Frequency selective limiters for high dynamic range microwave receivers

A novel broadband frequency selective limiter (FSL) which provides over 14 dB of limiting across more than an octave bandwidth is described. The limiter is fabricated with epitaxially grown YIG (yttrium iron garnet) films in a stripline configuration and has a threshold power level of below 0 dBm. Individual limiter strips limit microwave signals in the 1-100-mW range. Multiple FSLs have been cascaded with amplifiers to allow compression of microwave signals with a power range of 60 dB into a range of less than 5 dB.< >