Power Amplifiers

Key Features & Performance Benefits

Wide Frequency Coverage
Supports microwave and millimeter-wave frequency bands with configurations tailored to specific application requirements.

High Output Power Options
Designed to deliver stable output power suitable for transmit chains, signal injection, and system-level testing.

Excellent Linearity
Optimized for low distortion, supporting wideband modulation schemes and multi-carrier operation.

Stable Gain and Gain Flatness
Maintains consistent amplification across the operating band, improving system predictability and calibration.

Clean Spectral Performance
Low spurious output and harmonic control help preserve spectral integrity and meet regulatory requirements.

Flexible Integration
Compatible with RF upconverters, frequency synthesizers, and signal generators for modular system architectures.

Thermally Robust Designs
Engineered for reliable operation under continuous-wave and high-duty-cycle conditions.

Multiple Packaging Options
Available in configurations suitable for laboratory use, rack-mount systems, and embedded RF platforms.

Typical Applications for Microwave & Millimeter-Wave Power Amplifiers

Mi-Wave 955 Series microwave and millimeter-wave power amplifiers are used in a wide range of RF transmit, signal conditioning, and system-integration applications where stable output power, linear amplification, and spectral integrity are required.

Satellite Communication (SatCom)

Power amplifiers are critical in satellite uplink chains to boost RF signals prior to transmission.

Common SatCom applications include:

• Satellite uplink transmit chains

• VSAT and gateway terminals

• Ground station and teleport infrastructure

• Integration with RF upconverters and BUC architectures

• High-throughput satellite (HTS) systems

Stable gain and controlled output power support clean uplink spectra and regulatory compliance.

Radar and Sensing Systems

In radar platforms, microwave and mmWave power amplifiers provide the necessary transmit power for signal generation and injection.

Typical radar applications include:

• Surveillance and tracking radar transmitters

• FMCW and pulse-Doppler radar systems

• Ground-based, airborne, and maritime radar platforms

• Radar signal injection and calibration

High linearity and gain stability improve range performance and target detection accuracy.

Point-to-Point Microwave and Millimeter-Wave Links

Power amplifiers support long-distance and high-capacity wireless links.

Applications include:

• Microwave and mmWave backhaul links

• Fixed wireless access (FWA) systems

• Private and critical infrastructure networks

• High-throughput point-to-point radio systems

Clean amplification helps maintain link margin and spectral efficiency.

5G and Millimeter-Wave Wireless Development

Microwave and mmWave power amplifiers are widely used in development and validation of next-generation wireless systems.

Applications include:

• 5G FR2 base station and small cell testing

• mmWave transmitter development

• Beamforming and MIMO system validation

• Wireless backhaul and access research

Linear amplification is essential for wideband modulation and EVM performance.

RF Test, Measurement, and Research

In laboratory and production environments, power amplifiers provide controlled RF output levels.

Typical uses include:

• RF and mmWave test benches

• Signal source amplification

• Device and subsystem characterization

• Automated test equipment (ATE)

Repeatable performance supports accurate testing and validation workflows.

Glossary of RF & Microwave Power Amplifier Terms

Core Power Amplifier Definitions

RF Power Amplifier (PA)
An active RF device that increases the power level of an input signal to drive an antenna, load, or next system stage. RF power amplifiers are used in microwave and millimeter-wave transmit chains for satellite communications, radar, telemetry, wireless infrastructure, and test systems.

Microwave Power Amplifier
A power amplifier designed to operate in microwave frequency bands such as X-, Ku-, Ka-, Q-, V-, and W-band. These amplifiers are optimized for high gain, stability, and controlled output power at high frequencies.

Millimeter-Wave Power Amplifier
A power amplifier operating above 30 GHz, typically used in Ka-band and higher frequency systems. Millimeter-wave amplifiers support applications such as SatCom, radar, 5G/mmWave, and scientific research.

