ETS-Lindgren 3142B User Manual

Archived 09/23/10

Model 3142B

BiConiLog

MANUAL

™

Antenna

© EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002 REV C – PN 399229

Introduction MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA

Archived 09/23/10

EMC Test Systems, L.P. reserves the right to make changes to any product described herein in order to
improve function, design or for any other reason. Nothing contained herein shall constitute EMC Test
Systems, L.P. assuming any liability whatsoever arising out of the application or use of any product or
circuit described herein. EMC Test Systems, L.P. does not convey any license under its patent rights or the
rights of others.

© Copyright 2002 by EMC Test Systems, L.P. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this document may be copied by any means

without written permission from EMC Test Systems, L.P.

E-MAIL & INTERNET

[e-mail]
http://www.ets-lindgren.com

USA

1301 Arrow Point Dr., Cedar Park, TX 78613
P.O. Box 80589, Austin, TX 78708-0589
Tel [phone] Fax [phone]

FINLAND

Euroshield OY
Mekannikontie 1
27510, Eura, Finland
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]

SINGAPORE

Lindgren RF Enclosures Asia-Pacific
87 Beach Road
#06-02 Chye Sing Building
Singapore 189695
Tel [phone] Fax [phone]

© EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002
REV C – PN 399229

MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA Introduction

Archived 09/23/10

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 1

ASSEMBLY & MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS ....................................................................................... 4

APPLICATION WITHOUT THE OPTIONAL END PLATES .............................................................. 7

APPLICATION WITH THE OPTIONAL T BOW-TIE END PLATES ............................................... 9

TYPICAL DATA WITHOUT THE END PLATES ................................................................................ 10

TYPICAL DATA WITH THE END PLATES ........................................................................................ 13

SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................................... 16

MAINTENANCE ....................................................................................................................................... 17

WARRANTY STATEMENT .................................................................................................................... 18

© EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002
REV C – PN 399229

Introduction MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA

Archived 09/23/10

© EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002
REV C – PN 399229

MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA Introduction

Archived 09/23/10

INTRODUCTION

The ETS-Lindgren EMCO brand Model 3142B

BiConiLog™ Antenna is designed as a dual-purpose

antenna that can be used for both emissions and immunity

applications. The Model 3142B is a hybrid linearly

polarized EMC antenna consisting of a log–periodic dipole

array (LPDA) and a single bow-tie antenna. Although bow-

ties have been used for all elements on log-periodic

antennas in the past, in EMC applications the advantage

gained is an extension of the useful low frequency range of

the typical LPDA’s from 100 down to 30 MHz. At 30

MHz, an efficient single dipole type antenna must be 5

meters long, whereas suitable performance is obtained here

with a 1.7 meter long bow-tie.

A simple wire outline bow-tie antenna is narrowband

compared to a sheet bow-tie or biconical, thus struts are

added to the Model 3142B bow-ties to better simulate the

broadband sheet bow-tie. The standard “self-balun” feed of

the log-periodic also provides a matched, balanced feed to

the bow-tie elements. Below 150 MHz, bow-tie radiation

dominates with a dipole-like pattern, while above 150 MHz

the radiation in the plane of the elements is directional.

To prevent cable pickup below 100 MHz, the Model 3142B

contains a “balun” which acts as a common-mode choke to

© EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002 1
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keep unbalanced current off the coaxial feed cable outer

shield. Even though the Model 3142B is highly balanced,

in vertically polarized measurements cable position can

effect results so it is recommended that the cable be

Introduction MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA

Archived 09/23/10

suspended horizontally back from the antenna at least 1

meter before any vertical drop.

The antenna has a mounting bracket and 1/4X20 UNC

knob for attaching to an ETS-Lindgren tripod or tower

adapter. Individual antenna factors and gain calibration data

is included with each antenna.

The Model 3142B optional end plates (Part Number

106572) are available to improve gain for immunity testing.

This option consists of two end plates that are easily

attached and detached by hand using captive screw knobs.

When the end plates are attached it creates a T shaped bow-

tie element.

For any dipole–type antenna to transmit or receive energy

most efficiently, its length must be nearly a half

wavelength, which is about 4.6 meters long at 30 MHz, and

2.8 meters long at 50 MHz. Unfortunately, this is too

unwieldy for many anechoic chambers and test sites. The

optional end plates of the Model 3142B make it look like

an antenna twice as long as its 1.4 meter length. The result

is about a 10 dB improvement in low-frequency transmit

gain and receive antenna factor compared to a same-length

regular bow-tie.

