bq-microwave expands its Vaunix portfolio with an entirely new category: the Programmable Gain Amplifier. The Vaunix LPA-103V Lab Brick brings a programmable amplifier to the test bench that does not fix the gain but makes it calibrated and adjustable in 0.1 dB steps via USB or Ethernet – across the full 0.5 to 10 GHz range.
What is a Programmable Gain Amplifier?
Conventional amplifiers deliver a fixed gain. A programmable gain amplifier, by contrast, lets you set the gain in software – fixed, as a sweep (ramp) or as a programmed sequence. That makes it ideal for automated measurements: levels can be set repeatably, test sequences automated and setups remotely controlled without manually swapping attenuators. With the Lab Brick LPA series, Vaunix brings this capability into its well-known compact, USB-powered Lab Brick form factor.
LPA-103V at a glance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency range | 0.5–10 GHz |
| Gain Control Range | 30 dB (33 dB typ.) |
| Step size | 0.1 dB |
| Gain accuracy | <0.25 dB typ. (+25 °C) |
| P1dB / Psat | 31 dBm / 33 dBm |
| Control | USB-C / Ethernet |
| Power | PoE / USB-PD / +15 VDC |
Control, software and power
The LPA-103V is controlled through a native USB-HID interface or over Ethernet – no kernel drivers, usable straight away on Windows and Linux, including embedded systems. The Ethernet interface supports Static IP or DHCP, is password-protected and enables particularly simple cabling via Power-over-Ethernet (PoE). Alternatively the unit is powered by USB-PD or +15 VDC. It ships with a Windows GUI and SDK, Linux SDK, LabVIEW driver, Python examples and a WebUI; the expansion bus lets you link and centrally control multiple units.
Operating modes
- Fixed Gain: fixed, calibrated gain
- Swept Gain: gain ramps, uni- or bi-directional, once or repeated
- Gain Sequence: programmed sequence of gain values
Typical applications
- Engineering and production test labs
- Automated Test Equipment (ATE)
- Repeatable level and gain control on the microwave test bench
Availability at bq-microwave
bq-microwave is the European distributor for Vaunix. The LPA-103V and the wider Lab Brick family (signal generators, attenuators, phase shifters and more) are available through us – see the Vaunix manufacturer page. For quotes and technical advice, contact us at info@bq-microwave.de or via our contact form.