Atec pa-118 User Manual

Features

Ultra Wideband - 500 MHz - 18 GHz

High Gain - 24 dB minimum

Flat Response - ± 1.25 dB.

Low Noise Figure - 3 dB max.

Power @1 dB Gain Compression - +17 dBm

Preamplifier

PA-118

Description

The model PA-118 is a broadband, high gain, bench top
microwave preamplifier. The PA-118 has a frequency
range of 500 MHz to 18 GHz. This preamplifier is
primarily intended for EMC applications. However, it
can be used for other application that require signal
amplification. The PA-118 reduces floor noise and
increases system sensitivity to low level signals during
Electromagnetic Interference (EMC) testing.

The simple front panel consists of two 50 Ohm matched
SMA connectors for input and output. The preampli­fier was designed to have minimal gain variation for
the entire frequency range. The consistent gain re­duces EMC measurement errors. It also has low VSWR
and noise figure.

Each preamplifier is individually calibrated using
equipment traceable to National Institute of Standards
and Technology. The data and certificate of calibra­tion is shipped with the unit. The PA-118 is powered by
18 VDC, 1 Amp wall plug adapter.

Application

The PA-118 preamplifier increases system sensitivity
to low level signals from equipment under test during
EMC testing. It also provides input isolation to your
spectrum analyzer or receiver.

During EMC measurements the antennas are usually
placed at a distance of 1 -10 meters from the equipment
under test. Most antennas operating above 1 GHz
typically have high antenna factors. In addition, long
interconneting cables operating in the microwave fre­quencies usually have high cable losses. These factors
make it difficult to see the radiation from the equip­ment under test above the floor noise of the spectrum
analyzer. The preamplifier improves system sensitiv­ity by amplifying the signals picked by the antenna
before it reaches the spectrum analyzer.

The system sensitivity can be further improved by
connecting the PA-118 preamplifier right at the an­tenna output. Placing the preamplifier close to the
receiving antenna will reduce the effects of high cable
loss associated with long cables.

Com-Power Corporation (949) 587 - 9800 www. com-power.com [e-mail]

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