How to choose an RF Amplifier?

It depends on your application of course.

By default, always order them with SMA connectors. We don't want to use BNC. For some specialty applications, you might want TNC or N connections.

Here we describe the uses that are mostly used in LIGO.

Some Common Choices

These are in common use in LIGO. They work in the 10-100 MHz band, at least.

Model #

Gain (dB)

Max (1dB comp) (dBm)

N.F. (dB)

Directivity (dB)

Power Supply (V / mA)

f_low - f_high (MHz)

ZHL-2-8

ZHL-1A

17.1

30

8.2

12.7

24 / 600

2 - 500

ZHL-3A

ZHL-32A

27.4

31.5

6

13

24 / 600

0.05 - 130

ZKL-1R5+

ZFL-500

ZFL-1000

ZFL-1000

Where to Buy Amps

  1. Mini Circuits

  2. Teledyne Cougar Very pricey, but very good

  3. Wenzel "Quietly the Best"

  4. Pulsar Microwave