R&S ESCU

The Rohde & Schwarz R&S ESCU is an enhanced signal conditioning unit that represents the evolution of the conventional EMC preamplifier — combining high-gain, low-noise amplification with a remote bias unit architecture and hardened input protection that directly address the practical limitations of standard preamplifiers in professional compliance test environments.

Available in two frequency variants, the ESCU08 covers 100 MHz to 8 GHz (with usable response from 30 MHz) and the ESCU18 covers 1 GHz to 18 GHz. Both variants offer a maximum gain of 41 dB, gain flatness of ≤±2 dB, and a noise figure of ≤3.5 dB (ESCU08) or ≤4.5 dB (ESCU18), with a maximum input level of +15 dBm. Lower-gain 33/39 dB variants with ≤±3 dB flatness are also available for setups where output power headroom is the priority. All models lower the overall measurement system noise floor by more than 10 dB against the limit lines specified in EMI measurement standards — improving the ability to resolve marginal emissions in both radiated EMI and RSE test scenarios.

A key differentiator is the included bias unit, which supplies DC power to the ESCU over the RF coaxial cable rather than requiring a separate power adapter at the antenna. This keeps all powered equipment — and any associated supply noise — outside the anechoic chamber or test site, eliminating a common source of interference that can corrupt sensitive low-level measurements. The ESCU input is hardened to withstand ESD events exceeding 8 kV, significantly improving survivability during antenna connection and disconnection cycles where electrostatic discharge is a persistent risk with conventional low-noise amplifiers.

The compact housing is designed to mount directly to the R&S UAS antenna stand via the optional R&S ESCU-Z10 mounting bracket, and pairs naturally with the R&S HF907 double-ridged horn antenna and R&S HK116E biconical antenna. A 19″ rack adapter (R&S ESCU-ZZA) is also available for bench or rack integration.