Microwave amplifiers are electronic devices capable of increasing the power of an RF signal. It is a two-port device that intensifies the amplitude of signals received from its input terminals and relays them to the output port. The quantum amplitude increase is called “Gain”.
Microwave amplifiers can be a separate individual device or be built-in a part of another device.
The amplification process is fundamental to electronic circuitry and is used in almost all the electronic equipment.
These are solid-state amplifiers that handle a frequency range of 1 to 100GHz and are extensively used in Electromagnetic Compatibility systems (EMC), Electromagnetic interference (EMI), Defense systems, Medical and diagnostic systems, laboratory and field testing appliances.
Modern day microwave amplifiers systems use transistor made of Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) or Gallium Nitrate (GaN) which actually amplifies the signals. GaAs transistor-based amplifiers give the best linearity and the GaN transistor-based amplifiers have the best of efficiency.
There are FETs, IMPATT diode-based microwave amplifiers which work well for lower frequencies and for power levels down to the level of watts.
There are basically 4 different types of microwave amplifiers based on the roles they play in a superheterodyne receiver of radars systems, electronic warfare scanner or a testing instrument.
Application requirement drives the amplifier selection and therefore it is prudent to make application-based selection for optimal results.
Raditek Inc offers a full selection, see website.