Peak and RMS RF Power Detectors for High-Frequency Signal Measurement
Power detectors are widely used RF components that convert an RF input signal into an output DC voltage proportional to the RF input power. Power detectors are useful for a number of applications that include automatic gain control circuits, transmit antenna power monitoring, protecting sensitive circuits from pulses and power spikes as well as a wide range of test and measurement applications. Mini-Circuits has developed different types of high frequency, high accuracy power detectors for these applications. These power detector designs have overcome design challenges at mmW frequencies to enable product features that provide market-leading performance for the price point. These design challenges include improving the input and output matching of the detectors over a wide frequency range in the specified product housing that enables extended dynamic range performance over the operating frequency range compared to competitive models. This article will provide an overview of the different types of power detectors and some of the common applications each is best suited for. Specific use cases for measurement setups will be also presented for each type of detector.
Frequently Asked Questions About Power Detectors
Frequently Asked Questions About Power Detectors
Q. I recently purchased a PWR-6G power detector and was wondering if I need to have it calibrated, or if it came to me calibrated.
A. The PWR-6G+ is calibrated prior to shipping and therefore there is no need for calibration of new power detectors. A customer can start working once the power sensor software has loaded and the USB cable is plugged in to the computer. We recommend sending the PWR-6G+ once a year for calibration.
