<< The amplifier properties. 20210906.

       Amplifier :
-  Fully balanced.
-  Stable, no oscillations.
No overload by wideband strong received signals.
-  Bandwidth +/- 3 db :125 kHz to 27 MHz (ample reception down to 15 kHz).
-  Including 30MHz LPF input filter, to protect the connected receiver against overload from local FM broadcast stations
        (-90 dB @ 100MHz).
-  Noise floor -120dBm @ 20MHz.(including +30dB "Visual Gain").
-  Nominal gain : 42 dB (just enough for best S/N).
-  Converts its balanced 2x 1.4Ohm input impedance, into balanced 50 Ohms output impedance.
-  The input circuit is designed for a loop capacitance of 2x125pF (maximal 2x150pF).
-  Nominal output with a 1m diameter loop antenna : about -30dB compared with a 1/2 lambda dipole antenna,
        (-30 dBm at a field strength of 0,02 V/m).
-  In SDR software needed "Visual Gain" :  30dB for calibrated S-meter indications.
-  Floating, screening metal cabinet, not to be grounded.
-  Power 12 to 15Vdc @ 125 mA.

System noise floor (SDRconsole) :
50kHz -135dBm, 
1MHz -129dBm, 
10MHz -136dBm, 
20MHz -139dBm.

Noise floor, including 30dB software gain for calibrated S-meter readings
(SDRconsole) :
50kHz -105dBm, 
1MHz -99dBm, 
10MHz -106dBm, 
20MHz -109dBm

30MHz -125dBm.

REM : Tested with Airspy HF+ SDR.

        Over voltage protection :
  
LZ1QA designed the amplifier input circuit to be protected for : 
1. Induction of a lightning strike at 100m distance (proven in practice).
2. Up to 1,5 kW radiated power at 10m distance.

              The splitter is guarded against :
Wrong polarized power, over-voltage and short circuit.

Frequency characteristics.



Test setup.
The loop inductance (1.4uH) is replace by 2x 0.7 uH chokes..
Coupling attenuation : 11200 Ohm  /  2.8 Ohm = 4000 : 1 = 72 dB.
Nominal amplifier gain = 42dB.
Nominal output : -72 dBm + 42 dBm = -30 dBm.
The CMC is needed for correct measurement of very low inputs (-90dB @ 100 MHz).


< 1MHz. Ref : -30dBfs


0-30 MHz. Ref : -30dBfs.
REM :  bandwidth is influenced by the loop capacitance.


0-150 MHz. Ref : 0dBfs.
The characteristic of the input LPF.


Common mode suppression by the amplfier.
Input : -48dBm. Ref : 0dBfs.