An RF limiting amplifier is commonly used in microwave circuits, especially receiver circuits. Its purpose is to prevent undesirable operation, damage, or destruction of the circuit due to excessive signal power by capping the maximum signal power over a frequency range, regardless of the input signal strength. When selecting a limiting amplifier, consider parameters like linearity, dynamic range, noise, phase noise, gain, bandwidth, and gain flatness. Limiting amplifiers are found in electronic warfare (EW), signal intelligence (SIGINT), radar, and interference-limited wireless communication systems.
