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Setting BIAS for PCS 300w amplifier
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2016 12:32 pm
by Elopid
Hi all, I am almost ready to test some new boards I recently got hold of from PCS electronics with 300w transistor device 'MRF151G'.
I want to make sure everything is set up perfectly before I run any RF into them. I would like like to clarify exactly where to place my positive test probe on my multimeter and exactly what voltage range of BIAS it requires. I will test the BIAS voltage before I add the transistor.
I'm also planning to initially switch it on with a lower voltage (approximately 44v) so will that mean the BIAS voltage needs completely resetting again when I up it to 48v? I'm glad they are solderless boards so the transistor can very easily be removed.
Many kind thanks in advance, EloPiD.
Re: Setting BIAS for PCS 300w amplifier
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2016 5:23 pm
by s2000
Hi there Elopid, I am by no means an expert on this but I believe you need to have the mosfet installed in the circuit to set up the amplifier properly. You would connect an amp meter in series with the power supply and slowly turn up the bias until it is drawing the correct amount of quiescent current (IDQ). From the mrf151g datasheet this appears to be 500mA. No rf drive is needed for this stage.
There's a good video on you tube...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ys8LsHGrUk
If any experts see anything wrong with this method please feel free to correct me as I am new to mosfets. I set up a blf244 a while ago and noticed it would only start drawing current once a certain voltage had been reached?
Re: Setting BIAS for PCS 300w amplifier
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2016 6:48 pm
by Albert H
S2000 - that's right. You have to get past a threshold voltage before the device will begin to conduct. It's sensible to turn the bias up very slowly, as the onset of conduction is very "all or nothing"!
Re: Setting BIAS for PCS 300w amplifier
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2016 7:07 pm
by s2000
Nice one Albert, good to have you back

Re: Setting BIAS for PCS 300w amplifier
Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2016 11:24 pm
by Elopid
Thanks for your replies s2000 and Albert H,
Sorry for the late reply I've only just found the chance to log on. I appreciate all your help. Elo
Re: Setting BIAS for PCS 300w amplifier
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2022 6:17 pm
by rigmo
The great simple one...