Booster Amplifier Plugin

Booster amplifiers are similar to regular amplifier in that they increase the electric signal in a coax network.

Key characteristics of booster amplifiers include:

• Booster amps support the forward signal with EQs and pads, but only support the return signal with EQs.

• Booster amps do not have fixed or constant forward and return operating levels.

• Booster amps may require the forward and return input levels to be within a specific range for ideal amplifier performance.

• Booster amplifiers do not have internal splitters or DCs.

Booster amplifiers work by increasing the power of the signal, or gain, per each specific frequency. The output level of a booster amp may vary because the booster amp takes the input level and increases the level based on the gain.  The output levels can also vary within the same node service area and the same system. 

Here are some example gains you can see from booster amps at different power levels.

At 1218 MHz, one booster amp has a 12.8 dB gain. 

The 1218 MHz input to the booster amplifier is 10 dB.

10 dB + 12.8 dB = 22.8 dB 

The booster amp output level at 1218 MHz is 22.8 dB. 

 

At 1218 MHz, one booster amp has a 12.8 dB gain. 

The 1218 MHz input to the booster amplifier is 8.2 dB. 

8.2 dB + 12.8 dB = 21.0 dB 

The booster amp output level at 1218 MHz is 21.0 dB. 

 

At 200 MHz, one booster amp has a 4.0 dB gain. 

The 200 MHz input to the booster amplifier is 16 dB. 

16 dB + 4 dB= 20 dB