Comparison of WiFi Amplifiers As Output Power Amplifier For QO-100 Transmit Converter - RA3APW Personal Website

3/3/23, 4:25 PM Comparison of WiFi Amplifiers as Output Power Amplifier for QO-100 Transmit Converter | RA3APW personal website
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RA3APW personal website
Comparison of WiFi amplifiers as an output power amplifier for the QO-100 transmitting
converter
6.04.2019
As a power amplifier for the 2400 MHz transmit converter for the QO-100/Phase-4A geostationary satellite, it is
possible to use commercially available WiFi amplifiers that are commercially available on eBay and Aliexpress for
a reasonable price.
To test this possibility, four WiFi amplifiers were purchased:
1. EDUP EP-AB003 - 8W WIRELESS WIFI SIGNAL BOOSTER BROADBAND AMPLIFIERS

2. a separate board, which later turned out to be the EDUP EP-AB003 board, but with some differences in the
hardware
3. EDUP EP-AB007 - 4W WIFI WIRELESS BROADBAND AMPLIFIER ROUTER SIGNAL BOOSTER
4. EDUP EP-AB007 - 4W WIFI WIRELESS BROADBAND AMPLIFIER ROUTER SIGNAL BOOSTER in
lightweight design

EDUP EP-AB003
The product EDUP EP-AB003 is listed as "8W WIRELESS WIFI SIGNAL BOOSTER BROADBAND
AMPLIFIERS".
Page on the manufacturer's website http://www.szedup.com/product-item/8w-wireless-wifi-signal-booster-

broadband-amplifiers/
https://www-ra3apw-ru.translate.goog/qo-100/qo-100-stc7031_appn2/?_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=ro&_x_tr_pto=wapp 1/15
Declared characteristics:
Operation Range: 2400-2500 MHz

Operation Mode: Bi-directional, half-duplex, Auto-Switching via carrier sensing.
Frequency Response: ± 1dB over operation range
Input Power: 3dBm (Min.)-20dBm (Max.)
Input Power 5 ~ 20 dBm.
Optimal Input Power 9 ~ 15 dBm
Output Power: 8000mW/39dBm nominal for 802.11b/11Mbps.
Connector: SMA Receptacle, 50ohm.
Transmit Gain: 17dB nominal
Receiver Gain: 11dB
Receive Noise Figure: 3.0dBm nominal.
Operating Temperature: -40 to 70 degree.
Operating Humidity: Up to 95% relative humidity.
Material: Cast Aluminium.
However, do not believe your eyes (especially what is in bold text above) when you read such Chinese technical
“documentation” - well, there are no 8 W even close and cannot be.
The measurements carried out showed that for EDUP EP-AB003:
output power in linear mode P1db is 2.5W

maximum output power (non-linear mode) corresponds to 3.5 W
transmit gain is 14 dB
maximum input power for P1db line mode is +20dBm
second harmonic level is -59 dBc (at 2.5 W output power)
third harmonic level is -70 dBu (at 2.5 W output power)

the maximum temperature inside the case after 10 minutes of operation at an output power of 2.5W is +43C.
Block diagram EDUP EP-AB003
The active elements are:
two microcircuits of microwave amplifiers Innotion YP242034 at the output

input switch - Skyworks AS193-73 chip
output switch - Qorvo FMS2031 chip
quad op amp - ADA4851-4 chip
two linear stabilizers LM1117
linear stabilizer AP2952 (Chipown, China)
EDUP EP-AB003 with bottom cover removed
Measurement results

Pin, dBm Pin, mW Pout, dBm Pout, W I, A
10 10 23.4 0.22 0.56
eleven 12.6 24.3 0.27 0.60
12 15.8 25.7 0.37 0.65
13 20 26.6 0.46 0.70
14 25.1 27.7 0.59 0.75
15 31.6 28.8 0.76 0.81
16 39.8 29.9 0.98 0.88
17 50.1 31.0 1.27 0.96
18 63.1 32.1 1.63 1.06
19 79.4 33.1 2.05 1.16
20 100 33.9 2.49 1.26
21 126 34.6 2.87 1.34
22 158 35.0 3.17 1.43
23 200 35.2 3.37 1.50
24 251 35.5 3.52 1.54
Some observations:

supply voltage = + 12V
current consumption in RX mode = 170 mA
supply voltage drop from the standard power supply from 12.2V to 12.0V, so it is advisable to use another
normal PSU
at 2500 MHz the gain is 1 dB less than at 2400 MHz
automatic operation of the receive-transmit switch when an RF power of more than 3 dBm is applied to the
“Radio” input
indicator "STATE": red - "reception", green - "transmission"
the temperature regime is quite light even after long-term transmission work
Harmonic output of EDUP-AB003 at 2.5W output power

