TBHDR1

The Tekbox TBHDR1 is a high dynamic range preamplifier covering 30 kHz to 1.5 GHz (characterized to 6 GHz), designed as an alternative to conventional low-noise preamplifiers in EMC pre-compliance test applications where both low noise and high linearity are required simultaneously. With a noise figure of 2.7 dB, a third order output intercept point of +38 dBm at 100 MHz, and a 1 dB output compression point of +19.2 dBm at 100 MHz, it delivers a combination of sensitivity and dynamic range that is rarely found in a single compact amplifier at this price point — making it equally effective as a spectrum analyzer front-end preamplifier and as an amplifier for active loop antennas operating down into the kHz range.

Gain is 24 dB at 100 MHz, rolling off gradually to 21.1 dB at 1 GHz, 19.5 dB at 1.5 GHz, and 14.1 dB at 3 GHz. Input matching is better than -16 dB from 30 kHz to 1.5 GHz, output matching is better than -10 dB across the same range, and reverse isolation is -28 dB. Maximum input power is +10 dBm. The unit uses 50 Ω SMA female connectors at both input and output and is powered via a Mini-USB-B connector at 5V nominal / 100 mA typical — making it straightforward to power from any standard USB supply, power bank, or USB port on a laptop in a pre-compliance bench setup.

Typical applications include general-purpose gain block use, preamplification for spectrum analyzers and EMI receivers in pre-compliance testing, and signal amplification for active loop antennas where gain from the kHz range is required. A gain file for use with Tekbox EMCview software is available for download, enabling calibrated measurements directly within the EMCview pre-compliance test environment.