Power, Gain, and Linearity

Small-Signal Gain
The amplification provided by a power amplifier when operating below compression. Specified in dB, small-signal gain defines how much the input signal is increased under linear conditions.

Output Power
The RF power delivered by the amplifier at its output port, typically specified in dBm or watts. Output power requirements are driven by link budgets, antenna gain, and regulatory constraints.

1 dB Compression Point (P1dB)
The output power level at which the amplifier gain decreases by 1 dB from its linear value. P1dB defines the maximum usable linear output power of the amplifier.

Saturated Output Power (Psat)
The maximum output power an amplifier can deliver when driven fully into saturation. Psat is often used in constant-envelope or CW applications where linearity is less critical.

Linearity
The ability of an amplifier to amplify signals without distortion. High linearity reduces spectral regrowth, intermodulation products, and adjacent-channel interference in wideband and multi-carrier systems.

Third-Order Intercept Point (IP3 / OIP3)
A measure of amplifier linearity indicating resistance to third-order intermodulation distortion. Higher IP3 values indicate better performance in multi-tone and wideband applications.

Noise and Spectral Performance

Noise Figure (NF)
A measure of how much noise an amplifier adds to the signal. While more critical in LNAs, noise figure still impacts overall system performance in low-power or sensitive transmit chains.

Harmonics
Unwanted signals generated at integer multiples of the fundamental frequency. Harmonics are minimized through amplifier design and output filtering to maintain spectral compliance.

Spurious Emissions
Unwanted discrete spectral components caused by nonlinear behavior or circuit interactions. Low spurious output is critical for regulatory compliance and interference mitigation.

Bandwidth and Frequency Characteristics

Operating Frequency Range
The frequency span over which the amplifier meets specified performance parameters such as gain, output power, and stability.

Instantaneous Bandwidth
The frequency range the amplifier can support at a given operating point without retuning. Wide instantaneous bandwidth enables broadband and multi-carrier operation.

Gain Flatness
The variation in gain across the operating frequency band. Good gain flatness ensures consistent signal amplitude and simplifies system calibration.

Impedance, Matching, and Interfaces

Input Return Loss (S11)
A measure of impedance matching at the amplifier input. Higher return loss indicates better matching and reduced signal reflection.

Output Return Loss (S22)
A measure of impedance matching at the amplifier output, affecting power transfer and load stability.

VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio)
A ratio describing impedance mismatch. Lower VSWR values indicate better matching and improved amplifier efficiency and reliability.

Connector Interface
The RF interface used to connect the amplifier, such as SMA, N-type, waveguide flange, or coaxial connectors, depending on frequency and power level.

Power, Control, and Thermal Management

DC Power Supply
The electrical input required to operate the amplifier, commonly specified by voltage and current. Power amplifiers may operate from single-supply or multi-supply rails.

Biasing
The method of setting operating voltages and currents for the amplifier’s active devices. Proper biasing ensures stable gain, linearity, and long-term reliability.

Thermal Management
The removal of heat generated during operation using heatsinks, conduction cooling, or forced air. Effective thermal design is essential for maintaining performance and preventing damage.

Duty Cycle
The percentage of time the amplifier is transmitting at a given power level. Duty cycle affects thermal loading and average power dissipation.

Packaging and Deployment

Module
A compact, self-contained amplifier assembly designed for integration into larger RF systems or subsystems.

Rack-Mount Amplifier
A power amplifier packaged for laboratory, ground station, or data-center environments.

Ruggedized Amplifier
An amplifier designed for harsh environments, including outdoor, airborne, mobile, or defense applications, with extended temperature and mechanical tolerance.

System-Level Considerations

Transmit Chain
The sequence of RF components leading from signal generation through amplification and transmission. Power amplifiers are typically the final active stage before the antenna.

Spectral Compliance
Meeting regulatory limits for emissions, harmonics, and adjacent-channel power. Power amplifier performance directly impacts compliance.

Reliability and MTBF
Long-term operational stability and mean time between failures. Critical for mission-critical and continuous-operation systems.