NTD Shielding supplies the full Vectawave range of solid-state broadband RF and microwave amplifiers for EMC immunity testing and related RF power applications. Designed and manufactured in the UK, Vectawave Class A amplifiers are used by test houses, defence contractors, automotive OEMs and research institutions around the world.
The range spans 10 kHz to 6 GHz at output powers from a few watts to over 3 kW CW, across 17 series groups, covering the full spectrum of immunity test requirements from IEC 61000-4-3 and IEC 61000-4-6 through to MIL-STD-461, DO-160 and ISO 11452.
Why Class A for EMC testing?
EMC immunity testing places demands on RF power amplifiers that typical communications applications do not. Antennas, coupling networks and test fixtures present highly variable and often severely mismatched loads, conditions that can damage or shut down conventional Class AB amplifiers.
Vectawave’s Class A design operates with a 360-degree conduction angle and a regulated constant drain current, meaning dissipation under mismatch is no greater than when the amplifier is idle. The result is an amplifier that continues to deliver power into adverse loads, including short and open circuits, without foldback, shutdown or damage.
Key benefits for EMC applications include low harmonic distortion (minimum −20 dBc), high output power at the 1 dB gain compression point (P1dB), and unconditional tolerance of mismatched loads up to infinity:1 VSWR.
About Vectawave
Vectawave Technology Limited has been designing and manufacturing broadband solid-state RF power amplifiers since 1997, operating from a purpose-built factory on the Isle of Wight. Every component in the RF signal path; drivers, couplers, dividers, combiners and amplifier modules is Vectawave designed and manufactured, giving full control over system performance and reliability.
NTD Shielding is proud to be Vectawave’s authorised UK distributor, providing local sales support, application advice and aftersales service for the full product range.
- 17 amplifier series from 10 kHz to 6 GHz
- 70+ models from a few watts to 3 kW+ CW
- 100% solid-state Class A design throughout
- ISO 9001 quality management certified
- 3-year manufacturer’s warranty as standard
The Vectawave amplifier range
All 17 series are available through NTD Shielding. Click any series to view full specifications and individual model datasheets on the Vectawave website, or contact us to discuss your application requirements.
| Series | Frequency Range | Output Power | Technology | Typical Applications | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VBA 100 | 10 kHz – 100 MHz | 30 W – 3 kW | Class A Si MOSFET | IEC 61000-4-6, MIL-STD-461 CS114, BCI testing | View series |
| VBA 230 | 150 kHz – 230 MHz | 22 W – 80 W | Class A Si MOSFET | General conducted immunity, BCI | View series |
| VBA 250 | 10 kHz – 250 MHz | 80 W – 2500 W | Class A Si MOSFET | IEC 61000-4-6, MIL-STD-461 CS114, high-power BCI | View series |
| VBA 200 | 12 MHz – 200 MHz | 3000 W | Class A Si LDMOS | High-power radiated and conducted immunity | View series |
| VBA 400 | 10 kHz – 400 MHz | 30 W – 260 W | Class A Si MOSFET | IEC 61000-4-6, ISO 11452-4, MIL-STD-461 CS116, DO-160 S20 | View series |
| VBA 400 (1 MHz start) | 1 MHz – 400 MHz | 100 W | Class A Si MOSFET | BCI, conducted immunity, general RF power | View series |
| VBA 1000 | 80 MHz – 1000 MHz | 65 W – 2000 W | Class A GaAs / Si | IEC 61000-4-3, ISO 11451-2, MIL-STD-461 RS103, DO-160 S20 | View series |
| VBA 1000 Extended | Up to 1000 MHz | 18 W – 70 W | Class A | Wide-band radiated immunity, general RF | View series |
| VBA 2000 | 1 GHz – 2 GHz | 50 W – 100 W | Class A GaAs | IEC 61000-4-3, MIL-STD-461 RS103, DO-160 S20 | View series |
| VBA 2000 Pulsed | 1 GHz – 2 GHz | 2000 W – 8000 W | Solid State GaN | RTCA DO-160 S20, high-power pulsed radar immunity | View series |
| VBA 1032 | 1000 MHz – 3200 MHz | 450 W | Class A GaN | IEC 61000-4-3, high-power microwave immunity | View series |
| VBA 0742 | 700 MHz – 4.2 GHz | 18 W – 250 W | Class A GaN | IEC 61000-4-3, MIL-STD-461 RS103, automotive EMC | View series |
| VBA 2060 | 2 GHz – 6 GHz | 15 W – 300 W | Class A GaN | IEC 61000-4-3, MIL-STD-461 RS103, DO-160 S20 | View series |
| VBA 1060 | 1 GHz – 6 GHz | 15 W – 500 W | Class A GaN | IEC 61000-4-3, MIL-STD-461 RS103, SAE J113/4, DO-160 S20 | View series |
| VBA 0860 | 800 MHz – 6 GHz | 15 W – 125 W | Class A GaN | IEC 61000-4-3, broadband microwave immunity | View series |
| VBA 0660 | 600 MHz – 6 GHz | 15 W – 200 W | Class A GaN | IEC 61000-4-3, broadband microwave immunity | View series |
| VBA 2700 | 700 MHz – 2700 MHz | 100 W – 200 W | Class AB GaN | PIM testing, general RF power applications | View series |
Selecting the right amplifier
The key selection parameters are frequency range, required output power at P1dB, and the applicable test standard. For radiated immunity testing to IEC 61000-4-3 the 80 MHz–1 GHz and 1–6 GHz series are most commonly specified; for conducted immunity and BCI testing to IEC 61000-4-6 and MIL-STD-461 CS114/CS116, the lower-frequency VBA 100, VBA 250 and VBA 400 series are typically the right starting point.
Vectawave’s own amplifier selection tool allows filtering by frequency and power. NTD Shielding can also advise on model selection, system integration and compatibility with existing test equipment — contact us with your requirements.
Relevant standards
Vectawave amplifiers are used across a broad range of immunity test standards. Those most commonly associated with the range include:
- IEC 61000-4-3 — Radiated immunity
- IEC 61000-4-6 — Conducted immunity
- IEC 61000-6-1 — Generic immunity, residential
- IEC 61000-6-2 — Generic immunity, industrial
- MIL-STD-461 RS103, CS114, CS116
- ISO 11451-2 / ISO 11452-4 — Automotive radiated & BCI
- RTCA DO-160 Section 20
- SAE J1113 / SAE J113
Need help selecting a Vectawave amplifier?
Whether you are specifying an amplifier for a new test capability, replacing an existing unit or building out a full immunity test system, NTD Shielding can help you identify the right model for your application and budget.