An RF (Radio Frequency) & MW (Microwave) Power Amplifier (PA) stage is usually the final active block of any electronic system that is transmitting RF Power. Whether the amplifier is designed as a small MMIC used to transmit lower power (such as in cellular hand-sets and other portable applications) or a large rack-mounted PA used in high power RF systems (such as DVB-T Broadcast, Cellular/PCS Wireless Infrastructure and Military RADAR), it provides essentially the same function.  Relatively low power RF signals are amplified to produce a more powerful signal in order to be transmitted over greater distance.

Most Power Amplifiers are designed for a specific application (e.g. HDTV, GSM, Radar, Point-to-Point Microwave, LTE) employing a specific signal type, modulation scheme, and a set of specifications. It is important to match the attributes of the amplifier product to the needs of the application. The specific attributes which are important in selecting the right RF & MW Power Amplifier include “Technology” (MMIC, Hybrid, Pallet, Industrial, Rack Mount, and Module), Frequency Range, Gain (dB), Gain Flatness (dB), Supply Voltage (VDC), P1dB (dBm), and Package Type.

From the relatively low power MMIC (typically less than 2 watts output power), to the medium power RF stage (either a connectorized hybrid design or a thermally-enhanced surface mount integrated circuit package), to the highest power pallets, enclosed modules and rack-mount units, Richardson Electronics offers a full range of RF & MW Power Amplifiers. Our main suppliers include ANADIGICS, Avago, Freescale Semiconductor™, M/A-COM Technology Solutions, Microsemi, RES-INGENIUM, TriQuint Semiconductor, and United Monolithic Semiconductors. Please note that we also supply the accompanying Thermal Management Systems designed to help cool RF & MW power amplifiers.