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ERA-3SM+

ERA-3SM+

Mini-Circuits
Slightly different gain/noise/band characteristics within the same ERA MMIC family for alternative gain levels.
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Overview

The ERA-3SM+ is a Mini-Circuits ERA-series wideband MMIC amplifier. It is a small SMD RF amplifier intended as a building-block gain stage with different members of the ERA family offering tradeoffs in gain, noise, and bandwidth. Use it where a compact, repeatable amplification stage is needed in RF and microwave signal chains.

Why Choose This Part

The ERA-3SM+ is part of a family of MMICs with consistent footprints and predictable electrical behavior, making substitution for different gain/noise targets straightforward. Its small SMD form factor and wideband response simplify integration into compact RF boards and multi-stage amplifier designs.

Applications

Receiver front-end preamplifier
Use as a low-profile gain stage ahead of mixers or ADCs to improve system sensitivity.
IF and intermediate amplification
Provide gain in IF stages or multi-stage amplification chains where predictable stage behavior is required.
Laboratory and prototype RF circuits
Useful for bench prototypes and evaluation boards where different ERA family parts are swapped to tune gain/noise tradeoffs.
Cable/instrumentation amplification
Boost signals in test equipment, sensors, or distribution amplifiers that operate across a wide RF band.
Driver stage for mixers or modulators
Serve as a small-signal driver to provide required input level to downstream nonlinear components.

Getting Started

Start by reviewing the Mini-Circuits datasheet and application notes for recommended biasing and matching networks. For best RF performance use proper PCB RF layout techniques (short grounded vias, controlled impedance traces, and recommended input/output matching/bypass components). Test with a signal generator and spectrum or network analyzer, and consider trying other ERA family parts on the same layout to compare tradeoffs.

Also Consider

ERA-1SM+ Mini-Circuits - Lower-gain ERA family option for applications needing less gain or different noise/bandtradeoffs.
ERA-4SM+ Mini-Circuits - Higher-gain member of the ERA family to provide more stage gain while retaining the same package and form factor.
ERA-5SM+ Mini-Circuits - Alternative ERA part with a different gain/noise/band profile for tuning system performance.