Juergen Nies, Director of the Broadcasting division at Rohde & Schwarz, explains: “As a world leader in TV transmitters, we combined our extensive amplification expertise with our long-standing experience in RF testing and measurement in the development of the R&S BBA100. The result is a unique broadband amplification system tailored to our customers' needs. It is completely modular, allowing for the configuration of complex systems in a minimal footprint. We will use these amplifiers in our own EMC systems to ensure our customers get everything from a single source.”
Upon its market launch, the amplifier will feature three frequency bands covering the range from 9 kHz to 1 GHz and a power output of up to 500 W. The base unit includes all control functions. The integrated system controller, for example, controls the frequency bands, switches system components, and monitors the R&S BBA100. Many previously external components are now integrated, allowing for easy implementation of even the most complex measurement setups and amplification systems.
The basic version of the R&S BBA100 features up to three individually configurable interlock circuits, each assigned to a single RF path. This innovative safety concept allows, for example, setting up a measurement or a DUT in one room while a measurement is being performed and RF power is being transmitted in another. Optional input switching modules for RF path selection and switchable sampling ports are available. Output switching modules will be available soon.
The R&S BBA100 can be configured to meet specific measurement requirements. If higher output power and additional frequency ranges are needed, the amplifier can be upgraded on-site without replacing existing modules.
Should maintenance be required, the user can easily replace the amplifier modules in just a few minutes without external assistance. Furthermore, Rohde & Schwarz's extensive service network guarantees very short response times.
The R&S BBA100 can be controlled via a color display that shows the system status in detail and allows for intuitive navigation. Alternatively, a web GUI allows the amplifier to be controlled from a PC or laptop using an internet browser. Several remote control interfaces enable the R&S BBA100 to be integrated into laboratories and automated measurement environments.
