The Mini-Circuits ZHL-1217HLN is a high-performance low-noise amplifier engineered for L-band and S-band applications spanning 1200 to 1700 MHz. This 50 Ω coaxial module delivers typical gain of 36 dB with exceptional noise performance of 0.75 dB across the band, making it well-suited for receiver front-end stages and signal acquisition systems requiring low-noise amplification.
Technical Specifications
Frequency & Impedance
• Operating range: 1200 MHz to 1700 MHz
• Characteristic impedance: 50 Ω
• Gain (typical): 36 dB; minimum 29 dB with ±1.0 dB flatness
Noise & Linearity
• Noise figure (typical): 0.75 dB; maximum 1.5 dB at 25°C and 2.3 dB maximum at +65°C
• Output P1dB (1 dB compression): +26 to +27 dBm typical
• Output IP3 (third-order intercept): +37 to +41 dBm typical
Impedance Matching
• Input VSWR: 1.4:1 typical (1.23:1 to 1.48:1 observed); maximum 1.8:1
• Output VSWR: 1.3:1 typical (1.23:1 to 1.38:1 observed); maximum 1.8:1
DC Power
• Supply voltage: +15 V nominal (maximum +17 V)
• Typical current: 725 mA; maximum supply current 380 mA
Input Power Ratings
• Maximum safe input: +10 dBm (no damage)
• Derate maximum input power by 20 dB when presented with no load
– Key Features
• Low noise figure of 0.75 dB enables sensitive receiver designs
• Flat gain response (±1.0 dB) across 500 MHz bandwidth simplifies system equalization
• SMA connectors for straightforward integration
• NN92 package configuration
• Operating temperature range: −54 °C to +65 °C; storage to +100 °C
• User-supplied heatsinking required to maintain baseplate temperature ≤65 °C
– Typical Applications
• L-band satellite communication receivers
• S-band radar signal conditioning
• Wireless sensing and instrumentation systems
• Low-noise preamplifier stages in test and measurement
– Compatibility & Integration
The amplifier requires +15 V DC supply and external heatsink management. SMA connectors enable direct integration into 50 Ω RF systems. Derating guidance applies for no-load input conditions.
