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Instruments, components help measure, protect against electromagnetic events

Sept. 22, 2017

This month’s Product Focus offers examples of several products that can protect your circuitry, that can assist with EMC test, or that come with features that protect them from adverse electromagnetic events.

In the first category, Littelfuse is offering bidirectional TVS diode arrays. “The enhanced ESD capability the SP1103C Series enables manufacturers to achieve ESD protection beyond the maximum level stated in the IEC standard,” said Tim Micun, business development manager for TVS diode arrays at Littelfuse. “It also protects against a multitude of other threats to ensure greater product reliability in the field.” In addition, TDK is offering leaded disk varistors, while AVX is offering ultralow capacitance versions. “Designed to handle higher transients than our proven-reliable AntennaGuard range, the new Antenna PowerGuard Series varistors are ideal for applications with capacitance-sensitive circuits that need to be protected against higher energy,” said Jiri Machanicek, product manager at AVX. “The series is also AEC-Q200 qualified, enabling its use in automotive applications.”

In the second category, Saelig is making available comb generators for EMC test, and AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation has introduced a line of solid-state field-generating systems that can serve as an alternative to traveling-wave tube amplifiers. In addition, B&K Precision is offering a programmable AC power source. “Power requirements vary widely by region and country, so we designed the new 9830 Series to allow development of a broad range of AC-power products for the global market,” said David Holt, senior product manager at B&K Precision. “These new AC power sources deliver a compact yet feature-rich and cost-effective solution that can meet designers’ current and future output power and frequency needs, while enabling precompliance testing in accordance with international standards.”

And finally, Richardson RFPD announced the availability of and full design support capabilities for a new power amplifier from MACOM Technology Solutions Inc. The MAAP-118260 includes on-chip ESD protection structures to ease the implementation and volume assembly.

Discrete bidirectional TVS diode array

New 80-A discrete bidirectional TVS diode arrays constitute the latest addition to the vendor’s SP11xx Series. The SP1103C Series 80-A discrete bidirectional TVS diodes offer circuit designers lower standoff voltage options for protecting lower voltage power buses from ESD damage. Constructed using TVS diodes fabricated in a proprietary silicon avalanche technology, these diodes protect each I/O pin to provide a high level of protection for electronic equipment sensitive to destructive ESD. These robust diodes can safely absorb repetitive ESD strikes at ±30 kV without performance degradation. Additionally, each diode can safely dissipate 80 A of 8/20-µs surge current with very low clamping voltages.

SP1103C Series TVS diode arrays offer low (0.01 Ω) dynamic resistance to ensure fast-acting ESD protection during an overvoltage event. Discrete bidirectional design allows them to work whether they are inserted forward or backward. Low breakdown voltages (3.3 V) protect power rails up to 2.8 V. Industry-standard leadless 1610DFN package is suitable for use in industrial, automotive, and commercial environments. The SP1103C Series (surface mount 1610DFN package) is provided in tape-and-reel format in quantities of 3,000. Littelfuse

Leaded disk varistors

Leaded EPCOS metal-oxide disk varistors have now been approved for an increased operating temperature of 105°C (previously 85 °C). The reason for the change is the recertification of the B722 Series varistors in accordance with UL 1449, 4th Edition, and IEC 61051. Raising the permissible operating temperature to 105°C also changes the climate category from 40/85/56 to 40/105/56. The flammability of the epoxy enclosure complies with UL 94 V-0.

The monolithic EPCOS varistors are available with rated voltages of between 11 VRMS and 1,100 VRMS and, depending on type, can withstand surge currents of up to 20 kA. To assist in the design process, the vendor makes available PSpice libraries. The varistors are suited for the protection of power-supply and converter inputs for industrial electronics applications as well as household appliances and telecommunication devices. TDK Corp.

Solid-state field-generating systems

A new line of solid-state field-generating systems for numerous markets and applications now offer an attractive alternative to using traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs) driving separate antennas to generate field strength up to 50 V/m. Performance characteristics of this magnitude (both in frequency and output power) were previously dominated by low MTBF, short warranty TWTAs, but these new solid-state designs offer better performance, increased reliability, and a 3-year warranty.

