FPA-40

The Frankonia FPA-40 is a low-noise, low-power millimeter-wave preamplifier covering 18 GHz to 40 GHz, designed to increase system sensitivity for field strength measurements and general attenuation characterization at the upper end of the millimeter-wave spectrum. With a typical gain of 35 dB (±4 dB), a minimum gain of 30 dB, and a noise figure of 5.5 dB, it addresses the particularly demanding challenge of compensating for high path loss, connector loss, and cable attenuation at frequencies where even short interconnects can introduce significant signal degradation.

Key specifications include a maximum input power of -20 dBm (87 dBµV), a typical SWR of less than 2.6, and 50 Ω 2.92 mm connectors suited to reliable performance across the full 40 GHz range. The housing is equipped with 22 mm mounting holes compatible with the standard Frankonia antenna mast system. The dual power supply inputs — +15 VDC / 600 mA for the positive rail and -(8 to 15) VDC / -100 mA for the negative rail — are accessed via 4 mm banana sockets and accommodate an optional AC/DC adaptor, laboratory power supply, or rechargeable battery.

A 0.5 m SMA-to-SMA coaxial microwave cable is supplied for connecting the antenna to the amplifier input. As with all millimeter-wave preamplifiers, bending and torsion of the microwave cable must be avoided to prevent permanent damage — it is recommended to orient the antenna connector opposite to the amplifier RF input to allow a clean cable routing with a wide bending radius. ESD precautions are essential before making any connections. The aluminum enclosure measures 370 × 95 × 65 mm and weighs 860 g.