RF and Microwave Amplifiers
SELECTION GUIDE
Microwave broadband signal amplification
– Broadband performance up to 50 GHz, replacing several narrow band amplifiers,
simplifies test setup and optimizes the operating range of your test systems
– Excellent noise figure and high gain, significantly reduces overall test system noise
figure
– High output power, boosts available power for measurements
Introduction
The Keysight Technologies, Inc. 83006/017/018/020 /050 /051A and N4985A test
system amplifiers of fer ultra broadband performance up to 50 GHz. With excellent noise
figure relative to their broad bandwidth and high gain, these products can be used to
significantly reduce test system noise figure. By replacing several amplifiers with a single
broadband product, test setups can be greatly simplified. You can place this amplification
power where you need it by using remotely-locatable Keysight power supplies. In addition,
the Keysight 87415A provides octave band performance from 2 to 8 GHz.
The Keysight 87405B/C and N4985A-S30/S50 low noise preamplifiers provide
exceptional gain and flatness. The 87405B/C preamplifiers are very portable and
come with a convenient probe-power bias connection which eliminates the need for an
additional DC power supply, making them an ideal front-end preamplifier for a variety of
Keysight instruments.
The N4985A-S30/50 system amplifiers are a high-performance broadband amplifier
featuring baseband RF (> 100 kHz) through millimeter wave (> 30 GHz) frequency
coverage. These amplifiers are designed to be a multi-use laboratory RF amplifier as a
gain block for frequency domain applications, or as a time domain pulse amplifier. Its
small size and versatile performance make it an excellent choice for general purpose
gain block with moderate power output in a single package, potentially replacing two or
three narrower-band amplifiers.
N4985A system amplifier
87405B/C preamplifier
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System amplifiers
Page 2
What Selection Criteria Do I Consider?
Today’s engineers are constantly seeking for amplifiers
of exceptional gain and power performance over a broad
bandwidth.
There exists a very large number of potential electrical
specifications that can be applied to a microwave power
amplifier selection. These elements are defined by the
following characteristics:
Frequency range
RF and microwave applications range in frequency
from 100 MHz for semiconductor to 60 GHz for satellite
communications. Broadband accessories increase test
system flexibility by extending frequency coverage.
However, frequency is always application dependent and
a broad operating frequency may need to be sacrificed to
meet other critical parameters.
Noise figure
Noise figure is the primary specification for a typical
microwave power amplifier selection. The noise figure is
defined as the ratio of the signal-to-noise power ratio at
the input to the signal-to-noise power ratio at the output.
The noise factor is thus the ratio of actual output noise
to that which would remain if the device itself did not
introduce noise, or the ratio of input SNR to output SNR.
Low noise amplifiers are always preferred as the noise
figure of the system is dominated by the noise figure of
the preamplifier. By adding a preamplifier to noise figure
measurement systems, the total system noise figure can
also be reduced.
F
F
= Fpa + ————
new
F
Where F and G are noise figure and preamplifier gain, both
in linear terms.
NF
= 10 log (F
sys
sys
– 1
pa
) in dB
sys
Output power (P
Among the key specifications for microwave amplifiers are
their power output specifications. Output power at P
refers to the saturated output power, or maximum output
power from the amplifier. This is the output power where
the Pin/P
P
1dB
point. Unlike the gain specification, implicitly it is assumed
that the specification is at an operating point where the
amplifier is exhibiting some degree of non-linear behavior.
With an inherently broadband amplifier, power output as
a function of power input does not vary discontinuously as
a function of frequency. Typically, a wideband microwave
power amplifier that could deliver in excess of several
watts required a solution where numerous narrowband
amplifiers were either multiplexed or switched; often
introducing undesired issues, such as power curve
discontinuities, at frequency cross-over points.
curve slope goes to zero. Output power at
out
refers to the output power during 1 dB compression
sat
& P
1dB
)
sat
Gain
Gain usually is specified within the context of power
output. Often, if no context for power output is given,
then this is assumed to be small signal gain. Conditions
for small signals at the input and output are usually easy
to reproduce and verify, whereas gain and gain flatness
can vary significantly when an amplifier approaches
compression. Gain flatness for an amplifier with a
significant
frequency range is often specified over subsets of the
entire frequency range. Gain and gain flatness typically
include an implicit assumption that the reverse gain from
the output to the input is negligible; i.e. the amplifier is
unilateral.
