Good morning,
The 35db gain is needed when using the calibrator output of the TinySA as the reverence clock. The calibrator output is around -36dbm and needs to be boosted to a level acceptable for the clock input of the PLL if used that way. Both of my TinySA ultra cal outputs are accurate enough to produce a 5.34Ghz signal that is less than 500hz of frequency. That was the gist of the test to find out if the Tiny can be used instead of a GPS. I wanted to give those that do not have a GPS a solution to generate the required signal. I used a MAR-6 followed by a MAV11 with a 75 ohm pot at the output for level adjustment, Its just 10Mhz, close to DC so it is not that critical and the IC can easy handle the slight mismatch. Of course any combination of MMIC or transistors can be use to amplify the signal. Btw, I installed a switch in my PLL case so it can be switched between internal and external clock. The PLL is accurate over all but there are some division ratios it has problems with and the output frequency is off. I have not experimented how the choice of the clock frequency influences this but, for 5.34Ghz with a 10Mhz GPS clock is is spot on showing 0hz deviation on my HP microwave counter.?
John
John Cunliffe W7ZQ