Rohde & Schwarz R&S SAM200 system amplifiers

Rohde & Schwarz announces the SAM200 system amplifier series, an extension to the SAM100. While the original SAM100 covers 2 to 20 GHz, the SAM200 and SAM200 Advanced models extend this capability from 20 to 53 GHz with up to 4 W of saturation power. This addresses the market demand for testing solutions in the Ka band, Q band and V band, which are increasingly critical for next-generation satellite solutions and modern telecommunications standards.

The SAM200 serves as a high-performance gain block, while the SAM200 Advanced introduces a smart feature set designed to streamline complex laboratory workflows. With an integrated power detector, the Advanced version includes USB and LAN interfaces, a web-GUI and a switchable three-path functionality that allows users to toggle between low-noise/high-gain, regular and low-gain modes to optimise EVM signal quality in combination with vector signal generators or network analysers, for instance.

Designed primarily for RF-component testing where signal generators or vector network analysers may have limited output power, the series provides good RF performance, linearity and noise characteristics. Its wide frequency coverage means that a single amplifier can replace multiple narrowband units, reducing equipment footprints and overall system costs. The units are available in both desktop and 4 HU rack-mounted configurations to suit various integration needs.

As a solid-state power amplifier, the product enables high availability through robust output mismatch protection and a gradual power foldback mechanism. This design maintains continuous operation even under challenging load conditions, preventing equipment damage and minimising downtime in critical testing environments.