New log video amplifiers offer broadband performance up to 18GHz

A new line of broadband log video amplifiers covering multi-octave bandwidths from 0.5GHz to 18GHz has been introduced by Pasternack. The five models being released include four successive detection Log video amplifiers (SDLVA), and one detector log video amplifier (DLVA), which offer a wide input dynamic range, high signal sensitivity, fast recovery times and high temperature stability. The log amplifiers are used to measure widely varying signals at high frequencies in applications where rapid and precise tracking is required across the entire frequency band. Signals with high density pulses, narrow pulse widths and large amplitude variations are compressed into an output video voltage response that increases linearly with increasing input power. Common applications for these RF amplifies are in radar and EW systems used for direction finding and power monitoring, but they can also find use in laboratory measurement and test equipment as well as telecommunications and data communications systems. The new logarithmic video amplifiers from Pasternack utilize GaAs semiconductor technology which is beneficial for high speed applications while maintaining flatness and accuracy throughout the desired frequency band. These log amplifiers can process up to 75dB of dynamic range and have log linearity that ranges from ±1 to ±2.5dBm. The log slope ranges from 20 to 50 mV/dB and they also boast fast recovery times ranging from 40 to 150 nanoseconds. The 50 ohm hybrid circuit assemblies are enclosed in rugged metal packages with SMA connectors. They are highly reliable and designed to meet MIL-STD-202F environmental conditions. “Processing complex RF and microwave signal responses and measuring the results can prove to be very challenging. This selection of log video amplifiers which cover multi-octave microwave frequency bands can support applications which require processing and tracking of widely varying signals into a usable state that’s precise and accurate,” said Tim Galla, active RF components product manager, Pasternack.