Tagged: amplifier

Tech Minds: Testing a High Impedance Amplifier for Software Defined Radio

Antenna impedance matching is important for antennas and software defined radios as impedance mismatches can result in poor reception. For transmitting SDR's the situation is more dire because impedance mismatches can actually damage the transmitting hardware or at least cause high power efficiency losses.

Over on his YouTube channel Tech Minds has uploaded a video where he tests out a battery powered HF high impedance amplifier for software defined radios. The amplifier is designed to be used with long wire antennas on the HF bands as these antennas typically have high impedances which don't match the 50 Ohm impedance that most SDRs expect to see. This device is an amplified alternative to using a passive unun.

The results in his video show that the signal to noise ratio is indeed boosted when the impedance matching amplifier is used. Later the device is opened to show the battery, charging management chip and amplifier chip.

High Impedance Amplifier for Software Defined Radio

TechMinds: Extending the Range of Transmit Capable SDRs with Amplifier

Over on his YouTube channel TechMinds has uploaded a new video showing how to use RF amplifiers to extend the transmit range of transmit capable SDRs like the LimeSDR, HackRF and PlutoSDR. Whilst they are transmit capable, most low cost SDRs like those mentioned above can only transmit at very low power levels typically much less than 30 mW. In the video TechMinds tests a wideband SPF5189Z and filtered 2.4 - 2.5 GHZ CN0417 based amplifier, and shows the output power obtained using an inline power meter.

He also notes that these wideband amplifier will also amplify harmonics so filtering is recommended. At the same time we note that you should only transmit if you are licenced to do so (for example with a ham radio licence), especially if you are amplifying the output.

Extend SDR Transmit Range - LimeSDR - HackRF - Adalm Pluto Amplifier