Hittite Press Release - November 26, 2010

Hittite's New 54 dB mmWave Log Detector Spans 1 - 23 GHz

Chelmsford, MA, 11/26/2010 – Hittite Microwave Corporation, the world class supplier of complete MMIC based solutions for communication & military markets has expanded its Power Detector product line by releasing a new 54 dB dynamic range, millimeterwave Logarithmic Detector capable of operation over a wide frequency range spanning 1 to 23 GHz. The HMC948LP3E is ideal for broadband test and measurement, point-to-point microwave radio, VSAT, receiver signal strength indication and wideband power monitoring applications.

The HMC948LP3E is a Logarithmic Detector which converts RF signals at its input, to a proportional DC voltage at its output. The HMC948LP3E employs successive compression topology which delivers high dynamic range over a wide input frequency range. As the input power is increased, successive amplifiers move into saturation one by one creating an approximation of the logarithm function.

Complementing Hittite’s wide range of previously-released power detector products, the HMC948LP3E  provides a nominal logarithmic slope of +14.2 mV/dB and an intercept of -111 dBm at 23 GHz. Logarithmic error over temperature is excellent at only ±1.5 dB at 23 GHz, specified over the entire -40 °C to +85 °C operating temperature range. Optimized as a logarithmic detector for high volume microwave radio and VSAT applications, the HMC948LP3E exhibits very fast rise/fall times of 5/7 ns respectively.

The HMC948LP3E  operates from a single +3.3 V supply, consumes only 91 mA, and is available in a plastic ROHS compliant 3x3 mm SMT package. Released data sheets may be found at www.hittite.com. Samples and evaluation PC boards are available from stock and can be ordered via the company’s e-commerce site or via direct purchase order.