Abstract: A power detection circuit is described that provides for a wide dynamic range power detection. The circuit incorporates a coupler to sample a transmitted or received power. Such sampled power is then directed to a detector diode configured to generate a voltage from its rectified current. Such voltage after optional filtering and buffering is directed to multiple amplifiers wherein each amplifier has a distinct associated gain. For improved noise immunity, a differential output amplifier may be used. For low power levels, the output of an amplifier with a large gain is directed to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), wherein the analog voltage is quantized into a digital value. As power is increased, the power of an amplifier stage with a small gain can then be directed to the ADC such that saturation of the ADC is avoided. Hysteresis is implemented so as to avoid undesirable and unnecessary rapid switching.

Abstract: A power detection circuit is described that provides for a wide dynamic range power detection. The circuit incorporates a coupler to sample a transmitted or received power. Such sampled power is then directed to a detector diode configured to generate a voltage from its rectified current. Such voltage after optional filtering and buffering is directed to multiple amplifiers wherein each amplifier has a distinct associated gain. For improved noise immunity, a differential output amplifier may be used. For low power levels, the output of an amplifier with a large gain is directed to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), wherein the analog voltage is quantized into a digital value. As power is increased, the power of an amplifier stage with a small gain can then be directed to the ADC such that saturation of the ADC is avoided. Hysteresis is implemented so as to avoid undesirable and unnecessary rapid switching.