The 100 Series low noise, FET input preamplifiers typically are used with piezoelectric transducers such as accelerometers, hydrophones, and seismometers. They also provide excellent performance with high impedance bolometer type transducers and with pyroelectric photodetectors. Their rugged design allows operation in severe environments such as encountered in underwater accoustics applications. 100 Series preamplifiers are designed particularly as front ends for 4000 Series electronic filters and 450 Series instrumentation amplifiers. They may also be used as gain blocks ahead of lock-in amplifiers and other instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and analog-to-digital converters.

The 100 Series preamplifiers do not incorporate internal regulators, and must be operated either from regulated dc power supplies or batteries. The dc power inputs are protected against reverse polarity connection.