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RF (Radio Frequency) field probes are an essential piece of equipment used for measuring the intensity of radiated RF fields. Although this instrument is crucial in implementing a radiation immunity test system, system specifiers often gloss over this essential element after spending a considerable amount of time and energy selecting amplifiers, antennas, and other equipment to generate the required RF field. A live test using a field probe will then determine if the RF test system’s expected performance has been achieved.
These specialized RF measuring instruments carry a unique set of specifications. Understanding the specification definitions, field probe design characteristics, and other varying features will, in turn, allow a confident and informed decision in choosing a suitable field probe.
The frequency response of a probe is one of the first probe specifications to consider and is the frequency range over which the probe’s performance is defined. Since no probe can provide a completely flat response across the entire frequency range, this spec is accompanied by a tolerance figure, generally provided as a ±dB allowable variation band. An example of a frequency response curve is shown in Figure 1. If the probe does not cover the entire frequency range of the test application, multiple probes may be required.
The sensitivity of a probe determines the lowest field level the probe can accurately measure and is important to consider when low field levels need to be measured. Some specs call for a field level of 1 V/m or even less, which may be below the sensitivity of many probes, or very close to its noise floor. The most sensitive probes can accurately measure a few hundred mV/m.
Field strength range is the amplitude range of RF field levels a probe can read. The greater this range, the better a probe is suited for test applications that span a wide range of test levels. An example of Field Strength Range is 0.5 – 800 V/m.
Dynamic range, used in the context of field probes, is closely related to the Field Strength Range. Dynamic Range conveys the magnitude between the lowest and highest specified field strengths (the Field Strength Range), expressed in logarithmic units of decibels (dB). As an example, a Field Strength Range of 0.5 – 800 V/m is expressed as 64 dB Dynamic Range.
The linearity spec is a measurement of deviation from an ideal response over the probe’s dynamic range. Linearity data is provided since an RF probe’s response may vary somewhat as a function of the applied field level. This characteristic can cause some variation in accuracy when testing at levels other than that used during calibration. For example, one might encounter a variation of ±0.5 dB across a dynamic range of 0.5 – 800 V/m.
This rating refers to the field level where damage can occur to the probe. Care should always be taken not to exceed this field strength with the probe present, even if the probe is turned off. Overload can be stated as a max pulsed level or a CW level. Example: 1000 V/m CW.
The variation of the probe’s response from ideal as it is rotated in the field is called isotropic deviation. While this deviation in measurement is usually verified at one frequency and in one rotational plane, some advanced probe calibrations can offer a more extensive calibration with isotropic response measurements taken at multiple frequencies. The graphic shown in Figure 2 shows a typical isotropic response of a probe. If calibration factors were applied to each axis, the resultant curve would approach an ideal concentric circle or completely isotropic. The term isotropic gives the impression that measurements are taken as the probe is rotated in every direction, however this is not the case due to the time this would take, and the resultant calibration cost. Example: ±0.5 dB, 0.5 MHz – 2 GHz.
The temperature stability is the deviation of the probes reading over the operating frequency range as temperatures vary. Example: ±0.5 dB over the operating temperature range.
Control refers to the method used to communicate with the probe. When performing EMC testing, fiber optic control is the only viable choice, as fiber optic cables are nonmetallic and will not interfere with the radiated immunity test setup. Furthermore, they are not susceptible to data corruption from voltage/current induced by the RF field.
Probes are designed to either detect ‘E’ (electric) fields or ‘H’ (magnetic) fields. E-field probes are more commonly used in many EMC tests and cover a much larger frequency range than H-field probes. H-field probes are more commonly used at low frequencies, typically below 1 MHz.
The most common type of field probes are probes designed to measure non-modulated Continuous Wave (CW) electric fields over a broad range of frequencies and amplitudes, and as such, these are commonly referred to as ‘CW’ probes. This is the field probe type that has been used within the EMC industry for many years.
However, many EMC specifications use modulation in some form, primarily Pulse Modulation (PM) or Amplitude Modulation (AM). A CW-only field probe is not appropriate for measuring these signals, and an alternative type of probe needs to be selected based on the modulation being used.
The product specification sheet should be consulted to understand the probe’s capability. Some probes are limited to specific modulation types, while others will measure CW, PM, and AM fields. When deciding on a field probe for measuring modulated fields, ensure that the probe selected is appropriate for the modulation being used. A CW-only field probe will often produce values in a modulated field; however, the readings will likely be erratic and would not be usable for field measurements. Consult the test standard being used for guidance on appropriate probe selection.
Here are some examples of test standards and associated modulation schemes:
| EMC Standard | Modulation(s) |
|---|---|
| RTCA/DO-160 | 4% Duty 1 kHz Pulse |
| 90% Depth Square Wave 1kHz | |
| 4uS Pulse 1 kHz Repetition Rate | |
| IEC 61000-4-3 | 80% Depth 1 kHz AM |
| ISO 11452 | 3uS Pulse |
| 80% Depth 1 kHz AM Peak Conservation | |
| MIL STD-461 (revisions E and later) | 50% Duty 1 kHz Pulse |
| 50% Duty 400 Hz Pulse |
Most modern EMC field probes are isotropic, with the probe measuring the field level’s total value and unaffected by field polarity. This total value is determined by combining the three different sensors’ measurements. The sensors are mounted orthogonally (perpendicularly) to each other, and are commonly referred to as X, Y, and Z. This configuration allows the detection of RF fields regardless of the probe orientation. Many current EMC standards require isotropic probes.
