What are Power Amplifiers?
Power Amplifiers convert low power high frequency signals to high power signals. This is usually used in the transmit chain to amplify the signal before it is sent out via an antenna. Power Amplifiers are large signal amplifiers, i.e., for the input signal to get amplified it needs to be above a particular threshold. They are designed to be used as the final block in an amplifier chain.
Important Parameters to consider in a Power Amplifier:
Operating Frequency: This is the frequency range at which a power amplifier is fully functional or provides the best performance.
Output Power (W/dBm): It is the magnitude of power that the amplifier will provide at the output after amplifying a signal.
Compression point (P1dB): P1dB is one of the key parameters for a power amplifier. It is the point at which the input signal is amplified by an amount, which is 1 dB below the small signal gain of the device. Beyond this power the gain of the device no longer increases linearly as the input power is raised.
Gain (dB): The gain of a power amplifiers is the ratio of output to input power or amplitude. This is measured in dB.
Power Added Efficiency (%): PAE is the overall efficiency of the power amplifier that includes the input power, gain and their subsequent effect.
Package Type: Based on the required application the package type for the power amplifier can be selected - There are a number of different package types available - Connectorized, Surface Mount, Die etc.The package type for the power amplifier is normally selected according to the required application.
everything RF lists RF Power Amplifiers from the leading manufacturers. Use the parametric search tools to narrow down on products based on your requirement. Once you find parts that meet your specification, download the data sheet, compare products and request quotations. Inquiries sent via everything RF are directed to the manufacturers who get back to you with a quote or information.