Typically, gain flatness could only be achieved over narrow
bandwidths with classic reactive matching techniques, such
as those used for internally matched devices. Attempts to
broaden the gain bandwidth of a high-power microwave
amplifier requires trade-offs with resistive matching, or
feedback techniques that take power output. The spatially
combined topology overcomes these limitations.
For systems with a single preamplifier, where the gain of
the preamplifier is greater than or equal to the spectrum
analyzer noise figure, the system noise figure is
approximately equal to the noise figure of the
preamplifier.
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Input and output return loss (VSWR)
Frequency range (GHz)
Isolation
The standing wave ratio, often referred to interchangeably
as VSWR, is the result of wave interference. Peaks and
troughs in a given field pattern remain in a static position
as long as the sources of interference do not change
with respect to each other. Return loss, expressed in
dB, is a measure of voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR).
Isolation is the degree of attenuation from an unwanted
signal detected at the port of interest. Isolation becomes
more important at higher frequencies. High isolation
reduces the influence of signals from other channels,
sustains the integrity of the measured signal, and reduces
system measurement uncertainties.
Return loss is caused by impedance mismatch between
circuits. At microwave frequencies, the material properties
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as well as the dimensions of a network element play a
significant role in determining the impedance match
or mismatch caused by the distributed effect. Keysight
amplifiers guarantee excellent return loss performance
by incorporating appropriate matching circuits to ensure
optimum power transfer through the amplifier and the
entire network.
RF & Microwave Amplifiers Selection Guide
Minimum gain (dB)
15 20 25 30
Up to 4
87405BU7227A
Up to 8
Up to 18
Up to 20
Up to 26.5 U7227B83018A83006A
Up to 30
Up to 50
83050A/N4985A-P15/25 N4985A-S50
Preamplifier
System amplifier
87415A
87405C
83018A
N4985A-S30
83020A
8317A 83020A
U7227F83051A
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Page 4
RF & Microwave Amplifiers Specification Table
RF
Output power
Frequency
Model
Preamplifiers
874 05B 0.01 to
U7 227A40.01 to
874 05C 0.1 to
U7227C40.1 to
N4985A
-S30
U7227F42 to 50 GHz 510 @ 4 GHz
N4985A
-S50
System amplifiers
87415 A 2 to 8 GHz 13 at 8 GHz 26 at 8 GHz 23 at 8 GHz 25 3 60 +12 V at 900 mA SMA (f) 8742 1A
83006A 0.01 to
83 017A30.5 to 26.5
83 018A32 to 26.5
83020A32 to 26.5
N4985A
-P 15
83050A 2 to 50 GHz 6 at 26.5 GHz
1
2
range (GHz)
4 GHz
4 GHz
18 GH z
26.5 GHz
0.00001 to
30 GHz
0.00001 to
50 GHz
