[SOLVED] Simple RF Leakage Detector...

[RHeTTRoNiCS]

Hello Guys...please, i need a simple rf leakage detector design/schematic...We're doing an rf generator testing...We have a dummy load but am concern about possible rf leakage at the connector....have seen from other site, a schematic design converting rf signal into Vdc. To allow dmm to measure...If so, any idea what is the Vdc level that we can consider health risky already? Thanks a lot in advance.

 

[HMS1021]

What is the frequency range?

 

[BigBoss]

Ue a simple copper loop antenna and check this leakage with a Spectrum Analyzer.But if there are other RF sources such as GSM,TV,CB,Wireless Comms. etc around your frequency. you must use a Faraday Chamber to measure this particular signal.

 

[RHeTTRoNiCS]

Actually can't find the rated freq from the rf generator model (ENI Model#: DPG-10).
All been stated on the output are RF_output: 1.25KW and DC_output: 500V.
Please give advice....thanks a lot.

 

[HMS1021]

This power supply is typical used in plasma etch.
The ◦Frequency range: 90 - 460 kHz and it usually set to around 250kHz.

At this low frequency RF radiation leakage is not a problem. A wavelength is 1200 meters which means an exposed conductor with this power on it would have to be over 100 meters or more to before it would launch a wave into the air with any power. With RF connectors and coax cables this is not going to happen. In addition tissue absorption of a radiated signal is very minimal at this low frequency.

The 500V from a supply that can supply over 2A at this voltage can quickly kill you if you come in contact with it by touching a metal conductor with this voltage on it. It is direct contact* you need to worry about, not radiation.

* One last comment: A 500V 250kHz voltage will arc a little further than if it was at 50-60Hz or DC. This distance is <1cm but still surprises some people when they get a screw driver or probe near it and get an arc. If you keep the covers on the power supply and use a good cable you will never see this.

Stay safe!

 

[RHeTTRoNiCS]

HMS1021...i salute you...thanks a lot for your clear explanation.

 

[kingsley ke]

What is a rf leakage detector? Is that a RF blocker or a kind of metal detector?

 

[HMS1021]

There are potential health risks when working close to high power RF equipment such as transmitters, Radar or industrial microwave ovens that operate at high frequencies. A "rf leakage detector" is more commonly referred to as a RF Field Strength Meter. It is used to measure the amount of RF radiating from the equipment to determine if the power levels are below or above safe limits.

It is referred to as leakage because the equipment's shields, shielded cables, etc are designed to limit the amount of unwanted radiation to below safe levels and any RF energy at higher level is said to be leakage.