Electronic device with background cancellation for ultra-short range object detection

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an electronic device for ultra-short-range object detection with background cancellation. The electronic device may include a processor and a wireless circuit with transmitting and receiving antennas. A radar circuit can use the transmitting and receiving antennas to perform spatial ranging by comparing external objects at a threshold distance (e.g., 1 cm to 2 cm) from the transmitting antenna. The wireless circuit may include a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) sensor coupled to the transmitting antenna to detect the presence of objects within the threshold distance from the transmitting antenna. This can be used to cover blind spots in the radar circuit near the transmitting antenna. The VSWR sensor can acquire a background VSWR measurement while other wireless performance metrics for the wireless circuit are within a predetermined range of satisfactory values. The background VSWR measurement can be subtracted from the real-time VSWR measurement to perform accurate and robust ultra-short-range object detection near the transmitting antenna.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No. 202210237088.3, ​​filed on March 11, 2022, entitled "Electronic device for ultra-short-range object detection with background elimination".

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 200,311, filed March 12, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates in general to electronic devices, and more specifically to electronic devices having wireless circuitry. Background Technology

[0004] Electronic devices often possess wireless capabilities. Wireless electronic devices have wireless circuitry that includes one or more antennas. Wireless circuitry is sometimes used to perform spatial ranging operations, where radio frequency signals are used to estimate the distance between the electronic device and external objects.

[0005] Providing an accurate distance estimate via wireless circuitry can be challenging. For example, wireless circuitry often exhibits blind spots near the device, where it cannot accurately detect the presence of external objects. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Electronic devices may include wireless circuits controlled by one or more processors. The wireless circuit may include at least a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna. The wireless circuit may include long-range spatial ranging circuitry, such as radar circuitry. The long-range spatial ranging circuitry may be coupled to the receiving antenna via a receiving path. The long-range spatial ranging circuitry may also be coupled to the transmitting antenna via a transmitting path. The wireless circuit may include wireless communication circuitry coupled to the transmitting antenna via the transmitting path. The long-range spatial ranging circuitry may use the transmitting and receiving antennas to perform spatial ranging operations on external objects farther from the transmitting antenna than a threshold distance (e.g., 1 cm to 2 cm). The wireless circuitry may include ultra-short range (USR) detector circuitry positioned along the transmitting path. The USR detector circuitry can detect the presence of external objects within a threshold distance from the transmitting antenna. This can be used to cover object detection blind spots of the long-range spatial ranging circuitry close to the transmitting antenna.

[0007] The USR detector circuit may include a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) sensor. The VSWR sensor may include, for example, a directional coupler, switching circuitry, and phase and amplitude detectors. The VSWR sensor can acquire VSWR measurements in response to radio frequency signals along the transmission path, such as complex scattering parameter values ​​(e.g., S0). 11The VSWR sensor can acquire VSWR measurements using radar signals emitted by a long-range spatial ranging circuit, radio frequency signals emitted by a wireless communication circuit, and / or test signals generated by a dedicated signal generator. The VSWR measurements can include background VSWR measurements and real-time VSWR measurements.

[0008] One or more processors can generate wireless performance metrics (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values, received signal strength indication (RSSI) values, etc.) associated with the radio frequency performance of the wireless circuit. When the wireless performance metric data is within a satisfactory range, a background VSWR measurement can be performed. When the wireless performance metric data exceeds the satisfactory range, a real-time VSWR measurement can be performed. One or more processors can generate a difference between real-time and background VSWR measurements. One or more processors can determine the presence of an external object when the difference exceeds one or more thresholds. To further optimize the robustness of the VSWR measurement, background and real-time measurements can include on-switch in-phase quadrature phase (IQ) signal measurements and optionally matched load IQ signal measurements.

[0009] One aspect of this disclosure provides an electronic device. The electronic device may include a transmitting antenna. The electronic device may include a receiving antenna. The electronic device may include a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) sensor communicatively coupled to the transmitting antenna. The electronic device may include one or more processors. The one or more processors may be configured to use the transmitting and receiving antennas to perform spatial ranging operations on external objects located at distances greater than the transmitting antenna. The one or more processors may be configured to use the VSWR sensor to detect external objects located within the threshold distance of the transmitting antenna.

[0010] One aspect of this disclosure provides an electronic device. The electronic device may include an antenna configured to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals. The electronic device may include an RF transmission line communicatively coupled to the antenna. The electronic device may include a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) sensor disposed along the RF transmission line. The electronic device may include one or more processors. The one or more processors may be configured to acquire wireless performance metric data associated with the electronic device's reception of RF signals. The one or more processors may be configured to measure a first VSWR value using the VSWR sensor when the acquired wireless performance metric data exceeds a wireless performance metric threshold. The one or more processors may be configured to measure a second VSWR value using the VSWR sensor when the acquired wireless performance metric data is less than the wireless performance metric threshold. The one or more processors may be configured to reduce the maximum transmit power level of the RF signal transmitted by the antenna when the difference between the second VSWR value and the first VSWR value exceeds a threshold.

[0011] One aspect of this disclosure provides a method for operating a wireless circuit to perform external object detection. The method may include using a transmitting antenna to transmit a radar signal. The method may include using a receiving antenna to receive a reflected pattern of the radar signal transmitted by the transmitting antenna. The method may include using one or more processors to identify the distance from the transmitting antenna to an external object farther than the threshold distance from the transmitting antenna based on the reflected pattern of the radar signal transmitted by the transmitting antenna and the radar signal received by the receiving antenna. The method may include using a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) sensor to generate a background VSWR measurement and a real-time VSWR measurement for the transmitting antenna. The method may include using one or more processors to identify when the difference between the real-time VSWR measurement and the background VSWR measurement exceeds a threshold distance from the antenna. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of an exemplary electronic device with a transmitting antenna according to some implementation schemes, the transmitting antenna being used to perform long-range object detection and to perform ultra-short-range (USR) object detection using a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) sensor.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a graph of the reflection coefficient based on frequency according to some implementation schemes, which can be generated by an exemplary VSWR sensor in response to the absence and presence of an external object.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram of an exemplary VSWR sensor according to some implementation schemes, which has a directional coupler for performing USR object detection using a transmitting antenna.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the exemplary operations involved in performing both long-distance object detection and USR object detection using an exemplary transmitting antenna based on a time multiplexing scheme, according to some implementation schemes.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operations involved in performing background noise cancellation (e.g., using background-cancelled USR index values) during USR object detection according to some implementation schemes.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a graph of the USR index value based on the background elimination according to the distance between the transmitting antenna and the external object, according to some implementation schemes.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the exemplary operations involved in generating background-eliminating USR index values ​​according to some implementation schemes.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the exemplary operations involved in generating USR index values ​​with background elimination using matched load calibration, according to some implementation schemes. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Figure 1 The electronic device 10 may be: a computing device, such as a laptop computer, desktop computer, computer monitor containing an embedded computer, tablet computer, cellular phone, media player, or other handheld or portable electronic device; a smaller device, such as a wristwatch, a wristband, a headset or handset, a device embedded in glasses; or other equipment worn on a user's head; or other wearable or micro-devices, televisions, computer monitors without an embedded computer, gaming devices, navigation devices, embedded systems (such as systems in which electronic equipment with a display is installed in a kiosk or vehicle), voice-controlled speakers connected to the wireless Internet, home entertainment devices, remote control devices, game controllers, peripheral user input devices, wireless base stations or access points, equipment that enables the functions of two or more of these devices; or other electronic equipment.

[0021] like Figure 1As shown in the functional block diagram, device 10 may include components located on or within an electronic device housing, such as housing 12. Housing 12 (sometimes referred to as a shell) may be formed of plastic, glass, ceramic, fiber composite material, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, metal alloys, etc.), other suitable materials, or combinations of these materials. In some cases, housing 12 may be partially or entirely formed of dielectric or other low-conductivity materials (e.g., glass, ceramic, plastic, sapphire, etc.). In other cases, housing 12 or at least some of the structures constituting housing 12 may be formed of metallic elements.

[0022] Device 10 may include control circuitry 14. Control circuitry 14 may include storage devices, such as storage circuitry 16. Storage circuitry 16 may include hard disk drive storage devices, non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory configured to form a solid-state drive or other electrically programmable read-only memory), volatile memory (e.g., static random access memory or dynamic random access memory), etc. Storage circuitry 16 may include storage devices and / or removable storage media integrated within device 10.

[0023] Control circuitry 14 may include processing circuitry, such as processing circuitry 18. Processing circuitry 18 may be used to control the operation of device 10. Processing circuitry 18 may include one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, host processors, baseband processor integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits, central processing units (CPUs), etc. Control circuitry 14 may be configured to perform operations in device 10 using hardware (e.g., dedicated hardware or circuitry), firmware, and / or software. Software code for performing operations in device 10 may be stored on storage circuitry 16 (e.g., storage circuitry 16 may include a non-transitory (tangible) computer-readable storage medium storing software code). This software code may sometimes be referred to as program instructions, software, data, commands, or code. The software code stored on storage circuitry 16 may be executed by processing circuitry 18.

