Broadband RF current detector

Authors

George Cabrera, Florida International University

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Electrical Engineering

First Advisor's Name

Mark J. Hagmann

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Gustavo Roig

Third Advisor's Name

Malcolm Heimer

Date of Defense

11-28-1994

Abstract

The problems to be solved in this thesis were 1) development of a broadband RF preamplifier to be used with non-ferrous current probes so that the amplified signal exceeds the errors due to cable pickup, no detection is needed in this application, and 2) development of a self-contained device that amplifies and detects the output from a nonferrous current probe, providing a digital readout of the current. These instruments have been completed and are being tested for use by the National Institutes of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The self-contained current meter operates at frequencies up to 600 MHz, and detects currents as low as 8 mA . At these current magnitudes, the probe (pick-up coil) will output a voltage of 500μV (-53 dBm on 50Ω) which will have to be raised above 0 dBm. The final circuit uses a RF mixer as a variable attenuator in order to increase the dynamic range, two Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMIC) for preamplification, a final broadband amplifier to raise the output compression point, a Schottky diode detector, a sample and hold circuit, and a liquid crystal digital panel meter.

Identifier

FI14052519

Recommended Citation

Cabrera, George, "Broadband RF current detector" (1994). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1955.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/1955