How to choose RF Low Noise Amplifiers
Low noise amplifiers are used amplify a high frequency signal while maintaining a good signal to noise ratio. These amplifiers are used at the beginning of the receive chain to amplify a signal with minimal degradation.
The key specifications to look for in an RF Amplifier are:
Frequency (MHz): The frequency range at which the lna can operate while maintaining its electrical characteristics and low level of noise figure.
Gain (dB): The gain of an amplifiers is the ratio of output to input power or amplitude – It is the measure of amplification of the rf amplifier.
Noise Figure (dB): This is the most important parameter for a low noise amplifier. The lower the noise figure, the higher the signal to noise ratio of a system.
Power Compression (dBm or W): Power Compression (P1dB) 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. It is the point beyond which the gain of the device no longer increases linearly as the input power is raised.
Package Type: Low noise amplifiers are available in a number of package types - Connectorized, Surface Mount, In a die or chip form.
