Why is my AM detector output distorted and only at 110mV peak instead of 700mV?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design and performance of an AM detector circuit used in conjunction with an RF amplifier. Participants are examining issues related to output distortion and amplitude discrepancies in the detected signal, specifically focusing on a modulated input signal at approximately 600kHz.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their setup in Pspice, detailing the RF amplifier and the expected output signal characteristics, noting a distortion in the output of the AM detector.
  • Another participant points out that C16 charges through D7 without a discharge path, suggesting a potential issue with the circuit design.
  • A subsequent participant expresses uncertainty about how C16 can charge through D7, speculating on leakage current and inquiring about possible solutions to relieve the issue.
  • A later reply indicates that adding a 2Megohm resistor between D7 and C16 alleviated some distortion, but the output signal remains at 110mV peak, prompting a question about how to achieve the desired 700mV peak output.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the root cause of the distortion or the best approach to achieve the desired output amplitude. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain regarding the circuit design and modifications.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the assumptions regarding the circuit components and their interactions, particularly concerning the discharge path for C16 and the implications of the added resistor.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in RF circuit design, AM detection techniques, and troubleshooting electronic circuit issues may find this discussion relevant.

extremepilot
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Im working in Pspice, I have an RF amp with a modulated input signal coming in on ~600kHz carrier wave and an amplified signal coming out, here is what the output looks like 1Megaohm load after a blocking capacitor to isolate AC:
http://i.imgur.com/56NSI.png

I am trying to use a simple http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:C_Simple_envelope_detector.gif" circuit after the RF amp without a load resistor. using t = 1/2*pi*f = RC with f=400hz and C=0.01uF I solved for R (4k). Here is the circuit:
http://imgur.com/09Dpk
and here is what the output out of the detector looks like:
http://imgur.com/TZSXA
Looks distorted if I am not mistaken and no where near the ~700mV output peak. What did I design wrong in the detector?
Edit: noticed I probed at ground node of detector but output signal looks the same at the top node of detector output.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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C16 will charge up through D7 and there is no discharge path.
 
Carl Pugh said:
C16 will charge up through D7 and there is no discharge path.
I don't know how it can charge up through D7 unless it's leakage current, I am guessing that's not causing the main issue , but how do I relieve it? High resistance to ground between C16 and D7?
 
I added a 2Megohm resistor between D7 and C16 and it looks like it took care of the slant type distortion. Not sure if this is right but I redesigned the detector with R as my 1Megohm load and solved for C.
The output signal is around 110mV peak now:
http://i.imgur.com/5oDbd.png
Can I get the amplitude back up to 700mV peak ?
 
Last edited:

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