Thermogram EDUP EP-AB003 after 10 minutes of operation at an output power of 2.5 W

- maximum temperature + 43C

EDUP EP-AB003 other hardware version
Separately, on eBay, a WiFi amplifier board (booster) without a case was purchased, which later turned out to be
an EDUP EP-AB003 board, but with some differences in the hardware.
Differences in the hardware affected only the receiving path (which is not used in our case in EDUP EP-AB003),
and consisted in the presence of a higher quality ceramic coaxial filter with a significantly better squareness
instead of the multilayer ceramic filter in the first version.
EDUP EP-AB003 other hardware version

with a coaxial ceramic filter in the receive channel
All other parameters are identical to the previous EDUP EP-AB003.
The difference in price between the first and second options was about 300 rubles, which, given the lack of a case
in the second option, makes a cheaper choice not always justified.
EDUP EP-AB007 first version
The product EDUP EP-AB007 is listed as "4W WIFI WIRELESS BROADBAND AMPLIFIER ROUTER SIGNAL
BOOSTER".
Page on the manufacturer's website http://www.szedup.com/product-item/4w-wifi-wireless-broadband-

amplifier-router-signal-booster/
EDUP EP-AB007
Declared characteristics:

Operation Range: 2400-2500 MHz.
Operation Mode: Bi-directional, half-duplex, Auto-Switching via carrier sensing.
Frequency Response: ± 1dB over operation range.
Input Power: 3dBm (Min.)-20dBm (Max.).
Output Power: 4000mW nominal
Transmit Gain: 12-14dBm nominal.
Receiver Gain: 9-11dBm.
Receive Noise Figure: 3.0dBm nominal.
Operating Temperature: -40 to 70 degree.
Operating Humidity: Up to 95% relative humidity.
Material: Cast Aluminum
However, just like for EDUP EP-AB003, do not believe your eyes - 4 W is definitely not there ..., it is not at all
clear why to show good measuring equipment on the manufacturer's website and at the same time indicate
deliberately false parameters ...
The measurements carried out showed that EDUP EP-AB007:
power in linear mode P1db is 1.2W

maximum power (non-linear mode) corresponds to 2.0 W
transmit gain was 15 dB
maximum input power for P1db line mode is +15 dBm
second harmonic level is -37 dBc (at 1.2 W output power)
third harmonic level is -57 dBc (at 1.2 W output power)
the maximum temperature inside the case after 10 minutes of operation at an output power of 1.2W is +77C.
The block diagram of EP-AB007 corresponds to the block diagram of EP-AB003.
The active elements are:
two microcircuits of microwave amplifiers Innotion YP242034 at the output

input switch - Hexawave HWS408 chip
output switch - Hexawave HWS421 chip
quad op amp - 3PEAK TPH2504 chip
EDUP EP-AB007 without bottom cover
Pin, mW Pin, dBm Pout, W Pout, dBm
19 12.8 0.63 +28
23 13.6 0.79 +29
29 14.6 0.99 +30
36 15.6 1.23 +30.9
45 16.53 1.43 +31.55
57 17.56 1.63 +32.12
71 18.51 1.80 +32.55
90 19.54 1.90 +32.79
113 20.53 1.97 +32.94
142 21.52 2.01 +33.03
180 22.55 2.03 +33/07
226 23.54 2.05 +33.12
285 24.55 2.06 +33.14