[0024] Control circuitry 14 can be used to run software on device 10, such as satellite navigation applications, internet browsing applications, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone calling applications, email applications, media playback applications, operating system functions, etc. To support interaction with external equipment, control circuitry 14 can be used to implement communication protocols. Communication protocols that can be implemented using control circuitry 14 include: Internet Protocol, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.11 protocol—sometimes referred to as...). Protocols for other short-range wireless communication links, such as This protocol may be any of the following: wireless personal area network (WPAN) protocols, IEEE 802.11ad protocols (e.g., ultra-wideband protocols), cellular phone protocols (e.g., 3G, 4G (LTE), 5G, etc.), antenna diversity protocols, satellite navigation system protocols (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), etc.), antenna-based spatial ranging protocols (e.g., radio detection and ranging (RADAR) protocols for signals transmitted at millimeter and centimeter wave frequencies or other desired distance detection protocols), or any other desired communication protocol. Each communication protocol may be associated with a corresponding radio access technology (RAT), which specifies the physical connection method used to implement the protocol.

[0025] Device 10 may include input-output circuitry 20. Input-output circuitry 20 may include input-output devices 22. Input-output devices 22 may be used to allow data to be supplied to device 10 and to allow data to be supplied from device 10 to external devices. Input-output devices 22 may include user interface devices, data port devices, and other input-output components. For example, input-output devices 22 may include touch sensors, displays (e.g., touch-sensitive displays and / or force-sensitive displays), light-emitting components such as displays without touch sensor capability, buttons (mechanical, capacitive, optical, etc.), scroll wheels, touchpads, keypads, keyboards, microphones, cameras, buttons, speakers, status indicators, audio jacks and other audio port components, digital data port devices, motion sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, and / or compasses for detecting motion), capacitive sensors, proximity sensors, magnetic sensors, force sensors (e.g., force sensors coupled to a display to detect pressure applied to the display), etc. In some configurations, keyboards, headsets, displays, pointing devices such as touchpads, mice, and joysticks, and other input-output devices may be coupled to device 10 via wired or wireless connections (e.g., some of the input-output devices 22 may be peripherals coupled to the main processing unit or other parts of device 10 via wired or wireless links). In one embodiment described herein by way of example, input-output device 22 includes one or more temperature (T) sensors 45. Temperature sensors 45 may measure ambient temperature at one or more locations outside or around device 10 and / or internal temperature at one or more locations inside device 10 (e.g., within housing 12).

[0026] Input-output circuitry 20 may include wireless circuitry 24 to support wireless communication and / or radio-based spatial ranging operations. Wireless circuitry 24 may include two or more antennas 40. Wireless circuitry 24 may also include baseband processor circuitry, transceiver circuitry, amplifier circuitry, filter circuitry, switching circuitry, analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuitry, digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuitry, RF transmission lines, and / or any other circuitry for transmitting and / or receiving RF signals using antennas 40.

[0027] Antenna 40 can be formed using any desired antenna structure. For example, antenna 40 may include an antenna with a resonant element, formed from a loop antenna structure, patch antenna structure, inverted F-shaped antenna structure, slot antenna structure, planar inverted F-shaped antenna structure, spiral antenna structure, monopole antenna, dipole, a combination of these designs, etc. Adjustable filter circuits, switching circuits, impedance matching circuits, and / or other antenna tuning components can be used to adjust the frequency response and wireless performance of antenna 40 over time.

[0028] Antenna 40 may include one or more transmit (TX) antennas, such as transmit antenna 40TX, and one or more receive (RX) antennas, such as receive antenna 40RX. Antenna 40 may include zero, one, or more additional antennas used for transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals. Transmit antenna 40TX may transmit radio frequency signals, such as radio frequency signal 42 and / or radio frequency signal 38. Receive antenna 40RX may receive radio frequency signals, such as radio frequency signal 44 and / or radio frequency signal 38. Wireless circuit 24 may use antenna 40 to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signal 38 to transmit wireless communication data between device 10 and external wireless communication equipment 48 (e.g., one or more other devices, such as device 10, a wireless access point, or a base station). Wireless communication data may be transmitted bidirectionally or unidirectionally by wireless circuit 24. Wireless communication data may include, for example, data encoded into corresponding data packets, such as wireless data associated with telephone calls, streaming media content, internet browsing, wireless data associated with software applications running on device 10, email messages, etc.

[0029] Wireless circuit 24 may include communication circuitry 26 (sometimes referred to herein as wireless communication circuitry 26) for transmitting and / or receiving wireless communication data using antenna 40. Communication circuitry 26 may include baseband circuitry (e.g., one or more baseband processors) and one or more radio components (e.g., radio frequency transceivers, modems, etc.) for transmitting radio frequency signals 38 using one or more antennas 40 (e.g., transmitting antenna 40TX, receiving antenna 40RX, and / or other antennas 40).

[0030] Communication circuit 26 can transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals 38 within a corresponding frequency band of a radio frequency (sometimes referred to herein as a communication band or simply a "band"). The frequency band processed by communication circuit 26 may include a wireless local area network (WLAN) band (e.g., (IEEE 802.11) or other WLAN communication bands, such as the 2.4 GHz WLAN band (e.g., 2400 MHz to 2480 MHz), the 5 GHz WLAN band (e.g., 5180 MHz to 5825 MHz), 6E band (e.g., 5925MHz to 7125MHz) and / or others Frequency bands (e.g., 1875MHz to 5160MHz); Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) frequency bands such as 2.4GHz Frequency bands or other WPAN communication bands; cellular telephone bands (e.g., bands from about 600 MHz to about 5 GHz, 3G bands, 4G LTE bands, 5G New Radio Frequency Range 1 (FR1) band below 10 GHz, 5G New Radio Frequency Range 2 (FR2) band between 20 GHz and 60 GHz, etc.); other centimeter or millimeter wave bands between 10 GHz and 300 GHz; near-field communication bands (e.g., 13.56 MHz); satellite navigation bands (e.g., GPS bands from 1565 MHz to 1610 MHz, Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) bands, BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) bands, etc.); ultra-wideband (UWB) bands operating under the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol and / or other ultra-wideband communication protocols; communication bands under the 3GPP wireless communication standard family; communication bands under the IEEE 802.XX standard family, and / or any other desired bands of interest.

[0031] Communication circuit 26 may be coupled to antenna 40 using one or more transmit paths and / or one or more receive paths. Communication circuit 26 uses the transmit path to transmit radio frequency signal 38 and uses the receive path to receive radio frequency signal 38. If desired, communication circuit 26 may be coupled to transmit antenna 40TX via a transmit path such as transmit path 34. Communication circuit 26 may use transmit path 34 to transmit radio frequency signal 38 using transmit antenna 40TX. Transmit path 34 (sometimes referred to herein as transmit chain 34) may include one or more signal paths (e.g., radio frequency transmission lines), amplifier circuitry, filter circuitry, switching circuitry, radio frequency front-end circuitry (e.g., components on a radio frequency front-end module), and / or any other desired path or circuitry for transmitting radio frequency signals from communication circuit 26 to transmit antenna 40TX.

[0032] In addition to transmitting wireless communication data, wireless circuit 24 can also use antenna 40 to perform spatial ranging operations. Wireless circuit 24 may include a long-range spatial ranging circuit 28 for performing spatial ranging operations. The long-range spatial ranging circuit 28 may include mixer circuitry, amplifier circuitry, transmitter circuitry (e.g., signal generator, synthesizer, etc.), receiver circuitry, filter circuitry, baseband circuitry, ADC circuitry, DAC circuitry, and / or any other desired components used in performing spatial ranging operations using antenna 40. The long-range spatial ranging circuit 28 may include, for example, radar circuitry (e.g., frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar circuitry, OFDM radar circuitry, FSCW radar circuitry, phase-coded radar circuitry, other types of radar circuitry). Antenna 40 may include a separate antenna for transmitting wireless communication data and radio frequency signals for spatial ranging, or may include one or more antennas 40 for transmitting wireless communication data and performing spatial ranging. Using a single antenna 40 to transmit wireless communication data and perform spatial ranging can, for example, be used to minimize the amount of space occupied in device 10 by means of antenna 40.

[0033] In one embodiment described herein as an example, wireless circuit 24 may use transmitting antenna 40TX to transmit wireless communication data to communication circuit 26 and to perform spatial ranging operations for long-range spatial ranging circuit 28. Therefore, long-range spatial ranging circuit 28 may be coupled to transmitting antenna 40TX via transmitting path 34. When performing spatial ranging operations, long-range spatial ranging circuit 28 may use transmitting antenna 40TX to transmit radio frequency signal 42. Radio frequency signal 42 may include one or more tone signals, continuous waves of radio frequency energy, broadband signals, linear frequency modulated signals, or any other desired transmission signal for spatial ranging operations (e.g., radar signals). Unlike radio frequency signal 38, radio frequency signal 42 may not contain wireless communication data (e.g., cellular communication data packets, WLAN communication data packets, etc.). Radio frequency signal 42 may also be referred to herein as spatial ranging signal 42, long-range spatial ranging signal 42, or radar signal 42. The long-distance spatial ranging circuit 28 can transmit radio frequency signals 42 at one or more carrier frequencies in a corresponding radio frequency band (e.g., a band including frequencies greater than about 10 GHz, greater than about 20 GHz, less than 10 GHz, 20-30 GHz, greater than 40 GHz, etc.).

