Roke Manor Research Ltd. (Romsey, Hampshire, UK) has launched a commercial generic high-voltage test facility. The new service can accommodate radio frequency power and voltage on a massive scale. It combines high-voltage isolation with screening to 18 GHz, whereby most other facilities only allow for testing at 50 Hz or at low voltage.

Previously the preserve of government establishments, the Roke High Voltage Facility will offer an additional option to both public and private sector organisations that wish to test and commission high-voltage and high-power RF equipment such as accelerator components, ultra high power RF amplifiers, associated transmission lines plus electrostatic systems.

In a controlled and isolated environment, the energizing and test of high-voltage power supplies, high-power drivers and transmission lines can be conducted in complete safety.

The HV facility has two screened chambers, one for the equipment under test and a second to hold test equipment and power supplies. Control is performed from a remotely operated and isolated console from which tests can be controlled and progress viewed via a high resolution camera link and optically isolated test gear.