An Introduction to EMC Amplifiers

Educational Note Overview

EMC testing is divided into emissions and immunity testing. Emissions testing ensures that unwanted electromagnetic signals from equipment remain within regulatory limits, while immunity testing verifies that devices continue to operate correctly when exposed to conducted or radiated RF energy. In immunity testing, broadband RF amplifiers along with antennas helps generate high field strengths. Amplifier selection is critical; beyond output power, key factors such as linearity, VSWR handling, impedance matching over wide frequency ranges, and ability to tolerate reflected power strongly influence performance and safety. This document outlines the key parameters essential when selecting amplifiers for reliable EMC immunity testing.