RMS Power Detector Boasts 40-dB Dynamic Range

Sept. 21, 2010
TASKED WITH INCREASING WIRELESS COVERAGE and extending battery life for third- (3G) and fourth-generation (4G) mobile handsets, a linear root-mean-square (RMS) RF power detector supports frequencies of 50 MHz to 6 GHz with an RF power-detection ...

TASKED WITH INCREASING WIRELESS COVERAGE and extending battery life for third- (3G) and fourth-generation (4G) mobile handsets, a linear root-mean-square (RMS) RF power detector supports frequencies of 50 MHz to 6 GHz with an RF power-detection range of 35 to +5 dBm. The PowerWise LMH2120 vows to enable accurate RF poweramplifier (PA) measurements. It provides stable performance from 40C to +85C with amplitude-versus-temperature variations of just 0.5 dB over a 40-dB dynamic range at 1900 MHz. The power detector operates from a single 2.7-to-5-V supply and provides an output voltage that is proportional to the RF input power (dBm). This aspect minimizes the need for extra calibration and reduces the resolution requirement for the system's analogto- digital converter (ADC). Handset designers can connect the LMH2120 to the output of the PA with a directional coupler or resistive tap. The LMH2120 consumes current of 2.9 mA and includes a low-power shutdown mode that reduces power consumption to 3 A. P&A: $2.40 each in 1000Q.

National Semiconductor
2900 Semiconductor Dr.
Santa Clara, CA 95051;
(408) 721-5000
Internet: www.national.com.

See Associated Figure

About the Author

Nancy Friedrich | RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense, Keysight Technologies

Nancy Friedrich is RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense at Keysight Technologies. Nancy Friedrich started a career in engineering media about two decades ago with a stint editing copy and writing news for Electronic Design. A few years later, she began writing full time as technology editor at Wireless Systems Design. In 2005, Nancy was named editor-in-chief of Microwaves & RF, a position she held (along with other positions as group content head) until 2018. Nancy then moved to a position at UBM, where she was editor-in-chief of Design News and content director for tradeshows including DesignCon, ESC, and the Smart Manufacturing shows.

Sponsored Recommendations

Free Poster: Power Electronics Design and Testing

Dec. 23, 2024
Get with this poster a guidance about usual converter types, most important measurements and general requirements for power electronics design and testing. Register for a download...

eGuide: Optimizing and Testing RF Power Amplifier Designs

Dec. 23, 2024
This eGuide explores electronic design automation to real RF devices, focusing on verification, characterization, repeatability, and throughput, while highlighting key steps from...

Free Poster: Wireless Communications Standards

Dec. 23, 2024
Get insights about the latest cellular, non-cellular, IoT and GNSS specifications including 5G, LTE and Wi-Fi. Sign up to receive your poster in the mail or via download.

5G NR Testing – Are You Ready for the 5G Challenges?

Dec. 23, 2024
5G NR deployment is accelerating, unlocking new use cases, applications, and opportunities for devices and infrastructure. The question is: are you prepared for these advancements...