Design of USB Average Power Sensor Based on Multi-path Diode Detection

To minimize the microwave power measurement device, a USB-based multi-path power detection solution is proposed to make accurate average power measurement in a compact design. Firstly, the design principles of analog channel, digital signal processing and USB interface for the whole power sensor is introduced. The focus is set to the multi-path diode design and the signal process. Some comparison results are provided to confirm its workability. This design features small size, light weight and programmable USB interface, which supports USBTMC protocol and thus simplifies the program procedure. This USB-based solution greatly simplifies the power measurement applications.