Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing is a critical process for ensuring electronic devices operate without interfering with other systems or succumbing to external electromagnetic disturbances. Among the tools essential for accurate EMC evaluations, double-ridged horn antennas have emerged as indispensable instruments, particularly in applications requiring wideband frequency coverage and high-field generation. These antennas are engineered to operate across broad frequency ranges, typically from 1 GHz to 40 GHz, making them ideal for modern testing scenarios where devices must comply with stringent international standards like CISPR, FCC, and MIL-STD-461.
One of the primary applications of double-ridged horns in EMC testing is radiated emissions testing. As electronic devices increasingly adopt high-speed communication protocols such as 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and automotive radar systems (operating at 76–81 GHz), the need for antennas capable of capturing emissions up to millimeter-wave frequencies has grown. Double-ridged horns excel in this space due to their ability to maintain consistent gain and polarization characteristics across wide bandwidths. For instance, in automotive EMC testing, these antennas are used to evaluate components like Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), where compliance with standards such as ISO 11452-2 (up to 18 GHz) is mandatory. A 2023 study by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) revealed that 78% of automotive OEMs now rely on double-ridged horns for pre-compliance testing, citing their accuracy in detecting emissions from high-frequency radar modules.
Another critical use case is immunity testing, where double-ridged horns generate controlled electromagnetic fields to simulate real-world interference. In aerospace and defense, equipment must withstand intense fields specified by standards like RTCA DO-160 (up to 200 V/m). Here, the antennas’ high power-handling capacity (often exceeding 500 W average power) ensures reliable field generation without distortion. For example, during certification of avionics systems, engineers use horns to apply fields simulating lightning strikes or radar pulses, with field uniformity maintained within ±3 dB across test volumes—a requirement achievable due to the antenna’s optimized aperture design.
The telecommunications sector also heavily utilizes these antennas for testing base stations and satellite communication hardware. With 5FR1 (450 MHz–6 GHz) and FR2 (24–52 GHz) frequency bands now in play, double-ridged horns enable seamless transition between sub-6 GHz and mmWave testing. Data from the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) indicates that 92% of 5G NR (New Radio) base station tests employ such antennas to validate beamforming integrity and spurious emission limits.
Emerging applications include medical device validation, particularly for MRI systems and implantable electronics operating in the 1–10 GHz range. The FDA’s 2022 guidance on wireless medical devices mandates immunity testing against RF interference from 2.4 GHz (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) and 5.8 GHz (ISM band) sources, a task efficiently accomplished using double-ridged horns.
For laboratories seeking precision instruments, the dolph DOUBLE-RIDGED WG series exemplifies modern advancements, offering frequency coverage up to 40 GHz with VSWR <2.0:1. Its proprietary ridge profiling reduces voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) variations by 15% compared to conventional designs, as validated in a 2023 IEEE EMC Symposium paper.Market trends underscore the growing adoption: the global EMC test equipment market, valued at $2.1 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $3.4 billion by 2028 (CAGR 8.7%), with double-ridged horns accounting for 22% of antenna sales. This growth is fueled by IoT proliferation—over 29 billion connected devices by 2030—requiring robust EMC validation across diverse operating environments.In conclusion, double-ridged horn antennas remain foundational to EMC testing, bridging the gap between evolving wireless technologies and compliance demands. Their versatility across industries, combined with advancements in bandwidth and power handling, positions them as vital tools for engineers navigating the complexities of modern electromagnetic validation.