Importance

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Abstract

A detector circuit for radio-frequency signals is formed of a pair of matched diodes disposed on a common substrate which is heated by a temperature responsive feedback circuit to stabilize the temperature of the substrate and the diodes. A capacitor is connected to one or both of the diodes to form a detector of the detector circuit. A bias circuit provides equal bias currents to the two diodes, and an amplifier is connected to the two diodes to extract voltages associated with the bias currents, and to subtract these voltages in a differential manner so as to exclude the effect of bias voltage from an output signal of the amplifier. The amplifier is also coupled to an output terminal of the detector to isolate the detector from subsequent stages of signal processing, as well as to amplify detected signals. The diodes are each, preferably, Schottky diodes for improved dynamic range of signal detection.

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First Claim