AMMP Spot Probe Family
Advanced Microwave Mapping Probes (AMMP) are compact, ruggedized antennas for characterizing materials and components at microwave or millimeter wave frequencies. Unlike traditional antennas, AMMP spot probes are optimized for illumination of a surface that is near the end of the probe. AMMP integrates a shaped dielectric body with internal radiator components to approximate the performance of a traditional laboratory lens system, but in a very compact package. It was developed by applying Computational Electromagnetic (CEM) design optimization to both the dielectric and internal conductive components together. This is in contrast with traditional dielectric rod probes, which insert shaped dielectric rods into traditional waveguide or horn antennas.
Applications of the AMMP Spot Probe:
- AMMP was designed to provide near-laboratory quality measurements, but in more industrial environments. The AMMP sensor can be easily incorporated into either handheld or robotic automation systems. Examples of how AMMP Spot Probes are being used include:
- In radome measurements scanning entire radomes and mapping the performance or thickness.
- Characterize advanced aircraft transparencies.
- Measure thickness of non-conductive coatings in some applications.
- Used on surface and coatings that are not fully cured or that are too fragile for contact measurement devices such as eddy current sensors.
Benefits of the AMMP Spot Probe:
- Operate over very wide bandwidths, which enables effective time-domain processing (time domain gating) to improve dynamic range.
- Wide bandwidth provides additional information about the surface under test so that both single layer and multilayer structures can be accurately characterized.
Additional Information
AMMP SP218
- The AMMP SP218 was designed to be used in demanding aerospace manufacturing applications to eliminate the need for a focusing lens. The lightweight design allows for easy attachment to any system and makes it more portable for potential field uses. Features of the AMMP SP218 include:
- Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) less than 2 from 4 to 20 GHz.
- 7″ long by 2″ diameter.
- Approximately 2″ diameter spot mid-band.
AMMP SP324- The AMMP SP324 was designed for more general applications and includes a removable lens so that it can also be used in tight spaces. It works for not only aerospace, but also many other applications. Features of the AMMP SP324 include:
- Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) less than 2 from 4 to 24 GHz.
- 5″ long by 2.8″ diameter.
- Approximately 2″ diameter spot mid-band.
- Removable lens when measurements are needed in tight spaces.
AMMP SP240- The AMMP SP240 was designed for operation at millimeter wave frequencies. Features of the AMMP SP240 includes:
- Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) less than 2 from 20 to 40 GHz.
- 3.5″ long by 2″ diameter.
- The AMMP SP218 was designed to be used in demanding aerospace manufacturing applications to eliminate the need for a focusing lens. The lightweight design allows for easy attachment to any system and makes it more portable for potential field uses. Features of the AMMP SP218 include:
