Power amplifiers are a significant equipment in every RF communication system. Similar to other amplifiers, RF amplifiers are used to amplify the signals supplied to their input. In modern wireless communication systems, signals are complex due to the use of advanced modulation schemes. Amplifier selection is a challenging task for engineers due to the many important characteristics and specifications.
Here are the most important specifications and how to choose a suitable RF amplifier for your next application.
1. Gain: Gain is the most important specification of every amplifier. It shows the capability of the amplifier unit to boost the signal given to its input terminal, represented in dB. The gain of an amplifier varies across frequency. Usually, at higher frequencies, the amplifier will have higher losses (gain is not linear across the frequency range).
2. Bandwidth and flatness: Bandwidth is another significant specification of an RF amplifier. It is described as a range between the lower and higher frequencies in the frequency–gain response curve where the amplifier gives an efficient gain. Flatness of an amplifier is the response of its gain across its operating bandwidth.
3. Impedance: impedance is a very important specification of an amplifier, especially if the system requires transmitting antennas and a network. In most cases, the amplifier is designed and optimized for 50 Ohm impedance. Any mismatch will lead to higher losses, reflection, or even damage to some components.
4. Harmonics: harmonics are multiples of fundamental frequency f1 generated in an amplifier as 2f1, 3f1, 4f1…. nf1. Harmonics are unwanted signals that often mix with other signals in the system and create further intermodulation distortion products. However, harmonics can’t be fully isolated from an amplifier, but the level can be suppressed using design techniques.
5. Third Order Intercept point: TOI is a point that is a theoretical value in the linearity diagram. Third-order components of the signals will be generated at every amplification process. Amplifier gain will start to decline once it reaches the saturation point. If the input power keeps increasing, the fundamental signal power and third-order signal power will meet at a particular point. This point is known as third third-order intercept point. This calculation is used to determine the non-linear behaviour of amplifiers during design.
6. Adjacent Channel Rejection Ratio: In a practical scenario, a tiny percentage of the power transmitted through the desired channel will leak to the adjacent channels due to intermodulation distortion. ACLR is a ratio between the transmitted channel power and the power measured at the adjacent channels. It is very significant in modern wireless communication systems like LTE, where signals are transmitted via multiple channels within the allocated bandwidth. In some cases, a power amplifier must be capable of handling modulated signals as well.
7. Noise Figure: Noise figure is a ratio between the input signal to noise ratio and the output signal to noise ratio of a power amplifier. The lower the noise figure value, the better the performance of the amplifier. Noise figure will always be greater than one because the output signal-to-noise ratio will be higher than the input SNR.8.
8. 1 dB compression: Once the amplifier reaches a compression region, no amplification is possible, and the gain response will be flat. 1 dB compression point is a calculation point on the actual response curve of the linear diagram, one dB below the linear line where the amplifier starts to saturate its gain and become non-linear.
9. Peak to Average Power Ratio: is a ratio between the peak signal power and the average signal power level.
10. Maximum input and output power: maximum input and output power handling must be considered during the selection of an RF power amplifier. Exceeding the input power level could damage an amplifier, and it is critical if you are cascading more than one amplifier unit. The output power level must be sufficient to support the requirements after considering the flatness and losses across the operating bandwidth.
11. Size and power consumption: Physical size must be considered while choosing an RF amplifier. Amplifiers are available from millimeter size to a few meters wide and tall. It has to be selected according to the application and the environment. Most power amplifier generates heat during their operation. In order to have a proper functioning, good air circulation has to be provided.
Power consumption is another factor to keep in mind; some models require a high AC power supply and an external cooling system, especially those operating at very high power. Some models require an external power supply for their functioning.
Conclusion
The selection of an RF power amplifier depends on many factors, as stated above. Amplifier specifications can be found on the data sheet from the manufacturer. S-parameters of the amplifier may be required for some evaluation and design. Well-matched amplifiers are critical for efficiency in signal transmission and receiving systems. Most importantly, it must suit your application and requirements in all aspects.
I am in urgent need for rf power amplifier. I am ready to buy a pair of those. Please contact my mail ASAP
Hi Varun, we do not sell power amplifiers or other products. Power amplifier is a broad topic, specifications depends on the requirements that fits your application.
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Glad to know that you found it helpful!
You’ve made some good points there. I am glad that you just shared this helpful information with us. Thank you for sharing.
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