[0034] Radio frequency signal 42 can be reflected away from an object outside device 10 (such as external object 46). External object 46 can be, for example, the ground, a building, part of a building, a wall, furniture, a ceiling, a person, a body part, an animal, a vehicle, a landscape or geographical feature, an obstacle, external communication equipment (such as external wireless communication equipment 48), or any other physical object or entity outside device 10. Receiving antenna 40RX can receive the reflected radio frequency signal 44. The reflected signal 44 can be a reflected form of the transmitted radio frequency signal 42 that has been reflected away from external object 46 and returned to device 10.

[0035] The receiving antenna 40RX can be coupled to the long-range spatial ranging circuit 28 via the receiving path 36 (sometimes referred to herein as receiving chain 36). The long-range spatial ranging circuit 28 can receive the reflected signal 44 from the receiving antenna 40RX via the receiving path 36. The receiving path 36 may include one or more signal paths (e.g., radio frequency transmission lines), amplifier circuitry (e.g., low-noise amplifier (LNA) circuitry), filter circuitry, switching circuitry, radio frequency front-end circuitry (e.g., components on a radio frequency front-end module), and / or any other desired path or circuitry for transmitting radio frequency signals from the receiving antenna 40RX to the long-range spatial ranging circuit 28.

[0036] Control circuit 14 can process the transmitted radio frequency signal 42 and the received reflected signal 44 to detect or estimate the distance R between device 10 and external object 46. If needed, control circuit 14 can also process the transmitted and received signals to identify the two-dimensional or three-dimensional spatial position (or orientation) of external object 46, the velocity of external object 46, and / or the angle of arrival of reflected signal 44. If needed, a loopback path, such as loopback path 50, can be coupled between transmit path 34 and receive path 36. Loopback path 50 can be used to transmit the transmitted signal on transmit path 34 to the receiver circuit in long-distance spatial ranging circuit 28. For example, in an implementation where long-distance spatial ranging circuit 28 performs spatial ranging using an FMCW scheme, loopback path 50 can be a delinear frequency modulation path that transmits the linear frequency modulated signal on transmit path 34 to the delinear frequency modulated mixer in long-distance spatial ranging circuit 28. In these implementations, Doppler drift in the continuous wave transmitted signal can be detected and processed to identify the velocity of the external object 42, and the time-dependent frequency difference between the radio frequency signal 42 and the reflected signal 44 can be detected and processed to identify the distance R and / or the position of the external object 46. For example, using a continuous wave signal to estimate the distance R allows the control circuit 14 to reliably distinguish the external object 46 from other background or slower-moving objects. This example is merely illustrative, and generally, the long-range spatial ranging circuit 28 can be implemented in any desired radar or long-range spatial ranging scheme.

[0037] The radio frequency transmission lines in transmit path 34 and receive path 36 may include coaxial cables, microstrip transmission lines, stripline transmission lines, edge-coupled microstrip transmission lines, edge-coupled stripline transmission lines, and transmission lines formed by combinations of these types of transmission lines. If desired, the transmission lines in the device may be integrated into rigid and / or flexible printed circuit boards. One or more radio frequency lines may be shared between transmit path 34 and receive path 36 if desired. Components of wireless circuit 24 may be formed on one or more common substrates or modules (e.g., rigid printed circuit boards, flexible printed circuit boards, integrated circuits, chips, packages, systems-on-chips, etc.).

[0038] Figure 1 The examples are merely illustrative. Although for clarity, in Figure 1 In the example, control circuitry 14 is shown separate from wireless circuitry 24, but wireless circuitry 24 may include processing circuitry and / or storage circuitry, the processing circuitry forming part of processing circuitry 18, and the storage circuitry forming part of storage circuitry 16 of control circuitry 14 (e.g., portions of control circuitry 14 may be implemented on wireless circuitry 24). For example, some or all of the baseband circuitry in wireless circuitry 24 may form part of control circuitry 14. Additionally, wireless circuitry 24 may include any desired number of antennas 40. Antennas 40 may include more than one transmit antenna 40TX, more than one receive antenna 40RX, and zero, one, or more other antennas 40. Each antenna 40 may be coupled to communication circuitry 26 and / or long-range spatial ranging circuitry 28 via a dedicated transmit and / or receive path or one or more transmit and / or receive paths shared between antennas.

[0039] The long-range spatial ranging circuit 28 does not need to be coupled to all antennas 40 in the wireless circuit 24. Similarly, the communication circuit 26 does not need to be coupled to all antennas 40 in the wireless circuit 24 (e.g., some antennas 40 may be used to perform spatial ranging operations without transmitting wireless communication data or to transmit wireless communication data without performing spatial ranging). Antennas 40 used only for receiving signals may be coupled to the communication circuit 26 and / or the long-range spatial ranging circuit 28 using one or more receiving paths (e.g., receiving path 36). Antennas 40 used only for transmitting signals may be coupled to the communication circuit 26 and / or the long-range spatial ranging circuit 28 using one or more transmitting paths (e.g., transmitting path 34). One or more antennas 40 may be used for both transmitting and receiving signals. In these scenarios, antennas may be coupled to the communication circuit 26 and / or the long-range spatial ranging circuit 28 using both transmitting and receiving paths, and one or more components or signal paths (e.g., radio frequency transmission lines) may be shared between the transmitting and receiving paths if necessary. Although described herein as a transmitting antenna for simplicity, the transmitting antenna 40TX can also be used to receive radio frequency signals for the communication circuit 26 if needed (e.g., an additional receiving path (not shown) can couple the transmitting antenna 40TX to the communication circuit 26). Similarly, the receiving antenna 40RX can also be used to transmit radio frequency signals if needed. Although the receiving antenna 40RX is shown only for providing reflected signal 44 to the long-distance spatial ranging circuit 28, the receiving antenna 40RX can also provide received radio frequency signal 38 to the communication circuit 26 (e.g., a receiving path 36 can also couple the receiving antenna 40RX to the communication circuit 26).

[0040] When the external object 46 is at a relatively far distance from the device 10, the long-distance spatial ranging circuit 28 can be used to accurately identify the distance R. However, in practice, the long-distance spatial ranging circuit 28 is less effective at distances less than a threshold distance R from the device 10. TH A blind spot is created at a distance of approximately 1 to 2 cm from nearby external objects. When an external object 46 is within this blind spot (e.g., at a threshold distance R from the transmitting antenna 40TX),... TH (Inside), the long-distance spatial ranging circuit 28 may not be able to identify the presence, location, and / or velocity of an external object 46 with satisfactory accuracy. At the threshold distance R of the transmitting antenna 40TX... THAn external object 46 may be exposed to relatively high amounts of radio frequency energy (e.g., from radio frequency signals 38 and / or 42 emitted by the transmitting antenna 40TX). In scenarios where the external object 46 is a body part or a person, this emitted radio frequency energy, if not considered, could cause the wireless circuit 24 to exceed regulatory limits for contrast absorption (SAR) or other restrictions (e.g., when the emitted signal is at a frequency below 6 GHz) and / or maximum permissible exposure (MPE) (e.g., when the emitted signal is at a frequency above 6 GHz). To detect at a threshold distance R from the transmitting antenna 40TX... TH The presence of an external object 46 within the wireless circuit 24 allows the wireless circuit 24 to include an ultra-short range (USR) object detector, such as a USR detector 30. The USR detector 30 can be used to detect objects at ultra-short ranges (e.g., at a threshold distance R from the transmitting antenna 40TX). TH The USR detector 30 can detect external objects within the blind spot of the long-distance spatial ranging circuit 28.

[0041] USR detector 30 may include a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) sensor, such as VSWR sensor 32. VSWR sensor 32 may be inserted into transmit path 34. VSWR sensor 32 may acquire VSWR values ​​using transmit antenna 40TX. VSWR values ​​may include complex scattering parameter values ​​(S-parameter values), such as reflection coefficient values ​​(e.g., S0). 11 Value). S 11 The magnitude of the value (e.g., |S) 11 The VSWR value can indicate the amount of transmitted radio frequency energy reflected in the opposite direction along the transmission path 34 (e.g., in response to the presence of an external object 46 at or near the transmitting antenna 40TX). The VSWR value acquired by the VSWR sensor 32 may be relevant if the external object 46 is located at a threshold distance R from the transmitting antenna 40TX. TH The situation at a distance is not sensitive. However, the VSWR value acquired by the VSWR sensor 32 allows the control circuit 14 to identify when an external object 46 is within a threshold distance R from the transmitting antenna 40TX. TH Inside (e.g., within the blind spot of the long-distance spatial ranging circuit 28).

