The Herotek DT1018 is a broadband tunnel diode RF detector covering 1GHz to 18GHz. It provides high sensitivity and fast pulse detection without requiring an external bias supply.

　　Designed for RF and microwave signal monitoring, the DT1018 is suitable for radar equipment, transmitter monitoring, power measurement and other systems that require rapid detection of low-level or pulsed signals.

　　DT1018 Specifications

　　Herotek specifies a minimum sensitivity of 700mV/mW, typical TSS of −50dBm, maximum flatness of ±1.0dB and typical VSWR of 3.5:1 for the DT1018.

Applications and Selection Notes

The DT1018 combines broadband 1–18GHz coverage with a typical rise time of less than 5ns. Its fast response makes it suitable for pulsed microwave signals as well as continuous signal monitoring.

Typical applications include:

Radar equipment

Transmitter output monitoring

RF power and signal monitoring

Pulse detection systems

Microwave test equipment

Missile guidance and defence electronics

Built-in test systems

Herotek’s tunnel diode detector family requires no external bias and provides low output resistance, low 1/f noise and stable response over temperature.

The DT1018 is a suitable choice when a system requires complete 1–18GHz coverage from a single detector. Customers working over narrower frequency bands may also evaluate models such as DT1080, DT1012, DT6018, DT8018 or DT1218.

For applications extending beyond 18GHz, Herotek offers wider-frequency tunnel detector models including DT1026 and DT1-40.

DT1018 Output Polarity

The standard DT1018 provides negative output polarity. A positive-output version can be specified by adding the suffix P to the model number:

DT1018P – Positive-output tunnel diode detector

The required polarity should be confirmed before ordering to ensure compatibility with the following amplifier, monitoring circuit or data-acquisition system.

DT1018 vs Zero-Bias Schottky Detector

Both tunnel diode detectors and zero-bias Schottky detectors can operate without an external bias supply, but they are selected for different measurement requirements.

The DT1018 is particularly suitable for fast pulse detection because of its less-than-5ns typical rise time and low output resistance. A zero-bias Schottky detector may be preferred when wider frequency coverage, higher input power handling or a specific detector transfer characteristic is required.

The final selection should consider:

Required frequency range

Pulse rise time

Signal sensitivity

Input power level

Output polarity

Source and load impedance

Calibration requirements

Ordering Information

DataStorageIC supports international inquiries for the Herotek DT1018 and related RF detector models, including:

DT1018 price and availability

Current production lead time

DT1018 datasheet requests

DT1018P positive-output version

Alternative Herotek detector selection

International RFQ and delivery support

Please provide the required quantity, destination country, target delivery date and application frequency range when requesting a quotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What frequency range does the Herotek DT1018 cover?

The DT1018 operates from 1GHz to 18GHz, covering multiple microwave bands with one detector.

Does the DT1018 require an external bias supply?

No. The DT1018 is a tunnel diode detector designed to operate without an external bias supply.

Is the DT1018 suitable for pulse detection?

Yes. Herotek specifies a typical rise time of less than 5ns, making the DT1018 suitable for fast microwave pulse detection.

What is the sensitivity of the DT1018?

The DT1018 has a specified minimum sensitivity of 700mV/mW.

What is the maximum input power?

The maximum continuous-wave input power specified for the tunnel diode detector family is 50mW.

Is a positive-output DT1018 available?

Yes. The standard model has negative output polarity. The positive-output version is specified as DT1018P.