A Broad-Band PCB Isotropic Electric-Field Probe with Resistance Loaded Dipoles

A broad-band isotropic electric-field probe which can be printed on PCB is proposed. Loaded with patched resistors, the dipole will obtain traveling-wave characteristics to measure broad-band electric fields. Two columns of high resistance patch resistors are used as high resistance transmission lines which are effectively transparent to RF and microwave fields. Three identical probes are placed in a special way where three dipoles are orthogonal to each other to achieve an isotropic frequency response. Benefited from using patched resistors, the probe can be printed on PCB and easily made. Software simulation results indicate that the probe has a flat voltage frequency response within ±1.5 dB from DC to 10 GHz and a stable isotropic response within ±0.2 dB.