RF Detectors

RF detectors are the parts that turn a radio-frequency signal into a usable DC or low-frequency output, letting a system measure power levels, trigger alarms, or close a feedback loop. The category covers a few distinct families. Schottky diode detectors handle simple envelope detection at low cost. Logarithmic detectors give a wide dynamic range output proportional to input power in dB, which suits RSSI and AGC circuits. RMS or TruPwr detectors measure true average power regardless of waveform shape, something that matters with modern modulated signals where peak-to-average ratios vary a lot. You will also find threshold detectors and directional coupler-plus-detector combinations for VSWR monitoring and transmit power control. These parts show up in test instruments, cellular base stations, point-to-point radios, military radios, and anywhere a transmitter needs closed-loop power calibration. Buyers tend to focus on a handful of specs: operating frequency range, input power range or dynamic range, sensitivity, response time, temperature stability, and whether the output slope is well characterized over temperature. Package matters too. Many newer log detectors come in small QFN or MSOP packages, while older Schottky diodes may only be available in SOT-23 or even through-hole, and that can drive the choice if a board is already laid out. From a sourcing standpoint, this is a category where price and risk pull against each other. Flagship parts from Analog Devices or MACOM are frequent counterfeit targets, and suspiciously cheap offers on spot markets often turn out to be remarked or pulled parts. Paying a modest premium for traceable stock usually beats a failed incoming inspection and a stalled build. Lead times on some log detector lines have stretched past 20 weeks at the factory, so distributor stock is often the only realistic path for production runs. You can check current RF detector stock and pricing at icxing.com, and send an RFQ if you need a specific part number or quantity quote.