RF power amplifiers are used in today's electronic warfare, to protect troops from explosions from IEDs (improvised explosive devices). The jamming amplifiers generate white noise to destroy the signals from mobile phones and radios used to detonate the explosives. They are also used to jam enemy communications via phones, Bluetooth 3G radio and Wi-Fi devices. Amplifier Technology has developed a range of compact, broadband power pallet amplifiers which use GaAN technology. According to the company, amplifiers with silicon-based chips only achieve 25% efficiency. GaAN technology, however can provide 40% effiency or more. The company has introduced three models, covering three frequency bands.The 9001delivers a minimum saturated output power of 100W over 20 to 500MHz. The 9004 amplifier also delivers 100W and operates in the 0.8 to 1GHz frequency band. The third model, the 9005, gives 100W saturated output power and operates at 1.7 to 2.2GHz. All three amplifiers feature a shut-down pin to allow the RF output to be disabled. RF amplifiers for jamming operations are battery powered, so they must be rugged and lightweight, with low power consumption, whether used by foot patrols or in vehicle-mounted units. The compact design for all three amplifiers measures 160x100mm.