Some observations:

supply voltage = + 12V
at 2500 MHz the gain is 1 dB less than at 2400 MHz
automatic operation of the receive-transmit switch when an RF power of more than 3 dBm is applied to the
“Radio” input
the temperature regime is very difficult - after a long (10 min) work on the transmission, the
temperature of some elements reaches + 77C. The high temperature of the active elements leads to
degradation of the output power from 1.2 W to 0.9 W.
Harmonic output of EDUP EP-AB007 at 1.2 W output power
EDUP EP-AB007 thermogram after 10 minutes of operation at 1.2 W output - very hot case and board
EDUP EP-AB007 second version
The product EDUP EP-AB007 is listed as "4W WIFI WIRELESS BROADBAND AMPLIFIER ROUTER SIGNAL
BOOSTER". The difference from the first version is only in a different design of the metal case of the module.
The second version of the amplifier EP-AB007
The second version of the EP-AB007 amplifier without the bottom cover
The hardware and circuit board are the same as in the first version of EP-AB007. The electrical parameters are the
same as in the first variant. The case is made significantly lighter (most likely for the purpose of installation on
flying models of aircraft, helicopters and quadrocopters), having paws for a screw for installation on an additional
radiator. The temperature regime is very difficult - after a long (10 min) transmission operation without an
additional radiator, the temperature of some elements reaches + 77C. The high temperature of the active elements
leads to degradation of the output power from 1.2 W to 0.9 W.
Comparison table of models EP-AB003 and EP-AB007
Parameter EP-AB003 EP-AB007
Maximum power in linear mode, W 2.5 1.2
Maximum power in non-linear mode, W 3.5 2.0
Input power for linear mode, dBm +20 +15
Gain, dB 14 15
Second harmonic level, dBc -59 -37
Third harmonic level, dBc -70 -57
Maximum temperature after 10 minutes of transfer, C +43 +77
73 de Karen, RA3APW
13 comments on “ Comparison of WiFi Amplifiers as Output Power Amplifier for QO-100 Transmit
Converter ”
Vadim says:
04/17/2019 at 07:09
Karen, thanks for your work! 73 de R-0-AU
ra3apw says:
04/17/2019 at 09:58
Vadim, thanks. After a long building period, there is again time for Hamradio. Hope to see you at QO-100/Phase-4A.
73 de RA3APW
Igor R1ZH says:

06/01/2019 at 13:32
Thanks for the review. I have the amplifier that you have at number 4. When measuring, I got even worse results, which I
managed to slightly improve by removing the switch chips. But not much, of course.
I take one and a half watts from it with a good radiator, it works reliably. The plans include an amplifier of the "upper"
performance, for which this one will be the driver.
All the best!
ra3apw says:
06/05/2019 at 09:00
Good day, Igor. Glad it was helpful. I also tested the F6BVA amplifier based on the MW7IC2725 - it turns out even better and
cheaper than the indicated Chinese "products". I made the board for the amplifier on FR-4, and not on Ro-4003. I use the
board topology from R3GC. I'll post the results later. I wish you success!
Igor R1ZH says:

06/05/2019 at 12:53
I'll look with pleasure. I have something similar from cellular stations with frequencies of 1800 and 2100 MHz, as
well as ready-made amplifiers for these frequencies. I’ll get my hands on it, I’ll experiment with them, maybe they’ll
somehow earn even for 2400 ... Even if they give half of what is due, it will be great.
All the best!
YL3AKC says:
06/05/2019 at 17:22
Thank you very much! nice review. But… If both boosters use the same amplifier IC YP242034, how is it possible to get
different power? Both boosters have DC-DC step down converters which give 5.5 - 5.89 V. Can you measure voltage on
following pins with accuracy of 2 digits after decimal.
Pin 2 (VR1)
Pin 14 (VR2)
Pin 7 (VCC1) and output from DC-DC converter?
I assume that difference in parameters are because of different bias (VR1 and VR2) and supply voltage.
Yes, I have EP-AB007. I assume that on EP-AB007 DC-DC down-conveter chip is compatible with TI TPS563209. Pins looks
100% compatible. I think that it is possible to supply wifi boosters from high current (3A) USB power bank. Later i will make
experiment with power bank.
PS: you can answer in English. I can read Russian, but can not write in Russian.
ra3apw says:
06/05/2019 at 18:05
Good day Janis. Thank you. I asked the same question after I compared these two amplifiers assembled according to
a similar scheme. As I understand it, the main purpose of the EP-AB007 product is the minimum weight and
dimensions for installation on flying models (FPV). In this regard, there is a problem with cooling - the temperature
of the elements reaches 77 C, which should significantly reduce the MTBF (time to failure). Since it is problematic to
remove heat with a limited size and weight, then, as you write, the developers chose the path of hardware power
limitation for the same active elements by changing the DC modes. I really don’t like this “Chinese” approach and my
teachers taught me to make products with a large margin for extreme parameters, so I decided for myself that I
definitely wouldn’t use such an amplifier.
YL3AKC says:
06/05/2019 at 20:07
OK! I see. I will continue experiments and modding with EP-AB007. I have white aluminum version. I
disassembled and added thermal grease to PCB. Then I screwed case to aluminum heat sink and added more
thermal grease. Didn't observed overheat problems, but will check more carefully later.
ra3apw says:
07/20/2019 at 12:24
In my opinion, this is correct. We must try to remove heat in EP-AB007 to the level of the stationary version EP-AB003 at
100% cycle, and then we can count on the reliability of the solution. I wish you success!
SP3OSJ says:
09/21/2019 at 18:06
These amplifiers have a construction flaw:
http://www.kooikerhondje.com.pl/movie/8W.JPG
ra3apw says:
09/22/2019 at 17:24
>SP3OSJ: Thank you for the input. Will check it later.
Arthur says:
04.10.2019 at 18:09
SP3OSJ Can you share the schematic and PCB of this amplifier?
Arthur says:
04.10.2019 at 16:26
Does anyone have the complete circuit diagram for the EP-AB007 or EP-AB003 amplifier? Or is it posted somewhere, can
you give a link?
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3/3/23, 4:25 PM Comparison of WiFi Amplifiers as Output Power Amplifier for QO-100 Transmit Converter | RA3APW personal website

