Giga Hertz Signal Detector

This circuit is useful to detect microwaves sources like microwave oven satellite communication devices, Mobile phones etc. It gives audio visual indications when it detects the Microwaves in the Gigahertz band. Microwave is the form of EM radiation with frequencies between 2 GHz and 300 GHz. Microwave oven uses UHF around 3 GHz in the S band. Mobile phones and Satellite devices generally use 2 to 3.5 Gigahertz signals.

C 1 1 8 P D 2 BAT 4 3

R1 1M 7

IC 1 CA 3130 3 IC 1 2 4 5 1 6 R3 2 M2 C4 100uF 25V R4 IK

Bu zze r

L2

C 2 1 8P D1 BAT 4 3

T1 BC 54 8 9V Ba tt

L1 L 1 D ip o le An te n n a L 2 Min iatu re C o il w ith Fe rrite C ore C3 47 u F 25V R2 4 7K L ED Red

VR 22K

The circuit exploits a few simple scientific facts about EM radiations and Magnetic induction. Electromagnetic radiation has both electrical and magnetic field components which oscillate in phase perpendicular to each other to the direction of energy propagation. If an inductor coil with a parallel capacitor is placed in the path of EM radiation, the capacitor stores electrical energy and inductor stores energy in the magnetic field induced by the coil windings. The magnetic field induces a current in the inductor through Skin Effect. This phenomenon is exploited in the circuit to detect the energetic microwave radiations. A pickup coil (L2) with a capacitor (C2) forms the signal detector which resonates in response to the microwave

radiation and generates a minute voltage (around 2 milli volts) along the signal diodes D1 and D2. Since the voltage generated by the sensor assembly is too weak, a differential amplifier (IC1) is used to amplify the signal.CA 3130 (IC1) is designed as a differential amplifier with balanced inputs set by R1 and the sensor assembly. The pickup coil is directly coupled to the inverting and non inverting inputs of IC1, so that a minute current in the pickup coil can generate a potential difference across the inputs of IC1 and its output switches high. CA 3130 ( IC1) is a CMOS version high speed switching Operational amplifier with gate protected p- channel MOSFET transistors in the inputs. This makes the IC suitable to switch the output high with a current as low as 2 pA. VR is provided for the offset adjustment and bias the internal circuitry of the IC1, so that its output is ordinarily held low. Resistor R3 gives some negative feed back to the amplifier. When the bursts of microwave impinge on the Loop aerial (L1, it pickup the energy from the radiation and transfer it to the inductor coil (L2) This creates an alternating current in the inductor which passes to the inputs of IC1 through C1 and D1.Signal diodes D1 and D2 (BAT 43 Schottky Diodes) directs the induced current into the inputs of IC1 and the capacitor C3 provides suitable stabilization of the non inverting input of IC1. Diodes D1 and D2 also perform the function of signal detection. Normally the inputs of IC1 are biased by R1 and C2, and its output is set low by VR. When there is a microwave radiation near the sensor coil, it generates a current that upsets the balance in the inputs of IC1 and its output switches high to drive the switching transistor T1. Buzzer starts sounding and LED lights indicating the presence of Microwave. Sensor assembly is the important part of the circuit and should be prepared carefully. L2 can be a miniature coil with ferrite core. This can be procured from an old CFL.L1 is the common dipole TV antenna. When the circuit is first powered up, VR needs adjustments to keep the buzzer and LED off. The circuit is immune to other forms of RF radiations but can detect the Giga Hertz signals from an active mobile phone. Experimentation There is lot of room for experimentation. To detect different frequencies, experiment with different values of C1, C2, D1, and D2. Also try different types of coils in the place of L2. Try to use a TV signal booster between the dipole and input of circuit.
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