[0042] In this way, the USR detector 30 and the long-range spatial ranging circuit 28 can identify the presence of an external object 46 and optionally the distance R to the external object 46, regardless of whether the external object 46 has moved to a position relatively closer to or relatively farther from the device 10 over time. Furthermore, the USR detector 30 can identify the presence of the external object 46 within the blind spot of the long-range spatial ranging circuit 28, allowing appropriate action to be taken to ensure that the wireless circuit 24 continues to meet any applicable SAR and / or MPE regulations. By using the same transmitting antenna 40TX to transmit radio frequency signals 38 / 42 and measuring VSWR, the VSWR measurement will be very closely correlated with the amount of radio frequency energy absorbed by the external object 46 from the transmitted radio frequency signals 38 / 42, thus providing high confidence in the use of the USR detector 30 to meet any applicable SAR and / or MPE regulations (e.g., more than a proximity sensor separate from the transmitting antenna or transmission chain used to identify objects at a threshold distance R from the device 10). TH The existence of internal and external objects in a scenario increases credibility.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a graph showing how the VSWR measurement value taken by VSWR sensor 32 changes due to the presence of an external object 46 adjacent to the transmitting antenna 40TX. Curve 60 plots the distance R where no threshold is present. TH The S-parameter S of the reflection of an internal and external object at frequency 46. 11 The value of |S 11 |). As shown by curve 60, when there is no external object 46, |S 11 |In the frequency band of interest B (e.g., for transmission) Figure 1 The radio frequency signal (in the 38 or 42 frequency band) can have a relatively high value.

[0044] Curve 62 plots the threshold distance R when the external object 46 is at a distance of 40TX from the transmitting antenna. TH Internal time based on frequency |S 11 As shown by curve 62, due to the presence of external object 46, |S 11 | It can have relatively low values ​​in frequency band B. Generally speaking, once the external object 46 is within the threshold distance R... TH Inside, as the object approaches the transmitting antenna 40TX, |S 11 | will continue to decrease, as indicated by arrow 64. Control circuit 14 can use VSWR sensor 32 to acquire VSWR values ​​(e.g., |S, as shown in curves 60 and 62). 11 | value), and can process the acquired VSWR values ​​to identify when an external object 46 is within a threshold distance R. TH Internal (e.g., by collecting |S) 11| The value is compared with one or more threshold levels. (The distance R exceeds the threshold.) TH Then, in response to the change in distance between the transmitting antenna 40TX and the external object 46, |S 11 |There will be no change or negligible change. At these relatively long distances, long-distance spatial ranging circuit 28 ( Figure 1 It can be used to detect the presence, location (e.g., distance R) and / or velocity of an external object 46.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram showing how the VSWR sensor 32 might be positioned on the transmission path 34. (See diagram for example.) Figure 3 As shown, transmit path 34 may include a power amplifier (PA), such as PA 96. The input of PA 96 may be coupled to... Figure 1 The long-range spatial ranging circuit 28 and / or communication circuit 26. The output of PA 96 can be coupled to the transmitting antenna 40TX via a switch such as antenna switch 94. The output of PA 96 can also be coupled to a matching load 88 via a switch such as matching load switch 90. The matching load 88 can be connected in series between the matching load switch 90 and ground 82.

[0046] exist Figure 3 In the example, VSWR sensor 32 is a directional switch coupler. This is merely illustrative, and in general, any desired VSWR sensor architecture can be used to implement VSWR sensor 32. Figure 3 As shown, the VSWR sensor 32 may include a directional coupler 72 inserted into a transmit path 34 between PA 96 and transmit antenna 40TX (e.g., along an RF transmission line in the transmit path 34 coupled between the output of PA 96 and transmit antenna 40TX). The directional coupler 72 may have a first port (P1) coupled to the output of PA 96 and a second port (P2) communicatively coupled to transmit antenna 40TX. The directional coupler 72 may have a third port (P3) coupled to a first terminal, which includes a resistor 84 connected in series between a terminal switch 78 and ground 82. The directional coupler 72 may also have a fourth port (P4) coupled to a second terminal, which includes a resistor 86 connected in series between a terminal switch 80 and ground 82. The VSWR sensor 32 may have a positive (FW) switch 74 coupled between port P3 and phase and amplitude (quantity) detector 70. The VSWR sensor 32 may also have a reverse (RW) switch 76 coupled between port P4 and the phase and amplitude detector 70. The phase and amplitude detector 70 may have a switch coupled to the VSWR detector 30 or the control circuit 14. Figure 1 Control paths 98 for other components in )

[0047] When collecting VSWR measurements (e.g., such as S...) 11 The S-parameter value), PA 96 can output a transmit signal sigtx (e.g., when antenna switch 94 is closed). The transmit signal sigtx can be a radar transmit signal emitted by long-range spatial ranging circuit 28 (e.g., Figure 1 Radio frequency signal 42), wireless communication data transmission signal (e.g., transmitted by communication circuit 26) Figure 1 RF signal 38) or a dedicated test signal used in VSWR measurements (e.g., generated by a signal generator, local oscillator and / or Figure 1 One or more tones emitted by other signal generation circuitry in the USR detector 30.

[0048] In acquiring VSWR measurements, the VSWR sensor 32 can perform forward and reverse path measurements using the transmitted signal sigtx. When performing a forward path measurement, FW switch 74 is closed, RW switch 76 is open, switch 80 is closed, and switch 78 is open, causing the transmitted signal sigtx to be decoupled from the transmission path 34 via directional coupler 72 and guided to the phase and amplitude guide 70 via FW switch 74. The phase and amplitude detector 70 can measure and store the amplitude (magnitude) and / or phase of the transmitted signal sigtx for further processing (e.g., as a forward signal phase and magnitude measurement).

[0049] At least some of the transmitted signal sigtx will be reflected away from the transmitting antenna 40TX (e.g., due to impedance loading from any external object at or near the transmitting antenna 40TX, resulting in an impedance discontinuity between the transmitting path 74 and the transmitting antenna 40TX), and returned to PA 96 as the reflected transmitted signal sigtx'. When a reverse path measurement is performed, FW switch 74 is open, RW switch 76 is closed, switch 80 is open, and switch 78 is closed, such that the reflected transmitted signal sigtx' is decoupled from the transmitting path 34 via directional coupler 72 and guided to the phase and amplitude guide 70 via RW switch 76. The phase and amplitude detector 70 can measure and store the amplitude (magnitude) and / or phase of the reflected transmitted signal sigtx' for further processing (e.g., as a reverse signal phase and magnitude measurement). The control circuit 14 can process the stored forward and reverse phase and magnitude measurements to identify complex scattering parameter values, such as S 11 Value. S 11 The characteristic of the value lies in the scalar value |S 11 | and the corresponding phase. In this way, the VSWR sensor 32 can measure the VSWR value (e.g., S). 11(value), which can be used to determine when an external object 46 is located at a distance less than or equal to a threshold R. TH The distance R. When the external object 46 is located at a threshold distance R from the transmitting antenna 40TX. TH When the distance is R, the long-distance spatial ranging circuit 28 ( Figure 1 The 40TX transmitting antenna can also be used to identify the distance R.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation, which may involve the use of a long-distance spatial ranging circuit 28 ( Figure 1 It performs long-range (far-field) spatial ranging operations and USR detection operations using VSWR sensor 32 according to a time multiplexing scheme. This time multiplexing scheme involves periodically switching between using transmit antenna 40TX to perform long-range or USR detection over time, ensuring that even if an external object 46 moves into or beyond a threshold distance R over time... TH External object 46 can also be detected.

[0051] In operation 100, wireless circuit 24 can perform USR object detection using VSWR sensor 32 for a first time period. USR object detection may involve measuring S in response to a transmit signal sigtx transmitted through transmit path 34. 11 Value. Control circuit 14 can control S 11 The magnitude of the value (i.e., |S) 11 The value is compared with one or more thresholds, which are relative to the threshold distance R at the transmit antenna 40TX. TH The existence of external objects within the context is correlated. If the distance is within the threshold R... TH An object was detected within (e.g., if |S 11 If the value is below the threshold, the processing can proceed to operation 104 via path 102.

[0052] In operation 104, control circuit 14 can base its operation on the detected (identified) threshold distance R. TH The presence of the external object 46 allows for appropriate actions to be taken. For example, the control circuit 14 can reduce the transmit power level of the subsequent transmitted signal SigmaTx, reduce the maximum allowable transmit power level of the subsequent transmitted signal SigmaTx, or switch different antennas for transmitting the signal SigmaTx. This helps ensure that the wireless circuit 24 operates within the threshold distance R. TH The presence of external object 46 within the system continues to satisfy any applicable SAR / MPE requirements. Processing can loop back to operation 100 via path 106 to continue monitoring at the threshold distance R. TH The existence of the external object 46.

