RF Amplifier Solution Center
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RF Amplifier Solution Center
RF amplifiers provide the amplification needed when signals received from an antenna are too small to control the desired device. For instance, the signal picked up by the antenna in a radio receiver is not strong enough to be used in its current form. The RF amplifier increases the signal by enabling it to tune over the desired range of input frequencies.
An RF amplifier is actually a tuned amplifier that enables the input signal of broadcast or transmitted information to control an output signal. The RF amplifier uses frequency-determining networks to convert the input signal into an output signal that will provide the required response at a given frequency. In an RF amplifier, the frequency-determining network is a parallel LC circuit or a tuned circuit. By adjusting the value of inductance or capacitance in the parallel LC circuit, the amplifier is then tuned to the desired frequency. Generally, RF amplifiers are used to amplify signals in any of band of frequencies between 10 kHz and 100,000 MHz.
The main characteristics of an RF amplifier are linearity, efficiency, output power, and signal gain. However, RF amplifiers are categorized according to their usage. Below are several categories of RF amplifiers. Click on the category titles for the complete product listings.
Low-Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) – RF amplifiers primarily used in communication systems to amplify weak signals captured by an antenna.
Broadband Amplifiers – RF amplifiers with a flat response over a wide range of frequencies.
RF Power Amplifiers – RF amplifiers that convert a low-power radio frequency signal into a larger signal for driving the antenna of a transmitter.
Solid-State Microwave Amplifiers – RF amplifiers for applications where extensive bandwidth and high gain are necessary.
RF & Microwave Amplifiers – Amplifier used for high-power amplification at low microwave frequencies. Click on the links below, or simply scroll down, to access these sections: Sign
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Amplifier Products |
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2
To 6 GHz Linear Amplifier The LMA008 from Labtech is a broadband, solid-state, linear, low-noise amplifier that operates over the frequency range of 2 to 6 GHz. The unit is designed for use in military environments and incorporates integral regulation and temperature compensation... |
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Ultra
Low Noise Amplifiers Tyco Electronics has developed three M/A-COM ultra low noise amplifiers that achieve less than 1 dB NF and are tunable over a wide frequency range. They are suitable for a variety of applications including GPS, WiMAX, DAB, and MoCA... |
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Low-Noise
Amplifiers AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation's broadband, linear low-noise amplifiers for laboratory applications requiring instantaneous bandwidth and low noise. They are useful for amplifying low level signals to more useful levels for driving power amplifiers and other similar applications... |
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Low-Noise
Amplifiers Ciao Wireless offers a wide selection of low-noise amplifiers for general use applications. Low-noise amplifiers are manufactured using either balanced, feedback, or single-ended designs and feature various options for items such as gain, noise figure, and output power... |
| Broadband Amplifiers | |
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Broadband
Microwave Amplifiers Narda Microwave-East recently added a selection of broadband microwave amplifiers to its offering of standard catalog products. These broadband amplifiers feature standard bandwidths, and octave and multi-octave bands in the .5 to 18 GHz frequency range... |
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50
MHz To 40 GHz Ultra-Broadband Amplifiers The PEC-12-50M40G-4R0-15-SFF ultra-broadband amplifier from Planar Electronics Technology offers 12 dB of gain while providing a low midband noise figure of 4 dB. Production units are now available... |
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2.5
To 6 GHz Broadband Amplifier The Milmega Series 2000 2.5 to 6 GHz broadband amplifiers have a design which utilizes the latest GaAs FET and MMIC technologies. This provides an architecture with unique features and benefits that differentiate Series 2000 from other solid state amplifiers... |
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Broadband
RF Amplifiers Linear, broadband and VSWR tolerant, with a wide range of uses and exceptional endurance even in the most difficult test scenarios, the AR series of broadband amplifiers range from DC to 1000 MHz... |
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Broadband
And Multi-Octave Amplifiers Ciao Wireless offers a wide selection of broadband amplifiers and multi-octave amplifiers. Designs are manufactured utilizing thin-film MIC technology, ensuring optimum reliability and long-life performance... |
| RF Power Amplifiers | |
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High-Power
Amplifiers Terabeam provides 60 GHz low-noise and high-power amplifiers from stock to 30 day delivery. A wide variety of gain and bandwidth combinations are available in these RF power amplifiers to provide designers with a solution for most applications... |
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2
To 10 GHz GaAs MMIC Medium Power Amplifier The MMA-21015 is suitable for homeland security, military communications, military test systems, instrumentation, and radar applications. It is a 2 to 10 GHz broadband medium RF power amplifier realized in GaAs PHEMT technology... |
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W-Band
Fullband Power Amplifier QuinStar Technology provides a W-band, fullband, solid-state, RF power amplifier (QPW-75FB1115-xx) with a typical Psat of 13 dBm. The amplifier features inline flanges and fullband operation with typical linear gain of 15 dB... |
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RF
Power Amplifiers Linear, broadband and VSWR tolerant, with a wide range of uses and exceptional endurance even in the most difficult test scenarios, the AR RF power amplifiers are backed by worldwide support, service, and a 3-year warranty... |
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Rack
Mount Amplifier Systems NP Technologies, Inc. designs and manufactures solid-state, broadband, linear, RF power amplifiers for commercial, military, medical, and industrial applications. RF amplifiers range in frequency from 300 KHz to 3 GHz and power levels exceeding 1000 W... |
