In wideband electronic warfare (EW), spectrum monitoring, and multi-band microwave receiver systems, covering continuous spectrum across S, C, X, Ku, and K bands traditionally required bank-switched narrow-band receiver paths. Switching between dedicated sub-band LNAs introduces insertion loss, mechanical volume, and control overhead. A single broadband front-end preamplifier specified for operation from 1 GHz to 26 GHz can simplify receiver architecture while helping preserve system sensitivity.
The 1–26 GHz broadband low noise amplifier provides an integrated multi-octave amplification solution in a 30 × 20 × 10 mm coaxial enclosure. The module is specified for operation from 1000 MHz to 26000 MHz, with a typical gain of 32.5 dB, a typical noise figure of 3.3 dB, and an output 1 dB compression point (P1dB) of 10 dBm, functioning as a primary gain block for multi-octave microwave front-ends.
Technical Specs & Engineering Support
Need complete electrical parameters, S-parameter data, or custom RF design support for this series?
This technical article reviews the RF signal chain mechanics, Friis cascade noise suppression, packaging considerations, and electrical integration of this 1–26 GHz LNA module.
Front-End RF Specifications and Operating Parameters
The amplifier provides broadband gain across a continuous 25 GHz frequency span from a single +15 V DC supply.
| Technical Parameter | Specified Value | Engineering Context |
| Operating Frequency Range | 1000 MHz to 26000 MHz (1–26 GHz) | Multi-octave coverage across the microwave spectrum |
| Small-Signal Gain | 32.5 dB (Typical) | Multi-stage gain profile to drive subsequent mixers or filters |
| Noise Figure (NF) | 3.3 dB (Typical) | Front-end noise figure parameter across the operating band |
| Output Power (P1dB) | 10 dBm (Typical) | Output power at the 1 dB gain-compression point |
| Operating Supply Voltage | +15 V DC | Single-rail DC bias for active internal gain stages |
| Physical Housing Dimensions | 30 × 20 × 10 mm | Low-profile coaxial package for space-constrained integration |
| RF Connector Interface | Standard Coaxial Ports | Matched 50-ohm RF input and output connectors |
Noise Cascade Suppression in Multi-Stage Receiver Chains
In receiver system design, overall noise figure is governed by the Friis formula for noise factor:
F_total = F1 + (F2 – 1) / G1 + (F3 – 1) / (G1 · G2) + …
Because downstream components such as mixers, attenuators, filters, and interconnects can introduce additional noise and insertion loss, the first-stage preamplifier must provide sufficient gain (G1) to suppress secondary-stage noise contributions.
- Downstream Noise Suppression: With 32.5 dB of gain, the denominator in the Friis relation (G1 ≈ 1778 in linear scale) strongly suppresses the contribution of subsequent stages to the overall receiver noise figure.
- Limiting Stage Noise Contribution: A typical 3.3 dB noise figure helps limit the additional noise contribution introduced by the first active stage, while the 32.5 dB gain provides sufficient downstream drive for subsequent receiver stages.
- Input-Referred Compression Point: An output P1dB of 10 dBm provides an approximate input-referred 1 dB compression point of -22.5 dBm at nominal gain.
Mechanical Enclosure and High-Frequency Packaging
At frequencies up to 26 GHz, the mechanical enclosure, RF transitions, grounding, and internal interconnect geometry must be carefully controlled to limit parasitic resonances and unintended RF modes.
- Low-Profile Form Factor (10 mm Thickness): With dimensions of 30 × 20 × 10 mm, the module features a low vertical profile that fits inside dense sub-rack chassis, airborne sensor pods, and test fixture enclosures.
- Coaxial Interface Matching: The coaxial input and output interfaces are designed to maintain a controlled 50-ohm impedance and minimize parasitic discontinuities through the RF transitions up to 26 GHz.
- Shielded Metallic Housing: The metal housing can provide electromagnetic shielding against external radiated interference and a practical thermal conduction path from the internal active devices to the host chassis.
DC Power Supply and Thermal Integration
The module operates from a single +15 V DC supply, simplifying power supply distribution on carrier platforms.
- DC Bias Considerations: System designers should provide a regulated +15 V rail with appropriate bypass filtering to minimize low-frequency supply ripple from modulating the RF gain stages.
- Thermal Conduction Path: During continuous operation, heat generated by the internal active stages is conducted through the module housing toward the mounting interface. Integrators should mount the module to a flat, thermally conductive metal chassis or heat sink, using thermal interface material to ensure low thermal resistance between the module base and host structure.
Application Scenarios and Customization Options
For engineers integrating wideband low noise amplifier modules or developing customized systems with microwave receiver front-end components, common deployment contexts include:
- Broadband Electronic Warfare & ESM: Providing low-noise preamplification across wide multi-octave intercept channels without band-switching networks.
- Laboratory Test & Measurement: Acting as an external preamplifier to improve the sensitivity of spectrum analyzers and microwave receivers.
- Multi-Band SATCOM Receivers: Serving as a broadband gain stage for receiver architectures covering multiple satellite communication bands.
- OEM/ODM Engineering Modifications: Customization options include customized coaxial connector configurations, integration of internal input protection circuitry, and application-specific gain balancing across customer-defined sub-bands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the primary benefit of 32.5 dB gain in a 1–26 GHz receiver front end?
When placed as the first active stage with adequate gain ahead of higher-noise downstream components, the 32.5 dB gain reduces the noise contribution of subsequent mixers, filters, and cables, making the overall receiver noise performance strongly dependent on the LNA stage in accordance with the Friis cascade relationship.
Q2: What is the input compression boundary for this amplifier?
With a typical small-signal gain of 32.5 dB and an output P1dB of 10 dBm, the corresponding input-referred P1dB is approximately -22.5 dBm at nominal gain. This value represents the approximate input level associated with 1 dB gain compression and should not be treated as a hard linearity threshold.
Q3: How is thermal dissipation handled in the 30 × 20 × 10 mm package?
Heat generated by internal active circuits conducts through the metal base of the housing. Mounting the module directly onto a host chassis or cold plate using thermal interface material maintains reliable operating temperatures.