Mi-Wave · Low Noise Amplifiers
Low Noise Amplifiers (LNA)
Low-noise, high-gain front-end amplification from microwave to millimeter-wave bands
The Mi-Wave 955 series low noise amplifiers (LNAs) are built for sensitive receivers and signal conditioning, covering 1 GHz to 110 GHz across the Ka, Q, U, V, E and W bands. Models offer 10 to 40 dB small-signal gain with a low noise figure, and serve satellite downlinks, millimeter-wave radar front ends, 5G FR2 development platforms and RF test systems. Integrated waveguide ports and regulated bias keep gain flat across the band, so the front end behaves predictably in a crowded spectrum.
Overview
The Mi-Wave 955 series LNAs form a complete millimeter-wave line from 1 GHz to 110 GHz, with models for Ka-band (26.5 to 40 GHz), Q-band (33 to 50 GHz), U-band (40 to 60 GHz), V-band (50 to 75 GHz) and E/W band (60 to 110 GHz). Each model comes with an integrated rectangular waveguide port (WR-28, WR-22, WR-19, WR-15, WR-12 or WR-10 with standard flanges) or, on the wideband versions, a 1.85 mm coaxial connector, for direct mounting at a receiver front end or in a test fixture. The design puts noise figure first while keeping useful large-signal headroom: Psat runs from +10 dBm to +22 dBm by model, enough for satellite downlink chains, radar receivers, point-to-point microwave links and 5G FR2 beamforming systems. All models use regulated bias (+6 V to +15 V by model, most at +6 V or +8 V), specify a maximum RF input, and operate with the case at or below +60 °C. Before ordering, check the noise figure at your band edge, the input power your source can present, and whether the flange is standard or miniature. Custom frequency ranges, gain and interfaces are available.
Key specifications
| Frequency range | 1 GHz to 110 GHz (by model; representative model 955UF-30/383: 40 to 60 GHz) |
|---|---|
| Small-signal gain | 10 to 40 dB (by model; 955UF-30/383 typical 30 dB) |
| Noise figure | 3 to 6 dB (by model; 955UF-30/383 typical 5 dB; the high-power 955WF-20/11.5/387H is 12 dB) |
| Saturated output power (Psat) | +10 dBm to +22 dBm (by model; 955UF-30/383 typical +12 dBm, +15 dBm over the band) |
| Maximum RF input (CW) | 0 dBm (955UF-30/383 / 955VF-35/15/385); +5 dBm (955EF-30/15/387) |
| Bias voltage | +6 V to +15 V by model; the 955UF-30/383 is +6 V to +8 V typical (+12 V maximum) |
| Operating current | 119 mA typical (955UF-30/383); 129 mA typical (955VF-35/15/385); 204 mA typical (955EF-30/15/387) |
| RF interface | Rectangular waveguide (WR-28 / WR-22 / WR-19 / WR-15 / WR-12 / WR-10); 1.85 mm coaxial (wideband models) |
| VSWR | 2:1 typical (955V-50/68/35/18/385) |
| Maximum operating temperature (case) | Up to +60 °C |
| Representative models | 955UF-30/383, 955VF-35/15/385, 955V-50/68/35/18/385, 955EF-30/15/387 (listed as 955EF-30/8/387 in the factory catalogue table), 955WF-30/387, 955-01/60/30/1.85mmF |
| Custom options | Frequency range, gain and interface can be built to order |
Features
Wide band coverage
The 955 series runs from 1 GHz to 110 GHz, covering Ka, Q, U, V, E and W bands from one line for satellite, radar and millimeter-wave systems.
Low noise figure
Noise figure between 3 and 6 dB on most models, optimized for receiver sensitivity so weak signals keep a usable SNR.
High gain, flat response
Small-signal gain of 10 to 40 dB by model with flat gain across the band gives the mixer, filter or converter behind it a consistent, predictable front end.
Integrated waveguide ports
WR-10 to WR-28 standard waveguide flanges (UG series) and 1.85 mm coaxial versions mount directly in test fixtures or system modules without adapters.
Regulated bias and input limits
Built-in bias regulation at +6 V to +15 V by model (most at +6 V or +8 V), with a specified maximum RF input (0 dBm or +5 dBm by model) to guard against overdrive.
Many uses
Satellite downlink chains (VSAT, SatCom), millimeter-wave radar front ends, 5G FR2 beamforming, point-to-point microwave links and RF test benches, with custom specifications available.
Typical applications
Satellite communications
Satellite downlink reception at ground stations and user terminals
On a Ka/Q/V-band downlink the signal arrives weak after tens of thousands of kilometers of path loss and atmospheric attenuation. The LNA is the first stage of the receive chain and sets the sensitivity that makes the link budget close. Gateway stations, VSAT terminals, LEO/MEO user terminals and airborne SatCom all rely on its low noise figure to keep the satellite signal above the system noise floor before further processing.
Radar and defense
Receive front end for surveillance, tracking radar and electronic detection
In surveillance radar, FMCW ranging radar and electronic reconnaissance receivers, the LNA is the first active device after the antenna feed. Its noise figure sets the system noise temperature of the whole chain, so engineers can extend detection range or sharpen resolution without adding transmit power. At W/E-band the same front ends serve high-resolution imaging radar and short-range sensing, where gain stability over temperature is tightly specified.
R&D measurement
Signal boosting for millimeter-wave system validation and RF test benches
RF and millimeter-wave labs measuring receiver sensitivity, validating beamforming or MIMO systems, or testing 5G FR2 base station prototypes often need to lift the signal under test into the instrument's range without letting the amplifier's own noise hide the device's behavior. The LNA is built into automated test equipment (ATE) or a bench setup as the instrument-side signal conditioner, so engineers can measure receive chain noise figure (NF) and dynamic range with confidence.
Options and configuration
Choose the band, gain and interface your application needs; we compile the list and carry it into the quote form.
Band and model
Gain class
Interface / flange
Downloads
Need pricing, specifications or lead time for lna?