The PowerAIM 120 Vector Impedance Analyzer offers the broadcast engineer the full capabilities of a single port network analyzer, in a small lightweight software driven instrument that is easy to carry onto airlines and in the field. It is also very simple to set up and use but very accurate even at tens of thousands of ohms of impedance. All impedance parameters are measured and calculated. The software for the PowerAIM is loaded on a laptop computer, which is coupled to the instrument via a USB port. The PowerAIM is particularly beneficial to broadcast engineers involved in the adjustment and final commissioning of AM HD radio transmission systems. The instrument is calibrated in a similar manner to a network analyzer utilizing an open, short and 50-ohm or other resistance load. The start and stop frequencies have to be specified to define the frequency scan range.
Scans can be overlaid on top of each other and also re-cycled to make adjustments in real time. The instrument can be NIST calibrated in the field or in house, so no need to send to expensive labs every year. Measurements can be made at the input port or at the end of a transmission line section or at the end of test leads. The leads or transmission lines can be calibrated out quickly. Besides antennas any RF component can be measured over any frequency range of the instrument. It can then be used to, for instance, scan the input impedance of an antenna tuning unit (ATU). The swept impedance data can be saved in an EXCEL spreadsheet or as a scan file to be recalled later or used as a image for documentation. It is possible to specify the type and length of transmission line between the transmitter output and the antenna tuning unit input plus the phase shift of the transmitter output network in order to display the impedance sweep that would appear at the RF final output of the transmitter for the purposes of optimization of the transmission system for IBOC operation. The swept impedance data can be displayed in a linear data plot showing both rectangular and polar impedance values or in single or dual Smith Chart plots in which case the ATU input sweep could be displayed in one chart, and the transmitter RF final output impedance could be displayed in the second chart. The corresponding VSWR and return loss plots can also be displayed. I t includes specific tools for IBOC set up, including rotational smith chart, automatic SWR ratio calculator, and more. Markers are easy to apply and remove, and display on the dynamic Smith Charts as well. The Zo impedance can be anything including complex impedances to mimic what the PA section of a transmitter sees. Smith charts are normalized to any impedance including complex impedances.
It has a powerful custom calibration function that can completely calibrate out a complex filter or other RF componentry.
The PowerAIM 120 can also be used as an impedance bridge. It incorporates a tone generator with adjustable loudness such that the target setting for a given network branch, for instance, can be pre-defined after which component adjustments can be made until the tone is suppressed; hence yielding the correct reactance.
The PowerAIM 120 includes several functions, such as distance to fault, ¼ stub macro tool, crystal measurements, and other functions used by RF engineers.
The PowerAIM120 kit includes the portable battery-powered instrument; open, short and 50-ohm calibration loads; a re-chargeable SLA (FAA approved) battery with recharger. A Pelican carrying case, which includes space for a customer-supplied laptop computer, or the laptop computer is also be supplied with the instrument. This versatile antenna system analyzer is now available at a low introductory price of $2,995.
Software updates are included free for a year, and $99.00 afterwards. The instrument will continue to function at any level of software.
Due to the patent pending hardware and software DSP filters the PowerAIM 120 is the capability to measure the impedance of an antenna with as much as 50 volts peak-to-peak externally generated RF voltage appearing at the input to the analyzer on the same frequency, even though it is producing only milliwatts of RF itself. The instrument is self-protected against a higher RF input overload. This feature makes it possible to use this instrument to conduct antenna system impedance sweeps in the presence of incoming co-channel or adjacent channel nighttime skywave radiation. There are techniques that can be applied to successfully measure antennas with more the 50 volts of RF on them by using a filter or attenuator.
Features
High resolution plots of all selected parameters, including R, X, SWR, reflection coefficient, return loss, load impedance magnitude, and load impedance phase angle.
VSWR sideband ratio tool which will quickly calculate the sideband VSWR ratios and IBOC requirements.
Fast and Accurate measurements allow for quick tune-ups and documentation via real-time PC data plotting over large ranges of frequency and impedance.
Variable scaling of the frequency range and the parameter magnitude limits for clear data collection and read-outs both during a test session and afterwards in off-line analysis.
Fast sweeps and easy multiple plot and data point measurement saving for self-documentation and export to Microsoft Excel for further plotting and analysis.
Data curve averaging, trending and smoothing capabilities are available to reduce test measurement noise on the measurements
Co-station and strong adjacent channel interference DSP tools can be used to read antenna data perfectly.
Scan overlay feature for rapid detection of system changes and the affects of adjustments.
Recycle mode for continuous scan updates during adjustments.
PC/Windows-based software, including frequency plots, calibration tools, transmission-line tools, and Smith charts, for rapid, easy field and laboratory based integrated antenna and component system calculations.
Software updates via the Internet to assure long instrument lifetime of all features.
Very light weight and portable, the waterproof carrying case can hold the PowerAim 120, battery, battery charger, and your PC. Very portable and reliable and replaces much heavier equipment.
Easy to calibrate with the included loads or your own NIST traceable loads. The test frequency can also be calibrated with a counter or a receiver tuned to WWV. All calibration is done without screwdriver adjustments. Any Calibration lab can certify this instrument..
Frequency plots, Smith charts, Smith chart rotation, transmission line tools, markers, and many software based functions to help make your measurements and calculations fast, easy, and accurate.
Measures and displays equivalent series resistance and reactance, as well as the equivalent parallel resistance and reactance. Reactance is also shown as inductance (uH) or capacitance (pF) according to the phase angle. Allowing quick and accurate adjustments
Auditory tone output makes manual adjustments easy and fast without watching the monitor.
Signal source mode allows the PowerAim 120 to be used as a signal generator.
Strong-signal immunity built into the design with patent-pending filter technology to assure accurate measurements, even in the presence of nearby strong signals.
The PowerAIM 120 Software can calibrate out to the ends transmission lines, and special purpose fixtures you have designed to measure components.
The PowerAIM 120 includes a transmission line tool that will translate the impedance to the end of a transmission line that you specify.
Simultaneous rectangular and Smith chart plots, with automatic tracking, mouse-directed cursor to specific frequencies, and up to 20 user-specified marker frequencies.
Frequency spectrum scan mode to identify nearby stations and their relative intensity.
Transmission line length measurements and velocity factor calculations.
Input protections, including RF voltage measurement, measurement system isolation, and EMP/static protection, for rugged reliable service.
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