Patent ID: 6242901
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A diode stack microwave power sensor comprising:input means for receiving RF input signals from a source characterized by a transmission line impedance;a low power sensor path connected between the input means and ground for sensing relatively low power RF input signals, the low power sensor path including first stacked RF diode means having a first number of diode pairs coupled to ground through respective capacitors;an impedance network including attenuating resistors R1 and R2 connected in series between the input means and ground, said impedance network providing a path to ground having an impedance equal to said transmission line impedance;a high power sensor path connected between the attenuating resistors R1 and R2 and ground for sensing attenuated relatively high power RF input signals, the high sensor path including second stacked RF diode means having a second number of stacked diode pairs coupled to ground through a respective capacitor,the sensor diode means operating in the square law region and sensing the power levels over the wide dynamic ranges of the received RF signals.