnostics.

How does the ALP-100 help simplify NSA calibration of EMC test sites?

A pair of ALP-100 antennas can be used instead of tuned dipole antennas for Normalized Site Attenuation (NSA) calibration. This eliminates the need to adjust dipole element lengths at each discrete test frequency.

What types of EMC laboratories typically use the ALP-100?

The antenna is widely used in commercial EMC compliance laboratories, automotive EMC testing facilities, aerospace and avionics test labs, military EMC environments, and product development EMC engineering labs.

What RF amplifiers are typically used with the ALP-100?

The antenna is commonly paired with broadband RF power amplifiers in the 100 W to 500 W range to achieve field strengths required by standards such as IEC radiated immunity tests and MIL-STD radiated susceptibility tests.

How does the ALP-100 perform in outdoor EMC test environments?

The antenna is built using heavy-gauge corrosion-resistant aluminum, making it suitable for repeated use in outdoor OATS facilities and demanding EMC laboratory environments.

What mounting options are available for the ALP-100?

The antenna includes a 1/4-20 mounting interface, allowing installation on antenna tripods, antenna masts, and positioning systems used in EMC chambers.

How can the ALP-100 be used for shielding effectiveness testing?

The antenna can transmit RF energy toward an enclosure while another antenna measures the attenuated signal. This setup is commonly used to evaluate shielding effectiveness of equipment enclosures, cabinets, and rooms.

How does antenna gain influence field strength during immunity testing?

Antenna gain concentrates RF energy in the forward direction, allowing laboratories to achieve required electric field strengths using lower amplifier power. The ALP-100’s broadband gain helps maintain consistent field levels across the full frequency range.