The AD8362 is a true rms-responding power detector that has a 60 dB measurement range. It is intended for use in a variety of high frequency communication systems and in instrumentation requiring an accurate response to signal power. It is easy to use, requiring only a single supply of 5 V and a few capacitors. It can operate from arbitrarily low frequencies to over 2.7 GHz and can accept inputs that have rms values from 1 mV to at least 1 V rms, with peak crest factors of up to 6, exceeding the requirements for accurate measurement of CDMA signals. The input signal is applied to a resistive ladder attenuator that comprises the input stage of a variable gain amplifier. The 12 tap points are smoothly interpolated using a proprietary technique to provide a continuously variable attenuator, which is controlled by a voltage applied to the VSET pin. The resulting signal is applied to a high performance broadband amplifier. Its output is measured by an accurate square law detector cell. The fluctuating output is then filtered and compared with the output of an identical squarer, whose input is a fixed dc voltage applied to the VTGT pin, usually the accurate reference of 1.25 V provided at the VREF pin.