Time-domain measurement method to guard against preamplifier saturation

Abstract

This paper investigates the cause of preamplifier saturation, discusses the 1 dB compression point and considers the ramifications of collecting data with a saturated amplifier. Two common saturation analysis methods, the attenuator check and band-pass filter, are considered as ways to guard against preamplifier saturation. After a brief discussion on the amplifier's input signal and its composition, a time-domain measurement method, consisting of seven steps, is introduced as another way to prevent preamplifier saturation.