[0053] If the threshold distance R TH No object was detected within (e.g., if |S 11 If one or more values ​​in the range exceed a threshold, processing can proceed to operation 110 via path 108. In operation 110, the long-distance spatial ranging circuit 28 can perform ranging operations using the transmitting antenna 40TX to detect distances exceeding a threshold distance R from the transmitting antenna 40TX. TH The presence, position, and / or velocity of the external object 46. The long-distance spatial ranging circuit 28 can perform these operations during a second time period. For example, this could involve transmitting a radio frequency signal 42 using a transmitting antenna 40TX and receiving a reflected signal 44 using a receiving antenna 40RX. Figure 1 ).

[0054] In operation 112, control circuitry 14 can store the position (e.g., distance R) and / or velocity of external object 46 for subsequent processing. For example, one or more software applications running on device 10 can use the identified position / velocity to perform software tasks. If needed, control circuitry 14 can increase the transmit power level or the maximum permissible transmit power level of the subsequent transmit signal SIGTX. Processing can then loop back to operation 100 via path 114, and wireless circuitry 24 can continue to alternate between USR detection and long-range spatial ranging to identify the presence, position, and / or velocity of external object 46 over time, even if the external object moves into or beyond a threshold distance R. TH .

[0055] To maximize the reliability and accuracy of USR operations performed using the VSWR sensor 32, the VSWR sensor 32 can perform USR object detection using a background removal scheme. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the exemplary operations involved in performing long-distance spatial ranging using wireless circuit 24 and performing USR object detection using a background removal scheme.

[0056] In order to perform background removal, the VSWR sensor 32 needs to be in the absence of a threshold distance R. TH When an external object is present, the background VSWR is characterized at the transmit antenna 40TX. During operation 120, the wireless circuit 24 can acquire wireless performance metric data associated with the RF performance of the transmit antenna 40TX and / or the receive antenna 40RX. For example, the wireless performance metric data may include signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) data, received signal strength indication (RSSI) data, or other data. Figure 1The control circuit 14 may collect any other desired performance metrics during the transmission of radio frequency signal 38, the transmission of radio frequency signal 42, the reception of radio frequency signal 38, and / or the reception of reflected signal 44. The control circuit 14 may compare the collected wireless performance metrics with a predetermined range of wireless performance metrics that do not fall within a threshold distance R. TH Satisfactory radio frequency performance and / or operation of wireless device 24 are associated with the internal and external objects (e.g., satisfactory RSSI values, SNR values, etc. within a predetermined range). The predetermined range of wireless performance metrics can be characterized by an upper threshold or value and / or a lower threshold or value.

[0057] Wireless performance metric data can be used to determine whether an external object 46 is within a threshold distance R. TH A rough indicator within. For example, if the external object 46 is at a distance R... TH Internally, external objects 46 may partially block or cover one or more antennas 40 (thus preventing the antennas from properly receiving radio frequency signals), or may undesirably load or detune one or more antennas 40 in the device 10, etc. This can indicate a threshold distance R when the collected wireless performance metric data falls outside a predetermined range. TH The potential presence of external object 46 within the area. However, this can indicate the presence of external object 46 when the collected wireless performance metric data falls within a predetermined range. TH It is highly unlikely that an external object exists inside (e.g., because there is no threshold distance R). TH When an external object is inside, wireless circuit 24 is performing a predictable, nominal operation. If the collected wireless performance metric data falls within a predetermined range (thus indicating the threshold distance R), then... TH (Without external objects present), the VSWR sensor 32 can acquire background VSWR measurements to perform background removal. Thus, the process can proceed to operation 124 via path 122.

[0058] In operation 124, the VSWR sensor 32 can use the transmitted signal sigtx provided to the transmitting antenna 40TX to acquire the background VSWR value (measured value) VSWR_BG. Figure 3 The background VSWR value VSWR_BG can include, for example, background S. 11 Value. When the background VSWR measurement value VSWR_BG is acquired, the temperature sensor 45 ( Figure 1It can also acquire a temperature measurement value Tn corresponding to the temperature at, around, and / or within the device 10. Generally, VSWR measurements are temperature sensitive. For example, different VSWR measurements can be obtained under the same antenna load conditions at different temperatures. By acquiring the temperature measurement value Tn, the control circuit 14 can identify that the background VSWR value VSWR_BG corresponds to a specific temperature (e.g., to ensure accurate VSWR measurements are used to perform USR detection, even if the temperature changes over time).

[0059] In operation 126, control circuit 124 can store the background VSWR value VSWR_BG and the corresponding temperature Tn (VSWR_BG(Tn)) in a VSWR data table for later processing (e.g., control circuit 14 can associate the background VSWR_BG value with the corresponding temperature Tn in the VSWR data table, so the control circuit still knows at what temperature the background VSWR value was acquired). Control circuit 14 can store the VSWR data table in memory (e.g., Figure 1 The storage circuit 16) and / or any desired data structure can be used.

[0060] In optional operation 128, control circuitry 14 can update the stored VSWR data table. For example, control circuitry 14 can remove abnormal background VSWR values ​​VSWR_BG from the VSWR data table (e.g., VSWR_BG values ​​that are excessively different from other VSWR_BG values ​​in the VSWR data table). This helps ensure that the background VSWR values ​​in the VSWR data table maintain an accurate representation of the background VSWR measurements used for VSWR sensor 32 over time. If needed, control circuitry 14 can average two or more background VSWR values ​​VSWR_BG stored in the VSWR data table (e.g., so that the average background VSWR value is used during subsequent processing instead of individual background VSWR measurements). Any other desired data filtering operations can be performed on the VSWR data table.

[0061] If needed, control circuitry 14 can execute a condition detection algorithm to detect the presence of a removable device condition on device 10 (e.g., by comparing the acquired background VSWR value in the VSWR data table with the expected background VSWR value for device 10 when no removable device condition is determined during factory calibration or other times). Control circuitry 14 can update the VSWR data table such that each stored background VSWR value VSWR_BG is associated with a condition status identifier that indicates whether a removable device condition exists on device 10 and / or what type of removable device condition exists when that background VSWR value is acquired. Associating the condition status identifier with the stored background VSWR value allows control circuitry 14 to ensure accurate VSWR measurements are performed to perform USR detection, even if the device has a removable condition with an impedance capable of loading a transmit antenna 40TX, and even if the user removes, adds, or changes the device condition over time.

[0062] The processing can then loop back to operation 120 via path 130. Wireless circuit 24 may perform only one iteration of operations 124-128, or it may continue to periodically (e.g., according to a fixed schedule) acquire the background VSWR value VSWR_BG (e.g., add to and / or update the VSWR data table) for a predetermined number of iterations in response to an application call or user input to device 10 (e.g., instructing wireless circuit 24 to update or refresh its background VSWR measurement) and / or in response to any desired triggering condition. If needed, long-range spatial ranging circuit 28 can simultaneously perform long-range spatial ranging operations using transmit antenna 40TX, and / or communication circuit 26 can simultaneously perform wireless communication operations using transmit antenna 40TX during operations 120-128. This can indicate a threshold distance R when the wireless performance metric data acquired at operation 120 falls outside a predetermined range. TH The existence and processing of potential external objects within can be performed via path 132 to operation 134.

[0063] In operation 134, the VSWR sensor 32 can use the transmitted signal sigtx provided to the transmitting antenna 40TX to acquire the real-time (RT) VSWR value (measured value) VSWR_RT. Figure 3 The real-time VSWR measurement value VSWR_RT can include, for example, real-time S... 11 Value. When the background VSWR measurement value VSWR_RT is acquired, the temperature sensor 45 ( Figure 1 It can also collect real-time temperature measurements Tn' corresponding to the temperature at, around and / or within the device 10.

[0064] In operation 136, control circuit 14 can generate (calculate, estimate, determine, identify, define, etc.) a USR index value USR_INDEX (sometimes referred to herein as the background-cancelled reflectance index value USR_INDEX) by subtracting the acquired background VSWR value VSWR_BG from the real-time VSWR value VSWR_RT. The USR index value USR_INDEX may also sometimes be referred to herein as the difference USR_INDEX. If desired, the acquired background VSWR value VSWR_BG can be the background VSWR value VSWR_BG acquired by temperature sensor 45 when measuring temperature Tn' during iterations of operation 124. Control circuit 14 can identify the background VSWR value VSWR_BG, for example, from a stored VSWR data table, which is associated with the temperature Tn = Tn' measured in the VSWR data table. If there is no background VSWR value VSWR_BG associated with the measured temperature Tn' in the data table, the control circuit can use the background VSWR value measured at the temperature Tn closest to the measured temperature Tn'. Multiple background VSWR values ​​can be interpolated to estimate the background VSWR value VSWR_BG at the measured temperature Tn' for subtraction from the real-time VSWR value VSWR_RT, and so on. In an implementation of the condition detection algorithm, the control circuit 14 can (e.g., based on the condition status identifier in the VSWR data table) subtract the background VSWR_BG value corresponding to the current condition status (and temperature Tn') of the device 10 from the real-time VSWR value VSWR_RT.

