The ratio of the amplifier's output power (delivered to a Z0 load) to the input power (delivered from a Z0 source). Z0 is the characteristic impedance, in this case, 50W.

For small signal levels, the output power of the amplifier is proportional to the input power. Small signal gain is the gain in this linear region.

As the input power level increases and the amplifier approaches saturation, the output power reaches a limit and the gain drops. Large signal gain is the gain in this nonlinear region. See Gain Compression.

Gain Flatness

The variation of the gain over the frequency range of the amplifier. See Small Signal Gain and Flatness.

Reverse Isolation

The measure of transmission from output to input. Similar to the gain measurement except the signal stimulus is applied to the output of the amplifier. See Reverse Isolation.

Gain Drift versus Time (temperature, bias)

The maximum variation of gain as a function of time, with all other parameters held constant. Gain drift is also observed with respect to other parameter changes such as temperature, humidity or bias voltage.

Deviation from Linear Phase

The amount of variation from a linear phase shift. Ideally, the phase shift through an amplifier is a linear function of frequency. See Deviation from Linear Phase.

Group Delay

The measure of the transit time through the amplifier as a function of frequency. A perfectly linear phase shift would have a constant rate of change with respect to frequency, yielding a constant group delay. See Group Delay.

Return Loss (SWR, r)

The measure of the reflection mismatch at the input or output of the amplifier relative to the system Z0 characteristic impedance.

Complex Impedance

Complex impedance (1+G). The amount of reflected energy from an amplifier is directly related to its impedance. Complex impedance consists of both a resistive and a reactive component. It is derived from the characteristic impedance of the system and the reflection coefficient. See Complex Impedance.

Gain Compression

An amplifier has a region of linear gain where the gain is independent of input power level (small signal gain). As the power is increased to a level that causes the amplifier to saturate, the gain decreases.

Gain compression is determined by measuring the amplifier's 1 dB gain compression point (P 1dB ) which is the output power at which the gain drops 1 dB relative to the small signal gain. This is a common measure of an amplifier's power output capability. See Gain Compression.

AM-to-PM Conversion Coefficient

The amount of phase change generated in the output signal of an amplifier as a result of an amplitude change of the input signal.

The AM-to-PM conversion coefficient is expressed in units of degrees/dB at a given power level (usually P1dB, which is the 1 dB gain compression point). See AM-PM Conversion.

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