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.

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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.

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