rf amplifier power inquiry lines

How to read a watt figure against one of these labels

An rf amplifier power label on this page is a starting name for the brief. The supplier still has to name the maker, the model, and the datasheet revision. A 100 W driver and a 2000 W pallet can share the words RF amplifier and still fail in different racks.

Ask whether the watt figure is continuous-wave, peak envelope, or a pulse with a duty such as 0.10. A 2000 W continuous claim and a 2000 W pulse at 0.10 duty are not the same thermal load. Convert a stated watt figure to dBm with 10 log10(milliwatts) when you need a common unit. 100 W is 50.0 dBm. 2000 W is 63.0 dBm. The conversion checks the unit. It does not measure the module.

Gain sits beside power. A module with 50 dB gain and a 0 dBm drive reaches a different output than a 20 dB pallet that expects a 40 dBm driver. Write the drive level. If the sheet quotes gain flatness, ask for the window, for example plus or minus 1 dB across the stated frequency range.

VSWR at the output port changes reflected power. At 2:1 the reflection coefficient is 1/3, so reflected power is about 0.11 of forward power. Ask whether the power rating still holds into that mismatch or whether a foldback circuit reduces output. Return loss is another way to write the same match. Do not accept a connector photo as the plot.

Impedance should be explicit. Most of these inquiry labels are discussed at 50 ohm. A 75 ohm broadcast feeder is a different plant. Connector series, gender, and a published connector mating cycle count belong on the accessory line when a spare connector is required. N, 7/16, and SMA have different mechanical limits. This page will not assign a watt ceiling to a connector family.

Mounting changes the delivered scope. A 19 in chassis may occupy 2 rack units or 3 rack units. One rack unit is 1.75 in. A pallet with no fan needs the heatsink and the airflow the supplier states, in cubic feet per minute or as a thermal resistance. Ingress protection applies when the cabinet is outdoors. Leave it blank for a bench module and ask later for the code on that model.

New and refurbished condition are separate cells. A new unit may carry a current datasheet and a clearer support path. A refurbished unit may be the available way to cover a discontinued band, provided hours, connector wear, and warranty months are stated. An original-maker assembly and a compatible replacement can share a connector drawing. Host compatibility, harmonic level, and software or bias settings still need the exact model. This desk does not convert an unverified sentence into a site claim.

Runtime stays blank unless a battery or UPS is on the same order. Measurement accuracy of the factory power meter, and the calibration traceability date, are evidence fields. Radio quote scope lists the cells to align, and the RFQ form is where the brief is sent. The procurement note walks the same checklist in article form.