26.5 GHz
GHz
GHz
GHz
0.01 to 50
GHz
Noise figure
(dB) (typical)
3.5 at 4 GHz 8 at 4 GHz 8 at 4 GHz 22 1.9 40 +15 V at 105 mA Type N (m.f) 87422 A
5.5 @ 100 MHz
5 @ 4 GHz
3.5 at 4 GHz
3.8 at 18 GHz
6 @ 4 GHz
5 @ 6 GHz
4 @ 18 GHz
5 @ 26.5 GHz
5 at 2 to 30 GHz 22 at 26 GHz N /A 30 at
8 @ 40 GHz
9 @ 44 GHz
10 @ 50 GHz
5 at 2 to 30 GHz
6 at 20 to 40 GHz
13 at 0.1 GHz
8 at 18 GHz
13 at 26.5 GHz
8 at 20 GHz
13 at 26.5 GHz
10 at 20 GHz
13 at 26.5 GHz
10 at 20 GHz
13 at 26.5 GHz
12 at 50 GHz 25 at 26.5 GHz
10 at 50 GHz
at
P
(dBm)
sat
Refer
data sheet
17 at 18 GHz 15 at 4 GHz
Refer
data sheet
Refer
data sheet
17 at 50 GHz N/A 27 at
18 at 10 GHz
16 at 20 GHz
14 at 26.5 GHz
20 at 20 GHz
15 at 26.5 GHz
24 at 20 GHz
21 at 26.5 GHz
30 at 20 GHz
25 at 26.5 GHz
20 at 50 GHz
20 at 40 GHz
17 at 50 GHz
Output power
at P
(dBm)
1dB
Refer
data sheet
14 at 18 GHz
Refer
data sheet
Refer
data sheet
13 at 20 GHz
10 at
26.5 GHz
18 at 20 GHz
13 at
26.5 GHz
22 at 20 GHz
17 at
26.5 GHz
27 at 20 GHz
23 at
26.5 GHz
23 at
26.5 GHz
17 at 50 GHz
15 at 40 GHz
13 at 50 GHz
Gain
(dB) (min) VSWR
10 to 100 MHz: 16
100 MHz to 4 GHz: >
0.5F + 17
25 1.92 50 +15 V at 140 mA
100 MHz to 26.5 GHz:
16.1 + 0.26F
26 GHz
2 to 50 GHz: 16.5 +
0.23F
45 GHz
20 3.2 65 +12 V at 450 mA
25 2.6 65 +12 V at 70 0 mA
27 dB at 20 GHz
23 dB at 26.5 GHz
30 dB at 20 GHz
27 dB at 26.5 GHz
22 at
50 GHz
21 2.1 50 +12 V at 830 mA
Isolation
(dB) Bias (nom)
1.81 Refer
datasheet
2.07 Refer
datasheet
1.9 2 N/A AC power supply
2.27 Refer
datasheet
2.32 N /A AC power supply
2.2 55 +12 V at 2 A
2.2 55 +15 V at 3.2 A
3.01 50 AC power supply
‘USB + 5 Vdc at
360 mA
–15 V at 3 mA
‘USB + 5 Vdc at
400 mA
included
‘USB + 5 Vdc at
460 mA
included
–12 V at 50 mA
–12 V at 50 mA
–12 V at 50 mA
–15 V at 50 mA
included
–12 V at 50 mA
connectors
(input /
output)
3.5 mm (m) Do not require
Type N (m.f) 87422 A
3.5 mm (m) Do not require
2.92 mm (f ) Included
2.4 mm (m) Do not require
2.4 mm (f) Included
3.5 mm (f) 87421A o r 8 742 2A
3.5 mm (f) 87421A o r 8 742 2A
3.5 mm (f) 87421A o r 8 742 2A
3.5 mm (f) 8742 2 A
2.4 mm (f) Included
2.4 mm (f) 87421A o r 8 742 2A
Recommended
power supply
power supply.
USB powered
power supply.
USB powered
power supply.
USB powered
N4985A
-P25
83051A 0.045 to
2 to 50 GHz 12 at 50 GHz 25 at 26.5 GHz
20 at 50 GHz
50 GHz
12 at 2 GHz
6 at 26.5 GHz
10 at 50 GHz
12 at 45 GHz
10 at 50 GHz
23 at
26.5 GHz
17 at 50 GHz
8 at 45 GHz
6 at 50 GHz
22 at
50 GHz
23 2.2 50 +12 V at 425 mA
3.01 50 AC power supply
included
–12 V at 50 mA
2.4 mm (f) Included
2.4 mm (f) 87421A o r 8 742 2A
1. Option OA3 is available for optical application tuning.
2. Option OA5 is available for optical application tuning.
3. 83017A, 83018A and 83020A include internal directional detectors with BNC (f), DC connectors for external leveling applications.