| Solid-State Microwave Amplifiers | |
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Solid-State
Microwave Amplifiers AR's solid-state microwave amplifiers offer the hard-to-find combinations of power and bandwidth in frequency increments and power output necessary for today's test applications and are backed by worldwide support, service, and a 3-year warranty.... |
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6
To 18 GHz Linear Amplifier The LMA007 is a low-noise, broadband, linear, solid-state amplifier from Labtech which operates over the frequency range 6 to 18 GHz. The unit incorporates integral regulation and temperature compensation and is designed for use in military environments... |
| RF & Microwave Amplifiers | |
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RF
And Microwave Amplifiers Ciao Wireless specializes in the design and manufacture of RF and microwave amplifiers and assemblies for both the defense and commercial industries. Ciao Wireless supplies RF and microwave amplifiers from 30 kHz to 30 GHz... |
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Cascadable
Amplifiers Teledyne Cougar's cascadable RF & microwave amplifiers are used in airborne and satellite communications equipment, navigation and guidance systems, radar and sonar equipment, telemetry electronics, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems, and in high-performance commercial test equipment... |
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Mini
GPS Line Amplifier The MLA20RPDC GPS line RF & microwave amplifier from GPS Networking is a one-input, one-output device with a 20 dB min. gain block in a miniaturized housing. The frequency response covers the GPS L1 and L2 bands with excellent gain flatness... |
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Linear
RF Amplifier Designed for linear application in the 500 to 1000 MHz range, this RF & microwave amplifier from NP Technologies utilizes RF power MOSFET devices that provide high gain, wide dynamic range, and an excellent 3rd order intercept point... |
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High
Gain, QFN Plastic-Packaged Buffer Amplifiers Mimix Broadband, Inc. provides two buffer RF & microwave amplifiers offered in standard RoHS compliant 3x3mm QFN plastic packages, making them easy to implement and handle in volume applications. These buffer amplifiers, identified as XB1007-QT and XB1008-QT, cover 4 to 11 GHz and 10 to 21 GHz, respectively... |
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Amplifiers Advanced Control Components' offers a wide variety of high-performance RF & microwave amplifiers for both commercial and military applications covering RF through millimeter-wave frequencies. Standard products are offered in SMA connectorized cases with filtered DC solder feedthrus... |
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RF
Amplifier Modules NP Technologies, Inc. designs and manufactures solid-state, broadband, linear RF & microwave amplifiers for commercial, military, medical, and industrial applications. RF amplifiers range in frequency from 300 KHz to 3 GHz and power levels exceeding 1000 W... |
Click here for more amplifier products.
Amplifier Articles
Total
Radiated Power Implications For A GSM Power Amplifier
By
RF Micro Devices,
Inc.
As over-the-air (OTA) testing is becoming standardized and is being adopted by
network providers, more pressure is being exerted on the RF engine in a mobile
device to improve its performance in real-world scenarios. Because of this
increased emphasis on OTA testing, the total radiated power (TRP) performance
of the power amplifier is becoming increasingly important.
WiMAX
Power Amplifier Testing
By
Rohde
& Schwarz
The article describes the features and capabilities of an external program
that utilizes Rohde & Schwarz signal generators and signal analyzers to
automate the measurements for amplifiers. It also provides information
regarding the basics of the pre-defined test parameters.
Design And Performance Of A Low-Noise High Dynamic Range WiMAX LNA
By Chew-Ean Tan, Avago Technologies
In a WiMAX network, a receiver chain designed with low noise and a high dynamic range ensures reliable performance of the transceiver. This article explains a simple, low-cost, and space-saving approach to address these issues by using a GaAs pHEMT-based low-noise amplifier (LNA) with an integrated bypass switch...
A 1-Watt Ku-Band Power Amplifier MMIC Using A Cost-Effective Organic SMD Package
By A. Bessemoulin, M. Parisot, and P. Quentin (United Monolithic
Semiconductors); C. Saboureau (IRCOM CNRS-UMR); M. van Heijningen (TNO Physic
and Electronic Laboratory); and J. Priday (Labtech
Limited)
Recent growth in the VSAT (very small aperture terminals) market has created a
demand for low-cost, high-power amplifier solutions in the Ku and Ka bands.
Furthermore, the trend of microwave and millimeter wave ICs is now toward
cost-effective packaged products, compatible with surface-mount device (SMD)
assembly lines. This paper presents the design and performance of a compact 1-Watt Ku-band power amplifier MMIC implemented in a novel microwave organic power package, compatible with SMD assembly lines...
Amplifier Downloads
Application
Note: Subampability
By AR
Today many test labs are seeing a continued increase in RF test levels and
increased test distances. AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation has responded to
this need with a new offering of Subampability. As the world moves further and
further into the digital and wireless age the need for flexibility of test
equipment becomes a necessity.
Application
Note: Cascading Amplifiers
By
Teledyne Cougar's line of cascadable amplifiers includes many multiple stage amplifiers where some of the cascading has been integrated into a single package. This application note details the properties and specifics of these cascadable amplifiers.
Broadband
Microwave Amplifiers Product Guide
By Narda
Microwave-East
Narda Microwave-East has added a broad range of microwave amplifiers to its offering of standard catalog products. The most popular models are kept in stock for immediate delivery. Other models are typically available within 4 weeks.
RF/Microwave
Amplifiers Product Overview
By Planar
Electronics Technology
Planar Electronics Technology, Inc. offers a full line of RF and microwave amplifiers ranging from 250 kHz up to 40 GHz. Many options are available. Planar also offers amplifiers designed and built to custom specifications.
Click here for more amplifier downloads.
Amplifier News