ERA-5SM

ERA-5SM is a radio frequency amplifier produced by Mini Circuits. Here are its main functions and features:
1. Frequency Range: It operates over a wide frequency range from DC to 4 GHz, making it suitable for a variety of applications across different frequency bands.
2. Gain Performance: It provides a gain of 17.6 dB. This relatively high gain allows it to effectively amplify weak input signals, enabling better signal – to – noise ratio and improved performance in communication and signal processing systems.
3. Low Noise Figure: With a noise figure of 4.3 dB, the ERA – 5SM+ can amplify signals while adding relatively low levels of noise. This is crucial in applications where maintaining the integrity of the original signal is important, such as in sensitive receivers.
4. Power – related Parameters:
◦ Output Power: The output power ranges from 42.04 to 18.4 dBm (equivalent to 16 to 0.07 W). This flexibility in output power levels makes it adaptable to different system requirements.
◦ P1dB: The 1 – dB compression point (P1dB) is 18.4 dBm (0.07 W). At this point, the amplifier’s gain begins to compress significantly as the input power increases, and knowing this parameter helps in determining the maximum linear input power.
◦ IP3: The third – order intercept point (IP3) is 32.5 dBm (1.78 W). A high IP3 value indicates good linearity and the ability to handle multiple – frequency signals without generating excessive intermodulation distortion.
◦ Saturation Power: The saturation power is in the range of 18 to 19.5 dBm (0.06 to 0.09 W). When the amplifier reaches saturation, further increasing the input power will not result in a proportional increase in output power.
◦ Input Power: The maximum input power (CW) is 13 dBm (0.02 W).
5. Impedance and Standing – Wave Ratio:
◦ It has an impedance of 50 ohms, which is a standard impedance in many RF and microwave systems, facilitating easy integration with other components and systems.
◦ The input return loss is 21 to 23 dB, and the output return loss is 17 to 30 dB. A high return loss means less power is reflected back from the input or output ports, improving power transfer efficiency. The output standing – wave ratio (VSWR) is 1.20:1, which also indicates good impedance matching and efficient power transfer.
6. Power Supply and Current Consumption: It operates on a single – voltage power supply of 4.9 V DC, and the DC current consumption is 65 mA. This relatively low – voltage operation and moderate current consumption make it suitable for use in battery – powered or low – power – budget applications.
7. Technology and Packaging:
◦ It is fabricated using heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) technology, specifically gallium phosphide (GaP) technology, which offers good performance in terms of gain, linearity, and frequency response.
◦ The package type is surface – mount, which is widely used in modern circuit board designs due to its small size, ease of assembly, and compatibility with automated manufacturing processes.
8. Environmental and Compliance: It is compliant with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive, indicating that it does not contain certain hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, etc., making it environmentally friendly.
9. Application – related Features:
◦ Internal Matching: It is internally matched to 50 ohms, eliminating the need for additional external matching components in many cases, which simplifies the circuit design and reduces the overall cost and complexity.
◦ Unconditional Stability: The amplifier is unconditionally stable, which means it will not oscillate under normal operating conditions, ensuring reliable operation in different system environments.
◦ Low Performance Variation over Temperature: It exhibits low performance variation over temperature, which is important for applications where the operating temperature may vary. This ensures consistent performance in different environmental conditions.
◦ Transient Protection: It has built – in transient protection, protecting the device from voltage or current spikes that may occur during power – on/off or due to external electrical disturbances.
◦ Aqueous Washable: It is aqueous washable, which is beneficial in manufacturing processes where cleaning of the circuit board is required after assembly.
10. Typical Applications:
◦ Cellular/PCS/3G Base Stations: It can be used in the signal amplification stages of these base stations to boost the power of the transmitted and received signals.
◦ CATV, Cable Modem, and DBS: In cable – television (CATV) systems, cable modems, and direct – broadcast satellite (DBS) applications, it helps in amplifying the RF signals for better signal quality and coverage.
◦ Fixed Wireless and WLAN: For fixed – wireless communication systems and wireless local – area networks (WLAN), the ERA – 5SM+ can be used to enhance the signal strength and range.
◦ Microwave Radio and Test Equipment: It is suitable for use in microwave radio links and test equipment, such as signal generators, spectrum analyzers, etc., where accurate signal amplification is required.