Mini-Circuits ZHL-2G08G0030+ 2–8GHz 30W RF Amplifier
Manufacturer: Mini-Circuits
Package / Case: BT3831 Coaxial Amplifier Assembly with Heat Sink and SMA RF Connectors
Description: 2–8 GHz Class C High-Power RF Amplifier, 30W Typical Saturated Power, 52 dB Gain, 28V Supply
The Mini-Circuits ZHL-2G08G0030+ is a solid-state, connectorized high-power amplifier designed for broadband operation from 2 to 8 GHz. It provides 52 dB typical small-signal gain and 30W typical saturated output power from a nominal 28V DC supply.
The amplifier uses a Class C architecture and is intended primarily for continuous-wave high-power applications, including RF component testing, burn-in systems, radar testing and broadband laboratory setups. The ZHL-2G08G0030+ version includes a heat-sink assembly, while the corresponding ZHL-2G08G0030X+ is supplied without the heat sink.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Manufacturer | Mini-Circuits |
| Part Number | ZHL-2G08G0030+ |
| Product Type | High-Power RF Amplifier |
| Amplifier Class | Class C |
| Frequency Range | 2 to 8 GHz |
| Impedance | 50Ω |
| Small-Signal Gain | 52 dB typical; 45 dB minimum |
| Gain Flatness | ±2 dB typical; ±3 dB maximum |
| Output P1dB | 5W / +39 dBm typical |
| Saturated Output Power | 30W / +44.8 dBm typical |
| Minimum Saturated Power | 20W / +43 dBm |
| Output IP3 | +44 dBm typical |
| Noise Figure | 10 dB typical |
| Input Return Loss | 14 dB typical |
| Input VSWR | Approximately 1.5:1 typical |
| Efficiency at Saturation | 24% typical |
| Supply Voltage | +28V DC typical |
| Maximum Operating Voltage | +30V DC |
| Supply Current | 4A typical; 5A maximum |
| RF Connectors | SMA |
| DC Interface | 9-pin D-Sub |
| Case Style | BT3831 |
| Cooling | Heat sink included |
| Operating Ambient Temperature | 0°C to +60°C |
| Storage Temperature | −55°C to +100°C |
Typical applications include:
Broadband high-power RF testing
Burn-in and life testing
Radar component and subsystem testing
Communication equipment testing
RF immunity and laboratory test systems
C-band and X-band test setups
High-power filter, switch and attenuator evaluation
General CW signal amplification
Related Mini-Circuits Power Amplifiers
| Model | Frequency Range | Gain Typ. | Saturated Output | Supply | Heat Sink |
| ZHL-2G08G0030+ | 2–8 GHz | 52 dB | 30W typical | 28V | Included |
| ZHL-2G08G0030X+ | 2–8 GHz | 52 dB | 30W typical | 28V | Not included |
| ZHL-2G018G010+ | 2–18 GHz | 48 dB | 10W minimum | 24V | Included |
| ZHL-2W-63-S+ | 0.6–6 GHz | 42 dB | Approximately 2W typical | 28V | Included |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the ZHL-2G08G0030+ provide 30W of linear output power?
No. The 30W figure is the typical saturated output power. The typical output power at the 1 dB compression point is approximately 5W or +39 dBm. Linear applications should use sufficient output backoff and verify distortion under the actual signal waveform.
Is the ZHL-2G08G0030+ suitable for CW operation?
Yes. Mini-Circuits specifically identifies the amplifier as suitable for CW signals. Appropriate cooling and airflow are required during continuous high-power operation.
What power supply is required?
The amplifier operates from a nominal +28V DC supply. Current consumption is approximately 4A typical and may reach 5A, so the power supply should provide sufficient current capacity without exceeding the specified maximum operating voltage.
What is the difference between ZHL-2G08G0030+ and ZHL-2G08G0030X+?
Both models provide the same 2–8 GHz frequency range, gain and output-power performance. The ZHL-2G08G0030+ includes the heat-sink assembly, while the ZHL-2G08G0030X+ is supplied without a heat sink for integration with a custom cooling system.
Can this amplifier be used with modulated communication signals?
It may be used in communication test systems, but it is a Class C amplifier optimized for high-power CW operation. For QAM, OFDM or other linear modulation, the required output backoff, EVM, ACPR and intermodulation performance must be tested before selection.
