Miniature amplifiers are crucial components in electronics because they are compact, lightweight, and can be easily integrated into various systems across a range of industries. Mini or micro amps, as they are also known, are used when power options are limited, and space efficiency is vital for the application. Amplifiers are used in scientific research and development applications to support fast startup times, minimal noise, and reduced buffering in scientific instruments and systems.

An Overview of Miniature Amplifiers

Miniature amplifiers play an important role as they help to enhance small or weak input signals. Amplifiers work by converting an input signal into a large format to increase the current, power, or voltage of a signal, which is a crucial process in electronic circuits. Amplifiers rely on power from an existing electrical source, which can be used in various applications such as medical devices, personal and commercial audio equipment, and scientific instruments.

Applications of Miniature Amplifiers

Many electrical applications benefit from amplifiers, especially miniature amplifiers for smaller or more intrinsic systems. Miniature amplifiers are commonly used in data acquisition systems and medical devices, image and signal processing equipment, spectroscopy and audio/video processing equipment, and electrophysiology research to amplify signals and speed up processing times.

Other key applications of miniature amplifiers include the following:

• Multiplexing of a number of thermopiles
• Thermopiles are non-contact sensors used to measure temperature and specific gases. However, they have a high series impediment that requires identifying gas or temperature across a wide range of parameters. This application requires amplifiers with minimal to no noise and the capability to enhance low signals.
• Gas analysis

Amplifiers are used in gas analysis to enhance the signals transmitted through the equipment. Miniature amplifiers reduce noise and improve signals, which leads to more precise gas analysis and higher repeatability of results.

Non-Contact Temperature Measurement

Non-contact temperature measurement is a key application for miniature amplifiers in the sensing solutions industry. These sensors detect the infrared radiation emitted by an object, which is directly proportional to its temperature. However, the output can be extremely weak. Miniature amplifiers enhance the weak input signals received by the sensor, increasing the voltage and current of the signal for a more accurate temperature measurement. This is particularly important in applications where temperature measurement accuracy is critical, such as in medical devices or scientific research.

Dexter Research Center, Inc. and Miniature Amplifiers

Dexter Research Center, Inc. was founded by the leading thin-film and materials expert Robert Toth, Sr., to provide world-class infrared sensing and detect-and-manage solutions for companies worldwide. We provide our clients with a wide range of non-contact temperature sensors and thermopile thin-film and silicon-based products, in addition to ever-evolving thermopile detectors.

We currently offer a Miniature Amplifier PCB, available in three amplifier gains (300, 500, and 1,000) for a range of thermopile applications. The PCB comes with a cable, connector, and 1.25V voltage reference with the option of adding a temperature sensor. The amplifier has an extremely low offset, drift, and bias current for significantly reduced digital switching noise. The PCB was designed to support fast startup times in research and development instruments.

For more information on how miniature amplifiers support a range of applications, please get in touch with a member of Dexter Research today.