4. U7227A/C/F designed to provide positive gain slope for gain compensation when used with CXA/EXA/MXA/PXA X-series Signal Analyzers.
It provide automatic gain correction value with temperature compensation and transfer of calibration data (noise gure and S-parameters)
through USB plug and play features for improved noise gure measurement.
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Application Examples
Adding preamplifiers to measurement systems as shown
in Figure 2 can improve sensitivity and reduce the noise
floor when measuring low-level signals. By adding a
preamplifier to noise figure measurement systems, the
total system noise figure can also be reduced. The noise
figure of the system is dominated by the noise figure of the
preamplifier. For systems with a single preamplifier, where
the gain of the preamplifier is greater than or equal to the
spectrum analyzer noise figure, the system noise figure is
approximately equal to the noise figure of the preamplifier.
Figure 1. Low level signal measurement test setup
Keysight X-Series signal analyzer
Keysight
SNS noise source
LNA (DUT)
Figure 2. Preamplif ier with spectrum analyzer setup
Keysight USB preamplifier
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System amplifiers
The small envelope size of the Keysight family of
microwave system amplifiers make them ideal for
automated test and benchtop applications, offering the
flexibility to place power where you need it.
Boost source output power
Increase output power from microwave sources to increase
test system dynamic range. Drive high input power devices
such as TWTs, mixers, power amps, or optical modulators.
Drive test devices into compression for device
characterization.
Recover systematic losses
The microwave system amplifiers help solve the power
loss from connectors, cables, switches, and signal routing
components which consume valuable source power. Long
transmission paths, common in antenna applications, are
particularly susceptible to such losses.
Level source power
By using feedback to an external source ALC input, system
designers can level output power at the test port, negating
the effects of postsweeper reflections and losses. Simply
route the directional detector output to the source
external ALC input connector. The figures at right show
typical results.
The 83017A, 83018A, and 83020A feature an integral
directional detector to supply feedback. To level an
83006A amplifier, use the 0.01 to 26.5 GHz 83036C
directional detector or the 1 to 26.5 GHz 87300C coupler
with an 8474C detector.
Max Output Power of 83020A amplifier
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Gain of 83051A amplifier
Page 7
Improve system sensitivity
Benchtop gain block
Keysight preamplifiers increase the system sensitivity of
spectrum analyzers which have high noise figure. Add
a preamplifier to noise figure measurement systems to
significantly lower system noise figure. The table below
shows typical system noise figure reduction achievable
with these amplifiers. Note that the reduced system
noise figure is dominated by the preamplifier noise
figure. See Noise Figure Measurement Accuracy – The
Y-Factor Method Application Note 57-2, literature number
5952-3706E.
Sensitivity improvement
E8257D PSG Signal Generator
N9030A PXA Signal Analyzer
Benchtop microwave design tasks often require amplification
to measure low level output characteristics, improve
system dynamic range, perform saturation tests, or boost
power levels. The Keysight family of system amplifiers
offers small size and immediate, off-the-shelf solutions
to microwave design, production, or test engineers.
Pulse parameter measurements
Fast rise time and multi-octave bandwidth make
these amplifiers attractive for fast pulse parameter
measurements. The 0.01, 0.5, and 2 GHz cutoff frequencies
make them more useful for RF or impulse measurements
with low duration times.
