Narda-MITEQ Space LNA Selection Guide | SLNA Models & RFQ
What Is a Narda-MITEQ Space Low Noise Amplifier?
The Narda-MITEQ SLNA Series is a family of commercial off-the-shelf, flight-ready low noise amplifiers designed for satellite and space-flight receiver systems. Standard models cover frequencies from 100 MHz to 40 GHz, with gain options of 30, 40 and 50 dB.
Compared with a general-purpose RF amplifier, an SLNA adds space-oriented materials, hermetic construction, radiation tolerance and screening options. The series uses hermetically sealed Kovar housings and is specified with radiation tolerance up to 200 krad.
Typical screening levels range from standard NASA EEE-INST-002 Level 3 screening to optional MIL-PRF-38534 Class K screening.
For conventional laboratory or communication applications that do not require space screening, see the Narda-MITEQ Low Noise Amplifier Selection Guide.
SLNA Series at a Glance
| Parameter | SLNA Series Capability |
|---|---|
| Frequency Coverage | 0.1–40 GHz |
| Gain Options | 30, 40 or 50 dB |
| Output P1dB | 0 or +5 dBm, depending on model |
| Noise Figure | 0.6–2.7 dB maximum, depending on frequency |
| RF Impedance | 50 Ω |
| Standard Supply | +5 VDC |
| Housing | Hermetically sealed Kovar |
| Radiation Tolerance | Up to 200 krad |
| Standard Screening | NASA EEE-INST-002 Level 3 |
| Higher Screening Options | NASA Level 2/1 and MIL Class H/K |
| Applications | LEO, GEO, deep-space and satellite payload systems |
How to Select a Space LNA
1. Match the Operating Frequency
The selected SLNA must cover the complete receiver bandwidth, including frequency tolerance and guard bands.
The SLNA-30-00101800-5P provides very wide 0.1–18 GHz coverage and can reduce the number of amplifiers required in a multi-band receiver. However, narrower-band models generally provide a lower maximum noise figure.
Choose broadband coverage when flexibility is the priority. Choose a band-specific model when receiver sensitivity is more important.
2. Select the Required Gain
Narda-MITEQ offers 30, 40 and 50 dB gain configurations for several bands up to 12 GHz.
30 dB: Suitable for many receiver front ends
40 dB: Helps overcome downstream cable or mixer loss
50 dB: Useful when very high front-end gain is required
Excessive gain can reduce receiver headroom or overload later stages. Gain should therefore be evaluated together with P1dB and the maximum expected input signal.
3. Check Noise Figure
Noise figure directly affects receiver sensitivity. Band-specific SLNA models can provide maximum noise figures as low as 0.6–0.9 dB, while ultra-wideband and millimeter-wave models have higher values.
For the 0.1–18 GHz SLNA model, the published 2.5 dB maximum noise figure is guaranteed only above 700 MHz.
For help calculating complete receiver performance, see the RF Receiver Noise Figure and LNA Gain Guide.
4. Verify P1dB and Input Power
Output P1dB indicates when the amplifier begins to compress. Most standard SLNA models provide a minimum output P1dB of +5 dBm, while the 1.15–1.65 GHz family is specified at 0 dBm.
Systems exposed to strong blockers or interference must verify that the selected amplifier provides sufficient linearity and receiver headroom.
5. Define the Screening Level
The screening level must match the mission assurance plan. It should not be assumed that every SLNA ordering configuration includes the same qualification level.
Narda-MITEQ SLNA Models
| Model | Frequency | Gain | Max. Noise Figure | Min. P1dB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLNA-30-00101800-5P | 0.1–18 GHz | 30 dB | 2.5 dB* | +5 dBm |
| SLNA-30-01000200-5P | 1–2 GHz | 30 dB | 0.7 dB | +5 dBm |
| SLNA-40-01000200-5P | 1–2 GHz | 40 dB | 0.7 dB | +5 dBm |
| SLNA-50-01000200-5P | 1–2 GHz | 50 dB | 0.7 dB | +5 dBm |
| SLNA-30-01150165-5P | 1.15–1.65 GHz | 30 dB | 0.7 dB | 0 dBm |
| SLNA-30-02000400-5P | 2–4 GHz | 30 dB | 0.6 dB | +5 dBm |
| SLNA-40-02000400-5P | 2–4 GHz | 40 dB | 0.6 dB | +5 dBm |
| SLNA-50-02000400-5P | 2–4 GHz | 50 dB | 0.6 dB | +5 dBm |
| SLNA-30-04000800-5P | 4–8 GHz | 30 dB | 0.7 dB | +5 dBm |
| SLNA-40-04000800-5P | 4–8 GHz | 40 dB | 0.7 dB | +5 dBm |
| SLNA-50-04000800-5P | 4–8 GHz | 50 dB | 0.7 dB | +5 dBm |
| SLNA-30-08001200-5P | 8–12 GHz | 30 dB | 0.9 dB | +5 dBm |
| SLNA-40-08001200-5P | 8–12 GHz | 40 dB | 0.9 dB | +5 dBm |
| SLNA-50-08001200-5P | 8–12 GHz | 50 dB | 0.9 dB | +5 dBm |
| SLNA-30-18002650-5P | 18–26.5 GHz | 30 dB | 2.0 dB | +5 dBm |
| SLNA-30-26004000-5P | 26–40 GHz | 30 dB | 2.7 dB | +5 dBm |
*The 2.5 dB maximum noise figure is specified above 700 MHz.
Typical Applications
Satellite communication payloads
Telemetry, tracking and command receivers
Earth-observation and remote-sensing satellites
Spaceborne radar systems
Deep-space communication equipment
Navigation and scientific payloads
Wideband electronic intelligence receivers
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Narda-MITEQ SLNA covers the widest frequency range?
The SLNA-30-00101800-5P covers 0.1 to 18 GHz. It is suitable for wideband and multi-band receivers, but its noise figure is higher than that of most band-specific SLNA models.
What is the lowest listed noise figure in the SLNA family?
The 2–4 GHz models have a listed maximum noise figure of 0.6 dB. Actual selection must also consider gain, P1dB, screening and operating conditions.
Does every SLNA include MIL Class K screening?
No. Standard screening meets NASA EEE-INST-002 Level 3. MIL-PRF-38534 Class K is an optional screening configuration that must be specified when ordering.
What should be confirmed before ordering a flight unit?
Confirm the exact model suffix, screening level, connector configuration, supply interface, radiation requirement, qualification testing, traceability documents, quantity and delivery schedule.
