What are Some Common Types of RF Amplifiers?

Radio frequency amplifiers, or RF amplifiers, are components that are capable of boosting low-power radio-frequency signals. Such devices may be beneficial for a number of applications, often serving to drive a high power source, drive a transmitting antenna, or to excite microwave cavity resonators. With many devices relying on such components, an equal number of types have come about with varying characteristics and designs. To help you make the best decision for your particular needs, we will provide a short overview of a few of the most common RF amplifiers that accommodate transceivers, transmitters, antennas, and more.

Broadband Amplifier

Broadband amplifiers are capable of moderately boosting transmission gain, serving longer bandwidths while also retaining a low noise level. Such components are best fit for receiver circuitry near the front end of an antenna, operating efficiently as long as there is no need for low noise amplifiers.

Gain Block Amplifier

While the gain block amplifier is somewhat similar to the broadband type and may boast a greater gain, they are incapable of low noise operations. With narrow or wide bandwidth capability, gain block amplifiers may commonly be used for RD, IF, and microwave transmitter equipment.

Variable Gain Amplifier

The variable gain amplifier permits control over gain and may even be capable of programming. In order to provide their functionality, such amplifiers rely on variable gain circuits or attenuators that are built into them. With their capabilities, such amplifiers may serve closed-loop circuit control applications.

Power Amplifier

Power amplifiers often come in the form of coaxial and waveguide power amplifiers, such types being used to transform small power signals into high powered transmissions. Often used alongside an antenna, the power amplifier can serve communications and radar equipment without negatively impacting signal quality. As such amplifiers handle varying types of loads that may be damaging, these components may utilize protective circuits, coaxial connectors, or waveguide connectors.

Linear Amplifier

The linear amplifier is a form of power amplifier, beneficial for its ability to operate with high-quality linear performance with a proportional linear relationship of its inputs and outputs. Due to their specific operational design, such amplifier types are best suited for transmitters and test equipment that require linear power for operations.

Bi-Directional Amplifiers

Bi-directional amplifiers are capable of receiving weak signals for their amplified retransmission at a distance, acting as a combined transmitter and receiver. Such amplifiers are best suited for remote communication, permitting communication networks to stretch across long distances without the need for more transmission lines. As such, bi-directional amplifiers can be beneficial for communication within a single building or over long stretches of land.

Low Noise Amplifier

Low noise amplifiers are true to their name, amplifying low-power signals with high efficiency while retaining a low amount of noise. Such components are useful for oscillators, regularly being used at the output for boosting the signals needed to drive a mixer. Low noise amplifiers are also common for antenna inputs, bolstering signal power.