Amplifier Research 50S1G4A - High-Performance RF Amplifier
The Amplifier Research 50S1G4A is a robust and versatile solid-state amplifier, meticulously engineered for applications that demand instantaneous bandwidth, high gain, and exceptional linearity. With its compact and stylish air-cooled design, this amplifier is perfect for benchtop use, while also offering the flexibility of being rack-mounted when removed from its contemporary cabinet.
When paired with a sweep generator, the 50S1G4A delivers a minimum of 50 watts of RF power, making it an ideal choice for testing and development purposes. The front panel features a user-friendly gain control that allows operators to easily set their desired output level. Advanced protection mechanisms safeguard the amplifier from RF input overdrive through an innovative RF input leveling circuit, which regulates the input levels to the first stage of the amplifier when levels exceed 0 dBm. Furthermore, built-in thermal protection ensures safe operation by cutting off DC voltage to the RF amplifier stages in the event of overheating due to cooling blockage or fan failure. A clear digital display on the front panel provides real-time operational status and error conditions for easy monitoring and troubleshooting.
Key specifications and features of the Amplifier Research 50S1G4A include:
- Rated Power Output: 50 watts minimum
- Input for Rated Output: 1.0 milliwatt maximum
- Power Output @ 3dB Compression:
- Power Output @ 1dB Compression:
- Frequency Response: 0.8–4.2 GHz instantaneously
- Gain (at maximum setting): 47 dB minimum
- Gain Adjustment: Continuous range of 10 dB minimum; supports 4096 remote adjustment steps
- Input and Output Impedance: 50 ohms, with a maximum VSWR of 2.0:1
- Mismatch Tolerance: 100% of rated power without foldback; operates without damage at any impedance configuration
- Modulation Capability: Accurately reproduces AM, FM, or pulse modulation from input signals
- Third Order Intercept: Typical for WCDMA systems, utilizing a two-tone test with a spacing of 1 MHz
- Harmonic Distortion: Minus 20 dBc maximum at 50 watts
- Spurious: Minus 73 dBc typical
- Phase Linearity: ±1.0 degree/100 MHz (typical)
- Primary Power: Auto-selecting 90-132, 180-264 VAC; 50/60 Hz single phase; 600 watts maximum
- Connectors: RF Type N female
- Remote Interfaces: IEEE-488 (24 pin) and RS-232 (9 pin Subminiature D)
- Safety Interlock: 15 pin Subminiature D
- Cooling: Forced air (self-contained fans)
The low spurious signal level and high linearity characteristics of the Amplifier Research 50S1G4A make it an exemplary choice for use as a driver amplifier in wireless and communication component testing. It supports a broad range of communication technologies, including CDMA, W-CDMA, TDMA, and GSM, while also being perfectly suited for EMC testing applications that require undistorted modulation envelopes.
