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Square Law and Linear Detection - App Note

From Avago Technologies
 

 
Schottky diode detectors are used to detect small signals close to the noise level and to monitor large signals well above the noise. From the noise level up to about -20 dBm (Figure 1) the slope of the response curves is constant. This is the square law region. Video receivers usually operate in this range. The diode receives the signal directly from the antenna in most systems, although a preamplifier may be used to improve sensitivity. This type of receiver is used in short range radar or in counter-measure equipment where the sensitivity of the more complicated superheterodyne receiver is not needed. Above about -10 dBm the slope is closer to linear but may vary about 30% for different values of frequency, diode capacitance, and load resistance. The slope may be controlled by tuning at the proper power level. Linear detection is used in power monitors. In some applications the linearity is important because the detected voltage is a measure of power input.
Products & Services
PIN diodes are three-layer semiconductor diodes consisting of an intrinsic layer separating heavily doped P and N layers. The charge stored in the intrinsic layer in conjunction with other diode parameters determines the resistance of the diode at RF and microwave frequencies. Search by Specification | Learn more about PIN Diodes
Schottky diodes in their simplest form consist of a metal layer that contacts a semiconductor element. The metal / semiconductor junctions exhibit rectifying behavior (i.e., the current passes through the structure more readily with one polarity than the other). Search by Specification | Learn more about Schottky Diodes
Diode arrays are composed of multiple discrete (usually unconnected) diodes on a single silicon chip. Diode arrays are important semiconductor products because they save assembly time and improve reliability over individually packaged diodes. In general, diode arrays use four or more diodes in a single package. Search by Specification | Learn more about Diode Arrays
RF diodes are designed to handle high-power radio frequency (RF) signals in stereo amplifiers, radio transmitters, television monitors, and other RF or microwave devices. Search by Specification | Learn more about RF Diodes
Power diodes are used mainly in high-power applications. They are built with large P-N junctions in order to pass large amounts of current and dissipate large amounts of heat. Search by Specification | Learn more about Power Diodes
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Topics of Interest
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