KRYTAR Zero Bias Schottky Detectors | 10 MHz to 40 GHz Model Guide
KRYTAR Zero Bias Schottky Detectors: 10 MHz to 40 GHz Selection Guide
KRYTAR zero bias Schottky detectors are broadband coaxial components designed to detect RF and microwave power without an external diode-bias supply. They convert the applied RF signal into a DC output voltage that can be measured by an oscilloscope, voltmeter, ADC, control circuit or monitoring system.
Available models cover frequency ranges from 10 MHz to 40 GHz, with options for 3 pF or 30 pF output capacitance and multiple RF and video connectors. Typical applications include microwave power measurement, radar pulse analysis, source leveling, AM noise measurement, RF system monitoring and broadband test equipment.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | KRYTAR zero bias detector specification |
|---|---|
| Overall frequency coverage | 10 MHz to 40 GHz |
| Detector technology | Zero bias silicon Schottky diode |
| Low-level sensitivity | 0.5 mV/µW typical |
| Maximum input power | +20 dBm / 100 mW |
| Typical usable detection range | Approximately −40 to +20 dBm |
| Square-law region | From tangential sensitivity to approximately −15 dBm |
| Output capacitance options | 3 pF or 30 pF |
| Standard output polarity | Negative |
| Positive-polarity option | Add “P” to the end of the model number |
| Operating temperature | −54°C to +100°C |
| Input impedance | 50 Ω matched |
| Construction | Compact inline coaxial barrel package |
The actual detected voltage depends on RF input power, frequency, output load impedance and the characteristics of the connected measurement circuit.
200 Series vs. 300 Series
The main difference between KRYTAR 200 Series and 300 Series zero bias detectors is the output capacitance and corresponding minimum operating frequency.
| Product family | Minimum frequency | Output capacitance | Response characteristic | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 Series | 10 MHz | 30 pF | Lower starting frequency, longer rise time | Broadband CW monitoring and applications requiring operation below 100 MHz |
| 300 Series | 100 MHz | 3 pF | Rise time below approximately 20 ns | Pulsed RF, radar measurement and faster video response |
Choose a 200 Series model when frequency coverage from 10 MHz is required. Choose a 300 Series model when faster pulse response is more important and operation below 100 MHz is unnecessary.
KRYTAR Zero Bias Detector Model List
Model families are grouped below by frequency range and output capacitance. Each family is available with several output-connector options.
| Series and models | Frequency range | Frequency response | Maximum VSWR | Output capacitance | RF input |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 109A / 109B / 109S | 10 MHz–18.5 GHz | ±0.3 dB to 12.4 GHz; ±0.6 dB to 18.5 GHz | 1.15 to 4 GHz; 1.30 to 15 GHz; 1.40 to 18.5 GHz | 30 pF | N male |
| 209A / 209B / 209S | 100 MHz–18.5 GHz | ±0.3 dB to 12.4 GHz; ±0.6 dB to 18.5 GHz | 1.15 to 4 GHz; 1.30 to 15 GHz; 1.40 to 18.5 GHz | 3 pF | N male |
| 201A / 201B / 201S | 10 MHz–20 GHz | ±0.5 dB | 1.35 | 30 pF | 3.5 mm male |
| 301A / 301B / 301S | 100 MHz–20 GHz | ±0.5 dB | 1.35 | 3 pF | 3.5 mm male |
| 202A / 202B / 202S | 10 MHz–26.5 GHz | ±0.5 dB to 20 GHz; ±0.8 dB to 26.5 GHz | 1.35 to 20 GHz; 1.50 to 26.5 GHz | 30 pF | 3.5 mm male |
| 302A / 302B / 302S | 100 MHz–26.5 GHz | ±0.5 dB to 20 GHz; ±0.8 dB to 26.5 GHz | 1.35 to 20 GHz; 1.50 to 26.5 GHz | 3 pF | 3.5 mm male |
| 203A / 203B / 203S | 10 MHz–40 GHz | ±0.5 dB to 20 GHz; ±0.8 dB to 26.5 GHz; ±1.5 dB to 40 GHz | 1.35 to 20 GHz; 1.50 to 26.5 GHz; 2.00 to 40 GHz | 30 pF | 2.4 mm male |
| 203AK / 203BK / 203SK | 10 MHz–40 GHz | Same as 203 Series | Same as 203 Series | 30 pF | 2.92 mm male |