[0065] In operation 138, control circuit 14 can compare the USR index value USR_INDEX with one or more predetermined USR index thresholds TH. The USR index threshold TH may correspond to a threshold distance R at a distance of 40TX from the transmit antenna. TH The presence of external objects at a location is associated with VSWR measurements (e.g., |S 11 | value). If a single USR index threshold TH is used, this comparison allows control circuitry 14 to identify the threshold distance R. TH The presence of an external object 46 within the system. If multiple index thresholds TH are used, this comparison can also allow control circuitry 14 to estimate the threshold distance R. TH The distance R between the inner and outer objects is 46. If the USR index value USR_INDEX exceeds the USR index threshold TH, this can indicate the threshold distance R. TH The existence of the external object 46 within it, and processing can be performed via path 140 to operation 142.

[0066] In operation 142, control circuit 14 can identify an external object 46 within a threshold distance R of device 10 (transmitting antenna 40TX). THIf multiple index thresholds TH are used, the control circuit 14 can further estimate the threshold distance R. TH The distance R between the inner and outer objects 46 (e.g., where each index threshold TH corresponds to a threshold distance R). TH (Different distances within).

[0067] In operation 144, control circuit 14 can base its operation on the identified (detected) threshold distance R. TH The presence of an external object 46 within the device 10 can be used to take further action. For example, the control circuit 14 can use the presence of the identified external object 46 as a basis for one or more software applications running on the device 10 (e.g., based on whether the external object 46 is within a threshold distance R). TH The input of the software application (which performs the operation) is controlled by the wireless circuit 24 to reduce the transmit power level or to transmit subsequent radio frequency signals using the transmit antenna 40TX (e.g., Figure 1 The maximum transmit power level of the radio frequency signal 38 or 42. If necessary, control circuit 14 can control wireless circuit 24 to switch off the use of transmit antenna 40TX to benefit different antennas in device 10. Reducing the transmit power level, limiting the maximum transmit power level, or switching off the use of transmit antenna 40TX can prevent transmit antenna 40TX from emitting excessive radio frequency energy to nearby external object 46, thereby allowing device 10 to continue to meet any applicable SAR / MPE regulations. Processing can then loop back to operation 120 via path 130, and wireless circuit 24 can continue to monitor the presence of external object 46 near transmit antenna 40TX (e.g., until external object 46 moves beyond a threshold distance R). TH At this point, the long-distance spatial ranging circuit 28 will be able to recover the detection of the external object 46.

[0068] This can indicate the threshold distance R when the USR index value USR_INDEX is less than or equal to the threshold TH during the comparison in operation 138. TH There is no external object 46 present, and processing can proceed to operation 148 via path 146. In operation 148, control circuitry 14 can identify a threshold distance R. TH No object exists within. The long-distance spatial ranging circuit 28 can then use the transmitting antenna 40TX to detect / track distances exceeding the threshold R. TH The position of the external object 46. If needed, the control circuit 14 can increase the transmit power level or the maximum transmit power level of the transmit antenna 40TX. This can be in response to the absence of a threshold distance R. TH The external object 46 is used to perform any other desired processing operations. The processing can then loop back to operation 120 via path 130.

[0069] Figure 6 This is a graph of the USR index value USR_INDEX (in V) based on the distance R between the external object 46 and the transmitting antenna 40TX. Because the USR index value USR_INDEX is generated by subtracting the background VSWR measurement (using VSWR sensor 32) from the real-time VSWR measurement value, the USR index value USR_INDEX is a background-reduced value. Figure 6 As shown by curve 150, at relatively far distances R, the USR index value USR_INDEX is unaffected by changes in distance R. However, the USR index value USR_INDEX will change as the external object 46 approaches the threshold distance R. TH (For example, within 1 cm to 2 cm of the transmitting antenna 40TX) and increases. When the external object 46 is located at a threshold distance R from the transmitting antenna 40TX. TH At this point, the index threshold TH can correspond to the USR index value USR_INDEX. Therefore, when the USR index value USR_INDEX exceeds the index threshold TH (for example, in...), Figure 5 During operation 138, control circuit 14 can determine the threshold distance R of external object 46 at transmitting antenna 40TX. TH Inside. Figure 6 The example shown is merely illustrative, and in general, curve 150 can have other shapes. Multi-index thresholds TH (e.g., to provide threshold distance R) can be used. TH (Estimation of the distance R within the range).

[0070] If necessary, additional calibration can be performed while acquiring VSWR measurements to increase the robustness of USR testing. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operations that can be performed by control circuit 14 when acquiring VSWR measurements using these additional calibration operations. For example, Figure 7 Operations 160 to 166 can be performed Figure 5 The operation is executed during 124. Figure 7 Operations 168 to 172 can be performed Figure 5 Operation 134 is executed during this period, and operation 174 can be performed during this period. Figure 5 The operation is executed during operation 136.

[0071] At operation 160, PA 96 ( Figure 3 The transmission signal sigtx can be initiated. The transmission signal sigtx can be a dedicated test signal (e.g., a single tone, multiple tones, or a combination of...). Figure 1Other transmitted signals generated by separate signal generators of the communication circuit 26 and the long-distance spatial ranging circuit 28 may be communication transmitted signals generated by the communication circuit 26 (e.g., radio frequency signal 38) or transmitted signals generated by the long-distance spatial ranging circuit 28 (e.g., radio frequency signal 42).

[0072] In operation 162, control circuit 14 can use VSWR sensor 32 (e.g., phase and amplitude detector 70 or other signal measurement circuitry) to measure the in-phase quadrature phase (IQ) signal S against background. BG_RW During this measurement, Figure 3 Antenna switch 94 is closed, FW switch 74 is open, RW switch 76 is closed, switch 80 is open, and switch 78 is closed.

[0073] In operation 164, control circuit 14 can use VSWR sensor 32 to measure the positive background IQ signal S. BG_FW During this measurement, antenna switch 94 is closed, FW switch 74 is closed, RW switch 76 is open, switch 80 is closed, and switch 78 is open.

[0074] In operation 166, control circuit 14 can measure the positive open switch background IQ signal S using VSWR sensor 32. BG_OPEN This allows for the execution of additional calibration steps. During this measurement, both FW switch 74 and RW switch 76 are open.

[0075] In operation 168, control circuit 14 can use VSWR sensor 32 to measure the reverse real-time in-phase quadrature phase (IQ) signal S. RT_RW During this measurement, antenna switch 94 is closed, FW switch 74 is open, RW switch 76 is closed, switch 80 is open, and switch 78 is closed.

[0076] In operation 170, control circuit 14 can use VSWR sensor 32 to measure the positive real-time in-phase quadrature phase (IQ) signal S. RT_FW During this measurement, antenna switch 94 is closed, FW switch 74 is closed, RW switch 76 is open, switch 80 is closed, and switch 78 is open.

[0077] In operation 172, control circuit 14 can measure the real-time IQ signal S of the positive opening switch using VSWR sensor 32. RT_OPEN This allows for the execution of additional calibration steps. During this measurement, both FW switch 74 and RW switch 76 are open.

[0078] In operation 174, control circuit 14 can be based on the formula USR_INDEX = [(S RT_RW -S RT_OPEN) / (S RT_FW -S RT_OPEN )]–[(S BG_RW –S BG_OPEN ) / (S BG_FW –S BG_OPEN Generate the USR index value USR_INDEX (for example, when in...) Figure 5 (When performing subtraction in operation 136). IQ signal S RT_FW S BG_FW S RT_RW S BG_FW S RT_OPEN and S BG_OPEN The value can be complex, while the USR index value USR_INDEX is a real-valued scalar. Calculating USR_INDEX in this way can provide relatively robust USR object detection for device 10. Figure 7 The example provided is merely illustrative. Wireless circuit 24 can be used if needed. Figure 3 The matching load 88 further calibrates the USR index value USR_INDEX.

[0079] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the exemplary operations that control circuit 14 can perform when acquiring VSWR measurements calibrated using matched load 88. For example, Figure 8 Operation 180-188 can be performed Figure 5 The operation is executed during 124. Figure 8 Operations 190-196 can be performed Figure 5 Operation 134 is executed during this period, and operation 198 can be performed during this period. Figure 5 The operation is executed during operation 136.

[0080] In operation 182, control circuit 14 can use VSWR sensor 32 to measure the reverse background IQ signal S. BG_RW During this measurement, Figure 3 Antenna switch 94 is closed, matching load switch 90 is open, FW switch 74 is open, RW switch 76 is closed, switch 80 is open, and switch 78 is closed.

[0081] In operation 184, control circuit 14 can use VSWR sensor 32 to measure the positive background IQ signal S. BG_FW During this measurement, antenna switch 94 is closed, matching load switch 90 is open, FW switch 74 is closed, RW switch 76 is open, switch 80 is closed, and switch 78 is open.

[0082] In operation 186, control circuit 14 can use VSWR sensor 32 to measure the positive open switch background IQ signal S. BG_OPENDuring this measurement, both FW switch 74 and RW switch 76 are open.

[0083] In operation 188, control circuit 14 can measure the reverse background matched load IQ signal S using VSWR sensor 32. BG_MATCH This allows for additional calibration steps to be performed. During this measurement, antenna switch 94 is open, matched load switch 90 is closed, FW switch 74 is open, RW switch 76 is closed, switch 80 is open, and switch 78 is closed.

