Abstract: The present invention relates to a switched attenuator diode microwave power sensor and more particularly to a true average, wide dynamic range microwave power sensor utilizing a switched step attenuator on the sensor input. The present invention provides a sensor that uses a switched attenuator to always keep the signal to the sensor diodes in their “square law” region of operation has significant advantages over the prior art.

Abstract: A divider is made from a layer (1) of conducting material carried on an insulating support (2). A first slotline (3) is formed in the conducting layer extending from a first input port (A). A second slotline (5, 6, 7) is formed at right-angles to and spaced from the end of the first slotline (3), extending between first and second output ports (C and D). Third and fourth slotlines (8, 9) extend from the end of the first slotline (3) to points on the second slotline spaced by a distance which is electrically short compared with one-quarter of a wavelength. The third and fourth slotlines (8, 9) are an odd multiple of quarter-wavelengths long. A resistor (10) is connected across the second slotline substantially midway between the ends of the third and fourth slotlines, and has a resistance such that the output ports are correctly terminated.