Abstract: A radio frequency ("RF") power sensor providing RF signal power sensing with reduced dependency upon its input signal power level includes multiple series-connected diodes for detecting the power of an input RF signal and providing an output voltage representing that power. The multiple series-connected diodes couple the input node shunted by an input load resistor to the output node shunted by an output filter capacitor. Using multiple series-connected diodes results in reduced reverse bias voltages across the diodes (presented by the charged output filter capacitor), thereby increasing their junction capacitances. These increased junction capacitances, in turn, result in reduced fractional changes thereof (e.g. capacitance "modulation") over changes in the input RF signal power. This reduction in fractional capacitance changes as a function of input signal power variations, further in turn, results in reduced input signal power dependency of the sensors' impedances and sensitivities.

Abstract: A swept microwave power measurement system and method capable of performing accurate high performance absolute power measurements on the fly for integration with a scalar analyzer. The system interpolates a calibration factor of the detector at a given frequency point in the sweep between previously established calibration factors at various predetermined frequencies which are stored in memory and then determines an "apparent" power level of the input signal at a standard frequency. The interpolated calibration factor is applied to the "apparent" power level to determine the "absolute" power level at the given frequency point in the sweep.

Abstract: True RMS power demodulation system and method for a modulated RF signal uses a DC coupled linear amplifier and linearizes the diode detector prior to demodulation. The demodulated signal is proportional to the difference of RF powers such that the network measurement is unaffected by the modulation depth at the power sensor which can be degraded by RF feedthrough or the presence of an interfering signal or noise.