RF absorber reduces reflections in test setups and antenna structures

Unwanted reflections are a recurring problem in almost every RF environment: signals reflecting from a test enclosure or crosstalk between antenna systems.

ABS Technics offers ABS-SLF-F-x V, a fully encapsulated, lightweight, carbon-loaded foam absorber that addresses this over a broad frequency range. The absorber consists of open-cell foam into which PU foam is injected to form a rigid panel, which is then covered with a PVC film. The PVC protection makes the absorber resistant to mechanical impact, many chemicals and (sea) water; the absorber is also walkable.

Each layer is matched to its own dielectric gradient, so that the impedance increasingly matches that of air and energy is attenuated rather than reflected. The panels are available in six thicknesses, each linked to an operating frequency. With a typical reflection level of -17 dB at normal incidence, a broadband absorber can be constructed.

Thanks to its robust finish, ABS-SLF-F is suitable for electronic enclosures, antenna radomes and anechoic structures for reducing reflections, including in demanding or wet environments.

The ABS Technics portfolio also includes absorbers for higher frequencies, specific reflection requirements and designs in specific shapes.