Amplifier Research 500A100A

The Amplifier Research 500A100A is a solid-state RF amplifier delivering minimum 500 watts of continuous wave power across 10 kHz to 100 MHz. Built on push-pull MOSFET circuitry in high-power stages, this air-cooled unit combines broad instantaneous bandwidth with high gain for EMC testing, laboratory research, and communication system applications. The Digital Control Panel provides local operation via menu-assigned softkeys and a 4-line vacuum fluorescent display, while GPIB/IEEE-488 and RS-232 interfaces enable remote control and status monitoring.

Adjustable gain spans a minimum 25 dB range with maximum setting reaching 57 dB minimum. Output flatness holds to ±1.5 dB maximum, or ±0.5 dB with internal leveling. The amplifier includes automatic level control with adjustable threshold, pulse input capability, RF output level protection, and an internal RF detector for forward and reflected power measurement.

Gain control is continuous. Universal input power supplies feature power factor correction, consuming 2000 watts typical at 0.99 power factor. Input requirements: 180–264 VAC, 47–440 Hz.

RF impedance is 50 ohms with Type N female connectors for input and output. A keylock switch controls local/remote operation modes and places the unit in standby via the INHIBIT position. The amplifier is rated for unconditional stability with any source and load impedance.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency range: 10 kHz to 100 MHz


• Output power (CW): 617 W nominal, 500 W minimum


• Output power (linear @ 1 dB compression): 300 W minimum


• Gain: 57 dB minimum (maximum setting), 25 dB minimum adjustable range


• Flatness: ±1.5 dB max (±0.5 dB with internal leveling)


• Impedance: 50 ohms


• Maximum input power: 1.0 mW


• Input voltage: 180–264 VAC, 47–440 Hz


• Power consumption: 2000 W typical @ 0.99 power factor


• RF connectors: Type N female (input and output)

Key Features

• Push-pull MOSFET high-power stages for linearity and stability


• Digital Control Panel with 4-line VFD display and rotary control


• Automatic level control with adjustable threshold


• Pulse input and RF output level protection


• Internal RF detector for power monitoring


• GPIB/IEEE-488 and RS-232 remote control


• Keylock switch for operation mode selection and standby


• Dual regulated power supplies (±15 VDC, +5 VDC)

Typical Applications

• EMC and immunity testing


• RF susceptibility testing


• Antenna and component testing


• Wattmeter calibration


• Particle accelerators


• Plasma generation


• Laboratory research and signal amplification

Compatibility & Integration 50 ohm system integration via Type N connectors. Local control through Digital Control Panel; remote operation via GPIB/IEEE-488 or RS-232 interface.