Coaxial package variable gain amplifier

     Pasternack has introduced a new line of variable gain amplifiers designed to meet the needs of instrumentation, sensors, radar, wireless communications, automatic gain control loops and other applications. Designers using variable gain amplifiers are able to vary the level of wideband gain response by controlling the DC voltage and provide superior performance for signal chains that require a high dynamic range.

     Pasternack's 12 new variable gain amplifiers provide continuous variable gain control of 20dB (typical value) across the entire frequency band, giving designers greater dynamic range and the ability to set signal levels. These new designs use a combination of GaAs FET and MMIC fixed-gain modules to provide a low noise factor and moderate output power across the entire frequency band.

     "Our new variable gain amplifier provides 20 dB continuous variable gain control across the entire frequency band, resulting in increased dynamic range as well as the ability to set signal levels and optimize system-level performance. In addition, the compact integrated assembly design reduces the number of components and system complexity, "said Tim Galla, Product Manager.

     These amplifiers come in a sturdy coaxial package that supports SMA female or 2.92mm connectors and are designed to meet a range of environmental conditions including altitude, vibration, humidity and shock. Other features include broadband frequencies of 500 MHZ to 40GHz, high gain of 45dB (typical value), variable gain control of 20dB with 0 to +5V control voltage (typical value), noise factor of 3.5dB (typical value), and output P1dB of 10 to 15dBm.