Amplifier Research 150A220

The Amplifier Research 150A220 is a solid-state, linear broadband RF amplifier engineered for laboratory and test environments demanding instantaneous bandwidth across a wide frequency span. Built on MOSFET technology, this 150 W rated amplifier delivers up to 250 W typical output at 3 dB compression while maintaining ±1.5 dB flatness across its operating range. The unIt has 53 dB minimum gain with continuous 18 dB adjustment capability, allowing precise power control from 1.0 mW input.

Complete thermal and over-current protection, combined with 100% mismatch tolerance at rated output power, ensures operation survives any source and load impedance combination without damage, foldback, shutdown, or oscillation. With harmonic distortion of −20 dBc (10 kHz to 125 MHz) and −30 dBc (125 MHz to 250 MHz), the amplifier meets demanding spectral purity requirements. RF rise time of 3 ns maximum and a typical third-order intercept point of 60 dBm support high-fidelity signal conditioning.

The 150A220 accepts 50 Ω sources with 1.5:1 maximum VSWR and configures in multiple form factors, including rack-mount (M1) and BNC-input (M6) variants. Remote control via 25-pin subminiature D connector and optional computer interface (CP2001, CP3000 accessories) enable automated test sequences and system integration.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 10 kHz to 220 MHz instantaneously


• Rated Output Power: 150 watts


• Input for Rated Output: 1.0 mW maximum


• Power Output @ 3 dB Compression: 250 W typical, 150 W minimum


• Power Output @ 1 dB Compression: 200 W typical, 150 W minimum


• Gain (maximum setting): 53 dB minimum


• Gain Adjust (continuous range): 18 dB minimum


• Flatness: ±1.5 dB maximum


• Harmonic Distortion at 150 W: −20 dBc (10 kHz–125 MHz); −30 dBc (125 MHz–250 MHz)


• Third-Order Intercept Point: 60 dBm typical


• RF Rise Time (10% to 90%): 3 ns maximum


• Input Impedance: 50 Ω, 1.5:1 VSWR maximum


• Mismatch Tolerance: 100% of rated power without damage across all source/load impedance magnitudes and phases

Key Features

• Solid-state MOSFET design for linear amplification


• Integrated thermal and over-current protection


• Total mismatch tolerance at rated output power


• Broadband operation without tuning


• Continuous gain adjustment for precise output control

Interfaces & Configuration

• RF Input: Type N female (Type BNC female on M6 variant)


• RF Output: Type N female


• Remote Control: 25-pin subminiature D connector


• Computer Interface: CP2001 and CP3000 accessories available


• Standard dimensions: 50.7 cm × 34.0 cm × 55.0 cm; 47 kg


• Rack-mount option (M1): 48.3 cm × 31.2 cm × 52.3 cm; 34 kg

Compatibility & Integration The 150A220 integrates with Amplifier Research control accessories CP2001 and CP3000 for remote and automated operation in multi-instrument test systems.