Linear Technology’s LTC5536 is an RF power detector that includes a fast comparator. It combines wide frequency range operation and low power in a small, cost-effective solution for precise detection of RF signals. The LTC5536's voltage output is compared against a DC voltage threshold that is set by the user. The comparator output transitions when the RF input level goes above or below the threshold point. The device is suitable for detecting the presence of RF signals in 802.11 and 802.16 networks, optical data links, wireless data modems, WiMAX and cellular base stations and cable headends. The LTC5536 can also be used as an RF power monitor or envelope detector in RF ID tag readers.

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The LTC5536 operates over a frequency range of 600 MHz to 7 GHz, supporting multi-band operation. It incorporates temperature compensation circuitry to provide exceptionally stable and accurate RF detection over the full range of temperature extremes. The device's on-chip comparator has a fast 20 ns response time, sufficient to be used for recovery of bit stream data. The integrated functions eliminate the need to glue many discrete components together, saving considerable circuit board space.

The LTC5536 operates from a single 2.7 V to 5.25 V supply, drawing a typical quiescent current of only 2.1 mA. The device is available from stock in a 6-lead ThinSOT package, priced at $2.25 each in 1000-piece quantities.