CTT Announces Low-Noise Amplifiers For Electronic Defense, Commercial Applications

Sunnyvale, CA -- CTT, Inc. announced the availability of a new line of pHEMT-based, low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), operating from 0.5 GHz to 20 GHz frequencies, for electronic defense and commercial communication applications. The amplifiers are specifically designed to accommodate numerous and demanding requirements within the homeland security, military and commercial environments for tactical radios, global positioning system (GPS) receivers, and radar systems. The company's new LNA line-up consists of 30 narrowband and 30 wideband models.

CTT's new LNAs are based on GaAs pHEMT devices with input and output impedance matching tailored to support either narrowband operation over a specific frequency range or wideband operation for octave and multi-octave operation. The LNAs offer a blend of good noise-figure performance and wide dynamic range to accommodate the range of signals found in many military systems. The new amplifiers, which are designed for +12 to +15 VDC operation, are suitable for battery- and vehicular-powered systems.

CTT's new LNAs are supplied in a number of different packages available with or without SMA connectors. Package sizes include the M2 housing, measuring 0.16 x 0.28 x 0.43 inches, the M3 housing, at 0.16 x 0.32 x 0.53 inches, the M4 housing, at 0.22 x 0.43 x 0.64 inches, and the M5 package, measuring 0.22 x 0.53 x 0.75 inches. The different sizes stem from the number of gain stages required to cover a given frequency range.

Model AMN/039-1010 is an example of the narrowband LNAs. It features 1 dB maximum noise figure from 3.1 to 3.9 GHz with 10 dB minimum gain and 0.5 dB maximum gain flatness. The minimum output power is +8 dBm. The single-stage amplifier is supplied in an M3 package. The highest-frequency narrowband unit currently offered is model AMW/170-2510, with 2.5 dB maximum noise figure and 10 dB minimum gain operating from 14 to 17 GHz.

For octave band, model AMM/020-1032 operating from 0.5 to 2 GHz the noise figure is 1.0 dB with 32 dB gain and 1 dB maximum gain flatness. The output power at 1-dB compression is +8 dBm. The amplifier draws 80 mA current from a +12 to +15 VDC supply. Operating from 2 to 18 GHz, is model AMX/0218-3522 with maximum noise figure of 3.5 dB and 22 dB minimum gain. With gain flatness of 2 dB or better across the 16 GHz bandwidth, the amplifier provides minimum output power of +8 dBm.

SOURCE: CTT, Inc.