A wide–band square–law circuit element

A square-law circuit element with operating frequency range from zero into the vhf region is described. Its dynamic range and accuracy capabilities vary with the particular conditions under which it is operated; accuracies within less than one per cent of full scale and output dynamic ranges of over 100 db have been achieved. Frequency response limitations and possible sources of error are analyzed. Experimentally determined characteristics are presented and noise properties, dynamic range, and accuracy potentialities evaluated.