Rohde & Schwarz enters broadband amplifier market

Rohde & Schwarz has developed its first family of broadband amplifiers coded BBA100. BBA100's modular design allows users to select frequency range and output power as for their requirements. Individual amplifier modules can be replaced quickly and easily without system downtime. The R&S BBA100 is ideal for EMC applications in test houses and the electronics and automotive industry. These amplifiers are reliable enough for use in development labs and government agencies, and radiocommunications applications.

Juergen Nies, Head of the Broadcasting Division at Rohde & Schwarz, explains: "As the world market leader in TV transmitters, we have combined our amplifier expertise and our decades of experience in RF test and measurement in the R&S BBA100. The outcome of this effort is a market-unique broadband amplifier system that we have exactly tailored to the needs of our customers. It is modular throughout and allows the setup of complex systems in a minimum of space. Effective immediately, we will use these amplifiers in our own EMC systems to ensure that our customers get everything from a single source."

At market launch, the amplifier will have three frequency bands that cover the range from 9 kHz to 1 GHz and provide power up to 500 W. The base unit includes comprehensive control functions. The integrated system controller, for example, controls the frequency bands, switches the system components and monitors the R&S BBA100. Many previously external components are now integrated so that even complex test setups and amplifier systems can be implemented easily.

The basic version of the R&S BBA100 features up to three individually configurable interlock circuits that are each assigned to an RF path. This innovative safety concept makes it possible, for example, to work on the test setup or a DUT in one room while a test is being performed and RF power is output in another room. As an option, input switch modules for RF path selection as well as switchable sample ports can be selected. Output switch modules are coming soon.

The R&S BBA100 can be scaled and configured to optimally meet the test setup requirements. If higher output power and additional frequency ranges are needed later, the amplifier can be upgraded without having to replace the existing modules. The amplifier is field-serviceable and because upgrade components can be installed on site, customers can control the timing of their investments.

If servicing is required, the user can easily replace the individual amplifier modules in a few minutes without a service engineer.

The R&S BBA100 can be operated via a fully graphics-capable color display that shows the status of the amplifier system in detail and makes navigation intuitive. As an alternative, a web GUI allows the amplifier to be controlled from a PC or laptop with a web browser. Various remote-control interfaces allow integration of the R&S BBA100 into automated lab and test environments.

For further details visit www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/BBA100.html.