PMM EP-408 Electromagnetic Field Probe
| Brand | PMM |
|---|---|
| Origin | Italy |
| Model | EP-408 |
| Frequency Range | 1 MHz to 40 GHz |
| Electric Field Measurement Range | 0.8 V/m to 800 V/m |
| Measurement Resolution | 0.01 V/m |
| Isotropy (typ.) | ±1 dB @ 200 MHz |
| H-Field Rejection | >20 dB |
| Dynamic Range | >60 dB |
| Overload Protection | >1000 V/m |
| Calibration Memory | Built-in EEPROM |
| Dimensions | 317 mm × Ø52 mm |
| Weight | 90 g |
Overview
The PMM EP-408 Electromagnetic Field Probe is a high-fidelity, isotropic electric field sensor engineered for precision broadband RF field characterization in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), electromagnetic interference (EMI), and radiated immunity testing environments. Operating on the principle of calibrated dipole antenna response with integrated optical signal transmission, the EP-408 delivers traceable, low-disturbance measurements across an exceptionally wide frequency spectrum—from 1 MHz to 40 GHz. Its spherical symmetry, minimal physical footprint (Ø52 mm × 317 mm), and ultra-low perturbation design make it ideal for use in controlled test environments including semi-anechoic chambers, TEM/GTEM cells, and near-field scanning applications where probe-induced field distortion must be minimized. The probe complies with international standards governing radiated immunity test setups—including IEC/EN 61000-4-3, IEC/EN 61000-4-20, and MIL-STD-461G RS103—where calibrated field uniformity and spatial isotropy are critical for test validity.
Key Features
- Spherical symmetric dipole architecture ensuring exceptional isotropy (±1 dB typical at 200 MHz) across three orthogonal axes
- Fiber-optic signal transmission enabling noise-immune, galvanically isolated data acquisition over distances up to 60 meters
- Integrated EEPROM calibration memory storing full frequency-dependent correction factors per axis, eliminating manual coefficient lookup
- High rejection of magnetic field coupling (>20 dB), minimizing cross-sensitivity in mixed E/H-field environments
- Robust dynamic range (>60 dB) and overload resilience (>1000 V/m), supporting both low-level ambient surveys and high-intensity immunity testing
- Temperature-stable response (0.02 dB/°C) and factory calibration traceable to national metrology institutes (NMI)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The EP-408 is compatible with all PMM field analyzers equipped with OR-03 optical interface modules—including the C4 four-channel field monitoring system—and integrates seamlessly into automated test sequences compliant with GLP and GMP frameworks. Its calibration certificate includes uncertainty budgets aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements and supports audit-ready documentation for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–governed laboratories. The probe meets mechanical and electrical specifications defined in ANSI C63.4, CISPR 16-1-6, and IEEE Std 1308 for isotropic field probes. No metallic housing or active electronics reside within the sensing volume, ensuring negligible field scattering during in-situ measurements—particularly critical for small-form-factor device testing and cavity-mode mapping.
Software & Data Management
When paired with PMM’s EMF-View software suite or third-party platforms via SCPI-compliant optical interface protocols, the EP-408 enables real-time spectral analysis, time-domain logging, and spatial field mapping. All measurement data—including raw ADC counts, compensated E-field magnitudes, and metadata (timestamp, temperature, calibration ID)—are stored in vendor-neutral CSV or HDF5 formats. Audit trails record every calibration update, firmware revision, and user-initiated configuration change. Software-generated reports include full traceability statements referencing NIST-traceable reference standards used during factory calibration, satisfying ISO 17025 clause 6.5.2 and EU Directive 2014/30/EU conformity assessment requirements.
Applications
- Radiated immunity test site validation per IEC/EN 61000-4-3 and MIL-STD-461G RS103
- EMC chamber qualification and field uniformity verification (e.g., 16-point grid scans)
- Near-field emission diagnostics of PCBs, antennas, and wireless modules
- Biological exposure assessment in compliance with ICNIRP and IEEE C95.1 safety limits
- Material shielding effectiveness evaluation using dual-probe differential methods
- Time-resolved E-field monitoring during pulsed RF exposure experiments
FAQ
What is the recommended analyzer interface for the EP-408?
The EP-408 requires an OR-03 programmable opto-electronic converter (C4 variant supported) connected to a compatible PMM field analyzer (e.g., EP-330, EP-333, or C4 multi-channel system).
Can the EP-408 be used for continuous monitoring in harsh industrial environments?
Yes—the probe’s passive dielectric construction, fiber-optic link, and IP54-rated optical connector housing support operation in temperature ranges from −10 °C to +50 °C and moderate humidity conditions.
Is calibration traceable to international standards?
Yes—each unit ships with a NIST-traceable calibration certificate covering the full 1 MHz–40 GHz band, with uncertainty values reported per ISO/IEC 17025 Annex A.3.
How does the EP-408 achieve isotropy without mechanical rotation?
Through precise geometric symmetry of three orthogonal dipole elements and digital vector summation of their outputs, eliminating the need for motorized positioning.
Does the probe require periodic recalibration?
PMM recommends recalibration every 24 months under normal laboratory use, or after any mechanical impact exceeding 5 g acceleration—per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.6.2.