Some older probe designs, classified as non-isotropic, use a single sensor and can only detect a single field polarity. With this type, the probe must be carefully oriented, with respect to the field, to perform field measurements. Most EMC test standards require isotropic probes, precluding the use of non-isotropic models in these cases. Consult the test standard being used for guidance on appropriate probe selection.
Three-axis isotropic probes can be further differentiated as ‘separable-axis’ or ‘composite-only.’ Separable-axis probes allow detection and reporting of each axis’s field intensity individually. In contrast, three-axis isotropic probes that only provide a single composite field value are categorized as composite-only probes. Some test standards require the use of separable-axis probes, while other standards do not have this requirement.
Field probes come in various physical configurations, with common configurations being ‘stalk’-style and ‘monopole-over-ground plane’ style.
The stalk-style presents as an antenna ball on a pole, or stalk, remote from the probe’s body, as shown in Figure 3.3. This configuration separates the RF sensors from the reflective electronic housing via a stalk, which provides performance benefits. Separating the sensor elements from the housing allows minimizing the size of the sensor elements (antennas) in the probe head, resulting in the ability to operate at higher frequencies while also reducing disturbance to the field being measured. Minimizing the housing/body size will also reduce the disruption of the field. While the stalk probe is an excellent approach, there may be limitations in usage due to the measurement location’s physical constraints.
The monopole-over-ground plane style, seen in Figures 3.1 and 3.2, is typically seen as a metal cube or sphere, with three protruding orthogonal antenna elements. The cube or sphere body contains probe circuitry and acts as a ground plane for the antenna elements. The smaller overall physical size relative to the stalk probe may allow for use in applications where the stalk probe is too large.
Cube-style monopole-over-ground plane probes have a cubical-shaped body and come in various sizes. In general, the smaller, the better since a small probe has less effect on the RF field resulting in improved performance.
Sphere-style monopole-over-ground plane probes are typically preferred over cube-style probes by housing the electronics in a sphere that inherently has less effect on the RF field. In addition, the minimal field distortion is not position-dependent since there are no flat probe surfaces to contend with, reducing measurement variation due to probe orientation. The result is that a spherical probe style yields a flatter frequency and isotropic response than a cube probe.
Diode sensor probe type is currently the most common sensor used for RF field probes. Diodes have excellent sensitivity as well as a larger dynamic range than thermocouple sensors. However, diode sensors can have a non-linear response to modulated fields if steps are not taken in the probe’s design to correct this effect.
An alternative sensor type is a thermocouple sensor. Thermocouple sensors can measure the average amplitude of a repetitive modulated field correctly; however, the modulation envelope would need to be known if a maximum reading was required. These sensors do not suffer from the same nonlinear response to modulated fields that diode type sensors do; however, thermocouple type sensors have a much slower response time than diode-based sensors. Since thermocouple probes are less sensitive and have a narrower dynamic range than diode-type probes, they are not commonly used in EMC immunity applications.
There are two methods of powering a field probe: battery power and laser power. Providing power to the probe using wires is not recommended since the metallic power cord would adversely affect field uniformity. Energy induced by the RF field in the power cord may introduce errors in the field measurements.
Battery-powered probes contain batteries in the probe housing. While battery-powered field probes and monitors are useful for hand-held mobile usage, the trade-off is reliability. Rechargeable batteries have a limited charge life as well as occasional failures. Since some probe vendors require that the probe be returned to the factory for battery replacement and recalibration, a simple battery failure can shut down an immunity test system. Running out of battery power in the middle of a test is also a limitation of battery-powered probes.
For applications that do not require the mobility provided by a battery-powered field probe, laser powered probes have been designed to avoid the reliability issues encountered with rechargeable batteries. This Power over Fiber (PoF) system uses a high energy laser driver to deliver laser energy to the probe via the same fiber optic cable used for communications. A converter within the probe converts the IR back to electricity to power the probe. Unlike a probe that relies on rechargeable batteries for power, a laser-powered probe can operate indefinitely, which translates to a vast improvement in reliability and productivity.
Laser safety must be considered whenever products are used that contain lasers. These products will fall into various categories dependent upon laser characteristics and power. Regardless, products containing lasers need to comply with safety standards that exist to protect the user. Product manufacturers must ensure their product design incorporates proper safety mechanisms and labeling to conform to the applicable safety standard requirements.
If there were to be a significant variation of temperature between when the probe was calibrated and when the probe was used during a test, the probe reading would likely contain an error component due to this temperature variation. Some probe manufacturers supply a temperature correction equation that must be applied to correct for ambient temperatures that differ from the temperature at which the probe was calibrated. Since high field levels and even operating EUTs can generate a great deal of heat, it is difficult to actually determine the “dynamic” heat fluctuation at any given moment, much less apply the correction factor. Thus, this cumbersome chore is often ignored, which introduces a source of error. Some manufactures provide probe models with internal temperature compensation that automatically adjusts as probe temperature changes. For these probes, as long as the probe is used within its stated parameters, no additional temperature compensation is necessary, removing a source of thermal measurement error.
Field probes are specialized measuring devices and are available in various configurations and capabilities. Understanding these multiple configurations and functionality is critical when choosing a field probe. Frequency and dynamic range, E or H field, CW or modulated, composite or separable-axis, and laser or battery-powered are all important aspects to consider when selecting a probe. It is also important to review any test standards being used, as many test standards contain requirements for the field probe and thus should be consulted during the probe selection process.
Selecting the proper field probe with the appropriate characteristics and functionality is the first step toward performing RF field measurements. Once a probe is selected, using proper measuring techniques and best practices in operating the probe is important to achieve accurate measurements. These aspects are described and discussed in separate documents.
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