Rackmount variable gain RF amplifier

Jon Lawson

Pasternack introduces a brand new rackmount variable gain RF amplifier with performance from 100MHz to 18GHz. This 19-inch rack mounted RF amplifier is designed for lab use and various test and measurement applications.

Pasternack’s new rack mount RF amplifier offers broadband frequency coverage from 100 MHz to 18 GHz with high gain levels of 50 dB minimum over a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. Integrated digitally controlled attenuators boast dynamic range up to 60dB with a 1dB step size. Typical performance includes 6.5dB noise figure and +14dBm output P1dB.  The package design supports a front panel LED display with manual control dial and SMA connectors, and a 9 pin D-Sub Miniature connector on the rear panel. It is also environmentally sealed and designed to meet a series of MIL-STD-202F test conditions.

The PE15A7000 variable gain amplifier can be used on a test bench, but is also designed to fit into rack mount cabinet enclosures (size: 1U high and 10 inches deep). Offering control flexibility, the gain level with precise attenuation step size over a wide frequency band can be manually controlled, or utilize the included RS-232 serial cable and Ethernet connection to link with a PC computer to command control for automated testing (ATE) applications which could involve production testing over temperature or research and development projects.