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Diode detectors, discriminators, and limiters cover a very wide range of circuit configurations that perform functions like demodulating communications signal and signaling the presence of signals. Early detectors were implemented using vacuum tubes, but of course modern versions use silicon, germanium, GaAs, and other kinds of semiconductor compounds. Peak detectors, average detectors, video detectors, and others are built out of anything from standard PN junction silicon diodes to more elaborate constructions like Schottky, Gunn, and Esaki tunnel diodes.

Discriminators typically consist of a differentiator followed by an envelope detector, as with an FM radio. In general, it is a device that converts a property of an input signal, such as frequency or phase, into an amplitude variation, depending on how the signal differs from a standard or reference signal. Whereas a detector can be made of a single diode, resistor and capacitor, a discriminator is usually a more complex circuit.

Limiters are designed to prevent signals from exceeding a predetermined level, either to prevent damage to the following circuits, or to prevent signal degradation beyond a defined amount.

Analog Devices 800-262-5643 01-1-781-937-1428    World leader in high performance    signal processing solutions Amplifiers and Comparators    Audio, Buffer, Current Sense, Detectors,    Differential, Filters, Instrumentation,    Isolation, Log, Operational, RF/IF, Var Gain Analog to Digital Converters    Audio, Capacitance-Digital, Isolated,    Synchro/Resolver, Temperature-Digital,    Video Decoders, Voltage-Frequency Broadband / Wireless    BB Amps/CODECS, CATV Amps/Splitters,    Mobile TV Tuners, Digital to Analog Converters    Audio, Digital Pots, Video Encoders MEMS and Sensors    iMEMS® Accelerometers, Gyroscopes,    Analog & Digital Temperature Sensors Power Management    Battery, Multifunction Power ICs, Displays,    Supervisors, Linear & Switching Regulators RF/ IF Components    Up/Down Converters, Mixers, Multipliers,    PLLs, Synthesizers, VCOs, RF/IF Amps,    RF/IF Transceivers, Tx/Rx Subsystems Microphase Corp Norwalk, CT   06854 Tel: 203-866-8000 Microphase is a design to manufacture (OEM) industry leader delivering World Class RF and microwave filters, multiplexers, solid-state switches, switch filters, frequency multipliers, limiters, detectors, detector logarithmic video amplifiers and integrated assemblies to the Military, Aerospace and Telecom industries. Military & Aerospace Products • Filters - DC to 40 GHz  • Multiplexers - 10 MHz to 40 GHz  • Switch Filters - 10 MHz to 26 GHz  • Frequency Multipliers - Input     Frequency: 100 MHz to 2.0 GHz,     Output Frequency: 1.0 GHz to 24 GHz  • Detectors / Limiters - 125 MHz to 40 GHz  • DLVA - 25 MHz to 40 GHz  • RF Integrated Assemblies - SG 1000 Converter,      Up/Down Converters, Telemetry Transmitter Telecom Products  • MoCA and HPNA Filters  • CATV/Satellite - DC to 40 GHz  • Twisted Pair - 1 kHz to 3.5 GHz  • Wireless - DC to 40GHz  • Fiber - Photo Detector Log Video Amp,                Diplexer, Detector Advanced Control Components 732-460-0212 / Eatontown, NJ Products include amplifiers, attenuators, detectors, frequency converters, custom integrated assemblies, limiters, phase shifters, switches, switch matrices, synthesizers. Services include hybrid micro-electronic assembly, wire bonding, PCB assembly, RF and microwave test to 40GHz, product design. Blueline Engineering Corp 203-838-8296 / Norwalk, CT RF/Microwave Components, 100MHz-40GHz, including amplifiers, equalizers, DLVA's, SDLVA's, Log IF, integrated subassemblies, switched filters, switched multipliers, upconverters, and downconverters. Cernex 408-541-9226 / Sunnyvale, CA Amplifiers, antennas, couplers, isolators, circulators, filters, diplexers, oscillators, noise sources, switches, phase shifters, transition & adapters, mixers, waveguide products, attenuators, terminations, detectors, subsystems. Cougar Components (now Teledyne Cougar) 408-522-3838 / Sunnyvale, CA RF and microwave cascadable amplifiers and subsystems in 100 kHz to 12 GHz range. Detectors, limiters, limiting amplifiers, attenuators, AGC amplifiers, oscillators w/MMIC amplifiers. Herotek 408-941-8399 / San Jose, CA GaAs FET amplifiers, low-noise, small signal & power 0.01 to 50 GHz, limiters, detectors, switches, harmonic generators. KP Microwave Components, Inc 858-566-4312 / San Diego, CA Manufacturer of RF/Microwave components including RF/Microwave filters, diplexers, high power pin diode switches, frequency multipliers, GPS LNA/Filter assemblies and multifunction assemblies.

Planar Monolothics Industries Frederick, MD (301) 662-5019 PMI's organization has been setup to Design, Develop, Manufacture, Test, and Market complex state-of-the-art Hybrid RF MIC and MMIC and Components, Supercomponents, and Subsystems. Unique products for applications in space, military, commercial, telecommunications, and consumer electronics systems. DC- 40 GHz. ISO 9001:2008 Select from PMI's Extensive Line  • Amplifiers    - LNA, VGA, Cryogenic,        Waveguide, Limiting  • Detectors  • Filters    - LP, HP, BP, BR, lumped,        combline, switched  • I/Q Modulators  • Limiters  • Bi-phase Modulators • Power Dividers • Quad Couplers • DLVAs & SDLVAs • Phase Shifters    - Analog, Digital • Attenuators • Switch Products • VCOs & DTOs • Multifunction Modules • Integrated Modules Custom Design to Your Specifications Res Net Microwave Clearwater, FL 727-530-9555 For the past 25 years we have manufactured precision RF & microwave components including RF/microwave attenuators, terminations, resistors, and now diode detectors for commercial, military, and space applications. Res-Net Microwave is a leader in the development and production of the metal films required for these types of RF/microwave attenuators, terminations, and resistors up to 2 kW. A Sample of Our Product Line • Terminations    - Coaxial, Stripline, High Power Flange • Resistors    - Disc, Microwave Carbon Film Rod,      Coaxial Rod, High Power Flange • Attenuators    - SMA, N, Chip, High Power Flange • Detectors    - Zero-Bias Schottky Diode Quality program to ANSI/NCSL Z 540, MIL-STD-790, ISO 9001:2008 and NASA Specification NPC 200-3. Calibration to MIL-STD-45662 requirements. In-house photo etch and laser trim capabilities. Large choice of substrate materials. Micronetics 603-883-2900 / Hudson, NH Test equipment, noise sources, voltage controlled oscillators, switches, limiters, phase shifters, attenuators. Planar Monolithics 301-662-5019 / Frederick, MD Successive detection log video amplifiers, detectors, limiters, log amps, frequency discriminators, threshold detectors and receiver front-ends, phase shifters, digital control, fixed attenuators, power dividers. Radar Technology, Inc 978-346-9775 / Merrimac, MA Log, linear amplifiers, FM discriminators, IF limiters. Radiall 203-380-9800 / Stratford, CT Antennas, attenuators, couplers, DC blocks, detectors, fiber optic components, phase shifters, surge protectors, terminations, coaxial adapters, connectors, switches. Specialist Microwave Solutions Ltd 01234 756034 / UK Manufactures a wide range of custom control devices based on Silicon PIN diode and GaAs MMIC technology, develops custom circuitry to specifications repairs 3rd-party components, offers PIN and GaAs FET switches, attenuators, amplifiers, oscillators, limiters, phase shifters, switched filter banks, & multi function assemblies.

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