Before
CAL
CAL
83006A
After
Typical noise figure improvement
Amp
model
83006A 0.01–0.2 13 20 — 13.1 13.1 13.2 13.4 13.6 14.8
83017A 0.5–18 8 25 8.0 8 .1 8.1 8.2 8.4 8.6 9.8
83 018A 1–2 10 23 10.0 10.1 10 .1 10.2 10.4 10.6 11.8
83020A 1–20 10 30 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.1 10.1 10.4
83050A 2–26.5 6 21 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.5 7.0 7.5 9.5
83051A 0.045–2 12 23 12.0 12.0 12.1 12 .1 12.3 12.4 13.2
Freq
(GHz)
0.2–18 8 8.1 8.2 8.4 8.6 9.2 9.8 12.1
18–26.5 13 — 13.1 13.1 13.2 13.4 13.6 14.8
18–26.5 13 — 13.0 13.0 13.1 13.1 13.2 13.6
2–20 10 27 10.0 10.0 10.1 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.8
20–26.5 13 23 — 13.0 13.1 13.1 13.2 13.3 14.0
20–26.5 13 27 — 13.0 13.1 13.1 13.1 13.1 13.4
26.5–50 10 10.0 10.1 10 .1 10.2 10.4 10.6 11.8
2–26.5 6 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.5 7. 0 7.5 9.5
26.5–50 10 10.0 10.1 10 .1 10.2 10.4 10.6 11.8
Max
NF (dB)
Min
gain (dB)
System noise figure (F
13 15 18 20 23 25 30
) without preamp (dB)
sys
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Power Supply
With excellent noise figure relative to their broad bandwidth
and high gain, Keysight system amplifiers significantly
improve system noise figure and dynamic range. These
products come equipped with a low profile heat sink, an
integral mounting bracket, and a two-meter DC power
/422A remotely locatable power supplies. The 87421A
power supply is furnished with one 2-meter cable (87422A,
two 2-meter cables) for direct connection to a Keysight
amplifier as shown in the amplifier power cable cross
reference table below.
supply cable. Thermal and power supply design allows fast,
easy integration into most measurement systems.
The N4985A system amplifier is a series of high-
performance broadband amplifiers with excellent power
The Keysight 83006/017/018/020 /050 /051A amplifiers are
supplied with a 2-meter bias cable that has a connector on
one end and bare wires on the other. This bias cable can
be used to interface with a power supply provided by the
user. Or, for a complete solution, Keysight offers the 87421
Power cable cross reference
Cable part number
Model
(supplied with amplifier) Power supply recommended
1
2
and gain from 0.00001 to 50 GHz. The amplifier is designed
to be easily used in lab and test applications. It features
an integrated cooling and temperature-referenced power
detector outputs, and is completely self-contained with a
standard AC power supply.
Cable part number
(supplied with power supply)
83006A 83006-60004 87421A 83006-60005
83017A 83006-60004 87421A 83006-60005
83 018A 83006-60004 87421A 83006-60005
83050A 83006-60004 87421A 83006-60005
83051A 83006-60004 87421A 83006-60005
87415 A 83006-60004 87421A 83006-60005
83020A 83020-60004 87422 A
2
87422-60001
83006-60005
874 0 5B Integral cable Spectrum analyzer
4
874 0 5 C
87405 C-101 87405-20006 E3631A No cable supplied
87405 C-102 87405-20007 Spectrum analyzer No cable supplied
87405 C-103 874 0 5 -20010 87422A 87422-60001
83006-60005
3
1. See outline drawings for connector types
2. For use with available power supply
3. For use with power supply for direct connection
4. Must order one of cable options
Power supply specifications
Model AC input voltage DC output (nom) Output power Size (H, W, D)
87421A 100 to 240 VAC
50/60 Hz
1
87422A
100 to 240 VAC
50/60 Hz
1. The ± 15 V output is designed to power the Keysight 83020A; the ± 12 V output can be used to power an additional amplier.
