A Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) is an electronic amplifier that amplifies a signal at very low power without significantly deteriorating the signal-to-noise ratio. An amplifier increases the power of both the signal and the noise present at the input, but the amplifier will also introduce some additional noise. LNAs are designed to minimize that extra noise. Choosing the right LNA can be a difficult task. In the presentation of Joost van Heijenoort from AR Benelux making that choice is discussed.
Designers can minimize additional noise by choosing low-noise components, operating points and circuit topologies. Minimizing additional noise must be balanced with other design goals, such as power gain and impedance matching.
LNAs are found in radio communications systems, medical instruments, and electronic test equipment. A typical LNA can deliver a power gain of 100 (20 decibels (dB)) while reducing the signal-to-noise ratio by less than a factor of two (a noise figure of 3 dB (NF)). Although LNAs are primarily concerned with weak signals just above the noise floor, they must also account for the presence of larger signals that cause intermodulation distortion.
The presentation by AR Benelux discusses the different types of LNAs and typologies, the specifications, and use. Choosing the right LNA is made clear using practical examples.
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Nederlands