Operating over the 0.5 to 18.5GHz frequency range, the HMC1013LP4E successive detection log video amplifier is from Hittite Microwave. The amplifier is supplied in compact 4 x 4 mm surface mount package and extends the dynamic range to 67dB and carries a class 1A ESD rating (250V HBM). The small size and wideband performance make the amplifier suitable for space and power-constrained applications including EW and ELINT receivers, DF radar, ECM, IFM systems and missile guidance. It can also be used for pulsed signal applications which require high amplitude accuracy, says the company. The amplifier converts RF signals at their input to an output voltage that is proportional to the logarithm of the RF input signal amplitude. A successive compression topology allows signals up to +5dBm to be processed. During typical operation, the amplifier provides a nominal slope of 15mV/dB. It is capable of processing RF pulses with amplitudes from -62 to +5dBm with 5ns rise times, and with less than 40ns of recovery time. Frequency flatness is better than ±2dB, while logarithmic linearity is better than ±2dB over the -40 to +85°C operating temperature range. The amplifier consumes just 600mW from a single 3.3V supply.
