Analog Devices Unveils Dual-Channel RMS Power Detector

Analog Devices rolled out what it claims is the industry's first dual-channel RF rms (root-mean-square) power detector, which is designed for precision measurement of transmit and receive signals up to 2.7GHz.

Analog says the AD8364 is the only power detector that can simultaneously measure two complex input signals, which lets designers of cellular base station configure accurate RF measurements. The device targets next-generation cellular-infrastructure equipment that utilizes complex signals with constantly varying peak-to-average ratios, including CDMA2000, WCDMA, and TD-SCDMA.

As part of Analog's TruPwr detector line—the device essentially combines two of an earlier device, the AD8362, on one chip—the AD8364 measures complex waveforms at RF frequencies and delivers accurately scaled dc voltage that is the rms equal of the input waveform.

"Having two channels on a single IC allows users to measure two independent channels and also measure the [channel] difference between two inputs," said Phillip Halford, Analog Devices product marketing manager for RFIF devices. "This enables users to have a complete block to monitor output and different frequencies and power levels and enables [in automatic gain control loops] them to measure input at RF, output at IF, and vice-versa."

The AD8364 also features a temperature sensor that lets users measure and monitor temperature in their systems, Halford said.

The device costs $7.85 (1000) and is currently sampling. Volume production will begin in March, according to the company.