ZX60-362LN-S+ - 3.3-3.6GHz Low-Noise Amplifier SMA Module | Mini-Circuits
MPN: ZX60-362LN-S+ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $130.55 | $130.55 |
| 5 | $122.5 | $612.50 |
| 10 | $115.2 | $1,152.00 |
| 25 | $108.4 | $2,710.00 |
| 50 | $99.85 | $4,992.50 |
ZX60-362LN-S+ Overview
A low-noise amplifier (LNA) is an RF amplifier placed at the front-end of a receiver chain immediately after the antenna, designed to add minimal noise while providing enough gain to set the system noise floor before subsequent filtering and downconversion stages. LNAs sit within the broader hierarchy of RF/microwave amplifiers -> amplifier ICs -> RF & wireless integrated circuits -> semiconductors, and are characterized by noise figure, gain, linearity (P1dB, IP3), input/output return loss, and unconditional stability. Compared with general-purpose gain blocks, LNAs prioritize noise figure and input match over raw output power.
Key features of the ZX60-362LN-S+ include ±0.5 to ±1.0 dB gain flatness across the band, 1.4:1 typical input and output VSWR, +5 V single-supply operation, and unconditional stability per US patent 6,943,629. The connectorized SMA housing simplifies lab evaluation, drop-in module replacement, and reference design prototyping without the layout complexity of bare-die or surface-mount MMIC integration. The 3.3 to 3.6 GHz band directly covers WiMax and 3.5 GHz radar / fixed wireless allocations.
The internal amplifier die uses a GaAs pHEMT process topology common to Mini-Circuits' ZX60 connectorized lineup, with internal 50 ohm matching networks and DC blocking on the RF path. Internal regulation provides supply-noise immunity, and the module includes reverse-voltage protection. S-parameter data files in Touchstone and View PDF formats are available from Mini-Circuits' website, supporting direct import into RF simulation tools such as Keysight ADS, Cadence AWR, and Ansys HFSS.
Typical applications include 3.5 GHz WiMax subscriber equipment, 3.3 to 3.6 GHz radar front-end LNA stages, S-band telemetry and point-to-point radio receivers, base-station receive chains, and laboratory reference / evaluation platforms where a connectorized LNA is preferred over a surface-mount MMIC.
When designing with this module, use a regulated +5 V supply with adequate bypass (100 nF + 10 uF) on the bias pin to prevent noise injection through the DC feed, and verify S-parameters against your system's noise and gain budget using Mini-Circuits' Touchstone files.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, connectorized-module cross-references, and practical front-end design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ZX60-362LN-S+ — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ZX60-362LN+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ZX60-3018LN-S+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ZX60-2522MA-S+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ZX60-83LN-S+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ZX60-14012LNS+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ZX60-362LN-S+ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Mini-Circuits |
| Frequency Range (Low) | 3300 MHz |
| Frequency Range (High) | 3600 MHz |
| Gain (Typ) | 9.0 to 11.5 dB |
| Gain Flatness | ±0.5 to ±1.0 dB |
| Noise Figure | 0.9 to 1.2 dB |
| P1dB (Output 1 dB Compression) | 8.5 to 10.5 dBm |
| Input VSWR (Typ) | 1.4 : 1 |
| Output VSWR (Typ) | 1.4 : 1 |
| Supply Voltage | +5 V (typical) |
| Impedance | 50 ohm |
| RF Connector Type | SMA (male/female, refer to datasheet) |
| Mounting Type | Chassis Mount / Connectorized Module |
| Stability | Unconditional (US Patent 6,943,629) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (refer to datasheet) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Amplifier Type | Low-Noise, Linear |
ZX60-362LN-S+ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RF IN (SMA) — RF input port, 50 ohm, SMA connector |
| Pin 2 | RF OUT (SMA) — RF output port, 50 ohm, SMA connector |
| Pin 3 | +5 V DC Bias — DC supply feed (solder tab / feedthrough cap, refer to datasheet) |
| Pin 4 | GND — Chassis ground via module housing |
Typical Applications
ZX60-362LN-S+ is suitable for 6 applications: 3.5 GHz WiMax Subscriber Receiver LNA, 3.3-3.6 GHz Radar Front-End LNA Stage, Point-to-Point Radio Receiver Front-End, S-Band Telemetry & Fixed Wireless Receiver, Cellular Base-Station Receive Chain LNA, Laboratory Reference & Evaluation Test Setup.
3.5 GHz WiMax Subscriber Receiver LNA
The ZX60-362LN-S+ fits this application because its 3.3-3.6 GHz band directly covers the 3.5 GHz WiMax subscriber allocation and its 0.9-1.2 dB noise figure sets the receiver system noise floor. Placed immediately after the antenna and bandpass filter, the amplifier provides 9.0-11.5 dB gain to overcome mixer noise figure while the +5 V single-supply operation simplifies CPE power design. Unlike a higher-P1dB alternative, the ZX60-362LN-S+ is optimized for receiver sensitivity rather than transmit linearity, so designers should add a separate PA chain on the transmit path.
Recommended
3.3-3.6 GHz Radar Front-End LNA Stage
The ZX60-362LN-S+ is well suited to 3.3-3.6 GHz radar front-end LNA stages because its sub-1.2 dB noise figure preserves detection range while its 8.5-10.5 dBm P1dB handles short-range return signals without compression. Used between the antenna and the radar receiver downconverter, it provides enough gain to make mixer noise figure negligible. Compared with a higher-gain alternative, the ZX60-362LN-S+'s modest gain keeps the chain stable in pulsed-radar conditions where AGC headroom matters.