With the end plates attached to the Model 3142B bow-tie

elements the equivalent dipole electrical length is

2 © EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002

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increased, thereby decreasing resonant frequency and

increasing efficiency in the 20-60 MHz range. Similarly,

the regular bow-tie has a lower resonant frequency than an

MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA Introduction

Archived 09/23/10

equal length single-wire dipole. The T end plate option has

its first resonance at a frequency where its length is about

0.22 λ, a regular bow-tie at a length of 0.3 λ, and a tuned

dipole at about a length of 0.48 λ. Thus at 50 MHz the 1.4m

long end plate option of the Model 3142B behaves like at

2.8 m tuned dipole. Cross-polar radiation is minimized

because current flow on one of the T end frames is almost

exactly cancelled by the oppositely-phased current on the

other T end.

© EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002 3
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Assembly & Mounting Instructions MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA

Archived 09/23/10

ASSEMBLY & MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS

The Model 3142B consists of the following:

1 ea. Antenna
2 ea. Bow-Tie Elements
2 ea. 1/4x20 Knobs for attaching Bow-Tie elements.
2 ea. Protective End Caps on the Bow-Tie elements.
8 ea. Screws to attach the Protective End Caps to
the Bow-Tie elements.

The Optional End Plate package consists of:

2 ea. T Bow-Tie Endplates
8 ea. Thumbscrew Knobs for attaching the
endplates to the bow-tie elements.

Step 1. Mount the Model 3142B on a tripod or tower

adapter, without the bow-tie elements attached.

Step 2. Slide the narrow end of one of the bow-tie elements

into the receptacle hole on the boom and align the

bow-tie with the receptacle on the boom as shown

in the picture. Insert one of the 1/4x20 knobs into

the opposite side of the boom where the bow-tie

was just inserted.

Slowly tighten the knob taking care not to cross

thread the connection. Cross threading this

connection could cause permanent damage to

the bow-tie element. Repeat Step 2 for the other

bow-tie element.

Bow-tie element connection to antenna

4 © EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002

REV C – PN 399229

boom.

MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA Assembly & Mounting Instructions

Archived 09/23/10

Step 3. Connecting the optional end plates to

create the T bow-ties. The Model 3142B

has a black end cap on each of the bow-

tie elements to protect them. In order to

utilize the optional end plates that create

the T bow-ties, the black end caps must

first be removed. Using a Phillips head

screwdriver carefully remove the four

Bow-tie element receptacle hole

and optional end plate with

screw knob.

screws in each of the bow-tie end caps.

Store the end caps and the screws in a

safe place, as they should be reinstalled

when you are done using the optional end

plates.

Align the four holes on the wide end of the bow-tie element

with the four holes on the end plate. Insert and slowly

tighten each of the 4 small knobs in the receptacle holes. Be

careful not to cross-thread this connection or permanent

damage to bow-tie could occur. Repeat Step 3 for the other

optional end plate.

Contact with any metal or non-metallic structure can

capacitively load the antenna, which may cause

unrepeatable results. Therefore, care must be taken to

ensure that no part of the dipole elements or bow-ties are in

contact with the tripod or tower, particularly in vertically-

polarized tests. Where possible, run the feed cable straight

at least 1 meter or more back from the Model 3142B before

dropping vertically.

© EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002 5
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Both horizontal and vertical polarization is easily

accomplished when the Model 3142B with the optional end

Assembly & Mounting Instructions MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA

Archived 09/23/10

plates is mounted on a tower. Vertical polarization on a

tripod requires special consideration. Since immunity

power requirements are many dB lower for vertical

polarization, the T end frames can be removed when

mounting vertically on a standard tripod. A special tripod is

available from ETS-Lindgren for vertical polarization with

T bow-ties intact. Please contact ETS-Lindgren for the

recommended mounting scheme.

6 © EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002

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MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA Application Without the Optional End Plates

Archived 09/23/10

APPLICATION WITHOUT THE OPTIONAL END PLATES

For emissions measurements, electric fields strength in

dB[V/m] is obtained from

E(dB[V/m]) = V(dB[V]+AF(dB[1/m])+α(dB)
where V is the receiver or spectrum analyzer voltage
reading, AF is antenna factor (see attached calibration

data), and α is cable loss, if cable losses are non-negligible.

