Practical Antenna Basics (PAB) — Information & Free Practice
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Practical Antenna Basics (PAB)
- Provider
- ETA International
- Format
- Proctored online or paper-and-pencil knowledge examination; ETA-arranged remote proctoring is available for non-hands-on examinations.
- Exam questions
- Total questions: 75.
- Time limit
- 2 hours
- Passing score
- 75%
- Exam fee
- $105
Examination outline
Radio Frequency (RF) Safety and Agency Roles
- Basic safety protocols
- RF exposure limits
- RF hazard warning signage
- Agency roles and responsibilities
- RF radiation and exposure hazards
- Power system safety
- Tools and equipment safety
- Personal protection equipment
Basic Antenna Terms and Concepts in RF
- Radio antennas and transduction
- Antenna reciprocity
- Antenna gain
- Radiation patterns
- RF propagation
- Antenna performance parameters
- Decibels and references
- Antenna elements
Radio Frequency Waves and Analysis
- RF spectrum use and regulation
- RF spectrum bands
- RF wave amplitude measures
- Wavelength and frequency
- RF modulation
- Atmospheric effects on propagation
- Propagated wave behaviors
- Electrical principles of propagation
Principles of Electromagnetic Wave Energy
- Maxwell's electromagnetic theory
- Electromagnetic fields and polarization
- Free-space propagation
- Terrestrial propagated waves
Antenna Feedlines (Transmission) Concepts
- Feedline types and purpose
- Waveguide parameters
- Transmission-line electrical and propagation characteristics
- Feedline impedance and matching
- Antenna Coupling Unit
Dipole Antenna Model Characteristics
- Dipole characteristics
- Dipole impedance
- Dipole radiation pattern
- Half-wave dipole propagation
- Antenna gain principles
Common Antenna Model Configurations and Characteristics
- Ideal isotropic antenna
- Half-wave dipole antenna
- Quarter-wave vertical dipole
- Reflectors and directors
- Yagi-Uda antenna
- Log-periodic antenna
- Loop antenna
- Two-wire transmission line radiator arrays
- Special-purpose microwave antennas
Common Antenna Test Equipment
- Oscilloscope
- Spectrum analyzer
- Equipment assembly, calibration and safety
- Data documentation
Examination sources
- ETA communications certifications
Prepare For An Exam, competency adoption
- PAB competency requirements
p. 1, title and sections 1-2
- PAB competency requirements
p. 2, sections 2-3
- PAB competency requirements
p. 3, sections 3-6
- PAB competency requirements
p. 4, sections 6-8 and end marker
- ETA communications certifications
PAB Exam Info table, hands-on, questions, score and duration
- ETA examination sites
Taking an ETA Examination, steps 3 and 6
- ETA examination sites
Taking an ETA Examination, steps 2-4
- ETA examination sites
Remote Proctoring, registration condition
Related license preparation
This examination may be required or accepted as an alternative, depending on the license and application pathway.