• Power amplifiers are RF amplifiers designed to convert low-power signals to high-power RF signals by increasing the power amplitude of a given input signal. Typically, RF power amplifiers are used in the final stage of a radio transmitter. They are used in the transmit chain to amplify the signal before sending it out via an antenna. RF power amplifiers are characterized by their ability to handle high power levels efficiently while maintaining linearity, signal quality, and low distortion. They are essential for wireless communication systems. RF Power amplifiers are generally used in applications for driving the transmission power of an antenna, such as Base stations, Antenna, and other wireless networks.

For a power amplifier to amplify an input signal, it needs to be above a particular threshold. The power of the input signal needs to be increased to a high enough level to drive the load of output devices such as speakers, headphones, etc. So, it is first pre-amplified using current/voltage amplifiers before transmitting RF signals. Then, it is sent as input signals to the power amplifier. RF Power amplifiers are designed to be used as the final block in an amplifier chain.

Corech is a leading power amplifier supplier & manufacturer in China. Our power amplifiers are based on GaN and GaAs semiconductor technology spanning DC to 95 GHz. They can be matched to 2.92mm, Pin, or SMA Female connector types with output power from 0.5 watts up to 100W. Meanwhile, designed for excellent linearity at high output power, our RF Power amplifiers offer a combination of bandwidth, output power, and linearity. In addition, Corech is devoted to custom designs. Our engineers will tailor products to meet your needs and print your logo or company information on the RF power amplifiers. Over the years, our products have covered the USA, the UK, France, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Russia, South Africa, etc.

Parameters of Power Amplifiers

• Operating Frequency
  This is the operating frequency bandwidth of the power amplifier under the specified distortion and rated output power conditions. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). Note: The actual operating frequency range of the amplifier may be greater than the defined operating frequency range.
• Output Power (W/dBm)
  The output power is the power delivered to the load by the power amplifier circuit.
• Gain (dB)
  The gain of power amplifiers is the ratio of output voltage to input voltage. This is measured in dB.
• Compression point (P1dB)
  P1dB is one of the key parameters for a power amplifier. It is the point at which the input signal is amplified by an amount, which is 1 dB below the small signal gain of the device. Beyond this power, the gain no longer increases linearly as the input power is raised.
• Linearity
  Linearity is an indicator that describes whether an RF power amplifier can accurately amplify the input signal.
• Saturated output power (PSAT)
  This is the power level achieved when a change in an input power does not change the output power level.
• Input/Output Impedance
  The equivalent internal impedance between the input/output terminal of the power amplifier and the load.
• Distortion
  This is the phenomenon of changes in the waveform of a signal.
• Signal-to-noise ratio
  The signal-to-noise ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the size of the signal and the noise signal.
• Efficiency
  The efficiency of a power amplifier refers to the ratio of output power to input power.

Classes of RF Power Amplifiers

RF power amplifiers can be classified into several modes, known as “classes”. To differentiate the characteristics and behavior of different power amplifier circuits, letter symbols are assigned to identify the method of operation. The most common amplifier classes include Class A, Class AB, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E, Class F, etc.

• Class A
  Class A amplifiers are the most commonly used type of power amplifiers. They use just one output switching transistor within their amplifier design. A single transistor is used to amplify both the positive and negative halves of the waveform. The conduction angle for class A amplifiers is 360°. So, they have excellent linearity, high gain, and low signal distortion levels.
• Class B
  Class B power amplifiers are designed to reduce the efficiency and heating problems associated with class A amplifiers. This class of amplifiers uses two complementary transistors for the waveform. One transistor conducts during positive half-cycles and the other transistor in the negative half-cycles. Each transistor features a conduction angle of 180 degrees. Class B amplifiers are more efficient than Class A amplifiers but have lower linearity.
• Class AB
  Class AB amplifiers are a combination of class A and class B amplifiers. This class of amplifiers eliminates the crossover distortion problems of the class B amplifier. This results in a conduction angle of a class AB amplifier between 180° and 360°. The AB class of amplifiers is currently one of the most commonly used types of audio power amplifier design.
• Class C
  The Class C amplifier design has the greatest efficiency but the poorest linearity. This class of amplifiers sacrifices the quality of amplification for the increase in efficiency. They conduct only during a small portion of the input signal cycle and have a conduction angle generally around 90 degrees. A lower conduction angle implies greater distortion. So, the Class C amplifier features heavy distortion near the output signal. They are used in high-frequency oscillators and amplification of Radio Frequency signals.
• Other Classes
  Power amplifier classes D, E, F, and J come under the category of switching power amplifiers. They are used to amplify PWM-modulated digital signals. Each with unique characteristics and advantages in terms of efficiency, power consumption, and waveform shaping.

FAQs of Power Amplifiers

• What is the bulk production time and shipping time?
  – Bulk production time is 7-12 business days. Shipping time is 3-6 days by express.
• Is sampling available?
  – Yes, the sampling fee is XXusd. Then, the sampling time is 5-7 business days.
• What are the connector types of power amplifiers?
  2.92mm, Pin, or SMA Female connector.
• What is the frequency range of the power amplifiers?
  DC to 95 GHz.
• Application of power amplifiers？
  Base stations, Antenna, and other wireless networks.
• Can the power amplifiers be customized?
  Yes. Our engineers can customize products to meet your needs and print your logo or company information on the RF power amplifiers.