RA3APW personal website

To test this possibility, four WiFi amplifiers were purchased:

1. EDUP EP-AB003 - 8W WIRELESS WIFI SIGNAL BOOSTER BROADBAND AMPLIFIERS

Page on the manufacturer's website http://www.szedup.com/product-item/8w-wireless-wifi-signal-booster-

Operation Range: 2400-2500 MHz

The measurements carried out showed that for EDUP EP-AB003:

output power in linear mode P1db is 2.5W

third harmonic level is -70 dBu (at 2.5 W output power)

Block diagram EDUP EP-AB003

The active elements are:

two microcircuits of microwave amplifiers Innotion YP242034 at the output

EDUP EP-AB003 with bottom cover removed

10 10 23.4 0.22 0.56

eleven 12.6 24.3 0.27 0.60

12 15.8 25.7 0.37 0.65

13 20 26.6 0.46 0.70

14 25.1 27.7 0.59 0.75

15 31.6 28.8 0.76 0.81

16 39.8 29.9 0.98 0.88

17 50.1 31.0 1.27 0.96

18 63.1 32.1 1.63 1.06

19 79.4 33.1 2.05 1.16

20 100 33.9 2.49 1.26

21 126 34.6 2.87 1.34

22 158 35.0 3.17 1.43

23 200 35.2 3.37 1.50

24 251 35.5 3.52 1.54

Harmonic output of EDUP-AB003 at 2.5W output power

Thermogram EDUP EP-AB003 after 10 minutes of operation at an output power of 2.5 W

EDUP EP-AB003 other hardware version

All other parameters are identical to the previous EDUP EP-AB003.

EDUP EP-AB007 first version

Page on the manufacturer's website http://www.szedup.com/product-item/4w-wifi-wireless-broadband-

The measurements carried out showed that EDUP EP-AB007:

power in linear mode P1db is 1.2W

The block diagram of EP-AB007 corresponds to the block diagram of EP-AB003.

The active elements are:

two microcircuits of microwave amplifiers Innotion YP242034 at the output

EDUP EP-AB007 without bottom cover

Pin, mW Pin, dBm Pout, W Pout, dBm

19 12.8 0.63 +28

23 13.6 0.79 +29

29 14.6 0.99 +30

36 15.6 1.23 +30.9

45 16.53 1.43 +31.55

57 17.56 1.63 +32.12

71 18.51 1.80 +32.55

90 19.54 1.90 +32.79

113 20.53 1.97 +32.94

142 21.52 2.01 +33.03

180 22.55 2.03 +33/07

226 23.54 2.05 +33.12

285 24.55 2.06 +33.14

Harmonic output of EDUP EP-AB007 at 1.2 W output power

EDUP EP-AB007 second version

The second version of the amplifier EP-AB007

Comparison table of models EP-AB003 and EP-AB007

Parameter EP-AB003 EP-AB007

Maximum power in linear mode, W 2.5 1.2

Maximum power in non-linear mode, W 3.5 2.0

Input power for linear mode, dBm +20 +15