Any RF guys out there?

Wireless & IoT
1

Guys,

I have this need to make a 2.4GHz linear amp that puts out >27dbm (500mw+) starting from a low power module that I have. I even have some sample parts and app notes, but even this isn’t really enough. I need some guidance from someone that knows how to do it. Anybody out there? --or do you know somebody?

Thanks,

Q

2

Quacker:
Guys,

I have this need to make a 2.4GHz linear amp that puts out >27dbm (500mw+) starting from a low power module that I have. I even have some sample parts and app notes, but even this isn’t really enough. I need some guidance from someone that knows how to do it. Anybody out there? --or do you know somebody?

Thanks,

Q

Pretty difficult to scratch-make. Lots on the market. Not too expensive.

Be sure to consider how linear it needs to be. For example, OFDM as in 802.11g requires much, much higher linearity and dynamic range than does 802.11b’s modes. The peak-to-average ratio is high.

802.15.4 is O-QPSK which is very tolerant of non-linearity.

As ever, if you have a lower power transmitter, it’s easiest and best to get your EIRP up with antenna gain rather than an amp. A 100mW radio (as in 802.11b) is just a few dB down from 500mW and you can get that back easily with an antenna; 12dBi omnis are common.

Also, watch the FCC (if you are in the US) rules on EIRP - it’s a function of antenna gain.

3

To be more specific, it’s a mobile A/V transmitter system, so it will be sending NTSC/PAL. A very high gain antenna is not an option because of beamwidth issues. From prior experience, I know that 500mw+ is what I need, and it needs to be small, and lightweight. I have some application boards from M/A-Com that about fit the bill, but the data is spotty and I suspect that they can get even smaller if the dielectric (FR-4) thickness is brought down to .008 from .06. I’m looking for someone to help with this since I don’t want to iterate it by myself and because I don’t have the equipment to know if it’s optimized.

Q

4

Just buy a broad-band amp from Mini-Circuits Laboratories.

Leon

5

Thanks for the tip! An interesting site. They didn’t have anything in the power range that I need, so I emailed them and asked. So it looks like my problem is not yet solved. :frowning:

Q