Power Measurement of Radio Frequency Signals Based on Subsampling and Negative Loop Feedback

A component or system's output signal level is often the critical factor in the design and ultimately the purchase and performance of almost all RF and microwave equipment. Because signal power level is so important to the overall system performance, it is critical when specifying the component that builds up the system. Most of power sensors convert high frequency power to a DC or low frequency signal that the power meter can then measure and relate it to a certain RF power level. The three main types of sensors for sensing power are thermistor, thermocouple and diode detector. In this paper, we explain a new method used for power measurement in the frequency range of 10MHz to 1GHz. In this method, a D-type flip-flop was used to convert the main signal to a low frequency signal.