[0084] In operation 190, control circuit 14 can use VSWR sensor 32 to measure the reverse real-time IQ signal S. RT_RW During this measurement, antenna switch 94 is closed, matching load switch 90 is open, FW switch 74 is open, RW switch 76 is closed, switch 80 is open, and switch 78 is closed.

[0085] In operation 192, control circuit 14 can use VSWR sensor 32 to measure the positive real-time IQ signal S. RT_FW During this measurement, antenna switch 94 is closed, matching load switch 90 is open, FW switch 74 is closed, RW switch 76 is open, switch 80 is closed, and switch 78 is open.

[0086] In operation 194, control circuit 14 can use VSWR sensor 32 to measure the real-time IQ signal S of the forward-opening switch. RT_OPEN During this measurement, both FW switch 74 and RW switch 76 are open.

[0087] In operation 196, control circuit 14 can measure the reverse real-time matched load IQ signal S using VSWR sensor 32. BG_MATCH This allows for additional calibration steps to be performed. During this measurement, antenna switch 94 is open, matched load switch 90 is closed, FW switch 74 is open, RW switch 76 is closed, switch 80 is open, and switch 78 is closed.

[0088] In operation 198, control circuit 14 can be determined according to the formula USR_INDEX = [(S RT_RW -S RT_MATCH ) / (S RT_FW -S RT_OPEN )]–[(S BG_RW –S BG_MATCH ) / (S BG_FW –S BG_OPEN Generate the USR index value USR_INDEX. Calculating USR_INDEX in this way can provide relatively robust USR object detection for device 10. Figure 7 and Figure 8The examples are merely illustrative. Although in Figure 7 and Figure 8 The calibration operations described herein are in the context of USR detection, but these calibration operations can be used to calibrate VSWR sensors based on any directional coupler to perform any desired VSWR measurement.

[0089] Figure 3 Switches 78, 80, 74, 76, 90, and 94 can be implemented using any desired switching architecture. When referred to as "on" herein, each switch 78, 80, 74, 76, 90, and 94 can be configured to form either very high impedance or very low transconductance g. m (For example, impedance exceeding the threshold impedance value or transconductance below the threshold transconductance value). When referred to as "closed" in this document, each switch 78, 80, 74, 76, 90, and 94 can form either a very low impedance or a very high transconductance g. m (For example, impedance exceeding a threshold impedance value or transconductance less than a threshold transconductance value). For example, switches, such as switches 78, 80, 74, 76, 90, and 94, can each be formed using a transistor having a source terminal, a drain terminal, and a gate terminal. Each switch can be closed or “on” by enabling a gate voltage supplied to the gate terminal to provide an electrical connection between its source and drain terminals. Similarly, each switch can be opened or “off” by disabling a gate voltage to provide electrical isolation between its source and drain terminals.

[0090] The above combination Figures 1 to 8 The described methods and operations can be performed by components of device 10 using software, firmware, and / or hardware (e.g., dedicated circuitry or hardware). The software code for performing these operations can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a tangible computer-readable storage medium) stored on one or more components of device 10 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 The storage circuit 16). This software code may sometimes be referred to as software, data, instructions, program instructions, or code. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media may include drives, non-volatile memory such as non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), removable flash drives or other removable media, other types of random access memory, etc. The software stored on the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be processed by processing circuitry on one or more components of device 10 (e.g., Figure 1 The processing circuitry (e.g., 18) performs the execution. The processing circuitry may include a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) with processing circuitry, or other processing circuitry. Figure 1 and Figure 3The components can be implemented using hardware (e.g., circuit components, digital logic gates, etc.) and / or using suitable software.

[0091] According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided, comprising a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna, a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) sensor communicatively coupled to the transmitting antenna, and one or more processors configured to perform spatial ranging operations on external objects located at a distance greater than a threshold distance from the transmitting antenna using the transmitting and receiving antennas, and to use the VSWR sensor to detect external objects located within the threshold distance from the transmitting antenna.

[0092] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a radar circuit communicatively coupled to a transmitting antenna via a transmit path and communicatively coupled to a receiving antenna via a receive path, wherein the VSWR sensor is disposed on the transmit path between the radar circuit and the transmitting antenna.

[0093] According to another embodiment, the radar circuit is configured to transmit radar signals using a transmitting antenna and receive radar signals in a reflective form using a receiving antenna, and the one or more processors are configured to perform spatial ranging operations by processing the radar signals transmitted using the transmitting antenna and the radar signals received using the receiving antenna in a reflective form.

[0094] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a wireless communication transceiver communicatively coupled to a transmitting antenna via a transmission path, the wireless communication transceiver being configured to transmit wireless communication data using the transmitting antenna.

[0095] According to another embodiment, the one or more processors are configured to use a VSWR sensor to detect external objects within a threshold distance from a transmitting antenna by measuring the VSWR value using a radio frequency transmission signal, which includes wireless communication data transmitted by a wireless communication transceiver.

[0096] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a signal generator separate from the wireless communication transceiver and separate from the radar circuitry, the signal generator being configured to generate an radio frequency test signal, and the one or more processors being configured to use a VSWR sensor to detect external objects within a threshold distance from the transmitting antenna by measuring the VSWR value using the radio frequency test signal emitted by the signal generator.

[0097] According to another embodiment, the one or more processors are configured to use a VSWR sensor to detect external objects within a threshold distance from the transmitting antenna by measuring the VSWR value using radar signals emitted by radar circuitry.

[0098] According to another embodiment, the one or more processors are configured to detect external objects using a VSWR sensor in the following manner: measuring a background VSWR value using a VSWR sensor, measuring a real-time VSWR value using a VSWR sensor, and identifying that the external object exists within a threshold distance from the transmitting antenna when the difference between the real-time VSWR value and the background VSWR value exceeds a threshold.

[0099] According to another embodiment, the one or more processors are configured to reduce the transmit power level of the transmit antenna in response to recognizing that an external object is present within a threshold distance from the transmit antenna.

[0100] According to another embodiment, the one or more processors are configured to acquire wireless performance metric data, measure a background VSWR value using a VSWR sensor when the acquired wireless performance metric data is within a predetermined range of the wireless performance metric value, and measure a real-time VSWR value using a VSWR sensor when the acquired wireless performance metric data exceeds the predetermined range of the wireless performance metric value.

[0101] According to another implementation, the wireless performance metric data includes signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) data or received signal strength indication (RSSI) data acquired in response to radio frequency signals received by the receiving antenna.

[0102] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature value when the VSWR sensor measures a real-time VSWR value, and the one or more processors are configured to identify a stored background VSWR value as a background VSWR value, wherein the stored background VSWR value corresponds to a temperature value measured by the temperature sensor.

[0103] According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided, comprising: an antenna configured to transmit a radio frequency (RF) signal; an RF transmission line communicatively coupled to the antenna; a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) sensor disposed along the RF transmission line; and one or more processors configured to acquire wireless performance metric data associated with the electronic device's reception of the RF signal; measure a first VSWR value using the VSWR sensor when the acquired RF performance metric data exceeds a wireless performance metric threshold; measure a second VSWR value using the VSWR sensor when the acquired RF performance metric data is less than the wireless performance metric threshold; and reduce the maximum transmit power level of the RF signal transmitted by the antenna when the difference between the second VSWR value and the first VSWR value exceeds a threshold.

[0104] According to another embodiment, the VSWR sensor includes a directional coupler disposed on an RF transmission line, a forward switch coupled to the directional coupler, a reverse switch coupled to the directional coupler, and a phase and amplitude detector coupled between the forward switch, the reverse switch, and one or more processors; the first VSWR value includes an in-phase quadrature phase (IQ) signal S against background. BG_RW The first VSWR value includes the positive background IQ signal S. BG_FW The first VSWR value includes the on-switch background IQ signal S. BG_OPEN The second VSWR value includes the inverted real-time IQ signal S. RT_RW The second VSWR value includes the positive real-time IQ signal S. RT_FW The second VSWR value includes the real-time IQ signal S of the on / off switch. RT_OPEN And the difference is equal to (S) RT_RW -S RT_OPEN ) / (S RT_FW -S RT_OPEN )–(S BG_RW –S BG_OPEN ) / (S BG_FW –S BG_OPEN ).

[0105] According to another implementation, the VSWR sensor is configured to acquire the background IQ signal S of the open switch when both the forward and reverse switches are open. BG_OPEN and the real-time IQ signal S when the switch is turned on RT_OPEN .

[0106] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes an antenna switch that couples the radio frequency transmission line to an antenna, a grounded matching load, and a matching load switch that couples the radio frequency transmission line to the matching load.

