System amplifiers

A system amplifier is an RF power amplifier designed for use in test and measurement setups, with remote control, monitoring, and stable performance in automated signal paths. They are ideal as a driver or booster stage in RF component testing or EMC environments.

R&S®SAM amplifiers combine two approaches: they can be used as compact benchtop units or integrated into rack-based systems. Unlike large high-power rack amplifiers built only for fixed installations, SAM units are small, low-power system amplifiers suited to flexible lab use as well as modular system integration.

System amplifiers are mainly controlled remotely. Common interfaces are LAN/Ethernet, GPIB, and USB, depending on the model and system age. LAN is most common in modern setups.

The local panel usually offers basic functions such as power on/off, status display, and fault reset. Full operation, including output enable, power setting, and monitoring of temperature, current, and forward power, is normally done from test software or a system controller.

R&S®SAM amplifiers can be used as standalone devices acting as a pure gain block. By manually turning power on or off, the output is directly controlled.

Yes. R&S®SAM amplifiers are designed for normal laboratory conditions and do not require special facilities.

Because they are small, low-power units, they generate little heat and are less sensitive to typical lab temperature variations.

Calibration interval depends on accuracy needs, usage, and quality requirements. A common range is 12 to 36 months for general engineering use, or aligned with individual laboratory requirements. Depending on the accuracy and quality standards, traceable calibration or accredited calibration may be required.

Calibration usually covers output power and gain across frequency. Follow internal quality procedures or manufacturer recommendations where applicable.

System amplifiers boost RF stimulus to levels needed at the device under test in automated systems. Typical uses include RF component and EMC immunity testing, power amplifier test, communications and wireless testing, radar and aerospace subsystem test, and module characterization.

They act as the power delivery stage in a test chain, not as the measurement instrument itself.

Yes. They are commonly used to increase generator output to the levels needed for radiated or over-the-air testing, often with antennas or chamber feed systems.

In multi-tone and distortion tests, the system amplifier raises a low-level stimulus to the required power at the device under test. The amplifier must have enough bandwidth, gain flatness, and linearity so that measured distortion comes mainly from the DUT, not from the amplifier.

The generator is often operated with sufficient back-off to keep the amplifier below compression. Couplers and power sensors verify the level at the test plane. For two-tone IMD, harmonics, or modulated distortion measurements, the amplifier operating point should be chosen so its own distortion is well below the expected DUT performance.