11
© 2020 Virginia Diodes, Inc.
—All Rights Reserved—Rev: 12 June 2020
Though VDI ZBDs offer extremely wideband performance, they are extremely ESD sensitive at its coaxial detector output port. To
add ESD protection, an amplifier is recommended. However, some amplifiers can exhibit bias or turn-on transients at the amplifier
input, which can damage the VDI ZBD. Even with AC coupling at the amplifier input, transients can occur when the amplifier bias
is applied rapidly.
Before using an amplifier with a VDI detector, it is recommended that bias or turn-on transients at the amplifier input be tested.
Attach a 1k
Ω resistor to the input of the amplifier. Monitor the resistor voltage on an oscilloscope as the amplifier bias is applied.
The turn-on transient voltages across the resistor should be kept less than ~100mV for safe operation.
Appendix
Three
Amplifier Pre-Testing before Use with VDI Detector
VDI Detector with External Amp
Turn-on Transient Testing
Figure 2: Amplifier Pre-Testing
Block diagrams of amplifier pre-testing, prior to use with VDI detector is shown.
