Powered by Bioz1Overview
The RFA-3100-N is a handheld active directional antenna covering 500 MHz to 10 GHz in a single instrument. Its directional pattern concentrates sensitivity in the look direction, which is exactly what direction finding and RF geolocation work need: a clean bearing, not just a signal level.
An integrated high-performance broadband amplifier lifts system sensitivity well above what a passive antenna alone delivers. A switchable Amp Off / Amp On control lets you trade gain for dynamic range on the spot, so strong nearby emitters and faint distant ones are both within reach.
The RFA-3100-N is an accessory for the ICX-FieldHawk family of real-time spectrum analyzers. Connect it over USB Type-C, and the analyzer reads the antenna identity and loads the correct antenna factor automatically — no manual calibration step, and no errors that come with one. From there the analyzer reports incident field strength directly, which is what a geolocation or compliance survey actually needs.
2Key Features
- Wide frequency coverage: 500 MHz to 10 GHz in a single antenna.
- Directional radiation pattern with 5 dBi passive gain (typ.) for clean bearing resolution.
- Low noise figure: 1.5 dB (typ.), so weak signals stay above the floor.
- Switchable amplifier: Amp Off / Amp On modes extend dynamic range to suit the scene.
- Automatic antenna factor loading across compatible ICX-FieldHawk analyzers for calibrated readings on connect.
- Light and portable: 680 g total weight.
- Ergonomic design built for extended outdoor use.
3Gain & Antenna Factor
The plots below show measured passive gain and antenna factor across the band, with the amplifier off and on. Antenna factor is the value the analyzer applies to convert a measured port level into incident field strength, and it loads automatically when the RFA-3100-N is connected to a compatible ICX-FieldHawk analyzer.
4Radiation Patterns
The directional pattern is what makes the RFA-3100-N useful for bearing work. The main lobe stays narrow across the band, and the back of the pattern is suppressed by more than 15 dB. As frequency rises the half-power beamwidth tightens, from roughly 84° at 4 GHz to 66° at 6 GHz to 60° at 8 GHz — a sharper main lobe at higher frequencies for a more precise bearing.
5Specifications
| Parameter | RFA-3100-N |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 500 MHz to 10 GHz |
| Half-Power Beamwidth | 66° @ 6 GHz |
| Front-to-Back Ratio | > 15 dB |
| Gain | 5 dBi (typ.) |
| Amplifier Noise Figure | 1.5 dB (typ.) |
| Amplifier Gain | 20 dB (typ.) |
| Calibration Points | 191 (50 MHz step) |
| Maximum Measurable Field Strength | 17 V/m @ 6 GHz (Amp Mode) |
| Polarization Type | Linear |
| VSWR | < 2.0 (typ.) |
| Attitude and Heading | Pitch, roll, heading |
| RF Connection | N (F), 50 Ω |
| Power Supply | USB Type-C; connects to host via USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable |
| Dimensions (L x W x D) | 430 x 270 x 35 mm |
| Weight | 680 g |
Specifications apply under normal indoor ambient conditions.
6Ordering Information
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| RFA-3100-N | Active directional antenna accessory for ICX-FieldHawk real-time spectrum analyzers |
Cited in peer-reviewed research
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