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Radio astronomy ultra-low-noise amplifier for operation at 91 cm wavelength in high RFI environment

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Abstract

An ultra-low-noise input amplifier intended for a use in a radio telescope operating at 91 cm wavelength is presented. The amplifier noise temperatures are 12.8 ± 1.5 and 10.0 ± 1.5 K at ambient temperatures of 293 and 263 K respectively. The amplifier does not require cryogenic cooling. It can be quickly put in operation thus shortening losses in the telescope observation time. High linearity of the amplifier (output power at 1 dB gain compression P1dB ≥ 22 dBm, output third order intercept point OIP3 ≥ 37 dBm) enables the telescope operation in highly urbanized and industrialized regions. To obtain low noise characteristics along with high linearity, high-electron-mobility field-effect transistors were used in parallel in the circuit developed. The transistors used in the amplifier are cost-effective and commercially available. The circuit solution is recommended for similar devices working in ultra-high frequency band.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Radio Astronomy, NAS of Ukraine, Chervonopraporna St. 4, Kharkov, 61002, Ukraine

    A. M. Korolev, V. V. Zakharenko & O. M. Ulyanov

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  1. A. M. Korolev
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  2. V. V. Zakharenko
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  3. O. M. Ulyanov
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Correspondence to A. M. Korolev.

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Korolev, A.M., Zakharenko, V.V. & Ulyanov, O.M. Radio astronomy ultra-low-noise amplifier for operation at 91 cm wavelength in high RFI environment. Exp Astron 41, 215–221 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10686-015-9466-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10686-015-9466-x

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