The AD8318 is a demodulating logarithmic amplifier, capable of accurately converting an RF input signal to a corresponding decibel-scaled output voltage. It employs the progressive compression technique over a cascaded amplifier chain, each stage of which is equipped with a detector cell. The device is used in measurement or controller mode. The AD8318 maintains accurate log conformance for signals of 1 MHz to 6 GHz and provides useful operation to 8 GHz. The input range is typically 60 dB (re: 50 ) with error less than 1 dB. The AD8318 has a 10 ns response time that enables RF burst detection to beyond 45 MHz. The device provides unprecedented logarithmic intercept stability vs. ambient temperature conditions. A 2 mV/C slope temperature sensor output is also provided for additional system monitoring. A single supply of 5 V is required. Current consumption is typically 68 mA. Power consumption decreases to <1.5 mW when the device is disabled. The AD8318 can be configured to provide a control voltage to a VGA, such as a power amplifier or a measurement output, from Pin VOUT. Because the output can be used for controller applications, wideband noise is minimal.