A GaAs MMIC for a 2-7 GHz successive detection logarithmic amplifier

The author reports on a GaAs MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuit) for a successive detection logarithmic amplifier which gives a logging linearity over the instantaneous bandwidth 2-7 GHz of +or-1.25 dB (theory: +or-1.1 dB). This represents the best published results for both hybrid MIC and MMIC realizations, and the lowest chip count per stage, to date, for frequencies above 2 GHz. This excellent performance has ben achieved without any post-design RF circuit tuning.<>