Clifton Laboratories 7236 Clifton Road  Clifton VA 20124 tel: (703) 830 0368 fax: (703) 830 0711

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Z10042AV Surface Mount Norton Amplifier 

The complete Z10042AV assembly and operation manual may be downloaded by clicking here or through my Documents page.  Details on the optional enclosure may be downloaded by clicking here.

Although the Z10042AV shares design with the Z10042A, it has an extensively revised printed circuit board and modified component values to improve the lower -3 dB frequency corner.

The main differences between the Z10042AV and the Z10042A are:

  • Changed frequency response; lower -3 dB point typically 16 KHz and upper -3 dB point typically 20 MHz. (Z10042A is 45 KHz - 46 MHz).
  • Increased number of components are surface mount compared with Z10042A.
  • Less cluttered PCB layout around Q1 and Q2.
  • Changed component values in many areas to move the lower -3 dB corner frequency.
  • Changed component suppliers for certain parts for better low frequency performance.
  • Cleaned up traces and board layout

The Z10042AV has the same physical size and mounting hole dimensions as  the Z10042A. It also may be used with the custom punched, powder coated enclosure developed for the Z10042A and Z10046A amplifiers.

The Z10040B through-hole Norton amplifier will continue to be available, but builders comfortable working with surface mount components should consider the Z10042A or, if better performance below 100 KHz is required, the Z10042AV.

The table and frequency response plot below compare the Z10040B, Z10042A and Z10042AV amplifiers.

 

Amplifier

1 MHz Gain (dB)

Lower -3 dB

Upper -3 dB

Z10040B

11.1

61.0 KHz

46.6 MHz

Z10042A

11.2

45.1 KHz

46.0 MHz

Z10042AV

11.5

16.0 KHz

20.8 MHz

Specifications

 

Parameter

Value

PCB Dimensions

3.50” x 2.50” x 0.75” vertical clearance required. (88.9mm x 63.5mm x 19mm). Four mounting holes for 4-40 screws provided, template in Appendix B.

 

DC Power Required

Maximum:  15V

Minimum: 13.8V [may not meet specifications below this voltage.

Negative to ground, typical DC current 60-100 mA depending on bias adjustment.

 As an option, a reduced power version of the Z10042AV is available, with approximately 25 mA, usable down to 12V input. 2nd and 3rd order intermodulation performance is degraded with this option; noise figure is improved over normal idle current.

 

Maximum RF Power Input

Do not exceed 100 milliwatts (+20 dBm). IP3 performance specifications are based upon -10 dBm signal input; performance not warranted at greater input levels.

 

Test Conditions

Performance data is for a 2:22:8 turns ratio design, 13.8 VDC after adjusting balance trimpots for minimum 2nd harmonic distortion. Unless otherwise indicated, performance measurements are made with direct DC power, not duplexed. Figures stated as “typical” are not warranted.

 

3 dB Bandwidth

30 KHz – 20 MHz. Typical -3 dB bandwidth 16 KHz - 21 MHz

 

2nd and 3rd Order Intermodulation Intercept

Measured with 3 and 4 MHz input tones, adjusted for 0 dBm output from the Z10042A. Protocol as discussed later in this manual. Intercepts are output referenced.

OIP2: +80 dBm

OIP3: +45 dBm

 

Gain

11 dB nominal at 1 MHz.

 

1 dB Gain Compression

 

+19 dBm input.

Noise Figure

 

2.0 dB typical at 10; reduced bias current will lower noise figure but degraded 2nd and 3rd order intermodulation performance.

Input VSWR

When terminated with 50 ohm load, input VSWR is less than 2:1 over the range 300 KHz – 20 MHz, and is typically below 1.5:1 over this range.

Common Mode Rejection in Balanced Input Mode

Typically 50 dB at 1 MHz, decreases with increasing frequency.

 
Price and Options
 
Item Price Comment
Z10042AV  kit $47.50 Kit includes the printed circuit board and all parts necessary to assemble the board. Enclosure is not provided.
Z10042AV assembled and tested $72.50 Bare printed circuit board, assembled and tested. Performance documentation is not included. Bias is adjusted for optimum OIP2, but performance measurements are not provided. No enclosure is provided.
Bias adjustment and performance documentation

[click here to view a sample report]		 $25.00 Bias adjusted for minimum IP2/IP3 (some interaction between the two is usually seen and it is not generally possible to minimize both IP2 and IP3 at the same bias setting.) IP2 and IP3 performance data and frequency  response data are provided to the purchaser. This service is available for either customer-built kits or as an option for assembled and tested units. Customer is also responsible for return shipping charges.
Indoor enclosure kit $27.50 Custom powder coated, punched enclosure with BNC connectors. Kit price includes the enclosure, with all holes punched, BNC connectors, power connector, coaxial cable for jumpers, associated hardware and a DC power cord.
Indoor enclosure assembled $32.50 Assembled enclosure Does not include assembly of Z10042AV amplifier.
Outdoor weatherproof enclosure kit Contact Clifton Laboratories Weatherproof die cast enclosure with BNC, UHF or Type N connectors. Custom designs are also available.
Outdoor weatherproof enclosure assembled Contact Clifton Laboratories  
Z1203A DC power coupler See Z1203A page For operating the Z10042AV with duplex power--DC power supplied over the coaxial cable along with the signal. If the Z1203A is ordered at the same time as a Z10042AV, one shipping charge applies.
Shipping and packing $7.50 For US domestic customers. Shipping is via Priority Mail. International customers please contact Clifton Laboratories for a specific quotation.
Virginia Sales Tax 5% If the Z10042AV is shipped to a location within the Commonwealth of Virginia, 5% sales  tax applies.

How to Order
 

Payment may be made with a check or money order payable to Clifton Laboratories at the address on the top of this page, or via PayPal to orders@cliftonlaboratories.com.

Please do not forget to include shipping and, for delivery within the Commonwealth of Virginia, sales tax.

Orders are normally acknowledged within 24 hours of receipt. Please contact me if you fail to receive an acknowledgement.

 
The images below show a Z10042AV in the custom enclosure.