Power detector includes fast comparator

The LTC5536 RF power detector is billed as the first to include a fast comparator.

Linear Technology has introduced the LTC5536 RF power detector, the first to include a fast comparator.

The device combines wide frequency range operation and low power in a small, cost-effective solution that allows precise detection of an RF signal.

The LTC5536's voltage output is compared against a DC voltage threshold that is set by the user.

The comparator output transitions when the RF input level goes above or below the threshold point.

The device is ideal for detecting the presence of RF signals in 802.11 and 802.16 networks, optical data links, wireless data modems, WiMAX and cellular basestations and cable headends.

The LTC5536 can also be used as an RF power monitor or envelope detector in RF ID tag readers.

The LTC5536 operates over a wide RF frequency range of 600MHz to 7GHz, supporting multi-band operation.

The device incorporates temperature compensation circuitry that provides exceptionally stable and accurate RF detection over the full range of temperature extremes.

The device's on-chip comparator has a fast 20ns response time, sufficient to be used for recovery of bit stream data.

The integrated functions eliminate the need to glue many discrete components together, saving considerable circuit board space.

The LTC5536 operates from a single 2.7 to 5.25V supply, drawing a typical quiescent current of only 2.1mA.

The device is available from stock in a 6-lead ThinSOT package, priced at $2.25 each in 1000-piece quantities.

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