- Rohde & Schwarz has introduced a new software package for its BBA300 RF amplifiers, designed for various test environments.
- The new software and intuitive operation allow users to accurately set the operating parameters of the amplifier and manage test sequences.
The BBA300 provides test signals, across a continuous frequency range from 380 MHz to 6 GHz at up to 300 W output power. It supports amplitude, frequency, phase, pulse and complex OFDM modulation.
The new BBA300-PK1 software option provides ready access to the extensive parameter sets offered by the amplifier. Through the use of user profiles and a simple web interface, operators have access to the functionality they need.
This software option introduces two tools: the ability to shift the operating point between Class A and Class AB; and the ability to choose between maximum RF output power and higher tolerance to mismatch at RF output.
“With the new BBA300-PK1 software option, users can fine-tune the test signal as they need. And because we use industry standards, control can be operated from any location using the ethernet to manage and measure results”, said Michael Hempel, Product Manager for Amplifier Systems at Rohde & Schwarz.
The ability to move the working point of an amplifier changes its response. As a Class A amplifier, the BBA300 provides excellent linearity and harmonic performance. Shifting to Class AB allows pulsed signals to be reproduced accurately at high power, while improving efficiency. The BBA300-PK1 software option also allows the user to set the amplifier between High Power Mode for high maximum power with a well-matched RF path and VSWR Mode for rated power with high tolerance to load mismatches. The VSWR Mode is useful in EMC applications, because it maintains rated power up to a VSWR of 6:1 before the amplifier gradually reduces its rated power to 50% for self-protection in the event of an open circuit or short circuit.