Applications include EMC radiated susceptibility for MIL-STD-461 testing, radar systems, communications, and TWT replacements. Specific product offerings include the AA18G26-20, 18 to 26.5 GHz, producing a field strength of 20 V/m at 1 meter; the AA18G26-50, 18 to 26.5 GHz, producing a field strength of 50 V/m at 1 meter; the AA26G40-20, 26.5 to 40 GHz, producing a field strength of 20 V/m at 1 meter; the AA26G40-50, 26.5 to 40 GHz, producing a field strength of 50-V/m at 1 meter; and the AA1000, rack-mounted power supply and control circuitry. AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation

ESD protection diodes

A new lineup of multi-bit, low-capacitance ESD protection diodes for high-speed interfaces can serve in in mobile devices, including smart phones, tablets, and wearable devices, and the new diodes support interfaces including USB 3.0/3.1 and HDMI. The new devices simultaneously deliver low capacitance, low dynamic resistance, and high ESD endurance. Minimum signal distortion of high-speed data signals is guaranteed by the ultralow capacitance of 0.2 pF, while a typical dynamic resistance of 0.5 Ω ensures low clamping voltages. High ESD protection levels are supported by electrostatic discharge voltages of at least ±20 kV according to IEC61000-4-2.

The new lineup of ESD protection diodes is available in three different package sizes to meet mounting space requirements. The small SOD-962 package is suitable for multiport applications that are expected to grow, such as USB Type-C; the flow-through DFN10 (2.5 Ă—1.0 mm) package can reduce the inductance of wires; and the SOD-882 (CST2) (1.0Ă—1.6mm) package can contribute to slimmer, smaller devices. Toshiba America Electronic Components Inc. (TAEC)

Comb generators for EMC test

Two new TBCGx comb generators serve EMC testing applications. The TBCG1 is a radiating comb generator with an internal dipole antenna and a base frequency of 100 MHz. It radiates a comb spectrum that is characterized up to 6 GHz. The comb generator is intended as a quick reference for testing radiated noise measurements in anechoic chambers, TEM/GTEM cells, and shielded chambers or for gauging the effectiveness of cable shielding and other shielding materials. With its built-in dipole antenna, the TBCG1 can be used in three orientations to emit vertically or horizontally polarized signals. It is a compact and portable device, powered by a 9-V alkaline cell. Being self-contained and battery-powered, there are no cables to disrupt the emitted field.

The TBCG2 is a versatile, passive comb generator/frequency multiplier that takes a square-wave input and creates a wide spectrum of comb frequencies. Based on a step-recovery diode design, this comb signal generator is optimized for an overall flat spectrum with an output frequency range from 1 MHz to 2.5 GHz. The recommended drive power is between +10 dBm and +20 dBm with an input frequency of 1 MHz to 350 MHz. The TBCG2’s capability to work with such low drive frequencies makes it also suitable for the measurement of cable resonances. Manufactured by Singapore-based Tekbox Digital Solutions and available from Saelig Company Inc.

Programmable AC sources

The 9830 Series programmable, single-phase AC power sources can test electronic devices during design, service, and manufacturing. Delivering up to 3,000 VA and featuring an operating frequency to 1,200 Hz, the 9830 Series builds on the vendor’s family of AC power sources, giving designers a versatile test instrument for developing products requiring a wide range of power.

The 9830 Series—Model 9832 with AC power of 2,000 VA and Model 9833 with 3000VA—are designed for R&D laboratories, service centers, and manufacturing applications. The 9832 and 9833 deliver highly accurate sine output with low total harmonic distortion (THD) when operating in AC output mode. Their built-in output options include sine, square, clip-sine, harmonic distortion, and user-defined waveforms. The 9832 and 9833 each feature an amplifier mode with 1.2-kHz bandwidth for generating complex arbitrary waveforms.

