Link Microtek, the manufacturer of RF and microwave components and subsystems, has introduced a new GTEM (gigahertz transverse electromagnetic) cell as a cost-effective alternative to an anechoic chamber for high-frequency EMC emissions and immunity testing.
Primarily aimed at those needing to carry out precompliance testing of portable equipment, the new AM18-GTEM can handle microwave frequencies up to 18 GHz, compared with a maximum of only about 500 MHz for traditional TEM cells.
In essence, the GTEM cell consists of a tapered coaxial transmission line, with a flat inner conductor and an outer conductor formed by the aluminum walls. Producing a uniform magnetic field of known pattern and intensity, the fully shielded GTEM has a characteristic impedance of 50 Ω and is terminated by a combination of resistive card and free-space microwave absorbers.
It has a maximum input power of 50 W and features an N-type input connector, as well as a screened side-access door to enable the equipment-under-test to be placed inside. The overall dimensions of the GTEM cell are 125 (L) x 65 (W) x 45 (H) cm.
Designed, manufactured, and calibrated in-house by Link Microtek’s engineering team, the AM18-GTEM offers space and cost savings, long-term stability, and the capability for making rapid and reproducible EMC measurements.
About the Author
Rick Nelson
Contributing Editor
Rick is currently Contributing Technical Editor. He was Executive Editor for EE in 2011-2018. Previously he served on several publications, including EDN and Vision Systems Design, and has received awards for signed editorials from the American Society of Business Publication Editors. He began as a design engineer at General Electric and Litton Industries and earned a BSEE degree from Penn State.