Amplifier Offers 31-dB Gain Control To 2.4 GHz

May 30, 2012
Model DVGA1-242+ is a digitally controlled variable-gain amplifier that operates from 450 to 2400 MHz. It is essentially a high-gain amplifier and digital attenuator in a compact surface-mount package. It features a 31.5-dB gain-control range, adjustable ...

Model DVGA1-242+ is a digitally controlled variable-gain amplifier that operates from 450 to 2400 MHz. It is essentially a high-gain amplifier and digital attenuator in a compact surface-mount package. It features a 31.5-dB gain-control range, adjustable in 0.5-dB steps with 0.1-dB typical gain/amplitude accuracy. Ideal for applications in cellular base stations and Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, model DVGA1-242+ has a 6-b serial control interface capable of typical switching speed of 1 s from 50% control signal to within 0.5 dB of the final gain value. The maximum switching repetition rate is 25 kHz. With 0-dB attenuation, the amplifier delivers typical gain of 29 dB at 450 MHz, 30.3 dB at 1000 MHz, 24.4 dB at 2000 MHz, and 21 dB at 2400 MHz. The output power at 1-dB compression is typically +22.5 dBm at 450 MHz, +22.8 dBm at 1000 MHz, +23.2 dBm at 2000 MHz, and +23 dBm at 2400 MHz. The third-order intercept point (IP3) is typically +35.2 dBm at 450 MHz, +34.5 dBm at 1000 MHz, +37.0 dBm at 2000 MHz, and +37.0 dBm at 2400 MHz. The noise figure is typically 3.8 dB at 450 MHz, 2.5 dB at 1000 MHz, and 3.5 dB at 2400 MHz. The amplifier runs on supplies of +3 and +5 VDC with typical current draw of 154 mA. Model DVGA1-242+ is supplied in a 5 x 5 mm MCLP package and has an operating temperature range of -40 to +85C. For more information, click here.

About the Author

Jack Browne | Technical Contributor

Jack Browne, Technical Contributor, has worked in technical publishing for over 30 years. He managed the content and production of three technical journals while at the American Institute of Physics, including Medical Physics and the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology. He has been a Publisher and Editor for Penton Media, started the firm’s Wireless Symposium & Exhibition trade show in 1993, and currently serves as Technical Contributor for that company's Microwaves & RF magazine. Browne, who holds a BS in Mathematics from City College of New York and BA degrees in English and Philosophy from Fordham University, is a member of the IEEE.

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