Powered by Bioz1Overview
The RFA-3100-N is a handheld active directional antenna covering 500 MHz to 10 GHz continuously. It suits a broad range of RF test and measurement, spectrum monitoring and interference hunting applications. High directivity supports accurate localization of signal sources.
A built-in broadband amplifier enhances system sensitivity, and switchable Bypass and Amplifier modes extend measurement dynamic range. The integrated attitude and heading reference system delivers real-time pitch, roll and heading information.
The RFA-3100-N is fully compatible with ICX-FieldHawk real-time spectrum analyzers. Antenna factors are applied automatically, and real-time azimuth, pitch and roll information is available on the analyzer. The lightweight enclosure and ergonomic design make it comfortable to handle during extended outdoor measurements and field work.
2Key Features
- Wide frequency coverage: 500 MHz to 10 GHz.
- Directional radiation pattern with 5 dBi passive gain (typ.) for clean bearing resolution.
- Built-in high-performance broadband amplifier with manual bypass.
- Low noise figure: 1.5 dB (typ.), so weak signals stay above the floor.
- Integrated attitude and heading measurement system.
- Automatic antenna factor loading and real-time azimuth, pitch and roll output on compatible ICX-FieldHawk analyzers.
- Light and portable: 680 g total weight.
- Ergonomic design built for extended outdoor use.
3Gain, Antenna Factor & VSWR
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 |
| Angle Measurement | Azimuth 0° to 360°, pitch -180° to +180°, roll -90° to +90° |
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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