The sources offer low THD that meets the IEC 61000-3-2 standard (EMC limits for harmonic current emissions); they can be used in precompliance testing according to IEC 61000-3-2 and IEC 61000-4-11/14/28/34 (EMC immunity test and measurement techniques for voltage dips, short interruptions, and voltage variations). B&K Precision

Varistors for ESD protection

The new Antenna PowerGuard Series varistors represent an ultralow-capacitance extension of the vendor’s AntennaGuard range with new voltage, capacitance, and energy ratings. Antenna PowerGuard Series varistors exhibit high current and energy handling capabilities, low insertion loss, low leakage current, and improved reliability compared with diode options, the company said. These advantages, combined with AEC-Q200 qualification, bidirectional overvoltage protection, EMI/RFI attenuation, fast response times (< 1 ns), and multistrike capabilities make the small SMT packaged series suitable for use in RF and optic circuit, sensor, high-speed data-line, antenna, radar, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and other capacitance-sensitive applications across the automotive, industrial, and commercial markets.

The new Antenna PowerGuard Series varistors are currently available in two case sizes (0402 and 0603), three working voltages (18, 24, and 30 VDC), and three capacitance ratings (1.5, 2, and 3.3 pF). The series features a 25-kV ESD rating, energy handling capabilities spanning 0.02 to 0.04 J, and peak-current handling capabilities spanning 1 to 3 A, and the devices are rated for use in operating temperatures ranging from -55°C to +125°C with no derating. AVX

Power amplifiers

The MAAP-118260 fully-integrated power amplifier is suitable for use in 18-, 23-, and 26-GHz cellular-backhaul and point-to-point applications. The MAAP-118260 is a packaged linear power amplifier that operates from 17.7 GHz to 26.5 GHz and provides 28.5 dB of gain and an output third-order intercept point (OIP3) of +37.0 dBm with more than +28.5 dBm of output at the 1-dB compression point (P1dB).

The device is assembled in a lead-free, fully molded 5-mm, 24-lead, QFN package and consists of a four-stage power amplifier with integrated, on-chip power and envelope detectors. It includes on-chip ESD protection structures to ease the implementation and volume assembly. Additional key features of the MAAP-118260 include a typical bias of 5 V, 650 mA; a PSAT of 1.26 W; and power-added efficiency (PAE) of 18%. Manufactured by MACOM Technology Solutions Inc. and available from Richardson RFPD

Extended-rail RM8 transformers

The new MID-OLRM extended rail RM8 transformer series for offline applications are available with single or dual 5-V or 12-V outputs. These flyback transformers are built with grounded cores for improved EMI performance, small footprint, and reinforced insulation. The 7508112110, 7508112349, 750811618, and 7508116316 transformers are best suited for white goods, industrial controls, metering, LED lighting, offline flyback power supplies, space-constrained power supplies, and smart adapter applications.

The vendor says that for the past 30 years, the RM packages have required flying leads to meet reinforced insulation and creepage and clearance distances. Adding an extended rail to the existing RM8 package eliminates the need for flying leads. This package also meets the IEC 61558-2-16 standard with reinforced insulation. Wurth Electronics Midcom

RF power amplifiers

The CBA B-Series RF power amplifiers offer power levels up to 3 kW and a broadband range of 10 kHz to 6 GHz. The instruments are suitable for radiated and conducted RF EMC immunity testing in the commercial, automotive, aerospace, and military markets. With a smaller package design and more functions and features than the older CBA Series models, these RF power amplifiers offer a higher power density that saves critical lab space and also reduces cost.

The cost-effective CBA B-Series units feature input power protection to prevent damage to input devices from accidental overdrive, a touchscreen color display for immediate clear information on forward and reverse power plus amplifier status, and a forward power coupled output that eliminates the need for an external coupler, making the system easier to use. This power amplifier series also features a whisper mode that controls fan speed in order to keep the audio noise level at a minimum for current ambient conditions. USB, Ethernet, GPIB and RS232 interface come standard for data control and feedback. Teseq

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.

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