Conductive Enclosure Shielding Effectiveness and Radiated Harmonic Leakage Dynamics
Enclosure seams and apertures control radiated harmonic leakage through transfer impedance, dictating gasket specs needed for global radio grants.
Double Ridged Horn Antenna
Meaning
Microwave transducers utilize flared waveguides with internal ridges to operate over a wide range of frequencies. The double ridged horn antenna is a standard tool for electromagnetic compatibility testing because it covers several octaves without needing a hardware change. Its application is limited to the frequency range where the waveguide remains in its intended mode of propagation.
Radiation Pattern
High gain and a predictable beamwidth allow for the precise measurement of radiated signals from a device under test. The double ridged horn antenna provides a stable reference for both emission and immunity testing in an anechoic chamber. Its shape focuses energy toward the target to minimize reflections from the walls.
This directional capability ensures that the recorded data reflects the performance of the unit rather than the room.
Frequency Response
Metal ridges inside the horn lower the cutoff frequency and allow the antenna to work at lower bands than a standard horn of the same size. Measuring with a double ridged horn antenna ensures that the test engineer does not have to stop the scan to swap antennas. This broadband capability is essential for modern high-speed digital devices.
Test Environment
Calibration of the probe is performed in a controlled space to establish the antenna factor. When a double ridged horn antenna is placed on a tripod, its height and polarization are adjusted to find the maximum signal strength. The resulting data is compared against regulatory limits to determine compliance.