Author: gpio

Considerations when using high-gain LNAs

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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

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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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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=

 

Low Noise Amplifier 10 MHz to 8000 MHz with 40 dB gain

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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: