Power AIM 120

In June 2008, the Chicago Radio Engineers used the Power AIM 120 to evaluate the ERI FM Station master backup antenna located on the west tower of the John Hancock Building in Chicago.

Measurements (Microsoft Excel Spread Sheet)

70 to 130 MHz Frequency Sweep Spread Sheet Data 80 to 120 MHz Frequency Sweep Spread Sheet Data 85 to 90 MHz Frequency Sweep Spread Sheet Data 88 to 108 MHz Frequency Sweep Spread Sheet Data 90 to 95 MHz Frequency Sweep Spread Sheet Data 95 to 100 MHz Frequency Sweep Spread Sheet Data 100 to 105 MHz Frequency Sweep Spread Sheet Data 105 to 110 MHz Frequency Sweep Spread Sheet Data 110 to 115 MHz Frequency Sweep Spread Sheet Data

Power AIM 120 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 Power Aim 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 Power Aim 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 Power AIM 120 Software can calibrate out to the ends transmission lines, and special purpose fixtures you have designed to measure components.
• The Power AIM 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.

Power AIM 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.

Power AIM 120 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.
• Power aim 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)

Power AIM 120 Reporting

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 Power aim software tools looks as below.

Antenna with 22 Volts 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.