Difference between HMC1094 Log detector and ADL6012 Envelop Detector ?

Hello MuhammadAliGhafoor,

Envelope detectors are typically based around the principle of a Schottky detector in a peak-detector circuit. These circuits can be designed for very fast response time. Some applications such as Power Amps with complex modulation signal sources will require fast response for accurate peak power measurement, in order to deliver the required modulation accuracy. Power measurement range for a single Schottky detector stage is limited at the high end by output clipping and the Abs. Max limits of the Si. At the low end of the power measurement range, Schottky detector accuracy is limited by the very small output voltage. This means overall power detection range is relatively small, especially compared to log detectors.

Log detectors are used where a wider range of power measurement is required. This class of detectors will have several internal amplifier stages where each stage functions like a detector, and those results are summed in a very controlled and precise manner to achieve a wide input power measurement range. Because of all the extra stages, the log detectors are generally not as fast as Schottky detectors, although both types can achieve quite fast ns response times, depending on the specific designs. 

A video on our website helps explain the various types of RF detectors.   -Bruce H. 

Hello MuhammadAliGhafoor,

Envelope detectors are typically based around the principle of a Schottky detector in a peak-detector circuit. These circuits can be designed for very fast response time. Some applications such as Power Amps with complex modulation signal sources will require fast response for accurate peak power measurement, in order to deliver the required modulation accuracy. Power measurement range for a single Schottky detector stage is limited at the high end by output clipping and the Abs. Max limits of the Si. At the low end of the power measurement range, Schottky detector accuracy is limited by the very small output voltage. This means overall power detection range is relatively small, especially compared to log detectors.

Log detectors are used where a wider range of power measurement is required. This class of detectors will have several internal amplifier stages where each stage functions like a detector, and those results are summed in a very controlled and precise manner to achieve a wide input power measurement range. Because of all the extra stages, the log detectors are generally not as fast as Schottky detectors, although both types can achieve quite fast ns response times, depending on the specific designs. 

A video on our website helps explain the various types of RF detectors.   -Bruce H.