Lockheed Martin Corporation
System, apparatus, and method for limiting power of received radio frequency (RF) signals

Abstract:

A radio frequency (RF) limiter, and systems and methods thereof, to limit power of received high-power RF signals over a very broad bandwidth (e.g., approximately 17 octaves) using a single-channel solution. The limiter can be comprised of a coarse section and a fine section. The coarse section can include a first capacitor configured to receive a first RF signal; the rectifier, which is coupled to an output of the first capacitor; a transmission medium coupled to the output of the first capacitor and the rectifier; a plurality of PIN diodes each having a relatively thick I-region coupled between a second capacitor and the transmission medium; and a coupling mechanism configured to provide electrical coupling between the transmission medium and the rectifier. The rectifier can include a first inductor and a second inductor connected in series, and a Schottky diode coupled to the second inductor and the coupling mechanism.