Broadband power limiter

Abstract

A broadband power limiter having a distributed architecture of multiple segments of self-actuating, adjustable power limiters, where the limiter segments are separated from each other along a signal path by intermediate matching inductors. The intermediate matching inductors are chosen to form, in combination with the capacitances of the limiter segments, an impedance matched, low-loss, broadband transmission line. Optionally, limiter segments may be configured with different sizes and stack depths in a 'tapered' architecture, such that different limiter segments have different power limiting response times and power handling capabilities. As each limiter segment initiates its power limiting action, power is reflected back toward the signal line, helping to trigger the power limiting action of the remaining limiter segments. Optionally, a power detector circuit may provide a more ideal limiting function by modulating the threshold power point of the limiter segments as a function of the transient signal voltage.