David Goldstein sent in a few pictures that show FM reception without and with the 40 dB LNA. A significant gain in performance with the LNA. Thanks David!
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Author: gpio
Considerations when using high-gain LNAs
Some of our LNAs provide in excess of 40 dB of gain and operate over a wide frequency range. The primary application of these products is to amplify weak signals by increasing the signal-to-noise ratio at the receiver.
One important consideration when using these LNAs is that they amplify everything across their frequency range of operation. If your receiver does not have any front-end filtering, you might find yourself having to deal with a large assortment of strong unwanted signals. Most software-defined radios are wideband and therefore susceptible to these strong signals. A strong signal present at the input of a receiver can cause it to saturate and produce garbage at the output.
When using these high gain LNAs we recommend using a bandpass filter for your frequency range of interest. We have a number of such filters for GPS, 426, 433 MHz, 915 MHz and 2450 MHz bands: http://stores.ebay.com/gpiolabs/Bandpass-Filters-/_i.html?_fsub=28020158018
and we are looking to add new filters. If you would like to see us develop a filter for your application, get in touch.
Precautions when using LNAs
Our LNA products use a micro-USB connector for powering the device. The choice of this connector was based on the popularity of USB and the reasoning that it’s easy to find cell phone chargers. The only negative with this connector is that it is easy to rip them off the board if handled improperly. Once the connector detaches from the board, in most situations, the hardware cannot be repaired.
There are a few precautions that users can take to prevent damage to the board.
- When setting up to use the LNA, we recommend connecting the SMA connectors to cables prior to connecting the USB power cable. This is to prevent potentially torquing the board.
- Similarly when you’re done using the LNA and if it’s not part of a permanent fixture, detach the USB power cable first and then take the SMA connectors off.
- Finally, avoid dangling the LNA with the USB cable while it’s connected.
All our RF products can be found here: http://www.ebay.com/sch/iseeabluewhale/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=
GPS Bandpass Filters
Herbert Ullmann AF4JF, tests and describes some applications of the 433 MHz, GPS and 1268 MHz bandpass filters in this post: http://af4jf.blogspot.ca/2016/06/filters-filters-and-more-filters.html
If you’re looking for some gain in addition to filtering for the GPS 1575 MHz band, here’s a Pre-filtered GPS LNA.
Low Noise Amplifier 10 MHz to 8000 MHz with 40 dB gain
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
This is a wideband low noise amplifier that provides excellent gain (35-40 dB between 100 MHz and 2 GHz) and noise figure (3 dB at 2 GHz). The LNA is very general purpose and can be used in a number of different applications such as Ham Radio, Software radio, TV reception, etc. The product is ideally suited for software radio products such as RTL-SDR, HackRF, USRP, etc. where the USB power supply means you can power it off your laptop. Our design is unique as it provides broadband performance from 10 MHz to 8 GHz at a fraction of the cost of similar LNAs. As well, all our products are made with genuine ICs sourced directly from the manufacturer and reliable distributors.
FEATURES
• Wideband LNA operates from 10 MHz to 8 GHz
• USB-powered; includes pads for external DC power
• Suitable for use with software radio receivers such as HackRF, RTL-SDR, USRP, etc.
• 2.9 dB Noise Figure at 2 GHz
• PCB edge-mount connectors are SMA-F
• Micro USB cable not included
SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Gain
10 MHz 30 dB
100 MHz 40 dB
1 GHz 39 dB
2 GHz 35 dB
3 GHz 31 dB
4 GHz 28 dB
5 GHz 26 dB
6 GHz 23 dB
7 GHz 20 dB
8 GHz 14 dB
9 GHz 10 dB
Maximum RF Input Power
+10 dBm
Physical Dimensions
1.5″ x 1.7″
Buy it here:
100 kHz to 2 GHz LNA
This is a low noise RF amplifier that provides excellent gain and noise figure. The gain at 100 MHz is 30 dB while the noise figure is 2.2 dB. The LNA can be used in a number of different receiver applications such as Ham Radio, Software radio, TV reception, etc. The product is ideally suited as a pre-amplifier for software radio products such as RTL-SDR, HackRF, USRP, etc., where the USB power supply means you can power it off your laptop.
FEATURES
- Wideband LNA with 30 dB Maximum Gain between 100 kHz and 2 GHz;
- Operational from 100 kHz to 5 GHz
- Suitable for use with software radio receivers such as HackRF, BladeRF, RTL-SDR, USRP, etc.
- LED power indicator
- SMA-F connectors
- USB powered (cable not included)
- Pads for two-pin power header
SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Gain
100 kHz 18 dB
1 MHz 25 dB
10 MHz 27 dB
100 MHz 31 dB
1 GHz 24 dB
2 GHz 19 dB
3 GHz 14 dB
4 GHz 12 dB
5 GHz 10 dB
6 GHz 6 dB
Output IP3
+27 dBm
Maximum RF Input Power
+13 dBm
Buy it here:
