Gigahertz current amplifier?

In summary, the conversation is about building a low noise current amplifier with a wide bandwidth from ~10Hz to ~1Ghz and high sensitivity (amplifying ~nA/pA). The person is struggling to find suitable products or design guides for their project, which involves amplifying a photocurrent in the nanosecond range. They also mention the need to match the source impedance of the photocell to a conventional 50 ohm cable. However, it is stated that it may not be possible to build such an amplifier due to high 1/f noise in transistors used for high frequency amplification.
  • #1
darkwhite87
18
0
Does anyone know how to build a low noise current amplifer that has wide bandwidth from ~10Hz to ~1Ghz, and together with high sensitivity (can amplify ~nA/pA)

I need one for my project to amplify photocurrent, but am struggling to find any suitable products or design guides...

cheers
 
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  • #2
Define "low noise"...
The general answer would be that no, it is not possible to build such an amplifier. All transistors that work well at high frequencies (GaAs, InP etc) have very high 1/f noise meaning they are extremely bad at amplifying low frequencies. Also, remember that the Johnson noise will be quite high for an amplifier with 1GHz BW (how high will obviously depend on the source impedance).
 
  • #3
"low noise" as in i need to amplify something in the order of "pA" in the background level of "nA"...
i would be amplifying a pulse with width in the nanoseconds range, i would guess most of the frequency component are in the high range, so I may be able to withstand a amplifier which is bad at amplifying low frequencies...
the source impedance "photocell" is extremely large ~Gigaohm/square...so I think it is a must to match that to a conventional 50 ohm cable prior to the amplifier..

cheers
 

What is a Gigahertz current amplifier?

A Gigahertz current amplifier is a type of electronic device that amplifies electrical currents within the frequency range of one billion cycles per second (Gigahertz). It is commonly used in high-speed data transmission and telecommunications systems.

How does a Gigahertz current amplifier work?

A Gigahertz current amplifier works by utilizing active components, such as transistors or operational amplifiers, to amplify the input signal. It also uses various passive components, such as resistors and capacitors, to shape and filter the signal. The amplification process is achieved through the manipulation of the input signal's voltage, current, or power.

What are the key characteristics of a Gigahertz current amplifier?

The key characteristics of a Gigahertz current amplifier include high gain, high bandwidth, low noise, and low distortion. High gain allows the amplifier to increase the amplitude of the input signal, while high bandwidth enables it to operate at high frequencies. Low noise ensures that the output signal is not distorted by external interference, and low distortion ensures that the output signal accurately represents the input signal.

What are the applications of a Gigahertz current amplifier?

Gigahertz current amplifiers are used in a wide range of applications, including high-speed data communications, radar systems, wireless communications, and instrumentation and measurement equipment. They are also used in scientific research, particularly in fields such as particle physics and astronomy, to amplify signals from detectors and sensors.

What are some common challenges in designing and using a Gigahertz current amplifier?

Some common challenges in designing and using a Gigahertz current amplifier include managing heat dissipation, minimizing signal distortion, and ensuring stability and reliability. The high frequencies involved in Gigahertz amplification can also lead to issues with parasitic capacitance and inductance, which can affect the performance of the amplifier. Additionally, the design and use of Gigahertz current amplifiers require specialized knowledge and equipment, making them more complex and expensive compared to lower frequency amplifiers.

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