Description
Amplify weak RF signals and enhance your wireless receiving setup with this compact, wideband Low Noise Amplifier, offering up to 20dB nominal gain across a broad range of radio frequency applications.
The 0.1MHz–6GHz Wideband Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) is a versatile RF preamplifier designed for Software Defined Radio (SDR), antenna systems, radio receivers, RF experimentation and wireless hardware development.
Engineered to amplify low-level RF signals while minimising additional noise, this module can help improve usable signal levels in appropriately configured receiving systems. Its wide advertised frequency coverage makes it suitable for experimentation across HF, VHF, UHF and microwave frequencies, including amateur radio, FM reception, ADS-B, ISM bands and 2.4GHz wireless applications.
Featuring a compact metal enclosure, 50Ω SMA connectors and a nominal 20dB gain specification, the amplifier integrates into compatible RF signal chains and portable testing environments.
Key Features
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Wideband 0.1MHz–6GHz coverage: Suitable for a diverse range of RF receiving, monitoring and electronic development applications.
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Nominal 20dB gain: Amplifies weak incoming RF signals to improve signal levels at compatible receivers.
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Low-noise architecture: Designed to minimise additional noise when amplifying low-level RF signals.
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High-linearity design: Supplier-specified +35dBm output third-order intercept point (OIP3) for improved handling of complex RF signal environments.
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50Ω RF impedance: Compatible with standard 50Ω RF systems, antennas and SDR equipment.
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SMA female connectors: Convenient RF input and output connections.
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5V power requirements: Operates from a nominal 5V supply at approximately 70mA.
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Bias Tee compatibility: Supports RF-cable power delivery on the applicable non-battery-powered configuration.
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Compact metal enclosure: Protects the amplifier electronics and provides a practical form factor for portable setups.
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Multiple configuration options: Available with or without a battery.
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Product Type |
Wideband RF Low Noise Amplifier |
| Frequency Range |
0.1MHz–6GHz (advertised) |
| Gain |
20dB nominal, specified at 1.95GHz |
| RF Input Impedance |
50Ω |
| RF Output Impedance |
50Ω |
| RF Connectors |
SMA Female |
| Supply Voltage |
5V DC |
| Supply Current |
Approximately 70mA |
| Power Consumption |
Approximately 350mW |
| Output IP3 |
+35dBm |
| Input Power Ruggedness |
+22dBm CW |
| Power Options |
With Battery / Without Battery |
| Enclosure |
Metal |
| RF Application |
Receive-Side Signal Amplification |
Gain, noise figure and linearity vary with frequency and operating conditions. The 20dB specification is quoted at approximately 1.95GHz and should not be interpreted as guaranteed constant gain across the full frequency range.
Technical Requirements
- Compatible SDR receiver, RF scanner, radio receiver or RF measurement equipment.
- Suitable 50Ω antennas, coaxial cables and SMA adapters.
- Regulated 5V power source or compatible Bias Tee arrangement, depending on the selected variant.
- Appropriate RF filtering where required to prevent strong unwanted signals from overloading the receiving system.
Applications
Software Defined Radio (SDR)
Use the LNA with compatible SDR receivers, such as RTL-SDR, SDRplay or HackRF-based receiving systems, to amplify weak signals before they reach the receiver input.
Particularly useful for antenna installations with significant coaxial cable losses or low received signal levels.
RF Signal Reception & Monitoring
- Experiment with a wide range of radio signals, including:
- HF and shortwave radio reception.
- FM broadcast signal monitoring.
- VHF and UHF communications.
- 433MHz and 868/915MHz ISM signals.
- 1090MHz ADS-B aircraft signal reception.
- 2.4GHz wireless signal analysis.
- General RF receiver development and experimentation.
Antenna & RF System Development
Explore antenna performance, receiver sensitivity and signal-chain optimisation when developing RF electronics.
The amplifier can also be incorporated into compatible laboratory measurement setups when appropriate power levels, calibration and signal handling are observed.
Power Supply & Configuration
A compatible receiver or external Bias Tee injector must provide the required supply voltage and current. Confirm the amplifier's RF port power-injection arrangement before connecting power.
How to Use
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Connect the antenna: Attach a suitable 50Ω antenna or RF signal source to the amplifier's RF input.
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Connect the receiver: Connect the amplifier RF output to your SDR, receiver or measurement device using suitable SMA cabling.
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Supply power: Provide the appropriate 5V supply through the supported power arrangement or use the battery-equipped version.
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Configure your receiver: Select the desired frequency and initially reduce the receiver's internal gain to avoid overloading.
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Monitor signal performance: Compare received signal levels, signal-to-noise ratio and unwanted interference with and without amplification.
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Optimise the signal chain: Add appropriate band-pass filters or attenuation where necessary to manage strong nearby signals.
Tip: For receiving applications, placing the LNA close to the antenna can help compensate for losses in the coaxial cable between the antenna and receiver.
Firmware & Software
The RF amplifier is an analogue hardware accessory and does not require firmware or software installation.
It can operate alongside compatible SDR software and receiver systems, including:
- SDR++
- SDR#
- GNU Radio
- SDRangel
- Other compatible RF monitoring and analysis software
The amplifier does not require software drivers. Any necessary configuration is performed through the connected receiver or SDR system.
Package Contents
- 1 × Wideband RF Low Noise Amplifier Module
- 1 × USB Cable (supplier-listed accessory)
Available in With Battery and Without Battery configurations.
Accessories and physical appearance may vary between manufacturer hardware revisions. The exact USB cable function and power connection arrangement should be verified for the supplied variant.
Preventative Measures & Handling
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Receive-side use: This module is intended for low-level RF signal amplification and is not a high-power RF transmitter amplifier.
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Avoid transmitter connections: Do not connect directly to an active transmitter, transceiver transmit output or high-power RF source.
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Verify power compatibility: Use a regulated 5V supply and confirm Bias Tee polarity, voltage and current capability before connection.
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Avoid receiver overload: Amplification can worsen reception when strong signals cause receiver saturation or intermodulation.
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Use appropriate filtering: Band-pass filters are recommended where strong out-of-band signals are present.
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Observe the RF signal direction: Connect the antenna to RF IN and receiver to RF OUT.
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Protect against electrostatic discharge: Use suitable ESD precautions when handling RF connectors and antenna systems.
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Protect against environmental exposure: Keep the amplifier dry and avoid excessive heat.
Disclaimer
This product is intended for authorised RF research, electronics experimentation, wireless receiver development and educational applications.
The amplifier is designed for receive-side RF signal amplification and is not intended for direct connection to high-power RF transmitters. Improper use may damage the amplifier or connected equipment.
Adding amplification does not guarantee improved reception. Performance depends on antenna configuration, RF interference, receiver characteristics, cable losses, filtering and operating frequency.
Users are responsible for ensuring their RF equipment and activities comply with applicable local regulations.
