# Com-Power PAM-118A 500 MHz to 18 GHz Preamplifier

# Com-Power PAM-118A 500 MHz to 18 GHz Preamplifier

## Key Features At A Glance

-   Ultra-wideband frequency range from 500 MHz to 18 GHz
-   Minimum 40 dB gain with ±2.5 dB gain flatness across the band
-   Low noise figure under 3 dB at 25°C for improved system sensitivity
-   +12 dBm minimum output power at 1 dB gain compression
-   50Ω precision N-type female input and output connectors
-   Battery powered to avoid noise coupling from power cables
-   40 dB typical reverse isolation with 2.2:1 maximum VSWR

The Com-Power PAM-118A is a wideband, high gain, bench top microwave preamplifier covering 500 MHz to 18 GHz. The unit is primarily intended for EMC applications but may be used for other measurements that require low noise and high signal amplification. The front panel provides two 50Ω matched precision N-type female connectors for input and output, with a simple power switch and battery low indicator.

Designed for electromagnetic interference (EMI) measurements, the PAM-118A increases system sensitivity so that low-level signals from a device under test can be distinguished from the noise floor of a spectrum analyzer or receiver. During EMC measurements, antennas are typically placed one to ten meters from the equipment under test, and antennas operating above 1 GHz often have high antenna factors. Combined with the cable loss inherent to long microwave interconnects, these conditions make low-level signal capture difficult without amplification ahead of the analyzer.

ValueTronics has been supplying new and used RF, microwave, and EMC test equipment to engineers, compliance laboratories, and production environments since 1992. PAM-118A preamplifiers — and the cables, attenuators, antennas, and analyzers that pair with them — are stocked, inspected, and shipped from our 20,000 sq ft secure facility at 1675 Cambridge Drive, Elgin, Illinois, where every unit is handled and verified in-house before it reaches your bench.

## Accessories Supplied

-   15 VDC, 500 mA power adapter
-   Individual calibration data and certificate of calibration

## Product Core & Specifications

Parameter

Specification

Frequency Range

500 MHz to 18 GHz

Gain

40 dB

Gain Flatness

\+ 2.5 dB

RF Input/Output

50Ω Precision N-type female

VSWR (Input/Output)

2.2:1 (max)

Noise Figure

<3 dB @ 25°C

Pout @ 1 dB Compression

+12 dBm (min)

DC Input

0 Vdc (max)

Reverse Isolation

40 dB (typical)

DC Power Supply

+15 Vdc, 500 mA

Size

7.7 x 6.5 x 3.2 inches (184 x 156 x 77 mm)

Weight

2.5 lbs (1.1 kg)

**Important:** Maximum DC input: 0 V DC. The PAM-118A is intended for AC signal amplification only — do not apply DC voltage to the RF input.**Important:** All values are typical values unless otherwise specified. Specifications are subject to change without notice.**Important:** Each preamplifier is individually calibrated using equipment traceable to National Institute of Standards and Technology. Individual data and certificate of calibration is shipped with each unit.

**Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.**

## Details

- **Price:** 8250.0 USD
- **Vendor:** Com-Power
- **Type:** Accessory
- **Tags:** Amplifier, Com-Power, Manufacturers, Other Equipment, Preamplifier, product_manual_group_1, Product_new

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 8250.00 USD | In stock |

## Images

- PAM-118A Com-Power Preamplifier

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> Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/pam-118a-com-power-preamplifier-new)
> Updated: 2026-05-30