Booster
Booster is an eight channel RF power amplifier, providing up to 4W (1dB compression) between 40MHz and 500MHz. Mounted in a compact 2U high 19'' chassis, it is optimised for low cost and high power efficiency.
- Bandwidth: 40MHz to 500MHz
- P1db: 36dBm min
- Max CW output power: 38dBm min
- Gain @1dB compression: 40dB ±1dB typ (±1.5dB max)
- IP3: 48dBm min
- Crosstalk: -80dB max
- Input/output VSWR: 1.5:1 max
- Power supply: 100VAC-240VAC, 50Hz-60Hz
- Total power efficiency: >35% at 1dB saturation from mains to RF
- Cost: €6000
- Text-based (SCPI-like) Ethernet interface for monitoring and configuration
- Protection circuit shuts down individual channels in case of: input power overload; reverse power overload; channel failure. Protection tripped indicator LED for each channel on the front panel, also readable via Ethernet. Protection circuit may be reset either using push-button on front panel or via Ethernet. The input power overload threshold is user-adjustable on a per-channel basis using the Ethernet interface. This allows users to ensure that the maximum power rating of sensitive loads, such as AOMs cannot be exceeded accidentally.
- Per-channel remote monitoring of: forward and reverse power; temperature; current and voltage.
- Remote shut down of individual channels via Ethernet, for example to avoid power dissipation from unused channels.
- Each channel is an independent unit for easy field replacement
The table below presents a comparison between this design and some Mini-Circuits amplifiers. The ZHL-03-5WF+ amplifier is probably the most commonly used for this purpose.
| This design | ZHL-03-5WF+ | ZHL-5W-1+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth (MHz) | 40-500 | 60-300 | 50-500 |
| Gain (dB) | 40 | 30 | 40 |
| P1dB (dBm) | 36 | 36 | 37 |
| Channel cost (EUR ex VAT) | 750 | 544 | 1120 |
| Power per channel | <12W (>35% eff.) | 67W (2.8A/24VDC) | 80W (3.3A/24VDC) |
| Open-circuit/overload protection | Yes | No | No |
| Remote monitoring | Yes (ethernet) | No | No |
Note that the Mini-Circuit amplifiers do not come with power supplies, heat sinks or rack mount kits.