Fast amps convert fluctuating DC signal levels from a probe into digital readings 500 times per second. By sampling rather than integrating, they offer one key advantage over the traditional “averaging” type of signal amplifier when attempting to measure modulated signals: with averaging amplifiers, each modulation scheme requires its own cal factor, while for sampling amplifiers, a single cal factor applies for all modulations, including DC.

The latest improvement to the fast amp series sees an order of magnitude reduction in noise floor. This sees particular relevance at RF frequencies around 5-6GHz where SAR distributions tend to fall off rapidly with distance – by extending the number of data points having a reliable estimate of signal level, the underlying analogue distribution can be re-created with increased confidence.