The Tekbox TBMDA2 is a modulated wideband driver amplifier designed to be driven by the tracking generator output of spectrum analysers, but can also be used as a general-purpose gain block. This way you can create an inexpensive signal source (e.g. CW, AM, PM) for immunity testing of electronic building blocks. With its 1 dB compression point of +27 dBm, it can boost the output of a tracking generator up to 500 mW of power. This unit has a built-in modulation capability to generate 1 kHz of AM or PM signals. Furthermore, in PM mode, it can also generate a 217 Hz signal at 12.5% duty cycle in order to simulate mobile phone TDMA noise.
Both input and output are standard SMA connectors, rated at 50 Ω. The amp is powered by a mini-USB-B port on the back side of the device. Supplying through a USB 3.0 port or a charger rated 1 A or higher is recommended.
A nice addition to this device is the Tekbox EMCview PC application which supports immunity testing with a feature for automated tracking generator control, which significantly simplifies immunity testing, especially in case of repeated testing during validation of DUT modifications/improvements. The software is supported by Rigol, Siglent and R&S FPC/FPH series spectrum analysers.
Please be cautious not to directly hook up the output of the device directly to a spectrum analyser. Reference the maximum input ratings of your spectrum analyser and use an appropriate attenuator.
Max input power | -8 dBm continuously, 0 dBm @ 25°C for 5 minutes |
1 dB output compression point (typ.) | +24 dBm (10 MHz) +27 dBm (100 MHz) +27 dBm (1 GHz) +26.5 dBm (1.5 GHz) |
Harmonics | < -30 dBc (typ.) |
Internal modulation frequencies | AM: 1 kHz ±10% PM: 1 kHz ±10%, 217 Hz ±20% |
Duty cycle (PM) | 50% ±10% @ 1 kHz 12.5% ±20% @ 217 Hz |
Gain |
44.2 dB @ 10 MHz 46.7 dB @ 100 MHz 46.6 dB @ 200 MHz 43.8 dB @ 500 MHz 39.3 dB @ 1 GHz 34.8 dB @ 1.5 GHz (download the manual for specific values) |
Supply | Mini-USB (5V, 700 mA) |
The following is included with the product:
Tekbox TBMDA2 manual |
(759.75 KB) | Download |