Recommended
Point-to-Point Radio Receiver Front-End
The ZX60-362LN-S+ fits point-to-point radio receiver front-ends because its 3.3-3.6 GHz coverage aligns with licensed FWA / microwave backhaul bands and its SMA connectorized housing simplifies tower-top enclosure integration. The 1.4:1 input VSWR minimizes mismatch loss ahead of the LNA, preserving system noise figure, while unconditional stability across temperature eliminates the risk of oscillation in outdoor enclosures. The trade-off versus a higher-P1dB part is reduced tolerance to strong interferers, so a limiter or bandpass filter ahead of the LNA is recommended.
Recommended
S-Band Telemetry & Fixed Wireless Receiver
The ZX60-362LN-S+ supports S-band telemetry and fixed wireless receivers because its low noise figure extends link margin in long-range, low-data-rate telemetry links operating at 3.3-3.6 GHz. The amplifier's connectorized form factor enables rapid field deployment and bench characterization. Compared with a surface-mount MMIC, the SMA module saves PCB layout effort at the cost of larger footprint; this trade-off is worthwhile in low-volume telemetry and reference designs.
Recommended
Cellular Base-Station Receive Chain LNA
The ZX60-362LN-S+ is suitable for cellular base-station receive chain LNA prototyping in the 3.3-3.6 GHz band because its low noise figure and unconditional stability meet the demanding linearity and reliability requirements of base-station receivers. The SMA connectorized housing allows direct connection to existing filter and downconverter chains during lab evaluation. Compared with bare MMIC LNAs, the connectorized module offers faster bring-up but at higher BOM cost, so this trade-off is justified primarily during development rather than volume production.
Recommended
Laboratory Reference & Evaluation Test Setup
The ZX60-362LN-S+ is ideal for laboratory reference and evaluation test setups because its SMA connectors mate directly with bench instruments (spectrum analyzers, signal generators, noise figure meters) without requiring custom test fixtures. The Mini-Circuits-provided Touchstone S-parameter files enable direct comparison between measured and simulated results, supporting both manual and automated test workflows. The trade-off versus a smaller connectorized MMIC evaluation board is mechanical size, which is acceptable on the bench where test gear dominates the footprint.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ZX60-362LN-S+ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ZX60-362LN+ | ZX60-3018LN-S+ | ZX60-2522MA-S+ | ZX60-83LN-S+ | ZX60-14012LNS+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Mini-Circuits | Mini-Circuits | Mini-Circuits | Mini-Circuits | Mini-Circuits | Mini-Circuits |
| Package | SMA Connectorized Module | SMA Connectorized Module | SMA Connectorized Module | SMA Connectorized Module | SMA Connectorized Module | SMA Connectorized Module |
| Frequency Range | 3300-3600 MHz | 3300-3600 MHz | Different band (refer to datasheet) | Different band (refer to datasheet) | Different band (refer to datasheet) | Different band (refer to datasheet) |
| Gain | 9.0-11.5 dB | Similar (refer to datasheet) | Different (refer to datasheet) | Different (refer to datasheet) | Different (refer to datasheet) | Different (refer to datasheet) |
| Noise Figure | 0.9-1.2 dB | Similar (refer to datasheet) | Different (refer to datasheet) | Different (refer to datasheet) | Different (refer to datasheet) | Different (refer to datasheet) |
| P1dB | 8.5-10.5 dBm | Similar (refer to datasheet) | Different (refer to datasheet) | Different (refer to datasheet) | Different (refer to datasheet) | Different (refer to datasheet) |
| Impedance | 50 ohm | 50 ohm | 50 ohm | 50 ohm | 50 ohm | 50 ohm |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant |
Key Differentiators
- Optimized for the 3.3-3.6 GHz WiMax / radar band (vs ZX60-3018LN-S+)
- Connectorized SMA housing eliminates PCB-level matching work (vs Bare MMIC alternative)
- Unconditional stability across the operating range (vs Lower-tier amplifier modules)
Design Notes
Power the ZX60-362LN-S+ from a regulated +5 V supply with 100 nF + 10 uF bypass capacitors placed within a few millimeters of the bias feed. Estimated current consumption is on the order of 30-80 mA per typical Mini-Circuits ZX60 family datasheets; consult the manufacturer's spec for the exact figure. Inadequate bypassing allows supply noise to couple into the RF chain, raising the effective noise figure.
When integrating the ZX60-362LN-S+ into a host PCB, mount the SMA module to a grounded metal chassis or bracket to provide thermal sinking and a low-inductance ground return. Keep the +5 V bias trace physically separated from the RF input/output traces to prevent feedback oscillation; a feedthrough capacitor on the bias pin is recommended. The connectorized form factor eliminates the need for PCB-level 50 ohm microstrip design at the module interface.
Before substituting a different-band ZX60 module (e.g. ZX60-3018LN-S+ or ZX60-83LN-S+), verify the substitution lies within the target receiver's band and that noise figure, gain, and P1dB remain within budget. Import Mini-Circuits' Touchstone S-parameter files into your RF simulator (Keysight ADS, Cadence AWR, Ansys HFSS) and run a system-level cascade noise and linearity analysis; do not rely on datasheet headline numbers alone.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Mini-Circuits product page and Mouser listing. Reach compliance status not explicitly stated in the verified web data; halogen-free and conflict-minerals status not stated - set to unknown.
