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PowerAIM 120
Vector
Impedance Analyzer for Broadcast Engineers
Manufactured
by Array Solutions
Distributed
Exclusively by Kintronic Labs to the Worldwide Broadcast Market
The PowerAIM 120 Vector Impedance Analyzer with patent
pending unique technology which 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, < 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.
New features in latest version of Sofware
 
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PowerAIM Specifications
Frequency Control:
Digital Synthesizer 0.1 - 120 MHz; Stability: +/- 30 ppm
Frequency Step
Size: from 1 Hz to 10MHz
Calibration:
software controlled (no screwdriver adjustments). Easy to
calibrate to NIST standards.
Analog to digital
converter resolution: 12 bits. Data averaging up to 256X.
Measurement
Ranges:
SWR: 1:1 to 20:1
and up to 100:1 with reduced accuracy.
Impedance: 1 ohm
to 5K ohms and up to 20K ohms with reduced accuracy.
Impedance
Accuracy: 1 ohm +/- 3% of reading up to 60 MHz
5% of reading up to 120 MHz
Phase Angle: +/-90
degrees (true phase)
Parameters
displayed include: SWR, Reflection coefficient, Return loss, Magnitude
of load impedance, Phase angle of load impedance, Equivalent series
resistance and reactance, Equivalent parallel resistance and reactance.
Reactance is shown as inductance (uH) or capacitance (pF) according to
the phase angle.
Two Smith Chart
displays, one with a specifiable phase delay.
Data can be
referenced to the antenna terminals.
RF Output: Type-N
connector
Spurious output:
30dBc or better
Max stray RF input
while measuring: 25V peak, 50V P-P
Max safe RF input:
50V peak, 100V P-P
PC Interface: RS232
(USB adapter optional). Data rate = 57.6K or 115K baud
Display: Graphics
output on PC. A 1024x768 or larger screen is recommended, although
640x480 can be used. Mouse controlled cursor for digital parametric
readout. Audible tone for SWR indication. Morse code output for selected
parameters.
Power Supply: 11 to
16 VDC at 500ma (12V Sealed battery and universal charger included)
Required current is
approximately 500ma when a measurement is in process, 100ma when idle.
Auto-power-off after 10 minutes of inactivity.
PowerAim 120
Dimensions (approx): 5 x 4 x 2 (12.7 x 10.2 x 5.1cm)
Dimension Pelican
case
Exterior Dimensions:
21.6"L x 17.2"W x 4.9"D lockable, sealed, watertight
Software for the
analyzer hardware controller and the PC data analysis is upgradeable in
the field. 1 year free software updates.
Warranty 2 Years
limited warranty (see complete details in manual)
Note -
CIRCUITS AND PROCEDURES used by this antenna analysis
system are covered by one or more patents pending.
Tom King Talking About the PowerAim at NAB (Quick Time)
BUY The PowerAIM 120 NOTE if your a Broadcast Professional
the PowerAim 120 is sold Exclusively to the World Wide Broadcast Market
by
Kintronic Labs, visit their site and give them a call.
Download the
Data Sheet (pdf)
Download
the Manual (pdf)
Testimonials From
PowerAim User's
Check
for Software Updates
Some of the Software tools and plots
shown below. A real time saver and they are self documenting. With a
click
of a mouse it will make your job easier, and FCC reports cleaner. |
IBOC Tools for Rotating the Smith Chart to gauge the results of a network
change and automatic SWR Ratio calculation.
RF interference and immunity built into the hardware and software to
allow antenna measurements with high RF voltage from nearby stations.
Above plot cleaned up with PowerAim software tools looks as below.
Antenna with 22Volts peak ( 44 volts Peak to peak) RF on the antenna from
nearby station.
Same with software filter tools applied. Also markers and marker
data is also displayed.
Data with markers applied and marker data displayed in a pop up.
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