An RMS-to-
DC converter implements the difference-of-squares function by utilizing two identical squaring cells operating in opposition to generate two signals. An
error amplifier nulls the difference between the signals. When used in a measurement mode, one of the squaring cells receives the
signal to be measured, and the output of the
error amplifier, which provides a measure of the RMS value of the input
signal, is connected to the input of the second squaring
cell, thereby closing the
feedback loop around the second squaring
cell. When used in a
control mode, a set-point
signal is applied to the second squaring
cell, and the output of the
error amplifier is used to control a variable-
gain device such as a power
amplifier which provides the input to the first squaring cell, thereby closing the
feedback loop around the first squaring cell. Accurate square law approximation at
microwave frequencies can be achieved by implementing the squaring cells as series-connected three-
transistor multi-tanh
transconductance cells. By using carefully balanced squaring cells and a well-balanced error
amplifier, approximation errors are cancelled and accurate RMS measurement is realized at high frequencies. A feedforward
bootstrapping feature uses an op amp to balance the voltages at the common nodes of the
transconductance squaring cells and also provides a balanced differential input drive to one of the squaring cells. A base
current compensation circuit for providing accurate base compensation current to both of the squaring cells prevents errors due to DC offset voltages.