The condition where any further increases in input level will yield no further increase in output level.

A device characteristic exhibited when a further change in the input signal produces no significant additional change in the output.

The point after which a change in input optical power does not produce the same amount of change in the output. It marks the end of the dynamic range, and the beginning of the saturation region.

The point at which an amplifier cannot deliver more power despite a further increase in input level.

In amplification, a term which describes the point at which the amplifier is producing the most output power it is capable of, basically in an over-driven situation. Typically a device driven to saturation is no longer performing in a linear fashion or distortion-free manner. (See also compression)

The behavior of all amplifiers when the input power exceeds a certain point: the amplifier no longer amplifies and the output is more or less constant. When an amplifier is in the saturated region, it said to be nonlinear and causes distortion to the RF signal.

The operation of a power amplifier, most often a satellite TWTA, at its maximum output power level ("saturated" power level).