5. Glossary – Definitions

Amplifier; Amplifier

A major electronic function in a system that increases the amplitude or power of a signal. There are three categories of amplifier: low-noise amplifiers for receiving systems, high-gain amplifiers for increasing chain gain, and power amplifiers generally used at the output of transmitters.

Phase shifter

Electronic circuits used to modify the phase of a signal; generally associated with antenna arrays.

Switches; Switch

Circuits with the property of a single- or multi-channel switch for distributing the signal to the various inputs or outputs of a system. The best-known example is a switch with a common input and two output channels, enabling an antenna to be switched either to the input of a receiver or to the output of a transmitter.