TSP #252 - Mini-Circuits 37dBm 1GHz Power Amplifier Repair, Teardown & RF Characterization Tutorial
In this episode Shahriar takes a look at benchtop power amplifier unit from Mini-Circuits. The amplifier operates from 0.5 – 1000MHz and can provide over 4W of saturated output power. The amplifier is not functional and provides no gain or output power.
The teardown reveals the “hand-made” nature of the multi-stage RF amplifier inside. Although the internal power supply is functional, none of the five internal RF stages have any supply voltage. The problem is traced to a broken small fuse soldered to the main PCB. A new fuse holder is installed.
The amplifier is extensively characterized for frequency response, Psat, P1dB, OIP3, NF as well as efficiency. Details of measurements techniques for each parameter is discussed in details.
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