RF detectors
RF detectors sense the level of an RF or microwave signal and provide a usable DC or video output for a control loop, monitor point or measurement path. They do not route or amplify RF power; their value is the conversion of RF amplitude into information the rest of the system can act on.
Level detection in RF systems
Typical data includes operating frequency range, input level range, dynamic range, detector slope, output polarity, video bandwidth, response time, input match, temperature drift and maximum safe input power. These values affect receiver protection, forward or reflected power monitoring, AGC paths, threshold alarms and RF test fixtures.
