Low Noise Amplifier
Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) delivers ultra-low noise figure and high gain for sensitive RF receiver systems. Widely used in radar receivers, satellite communication terminals, RF measurement systems, microwave communication networks, 5G mmWave infrastructure and scientific research applications.
High-Gain Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) for Sensitive Receiver Front-Ends
AO Microwave’s high-precision low noise amplifiers (LNAs) are engineered to amplify weak high-frequency signals while introducing minimum noise at the receiver input. Utilizing advanced Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) pHEMT and Indium Phosphide (InP) semiconductor technologies housed in compact, precision-machined aluminum enclosures, our amplifiers achieve outstanding noise performance. Operating up to 50 GHz with standard SMA and 2.92mm (K) connector options, our LNAs deliver an exceptional typical noise figure (NF) of < 1.5 dB, high gain (typically > 30 dB), and excellent gain flatness across the band.
By incorporating integrated electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, active bias control, and input limiter options, our LNAs ensure stable performance in severe environments. They are critical for satellite ground station receivers, tactical radar front-ends, and weak signal laboratory testing.
| Part No | Frequency/GHz | VSWR (Max) | Gain/dB (Min) | Gain Flatness/dB (Max) | Output Power/dBm (Min) | Iutput Power/dBm (Max) | Noise Figure/dB | Power Supply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AO0.4G8G-CLNA-SKK35 | 0.4-8 | 2 | 35 | ±1.5 | 15 | 10 | 3 | +12V/≤180mA |
| AO0.5G8.5G-CLNA-SKK35 | 0.5-8.5 | 1.8 | 35 | ±1.5 | 15 | 15 | 2.5 | +5V/≤150mA |
| AO6G18G-CLNA-SKK20 | 6-18 | 2 | 20 | ±1.5 | 15 | 10 | 2.5 | +5V/≤80mA |
| AO6G18G-CLNA-SKK30 | 6-18 | 2 | 30 | ±1.5 | 27 | 10 | 3 | +12V/≤0.5A |
| AO6G18G-CLNA-SKK40 | 6-18 | 2 | 40 | ±1.5 | 24 | 10 | 3 | +12V/≤260mA |
| AO0.1G20G-CLNA-SKK15 | 0.1-20 | 1.8 | 15 | ±1.0 | 15 | 15 | 3 | +12V/≤0.1A |
| AO0.05G20G-CLNA-SKK30 | 0.05-20 | 2 | 30 | ±1.5 | 15 | 15 | 3.5 | +12V/≤0.2A |
| AO16G42G-CLNA-SKK30 | 16-42 | 2.5 | 30 | ±3.0 | 15 | 10 | 3 | +12V/≤220mA |
Understanding Noise Figure & Noise Match Trade-offs
Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) must amplify weak signals while introducing minimum noise. In active transistor design, there is a fundamental trade-off between the input impedance match (S11) and the optimum noise match (Γopt).
Designing the input matching network for minimum noise figure typically mismatches the input impedance, which can degrade S11. To resolve this trade-off, AO Microwave utilizes inductive source feedback techniques in its GaAs pHEMT designs. By integrating a small, precisely calculated inductance at the transistor source, we pull the input match and noise match points closer together, ensuring a low noise figure (typically < 1.5 dB) alongside a low VSWR.
Target Applications & Operational Advantages
By providing low noise figures and high gain, our low noise amplifiers secure sensitive receiver front-ends:
Satellite Receiver Front-Ends (LNBs)
Function: Amplifies weak satellite downlink signals directly at the antenna feed.
Advantage: Ultra-low noise figures (typically <1.0 dB at C/Ku-bands) preserve signal-to-noise ratio, maximizing data downlink rates.
Tactical Radar Receivers
Function: Amplifies target return reflections before digital signal processing.
Advantage: High gain (>30 dB) and tight gain flatness across wide bands ensure stable, distortion-free amplification, maintaining radar sensitivity.
Weak Signal Laboratory Testing
Function: Amplifies low-power RF signals before spectrum monitoring and analysis.
Advantage: Exceptional input match (S11 < -15 dB) prevents reflections, protecting the device under test and ensuring accurate measurements.
Low Noise Amplifier FAQs
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