| 303A / 303B / 303S | 100 MHz–40 GHz | ±0.5 dB to 20 GHz; ±0.8 dB to 26.5 GHz; ±1.5 dB to 40 GHz | 1.35 to 20 GHz; 1.50 to 26.5 GHz; 2.00 to 40 GHz | 3 pF | 2.4 mm male |
| 303AK / 303BK / 303SK | 100 MHz–40 GHz | Same as 303 Series | Same as 303 Series | 3 pF | 2.92 mm male |
Understanding KRYTAR Detector Model Suffixes
The final letter identifies the video-output connector:
| Suffix | Output connector |
|---|---|
| A | SMA female |
| B | BNC female |
| S | SMC jack |
| K | 2.92 mm RF input connector |
| P | Positive DC output polarity |
Examples:
303A: 100 MHz–40 GHz, 3 pF, 2.4 mm male RF input and SMA female output
303B: 100 MHz–40 GHz, 3 pF, 2.4 mm male RF input and BNC female output
303BK: 100 MHz–40 GHz, 3 pF, 2.92 mm male RF input and BNC female output
203SK: 10 MHz–40 GHz, 30 pF, 2.92 mm male RF input and SMC output
301BP: 100 MHz–20 GHz, BNC output and positive output polarity
Positive-polarity availability should be confirmed when requesting a quotation.
Typical Applications
KRYTAR zero bias Schottky detectors are used in:
RF and microwave power monitoring
Radar pulse and envelope measurement
Electronic warfare receivers
Missile guidance and defense electronics
Signal-generator leveling loops
Automatic gain-control circuits
AM noise measurement
Broadband laboratory instruments
5G and millimeter-wave test systems
Transmitter output monitoring
Receiver protection and alarm circuits
Production RF test fixtures
Spectrum monitoring equipment
Built-in test equipment
Coaxial microwave subsystem assemblies
Zero Bias Schottky vs. Other KRYTAR Detector Types
| Detector type | Main characteristic | Suitable applications |
|---|---|---|
| Zero bias Schottky detector | No external diode bias; broadband DC output detection | General RF monitoring, pulse detection and instrumentation |
| Planar doped barrier detector | Improved low-level sensitivity and broadband response | Lower-power measurement and precision instrumentation |
| Planar tunnel diode detector | Low VSWR and broadband detection | High-speed broadband measurement |
| Threshold detector | Changes output state around a defined RF level | RF presence alarms and protection circuits |
| Directional detector | Combines directional coupling and RF detection | Forward or reflected power monitoring on a transmission line |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a zero bias Schottky detector require a power supply?
No external bias supply is required for the detector diode. The RF input signal produces the detected DC output voltage. An external video amplifier, ADC or monitoring circuit may still require its own power supply.
What is the difference between the KRYTAR 203 and 303 Series?
Both series extend to 40 GHz. The 203 Series starts at 10 MHz and has 30 pF output capacitance. The 303 Series starts at 100 MHz and has 3 pF output capacitance, providing a faster video response.
What is the difference between KRYTAR 303B and 303BK?
Both models cover 100 MHz to 40 GHz and use a BNC female video output. The 303B has a 2.4 mm male RF input, while the 303BK uses a 2.92 mm male RF input.
Can the detector output connect directly to an oscilloscope?
Yes, but the oscilloscope input should be configured appropriately. A high-impedance input normally provides a higher detected voltage than a 50 Ω termination. The input impedance and cable capacitance also affect pulse response.
Can the detector measure RF power accurately without calibration?
It can provide relative power and signal-level monitoring directly. For higher absolute measurement accuracy across a wide frequency range, the system should use frequency-response correction or model-specific calibration data.
