True RMS power detection with high dynamic range

All communication systems require some form of output power reporting as a means to manage the power efficiency of the output spectrum. Traditionally, this task has been performed with diode detectors. Diode detectors are non-linear devices and require elaborate compensation techniques to linearize and operate as a true RMS (Root Mean Square) detector over a wide dynamic and temperature range. A true RMS power detection scheme has been developed, which has a 22 dB dynamic range with /spl plusmn/1 dB accuracy and operates over a temperature range of -40/spl deg/C to +80/spl deg/C.