This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the RF Detectors category on DigiKey.com
RF detector products are integrated circuits used for the measurement of radio frequency signals. A number of variations are included which are adapted to different purposes, such as indicating the peak amplitude of a measured signal as opposed to its average or RMS amplitude. Common themes found among these products include the ability to measure high frequency signal inputs and transfer functions that are of a logarithmic character.
SelectionCharacteristics
Frequency: The frequency or frequencies this product is designed to be compatible.
RF Type: Indicates the general application space or communications standard for which a device is intended for use.
Input Range: Indicates the span(s) of analog signal quantities over which a device is designed to operate.
Accuracy: Manufacturer’s advertised margin of error. This value is measured in dB.
Voltage - Supply: Typically given in a range. It represents the low and high voltage limits considered safe for standard operation. Voltages outside this range may damage this device and/or other system components.
Current - Supply: This represents the maximum current to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this current may damage the device and/or other system components.
Mounting Type: How the device is attached.
Mounting Type
Chassis Mount
Designed to be mounted to a metal chassis.
Chassis Mount, 8" Wire Lead
Attaches to a metal chassis but it includes an 8" wire for connection.
Chassis, Stud Mount
Designed to be mounted to a metal Chassis using an incorporated stud bolt.
Screw Mount
Attaches using screw terminals.
Stud Mount
Has a stud bolt incorporated into one side for attachment.
Flange Mount
Screws or bolts go through wings (flanges) that protrude from the product.
Connector Mount
A mount that incorporates a connector into its method of attachment into the electrical system.
Surface Mount
Have pins or pads that connect to solder pads on the PCB that are then soldered in place forming an electrical and mechanical connection. Number in front of SMD indicates how many pins/pads, for example a 6-SMD module has 6 pins/pads. May not use or even have all the pins/pads for example 24-SMD module, 14 leads: would fit in the space of a 24-SMD module but only has 14 pins/pads. Typically, they are smaller than the through-hole components.
There are three basic types of pins (leads) for surface mount devices.
Lead Types
Gull wing leads: Enable the most pins per inch when compared to J-lead types but they are more fragile. Easy to inspect for defects after soldering.
J-Leads: Less pins per inch than gull wing leads but they are stronger and less susceptible to breakage.
Flat Leads:
Must be protectively packaged to prevent damage to leads. Leads must be formed into a gull shape prior to use with a separate piece of equipment. Due to that they are the least popular type of lead.
Package / Case: The protective case on an electronic component which allows for easy handling, installation, and protects the device. This is what we determined is the closest industry standard to the supplier device package. Typically, it is best to use the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than to go by this terminology when designing your circuit.
Supplier Device Package: This is what the manufacturer calls the package of this device. They are manufacturer specific. It is typically best to use the actual dimensions from the datasheets rather than to go by this terminology when designing your circuit.
ProductExamples
| DigiKey Part Number | LTC5532ES6#TRMPBFTR-ND | |
| Manufacturer | Analog Devices Inc. | |
| Manufacturer Product Number | LTC5532ES6#TRMPBF | |
| Description | IC RF DETECT 300MHZ-7GHZ TSOT23 | |
| Datasheet | Click Here |
| Digi-Key Part Number | MAX2016ETI±ND | |
| Manufacturer | Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated | |
| Manufacturer Product Number | MAX2016ETI+ | |
| Description | IC RF DETECT 30KHZ-2.5GHZ 28QFN | |
| Datashet | Click Here |
| DigiKey Part Number | 1465-1001-ND | |
| Manufacturer | MACOM Technology Solutions | |
| Manufacturer Product Number | 2086-6000-13 | |
| Description | IC RF DETECT 1GHZ-15GHZ | |
| Datasheet | Click Here |
| DigiKey Part Number | 1964-1010-ND | |
| Manufacturer | Powercast Corporation | |
| Manufacturer Product Number | PS915-R | |
| Description | IC RF DETECT 850MHZ-950MHZ | |
| Datasheet | Click Here |
MediaLinks
Videos
LTC5596 35GHz RMS Detector Breaks Through Dynamic Range Barrier
LTC5596
CMX970 Quadrature Modulator/Demodulator - RF Building Block Product Introduction
Articles
RF Power Measurement Using RMS Detectors
Integrated RF RMS Power Detectors Boost 3G4G
Solving the RF Power-Detection Challenge
Im OOK Youre OOK
Product Training Modules
Choosing and Using RF Detectors - ADI