Abstract:
A high-speed Buffer Amplifier circuit was constructed with a buffer Amplifier IC OPA633 that can be
coupled to a parallel plate antenna via 60cm coaxial cable to measure the lightning generated
vertical electric fields. The use of a high speed buffer amplifier isolates the high impedance of the
antenna and offers enough power to drive the signal from the antenna to the recording unit through
a coaxial cable. The electric field measured by this circuit represent the actual strength of the
electric field normal to the ground. According to the frequency response of the circuit, it is seen that
the circuit is suitable in recording lightning generated electric fields up to MHz region. It has been
successfully used in field tests in recording lightning generated electric fields during the months of
December & January.