For immunity testing, the electrical field strength generated

at a distance d can be approximated by

E(V/m) = √(30 P g) / d
where d is in meters, g is the numeric gain (10
attached calibration data), and P is antenna net input power

in watts. An estimate of the power required for any field

strength E can be obtained from Figure 4 in the Typical

Data section below, which shows power required in watts

to generate 1 V/m. Power shown is calculated from the

measured gain and corrected for VSWR. For any other field

strength, multiply the power in watts by desired E-field

squared, or

P(E V/m) = E2 P(1 V/m)

Actual transmitted field strength should be verified using

an ETS-Lindgren electric field probe or equivalent. An

estimate of the power required taking VSWR into account

G[dB]/10

, see

© EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002 7
REV C – PN 399229

is obtained from

= Pn / {1-[(VSWR-1)/(VSWR+1)]2}

P

f

where Pf is the forward (amplifier output) power and Pn is

the new power as discussed above.

Application Without the Optional End Plates MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA

Archived 09/23/10

For IEC 1000-4-3 type testing, the antenna tip can be

placed at any distance between 1 and 3 m from the EUT as

long as the front face plane is illuminated according to the

–0,+6 dB specification.

8 © EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002

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MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA Application With The Optional T Bow-Tie End Plates

()(

Archived 09/23/10

APPLICATION WITH THE OPTIONAL
T BOW-TIE END PLATES

For emissions testing it is recommended that the Model

3142B be used without the optional end plates. The

coupling of the endplates to ground will create higher

uncertainty values, particularly in the vertical polarization.

For more information about this issue see the article “Understanding
the measurement uncertainties of the bicon/log hybrid antenna” by
Zhong Chen in the 1999 issue of Item The International Journal of
EMC.

For immunity testing, the electric field strength generated

at a distance d can be approximated by the formula

30

V/m =

E

()

where d is in meters, g is the numeric gain (10
attached calibration data) and P is antenna net input in

watts. An estimate of the power required for any field

strength E can be obtained from Figure 3 or 4 in the

Typical Data section below, which shows power required

in watts to generate 1 V/m. For any other field strength not

show, multiply the power in watts by the desired E-field

squared, or

PE E PV/m V/m=

Actual transmitted field strength should be verified using

Pg

d

G[dB]/10

2

1

)

, see

© EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002 9
REV C – PN 399229

an ETS-Lindgren electric field probe or equivalent. For

IEC 1000-4-3 type testing, the antenna tip cam be placed at

any distance between 1 and 3 m from the EUT as long as

the front face plane is illuminated according to the –0,+6

Typical Data without the End Plates MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA

Archived 09/23/10

dB uniform field specification. In general, closer distances

require less power to create a given field strength.

TYPICAL DATA WITHOUT THE END PLATES

Figure 1 shows typical 26-200 MHz VWSR for the Model

3142B.

Figure 2 shows typical Model 3142B 26-2000 MHz

antenna factors. Distance for the ANSI 3 and 10 meter

calibrations is measured from the antenna midpoint, while

for SAE 1 meter calibrations the distance is measured from

the antenna tip. Midpoint is defined as half the distance

between the small elements and the bow-ties, which is

about 45 cm from the small end tip.

Figure 3 shows typical Model 3142B 26-2000 MHz gain,

derived from the 3 antenna method antenna factors.

Figure 4 gives approximate input power required to

generate 1 V/m at 1 and 3 meters. For any other field

strength E, multiply power in watts by E2.

10 © EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002

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MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA Typical Data without the End Plates

Archived 09/23/10

100

10

VSWR

1

10 100 1,000

35

30

25

20

dB[1/m]

15

10

MHz

Figure 1. Model 3142B Typical VSWR

1 m
3 m
10 m

© EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002 11
REV C – PN 399229

5

0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800 2,000

MHz

Figure 2. Model 3142B Typical Antenna Factor

Typical Data without the End Plates MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA

Archived 09/23/10

10

5

0

-5

-10

dBi

-15

1 m

-20

-25

-30
10 100 1,000

3 m
10 m

W

MHz

Figure 3. Model 3142B Typical Gain

1,000

100

10

1

0.1

0.01

0.001
10 100 1,000

1 m
3 m

12 © EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002

REV C – PN 399229

MHz

Figure 4. Model 3142B Typical 1 V/m Power Required

MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA Typical Data with the End Plates

Archived 09/23/10

TYPICAL DATA WITH THE END PLATES

Figure 1 shows typical 26-2000 MHz VSWR for the Model

3142B with optional end plates.

Figure 2 shows typical Model 3142B with optional end

plates antenna factors from 26-2000 MHz. Distance for the

ANSI 3 and 10 meter calibrations is measured from the

antenna midpoint, while for SAE 1 meter calibrations the

distance is measured from the antenna tip. Midpoint is

defined as half the distance between the small elements and

the bow-ties, which is about 45 cm from the small end tip.

Figure 3 shows typical Model 3142B 26-2000 MHz

forward power with optional end plates required for 1, 3,

and 10 V/m at 1 m from the tip of the antenna, while Figure

4 is for 3 m from the antenna tip.