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+12 V at 2.0 A, –12 V at 200 mA 25 W max 57, 114, 176 mm
2.3, 4.5, 6.9 in
+15 V at 3.3 A, –15 V at 50 mA
+12 V at 2.0 A, –12 V at 200 mA
70 W max 86, 202, 276 mm
3.4, 8.0, 10.9 in
Page 9
Mechanical Dimensions
Net Weights
Model Net weight
83006A 0.64 kg (1.4 lbs)
830 17A 0.64 kg (1.4 lbs)
83050A 0.64 kg (1.4 lbs)
83051A 0.64 kg (1.4 lbs)
83 018A 1.8 kg (4 lbs)
83020A 3.9 kg (8.5 lbs)
87415 A 0.64 kg (1.4 lbs)
874 05B 0.23 kg (0.5 lbs)
874 05C 0.22 kg (0.485 lbs)
N4985A-S30 0.26 kg (0.57 lbs)
N4985A-S50 0.26 kg (0.57 lbs)
N4985A-P15 1.03 kg (2.27 lbs)
N4985A-P25 1.03 kg (2.27 lbs)
U7227A 0.38 kg (0.84 lbs)
U7227C 0.38 kg (0.84 lbs)
U7227F 0.38 kg (0.84 lbs)
Ordering Information
Model Notes
874 05B Preamplifier, 0.01 to 4 GHz, 22 dB gain, type-N (m) output to type-N (f)
874 05B-001 Power probe connector to banana plug
874 05C Preamplifier, 0.1 to 18 GHz, type N(M) output to type N(F)
87405C-101 Cable assembly – banana plug
87405C-102 Cable assembly – power probe cable
87405C-103 Cable assembly – 15 pin bias cable
87415 A 2 to 8 GHz remote system amplifier
83006A Amplifier, 0.01 to 26.5 GHz, 20 dB gain
830 17A Amplifier, 0.5 to 26.5 GHz; 25 dB gain
83 018A Microwave system amplifier, 2 to 26 GHz, 22 dBm
83020A Power amplifier; 2 to 26.5 GHz, 27 dB gain
83050A Amplifier; 2 to 50 GHz, 20 dBm at 40 GHz
83051A Preamplifier; 0.045 to 50 GHz, 23 dB gain
N4985A System amplifiers
N4985A-P15 10 MHz to 50 GHz
N4985A-P25 2 to 50 GHz
N4985A-S30 100 kHz to 30 GHz
N4985A-S50 100 kHz to 50 GHz
N4985A-OA3 Optical application tuning for Option S30
N4985A-OA5 Optical application tuning for Option S50
U7227A 10 MHz to 4 GHz USB Preamplifier
U7227C 100 MHz to 26.5 GHz USB Preamplifier
U7227F 2 to 50 GHz USB Preamplifier
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Page 10
Related Literature
Preamplifiers
87405B
87405C
N4985A-S30
N4985A-S50
U7227A/C/F (http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5991-4246EN.pdf)
(http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5988-8452EN.pdf)
(http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5989-5743EN.pdf)
(http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5991-0713EN.pdf)
(http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5991-0713EN.pdf)
System amplifiers
87415A
83006A
83017A
83018A
83020A
N4985A-P15
83050A
N4985A-P25
83051A
For more on Keysight amplifiers and ordering information see the Keysight RF and Microwave
Amplifiers, Brochure, literature number 5989-6949EN
(http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5091-1358E.pdf)
(http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5963-5110E.pdf)
(http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5963-5110E.pdf)
(http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5963-5110E.pdf)
(http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5963-5110E.pdf)
(http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5991-0713EN.pdf)
(http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5963-5110E.pdf)
(http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5991-0713EN.pdf)
(http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5963-5110E.pdf)
To order our complimentary Keysight RF & Microwave Test Accessories Catalog 2014
www.keysight.com/find/mtacatalog
Learn more at: www.keysight.com
For more information on Keysight Technologies’ products, applications or services,
please contact your local Keysight office. The complete list is available at:
www.keysight.com/find/contactus
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This information is subject to change without notice. © Keysight Technologies, 2019, Published in USA, August 7, 2019, 5991-2052EN
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