Amplifier Research 150L

The Amplifier Research 150L is a hybrid solid-state and vacuum tube power amplifier engineered for laboratory RF applications requiring broadband instantaneous bandwidth and high gain. Operating from 10 kHz to 220 MHz, it delivers 250 watts nominal continuous-wave output with a minimum linear power output of 150 watts at 1 dB compression. The amplifier combines field-effect transistor input stages with a vacuum tube final stage, achieving 52 dB minimum gain with 18 dB continuous adjustment range.

Frequency response remains flat to ±1.5 dB across the full operating band. Input requires only 1.0 mW maximum for rated output, with 50 ohm input and output impedance. The design remains stable under any magnitude and phase of source or load impedance mismatch, with no risk of damage or oscillation.

Modulation fidelity extends to AM, FM, and pulse waveforms. Benchtop construction housed in a compact contemporary enclosure measures 51 cm × 34 cm × 46 cm and weighs 64 kg. Forced air cooling maintains thermal management during continuous operation.

The front panel presents logically grouped controls: power management buttons (POWER, STANDBY, OPERATE) and output level adjustment. Input connects via BNC; output via Type N connector. Primary power requirement is 240 VAC, 10.5 A, single phase with internal tap selection.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 10 kHz to 220 MHz


• Nominal CW Power Output: 250 W


• Minimum CW Power Output: 200 W


• Linear Power Output (1 dB Compression): 150 W minimum


• Saturated Power Output: 200 W minimum, 250 W nominal


• Maximum Gain: 52 dB minimum


• Gain Adjustment Range: 18 dB minimum continuous


• Frequency Response Flatness: ±1.5 dB (10 kHz – 220 MHz)


• Input for Rated Output: 1.0 mW maximum


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


• Output Impedance: 50 Ω, VSWR 2.0:1 maximum


• Mismatch Tolerance: Any magnitude and phase impedance without damage or oscillation


• Input Connector: BNC


• Output Connector: Type N


• Power Supply: 240 VAC, 10.5 A, single phase


• Dimensions: 51 cm W × 34 cm H × 46 cm D


• Weight: 64 kg


• Cooling: Forced air

Key Features

• Hybrid solid-state and vacuum tube architecture


• Instantaneous broadband operation across decade-plus frequency span


• Continuous gain adjustment for precise output control


• Unconditional stability under all load impedance conditions


• AM, FM, and pulse modulation support


• Compact benchtop form factor with contemporary enclosure design


• Intuitive front-panel control layout

Typical Applications

• EMC testing and immunity assessment


• Conducted immunity testing


• Low-frequency radiated immunity testing


• Laboratory RF measurement and characterization


• Communication systems testing

Compatibility & Integration The 150L accepts standard 50 ohm RF sources and loads. Input and output connectors (BNC and Type N respectively) support direct integration into laboratory test benches and automated measurement systems. Single-phase 240 VAC power simplifies facility integration.