Mini-Circuits has introduced the TSS-23ULN+, a low-noise amplifier (LNA) with a built-in voltage-controlled shutdown function and ~7.5 ns switching time, enabling fast on/off operation for duty-cycled RF systems. This allows engineers to reduce average power consumption without impacting response time, improving efficiency in multi-channel and battery-powered receiver designs.
The device is a pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) covering 10 MHz to 2000 MHz. It delivers a 0.4 dB typical noise figure (NF), 20 dB gain, and +37.3 dBm output third-order intercept point (OIP3). The low NF improves sensitivity by minimizing added noise at the front end, while the high OIP3 maintains linearity, allowing the system to handle both weak and strong signals without distortion.
It also provides an output 1 dB compression point (P1dB) of +20.3 dBm, ensuring stable gain under higher input signal levels. This increases usable dynamic range and reduces compression effects in environments with strong interferers.
The amplifier operates from a single +5 V supply with ~70.6 mA current consumption, simplifying biasing and reducing design complexity. It is housed in a compact 2 × 2 mm, 8-lead quad flat no-lead (QFN) package, supporting dense printed circuit board (PCB) layouts and short radio frequency (RF) signal paths for better broadband performance.
With 50 Ω matched input and output, the LNA is easy to integrate into standard RF designs. Its wideband coverage supports multiple frequency ranges, including 380–480 MHz, 700–800 MHz, and 950–1700 MHz, enabling use in multi-band receiver architectures while reducing the need for additional amplification stages.
The TSS-23ULN+ is suited for systems where receivers must handle weak signals alongside strong interference. Targeted applications include cellular infrastructure, satellite communications, and radar/EW/ECM systems.
Click here to learn more about Mini-Circuits' TSS-23ULN+.
