Low Noise Wideband Preamplifier from 1 GHz to 6 GHz

• Frequency: 1 GHz - 6 GHz
• Application: EMI / EMC Measurements
• Gain: 30 dB
• Gain Flatness: ± 2 dB
• Max RF Input: +2 dBm
• DC Input: 10 VDC, max.
• Impedance I/O: 50 Ohms
• Connector Type: N (f)
• Battery Type: 6V NimH
• Power: 6 VDC, 500 mA
• Size: 7.5" x 5" x 3" / 9 x13 x 7.6 cm
• Weight: 2.5 lbs. (5.5 kg)

1. What is the PAM-6000 primarily used for?

The PAM-6000 is a microwave preamplifier designed to increase measurement sensitivity during radiated EMI emissions testing in the 1 GHz to 6 GHz range. It amplifies very low-level RF signals so they can be accurately detected by an EMI receiver.

2. Why is a preamplifier essential for EMI testing above 1 GHz?

Above 1 GHz, antenna factors increase sharply and RF cable losses become significant, especially with long cable runs in chambers. Without a preamplifier, real emissions may fall below the receiver’s noise floor, leading to missed or underestimated results.

3. How can static electricity damage a microwave preamplifier like the PAM-6000?

Static electricity (ESD) can discharge directly into the highly sensitive RF input stage of a microwave preamplifier and permanently damage it. This often happens when connecting or disconnecting antennas, probes, or cables that have accumulated static charge, especially in dry environments or large chambers.

4. What practical measures help protect the PAM-6000 from static electricity damage?

To reduce ESD risk:

• Always turn off the preamplifier before connecting or disconnecting RF cables

• Ensure antennas, near-field probes, and cables are properly grounded before connection

• Avoid handling RF connectors directly in low-humidity environments

• Use static-dissipative work practices and grounding straps where possible

• Place the preamplifier after the antenna is already positioned and stabilized

These steps help prevent sudden electrostatic discharge from reaching the preamplifier’s input circuitry.

5. Where is the PAM-6000 placed in a typical EMI measurement setup?

The PAM-6000 is typically installed between the antenna (or near-field probe) and the EMI receiver, as close to the antenna as practical. This placement boosts weak signals before they experience cable loss.

6. Which EMC test scenarios commonly use the PAM-6000?

The PAM-6000 is commonly used for radiated emissions testing above 1 GHz, including:

• CISPR and FCC radiated emissions measurements

• Automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics compliance testing

• Pre-compliance scans and diagnostic measurements

7. How does the PAM-6000 differ from a power amplifier?

A power amplifier is used to generate high RF power for immunity testing, while the PAM-6000 is a measurement-side device used to amplify weak received signals. It does not drive antennas or inject RF energy into the EUT.

8. Can the PAM-6000 be used with both antennas and near-field probes?

Yes. The PAM-6000 is commonly used with microwave horn antennas for far-field measurements and can also increase sensitivity when using near-field probes during troubleshooting and diagnostics.

9. Why is gain flatness important in a microwave preamplifier?

Flat gain across frequency ensures that measurement accuracy does not vary with frequency. This reduces correction complexity and helps ensure that emission trends reflect the EUT’s behavior rather than measurement system artifacts.

10. How does the PAM-6000 help compensate for long RF cable runs?

By amplifying signals before they travel through long RF cables, the PAM-6000 offsets microwave cable attenuation, preserving signal-to-noise ratio and improving measurement repeatability.

11. Why is noise figure important in EMI measurements?

Noise figure indicates how much noise a preamplifier adds to a signal. A low noise figure is critical when measuring emissions close to regulatory limits because it prevents the measurement system from masking weak signals with added noise.

12. What is the difference between noise figure and noise floor, and how do they relate to the PAM-6000?

Noise figure describes how much noise a device adds relative to an ideal amplifier, while noise floor is the lowest signal level the entire measurement system can detect.

The PAM-6000 has a noise figure of 5.7 dB (maximum). Combined with its ~30 dB gain, this significantly lowers the overall system noise floor, allowing weak emissions above 1 GHz to be measured reliably.

In short:

• Noise figure describes the preamplifier’s own noise contribution

• Noise floor describes the system’s detection limit

• The PAM-6000 improves the noise floor because its gain outweighs its noise contribution

13. Is the PAM-6000 suitable for both compliance and pre-compliance testing?

Yes. It is widely used in formal compliance testing and in pre-compliance or R&D environments where early detection of weak emissions is critical.

14. Why is battery operation useful in EMI test environments?

Battery operation allows the PAM-6000 to be used where AC power is inconvenient or undesirable and helps avoid introducing additional conducted noise into sensitive measurement setups.

15. How does the PAM-6000 reduce overall measurement uncertainty?

By improving sensitivity and maintaining stable gain, the PAM-6000 reduces missed emissions, minimizes reliance on receiver internal preamps, and improves confidence in results near compliance limits.

16. Can the PAM-6000 be used outside traditional EMC chambers?

Yes. It is suitable for open-area test sites, temporary lab setups, field diagnostics, and bench-level investigations, especially where measurement sensitivity is limited.

17. How is the PAM-6000 different from lower-frequency EMC preamplifiers?

The PAM-6000 is optimized specifically for the microwave range (1–6 GHz), where antenna behavior, cable losses, and noise challenges differ significantly from lower-frequency EMC testing.

18. What is a high-level, marketing-safe calibration workflow for the PAM-6000?

Typically:

• The unit is supplied with factory calibration data

• The preamplifier gain is entered into the EMI receiver or test software

• Periodic verification ensures gain remains within tolerance

• During testing, the PAM-6000 is treated as a fixed-gain front-end device

19. What are common mistakes when using a microwave preamplifier?

Common issues include:

• Overdriving the input and causing saturation

• Placing the preamplifier too far from the antenna

• Forgetting to apply gain correction in the receiver

• Using poor-quality or damaged RF cables

20. How does saturation affect EMI measurement accuracy?

When saturated, a preamplifier behaves non-linearly, causing emissions to appear lower than they actually are. This can lead to false passes and late-stage compliance failures.

21. Is the PAM-6000 intended to replace the receiver’s internal preamp?

No. It complements the receiver by improving front-end sensitivity, especially when external losses dominate system performance.

22. What types of products benefit most from using the PAM-6000?

Products with weak microwave emissions, high-speed digital interfaces, compact enclosures, or long test distances benefit most from the added sensitivity provided by the PAM-6000.

23. What is the key takeaway when selecting the PAM-6000?

If you perform radiated EMI measurements above 1 GHz and need reliable visibility into low-level emissions, the PAM-6000 is a practical, purpose-built solution that improves confidence, repeatability, and compliance margin.