The power shown was measured over a ground plane with

1.5m transmit antenna and probe height, horizontal

polarization. Horizontal polarization is the worst-case

power required; typically less power is required for vertical

polarization. In practice, many users place ferrite tiles on

the ground between the antenna and probe to reduce

reflected-ray interference. For any other field strength E,

2

multiply the power in watts for 1 V/m by E

.

© EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002 13
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Typical Data with the End Plates MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA

Archived 09/23/10

100

R

10

SW

1

10 100 1000

MHz

Figure 1. Model 3142B typical VSWR.

35

]
m

/

1

[
dB

F

30

25

20

1 m
3 m
10 m

A

15

10

5

10 100 1000

14 © EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002

REV C – PN 399229

MHz

Figure 2. Model 3142B typical antenna factor.

MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA Typical Data with the End Plates

Archived 09/23/10

1000

1 V/m
3 V/m

100

10 V/m
3 V/m 80% AM

10

W

1

0.1
20 30 40 50 60 70 80

MHz

Figure 3. Model 3142B typical 1 m forward power.

1000

1 V/m
3 V/m
10 V/m

100

10

W

1

0.1
20 30 40 50 60 70 80

MHz

Figure 4. Model 3142B typical 3 m forward power.

© EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002 15
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Specifications MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA

ς

ς

Archived 09/23/10

SPECIFICATIONS

ELECTRICAL

3142B

Frequency
Range

Input
Impedance

VSWR

CW power

Symmetry

Connector N female N female

With Standard Bow-tie
Elements

26-2000 MHz

50

50

2:1 average 2:1 average

1 kW, above 100 MHz
300 W, below 100 MHz

+/- 0.5 dB +/- 0.5 dB

With Optional End Plates

26-2000 MHz

1 kW, above 60 MHz
500 W, below 60 MHz

PHYSICAL

3142B

Height (bow-tie)

Width (bow-tie)

Depth (boom length) 90 cm

Weight 4 kg

With Standard
Bow-tie Elements

75 cm

29.5 in

135 cm

53.1 in

35.4 in

8.8 lb

With Optional
End Plates

75 cm

29.5 in

136 cm

53.5 in

132 cm

51.9 in

6.8 kg

14.9 lb

16 © EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002

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MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA Maintenance

Archived 09/23/10

MAINTENANCE

To ensure reliable and repeatable long-term performance,

annual recalibration of your antenna by ETS-Lindgren’s

experienced technicians is recommended. Our staff can

recalibrate almost any type or brand of antenna. Please call

to receive a Service Order Number prior to sending an

antenna to us for calibration.

For more information about our calibration services or to

place an order for antenna calibration visit our calibration

website at http://www.antennacalibration.com/.

© EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002 17
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Warranty Statement MODEL 3142B BICONILOG™ ANTENNA

Archived 09/23/10

WARRANTY STATEMENT

EMC Test Systems, L.P., hereinafter referred to as the Seller, warrants that standard EMCO
products are free from defect in materials and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from
date of shipment. Standard EMCO Products include the following:

 Antennas, Loops, Horns
 GTEM cells, TEM cells, Helmholtz Coils
 LISNs, PLISNs, Rejection cavities & Networks
 Towers, Turntables, Tripods, & Controllers
 Field Probes, Current Probes, Injection Probes

If the Buyer notifies the Seller of a defect within the warranty period, the Seller will, at the Seller’s
option, either repair and/or replace those products that prove to be defective.

There will be no charge for warranty services performed at the location the Seller designates.
The Buyer must, however, prepay inbound shipping costs and any duties or taxes. The Seller will
pay outbound shipping cost for a carrier of the Seller’s choice, exclusive of any duties or taxes. If
the Seller determines that warranty service can only be performed at the Buyer’s location, the
Buyer will not be charged for the Seller’s travel related costs.

This warranty does not apply to:

 Normal wear and tear of materials
 Consumable items such as fuses, batteries, etc.
 Products that have been improperly installed, maintained or used
 Products which have been operated outside the specifications
 Products which have been modified without authorization
 Calibration of products, unless necessitated by defects

THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE. NO OTHER WARRANTY, WRITTEN OR ORAL, IS
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE REMEDIES
PROVIDED BY THIS WARRANTY ARE THE BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES.
IN NO EVENT IS THE SELLER LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.

Note: Please contact the Seller’s sales department for a Return Materials Authorization (RMA)
number before shipping equipment to us.

18 © EMC TEST SYSTEMS, L.P. – MARCH 2002

REV C – PN 399229