Rohde & Schwarz has expanded its R&S®BBA300 family, a series of solid-state broadband amplifiers. With the introduction of the new R&S®BBA300-DE500 and R&S®BBA300-DE1000 models, this amplifier now covers power requirements of 500 W and 1000 W. Designed as single-band solutions, these units cover the entire frequency range from 1 GHz to 6 GHz without band switching, increasing efficiency in automated test sequences.
Requirements in the automotive, aerospace, and defense sectors are increasing. Generation of high field strengths is essential, particularly for vehicle component testing, full-vehicle testing, and High-Intensity Radiated Fields (HIRF) applications. The BBA300 family utilizes Solid-State Power Amplifier (SSPA) technology, offering availability and robustness compared to Traveling Wave Tube (TWT) amplifiers.
The units are designed for a range of modulation types, from standard amplitude and pulse modulation to OFDM signals. With high linearity and mismatch tolerance, these amplifiers deliver measurement results under load conditions.
A key feature of the new power classes is their power density. The systems are housed in 30U racks pre-configured for mounting horn antennas. To minimize cable loss at high frequencies, the RF output (optimized with 7/16 connector characteristics) is positioned centrally in the rack. This shortens the path to the antenna and optimizes the system link budget.
The BBA-PK1 option (available for the BBA300-DE500) allows the unit to be adapted to testing requirements. Users can adjust the bias point to prioritize either linearity for signals or reproduction of pulsed signals. Additionally, the ratio between output power and mismatch tolerance can be configured.
“By expanding the BBA300 series to up to 1000 W in single-band operation, we are directly addressing our customers’ needs for higher test speeds and system reliability,” says Ralf Heinrich, Product manager at Rohde & Schwarz. “The combination of solid-state robustness and the ability to operate across ultra-broadband frequencies without band changes sets a new standard for efficiency in EMC test centers.”
The BBA300 family features a modular concept. Existing systems can be expanded or combined with other amplifier families, such as the BBA130/150, to create system solutions. This supports investment continuity for test houses and development laboratories.