UTS7000A-P26 26.5 GHz Preamplifier Option for UTS7026A
Overview
The UTS7000A-P26 is the 26.5 GHz preamplifier option for the UTS7026A and UTS7026A–NB signal analyzer chassis. The option engages a low-noise front-end amplifier ahead of the input mixer, lowering displayed average noise level (DANL) by roughly 13 to 17 dB across the chassis frequency range and improving sensitivity for weak-signal measurement.
The preamplifier is activated by software license against the chassis serial number. Once installed, Preamp On/Off is toggled from the chassis menu — no separate hardware is shipped, no chassis disassembly is required, and no service call is needed. The license is permanent for the life of the instrument.
Key Features
- DANL improvement of ≈13 to 17 dB — Across the chassis frequency range, with the largest gains in the mid-band where the chassis noise floor is highest
- Preamp On/Off menu toggle — Engagement is software-controlled from the front panel; switch in for weak-signal measurement, switch out for higher-power measurements
- Applicable frequency range — 100 kHz to 26.5 GHz (chassis-capped); the option spec covers 100 kHz to 40 GHz
- Per-band noise figure characterization — Datasheet-published DANL with Preamp On at every chassis-relevant band
- Lifetime License Activation — activate once, owned for the life of the instrument. No subscriptions, no renewals, no maintenance fees.
What the Preamplifier Adds
The preamplifier option lowers the chassis noise floor for weak-signal measurement. Values below are taken from the UTS7000A Series datasheet.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Applicable frequency range | 100 kHz to 26.5 GHz (chassis-capped from option spec of 100 kHz to 40 GHz) |
| Activation mechanic | Software license against chassis serial; installed via chassis Option Install menu |
| Engagement | Preamp On / Preamp Off toggle from chassis menu |
| Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL) — Preamp On vs Off (Typ.) | |
| Frequency band | Preamp Off → Preamp On |
| 1 MHz to 20 MHz | −145 dBm → −160 dBm (≈15 dB) |
| 20 MHz to 1.5 GHz | −147 dBm → −162 dBm (≈15 dB) |
| 1.5 GHz to 3 GHz | −146 dBm → −160 dBm (≈14 dB) |
| 4.5 GHz to 7.5 GHz | −140 dBm → −153 dBm (≈13 dB) |
| 9.5 GHz to 12.3 GHz | −138 dBm → −153 dBm (≈15 dB) |
| 15.5 GHz to 19.3 GHz | −140 dBm → −153 dBm (≈13 dB) |
| 19.3 GHz to 21 GHz | −140 dBm → −153 dBm (≈13 dB) |
| 22.8 GHz to 26.5 GHz | −138 dBm → −152 dBm (≈14 dB) |
| 1 dB Gain Compression Point — Preamp On (input mixer) | |
| Frequency band | Compression point |
| 10 MHz to 7.5 GHz | −15 dBm (Nom.) |
| 7.5 GHz to 26.5 GHz | −19 dBm (Nom.) |
When You Need This Option
The preamplifier earns its place in the following workflows:
- Weak-signal capture near the chassis noise floor — Signals at or below the Preamp Off DANL become visible and measurable once the front-end gain is engaged.
- EMI pre-compliance and emissions survey — Low ambient emissions across the 26.5 GHz range become measurable above the noise floor for source-of-emission troubleshooting.
- Phase-noise and spectral-purity measurement of low-power oscillators — Improved SNR at the carrier and offset frequencies tightens phase-noise floor measurements on weak sources.
- Antenna pattern and gain testing — Far-field power measurements and sidelobe characterization where the received signal sits well below the unamplified noise floor.
- Cable-loss and link-budget characterization — Measuring small signals at the far end of long cable runs without external amplification.
For high-power measurement (signals above approximately −15 dBm at the input mixer), toggle Preamp Off; the front-end amplifier compresses earlier than the chassis input mixer alone.
Compatibility
The 26.5 GHz preamplifier license is bandwidth-matched to the UTS7026A chassis tier. Compatibility:
| Chassis variant | Option install |
|---|---|
| 26.5 GHz chassis tier | |
| UTS7026A — 2 Hz to 26.5 GHz, Wide-Band (40 MHz analysis) | Supported |
| UTS7026A–NB — 2 Hz to 26.5 GHz, Narrow-Band (20 MHz analysis) | Supported |
Each preamplifier license is keyed to its chassis frequency tier and is not interchangeable across tiers. Customers needing preamplification at a different bandwidth tier should select the corresponding model: P13 (13.6 GHz), P26 (26.5 GHz), P32 (32 GHz), or P40 (40 GHz).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UTS7000A-P26 a software license or a hardware option?
The preamplifier is activated by software license. The amplifier hardware is present in the chassis; the license enables its use. Installation is via the chassis Option Install menu against the chassis serial number — no hardware is shipped separately and no service call is required.
How is the license installed?
The license is purchased against the chassis serial number, registered on the UNI-T website to obtain the license file, and installed via the chassis Option Install menu using a USB storage device. Refer to the UTS7026A User Manual for the full step-by-step procedure.
Can the preamplifier be added to an existing UTS7026A or UTS7026A–NB in the field?
Yes. Because activation is by software license, the option can be added at any time after the chassis is in the field. There is no hardware retrofit, no chassis disassembly, and no service call. The chassis must be the matching frequency tier (26.5 GHz).
Can the UTS7000A-P26 license be moved to a different chassis?
No. The license is keyed to the chassis serial number it is registered against. It cannot be transferred to a different chassis. If a second chassis needs preamplification, a second license must be purchased.
Is the license permanent, or does it require renewal?
The license is permanent — a one-time purchase that remains active for the life of the instrument. There are no subscription fees, no annual renewals, and no expiration date.
