Low Noise Amplifier, PEAFS3-14-0R2535R0-6R5-23-12-292MF

Why It Matters

The LNA’s high gain and low noise improve receiver sensitivity across critical microwave bands, enabling more efficient radar and communications systems while its COTS availability reduces development cycles and costs.

Key Takeaways

• Gain exceeds 13 dB across 8‑18 GHz
• Noise figure remains at 4 dB
• OP1dB of at least 24 dB ensures linearity
• Compact housing fits space‑constrained designs
• Available COTS for rapid integration

Pulse Analysis

The 8‑to‑18 GHz band is a hotbed for modern radar, satellite‑downlink, and 5G millimeter‑wave front‑ends, and a low‑noise amplifier (LNA) that can preserve signal integrity across this span is essential. PMI’s PEAFS3‑14‑0R2535R0‑6R5‑23‑12‑292MF delivers more than 13 dB of gain with a tight ±1 dB flatness, while keeping the noise figure at a modest 4 dB. An output‑1 dB compression point of at least 24 dB ensures the device can handle moderate power levels without distortion, and the 2.0:1 VSWR rating simplifies matching in compact RF chains.

The component’s form factor—0.53 × 0.70 × 0.26 inches—and SMA interface make it equally suitable for board‑level surface‑mount deployment or as a plug‑in module. This flexibility aligns with the growing demand for rapid‑prototype and low‑volume production in defense and aerospace programs, where engineers favor commercial‑off‑the‑shelf (COTS) parts to cut lead times and costs. PMI’s reputation for planar monolithic technology adds credibility, positioning the LNA as a competitive alternative to legacy discrete‑transistor solutions that often require larger footprints and more complex bias networks.

For system architects, the combination of high gain, low noise, and robust linearity translates into improved link budgets and tighter receiver sensitivity, directly impacting performance in applications such as phased‑array radars, satellite earth stations, and high‑frequency test equipment. The readily available COTS status also eases regulatory approval processes, as the device has already undergone standard environmental and reliability testing. Looking ahead, the trend toward higher‑frequency, higher‑bandwidth communications will likely increase demand for LNAs with similar or better specifications, making PMI’s offering a timely addition to the RF designer’s toolbox.