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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.
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 antenna identifies itself to compatible analyzers and loads its antenna factor automatically, which removes a manual calibration step and the errors that come with it.
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.
3Specifications
Values below reflect the RFA-3100-N, consistent with the published Berkeley Nucleonics datasheet.
| Parameter | RFA-3100-N |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 500 MHz to 10 GHz |
| Gain | 5 dBi (typ.) |
| Half-Power Beamwidth | 66° @ 6 GHz |
| Polarization Type | Linear |
| Front-to-Back Ratio | > 15 dB |
| VSWR | < 2.0 (typ.) |
| Amplifier Noise Figure | 1.5 dB (typ.) |
| Amplifier Gain | 20 dB (typ.) |
| Maximum Measurable Field Strength | 17 V/m @ 6 GHz (Amp Mode) |
| RF Connection | N (F), 50 Ω |
| Power Supply | USB Type-C; connects to host via USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable |
| Calibration Points | 191 (50 MHz step) |
| Dimensions (L x W x D) | 430 x 270 x 35 mm |
| Weight | 680 g |
| Attitude and Heading | Pitch, roll, heading |
| Angle Measurement | Azimuth 0° to 360°, pitch -180° to +180°, roll -90° to +90° |
4Gain, 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.
5Radiation 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 and 60° at 8 GHz, which sharpens bearing resolution at the high end.
6Model Summary
The RFA-3100-N is a single active directional antenna built on a handheld platform with automatic antenna factor loading. The summary below collects the headline parameters in one place.
| Specification | RFA-3100-N |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 500 MHz to 10 GHz |
| Gain (typ.) | 5 dBi |
| Polarization Type | Linear |
| Front-to-Back Ratio | > 15 dB |
| Amplifier Noise Figure (typ.) | 1.5 dB |
| Amplifier Gain (typ.) | 20 dB |
| RF Connection | N (F), 50 Ω |
| Power Supply | USB Type-C |
| Automatic Antenna Factor | Yes |
| Weight | 680 g |
7Pairing with ICX-FieldHawk
The RFA-3100-N is an accessory for the ICX-FieldHawk family of real-time spectrum analyzers. The ICX-FieldHawk software shows the antenna connection status with interface icons and reports the current Bypass or Amplifier working mode, so you can confirm the antenna's operating status during on-site signal searching, interference detection and field strength testing. The software also loads the antenna factor file in one click, which completes the settings for field strength conversion without importing a configuration file by hand.
The software displays the antenna's azimuth, elevation and polarization angle in real time, showing its horizontal pointing, elevation and receiving polarization as you measure. Combining spectrum amplitude, field strength changes and antenna attitude helps you analyze signal level changes and likely signal source directions. On the ICX-045/060/090, Mapping mode builds map measurement points from real-time GNSS positioning and shows received signal strength in color. With attitude measurement enabled, the map also shows the antenna's azimuth, elevation and polarization angle, linking position, signal strength and antenna attitude for signal searching, coverage analysis and on-site interference detection.
8In the Box & Connections
Connections
- RF output: Type N female, 50 Ω.
- Power and data: USB Type-C, connected to the host with a USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable.
Physical
- Dimensions: 430 x 270 x 35 mm (L x W x D).
- Weight: 680 g total.
- Calibration: 191 calibration points at a 50 MHz step.
9Support & Contact
For quotes, demonstrations, configuration help, or technical support, reach Berkeley Nucleonics directly. Our team can confirm specifications, recommend the right ICX-FieldHawk pairing, and arrange a field evaluation.
| Channel | Detail |
|---|---|
| info@berkeleynucleonics.com | |
| Phone | 800-234-7858 |
| Web | berkeleynucleonics.com |
Cited in peer-reviewed research
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