Steps to reproduce
- Expose the antenna to nearby 17kW airport radar (under 2km distance) while in receive mode
- Discover that the MMIC input amplifier is fried and receive sensitivity is greatly reduced
Expected behaviour
The HackRF input should survive overload.
Actual behaviour
The TVS protection device clamps at 15V, which is grossly inadequate. The SKY13317 can pass almost a watt, so the next device in the chain (MGA-81563 MMIC) will see the full 15V blasting through, which is more than enough to fry it.
At least, that's what we're surmising has happened. The HackRF (which I purchased in this damaged state) still receives, but with greatly reduced sensitivity. New parts are on the way to effect a repair, so I'll let you know how we go.
The input needs to have a solid RF clamp diode for proper protection, such as a Skyworks SMP1330. Also on its way...
Version information
HackRF One 23 Feb 2014.
Output
... very little.... :)