[0107] According to another embodiment, the VSWR sensor includes a directional coupler disposed on an RF transmission line, a forward switch coupled to the directional coupler, a reverse switch coupled to the directional coupler, and a phase and amplitude detector coupled between the forward switch, the reverse switch, and one or more processors; the first VSWR value includes an in-phase quadrature phase (IQ) signal S against background. BG_RW The first VSWR value includes the positive background IQ signal S. BG_FW The first VSWR value includes the on-switch background IQ signal S. BG_OPEN The first VSWR value includes the matched load reverse background IQ signal S. BG_MATCH The second VSWR value includes the inverse real-time IQ signal S. RT_RW The second VSWR value includes the positive real-time IQ signal S. RT_FWThe second VSWR value includes the real-time IQ signal S of the on / off switch. RT_OPEN The second VSWR value includes the matched load reverse real-time IQ signal S. BG_MATCH And the difference is equal to (S) RT_RW -S RT_MATCH ) / (S RT_FW -S RT_OPEN )–(S BG_RW –S BG_MATCH ) / (S BG_FW –S BG_OPEN ).

[0108] According to another implementation, the VSWR sensor is configured to acquire the matched load reverse background IQ signal S when the forward switch is open, the reverse switch is closed, the antenna switch is open, and the matched load switch is closed. BG_MATCH and the reverse real-time IQ signal S of the matched load BG_MATCH .

[0109] According to one embodiment, a method for operating a wireless circuit to perform external object detection is provided, the method comprising transmitting a radar signal with a transmitting antenna, receiving a reflected pattern of the radar signal transmitted by the transmitting antenna with a receiving antenna, identifying, with one or more processors, the distance from the transmitting antenna to an external object farther than the threshold distance from the transmitting antenna based on the reflected pattern of the radar signal transmitted by the transmitting antenna and the radar signal received by the receiving antenna, generating a background VSWR measurement and a real-time VSWR measurement for the transmitting antenna using a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) sensor, and identifying, with one or more processors, that an external object is closer than the threshold distance from the antenna when the difference between the real-time VSWR measurement and the background VSWR measurement exceeds the threshold.

[0110] According to another embodiment, the method includes acquiring wireless performance metric data associated with the reception of radio frequency signals by a receiving antenna using one or more processors, controlling a VSWR sensor with one or more processors to generate a background VSWR measurement for a transmitting antenna when the acquired wireless performance metric data is within a predetermined range of wireless performance metric values, and controlling a VSWR sensor with one or more processors to generate a real-time VSWR measurement for a transmitting antenna when the acquired wireless performance metric data is outside the predetermined range of wireless performance metric values.

[0111] The foregoing description is merely illustrative and various modifications can be made to the described implementation scheme. The described implementation scheme can be implemented independently or in any combination.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: One or more antennas; A sensor communicatively coupled to one or more of the antennas; and One or more processors, the one or more processors being configured to Using radar signals emitted by the one or more antennas and reflected radar signals received by the one or more antennas, external objects larger than a threshold distance from the one or more antennas can be detected. The external object is detected using the sensor and a signal emitted by the one or more antennas that is different from the radar signal, when it is within the threshold distance from the one or more antennas. When the wireless performance metric data associated with the electronic device is within a predetermined range of the wireless performance metric value, the background sensor value is measured using the sensor. When the wireless performance metric data is outside the predetermined range of the wireless performance metric value, the sensor is used to measure the real-time sensor value, and Based on the background sensor value and the real-time sensor value, the external object is detected when it is within the threshold distance from the one or more antennas.

2. The electronic device of claim 1 further includes a radar circuit, the radar circuit being communicatively coupled to the one or more antennas via a transmit path and communicatively coupled to the one or more antennas via a receive path, wherein the sensor is disposed on the transmit path between the radar circuit and the one or more antennas.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, further comprising: A wireless transceiver communicatively coupled to the one or more antennas via the transmission path, wherein the wireless transceiver is configured to transmit wireless communication data using the one or more antennas.

4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the one or more processors are configured to use the sensor to detect the external object within the threshold distance from the one or more antennas in such a way that: Measure the radio frequency transmitted signal, which includes the wireless communication data transmitted by the wireless communication transceiver.

5. The electronic device according to claim 3, further comprising: A signal generator separate from the wireless communication transceiver and separate from the radar circuitry, wherein the signal generator is configured to generate a radio frequency test signal, and wherein the one or more processors are configured to use the sensor to detect the external object within the threshold distance from the one or more antennas by measuring the radio frequency test signal emitted by the signal generator.

6. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the background sensor value includes a background voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) value, and the real-time sensor value includes a real-time VSWR value.

7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: In response to the identification that the external object is within the threshold distance of the one or more antennas, the transmit power level of the one or more antennas is reduced.

8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the wireless performance metric data includes signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) data or received signal strength indication (RSSI) data acquired in response to radio frequency signals received by the one or more antennas.

9. The electronic device according to claim 6, further comprising: A temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature value when the sensor measures the real-time VSWR value, wherein one or more processors are configured to identify a stored background VSWR value as the background voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) value, and wherein the stored background VSWR value corresponds to the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor.

10. An electronic device, comprising: Antenna, the antenna being configured to transmit radio frequency signals; A radio frequency transmission line, which is communicatively coupled to the antenna; A sensor is disposed along the radio frequency transmission line; and One or more processors, the one or more processors being configured to External objects larger than a threshold distance from the antenna are detected using radar signals emitted by the antenna and reflected radar signals received by the antenna. The sensor and a signal emitted by the antenna that differs from the radar signal are used to detect the external object when it is within the threshold distance from the antenna. Collect wireless performance measurement data associated with the electronic device's reception of radio frequency signals. When the collected wireless performance metric data is within the range of the wireless performance metric value, the sensor is used to measure the first sensor value. When the collected wireless performance metric data is outside the range of the wireless performance metric value, the second sensor value is measured using the sensor, and When the difference between the first sensor value and the second sensor value exceeds a threshold, the different antennas are switched to be put into use or the transmission power level of the antennas is reduced.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: The sensor includes a directional coupler disposed on the radio frequency transmission line, a forward switch coupled to the directional coupler, a reverse switch coupled to the directional coupler, and a phase and amplitude detector coupled between the forward switch, the reverse switch, and the one or more processors; The first sensor value includes the in-phase quadrature phase IQ signal S against the background. BG_RW ; The first sensor value includes the positive background IQ signal S BG_FW ; The first sensor value includes the on / off background IQ signal S. BG_OPEN ; The second sensor value includes the inverse real-time IQ signal S. RT_RW ; The second sensor value includes the positive real-time IQ signal S. RT_FW ; The second sensor value includes the real-time IQ signal S when the switch is turned on. RT_OPEN ;and The difference is equal to (S) RT_RW - S RT_OPEN ) / (S RT_FW - S RT_OPEN ) – (S BG_RW – S BG_OPEN ) / (S BG_FW –S BG_OPEN ).

12. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the sensor is configured to acquire the background IQ signal S of the open switch when both the forward switch and the reverse switch are open. BG_OPEN and the real-time IQ signal S of the switch opening RT_OPEN .

13. The electronic device according to claim 10, further comprising: An antenna switch that couples the radio frequency transmission line to the antenna; Matching load, wherein the matching load is grounded; and A matching load switch that couples the radio frequency transmission line to the matching load.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein: The sensor includes a directional coupler disposed on the radio frequency transmission line, a forward switch coupled to the directional coupler, a reverse switch coupled to the directional coupler, and a phase and amplitude detector coupled between the forward switch, the reverse switch, and the one or more processors; The first sensor value includes the in-phase quadrature phase IQ signal S against the background. BG_RW ; The first sensor value includes the positive background IQ signal S BG_FW ; The first sensor value includes the on / off background IQ signal S. BG_OPEN ; The first sensor value includes the matched load reverse background IQ signal S. BG_MATCH ; The second sensor value includes the inverse real-time IQ signal S. RT_RW ; The second sensor value includes the positive real-time IQ signal S. RT_FW ; The second sensor value includes the real-time IQ signal S when the switch is turned on. RT_OPEN ; The second sensor value includes the matched load reverse real-time IQ signal S. BG_MATCH ;and The difference is equal to (S) RT_RW - S RT_MATCH ) / (S RT_FW - S RT_OPEN ) – (S BG_RW – S BG_MATCH ) / (S BG_FW –S BG_OPEN ).

15. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the sensor is configured to acquire the matched load reverse background IQ signal S when the forward switch is open, the reverse switch is closed, the antenna switch is open, and the matched load switch is closed. BG_MATCH The real-time IQ signal S in the opposite direction to the matched load BG_MATCH .

16. A method for operating a wireless circuit to perform external object detection, the method comprising: Transmit radar signals using one or more antennas; Receive reflected radar signals using one or more of the antennas; One or more processors identify the distance from the one or more antennas to an external object that is farther than a threshold distance from the one or more antennas, based on the radar signals transmitted by the one or more antennas and the reflected radar signals received by the one or more antennas. The external object is detected when it is within the threshold distance from the one or more antennas by using sensors and signals that are different from the radar signals emitted by the one or more antennas. The sensor is controlled using the one or more processors to generate a first sensor measurement when wireless performance metric data associated with the reception of radio frequency signals by the one or more antennas is within a predetermined range of wireless performance metric values. The sensor is controlled using the one or more processors to generate a second sensor measurement when the wireless performance metric data is outside a predetermined range of the wireless performance metric value. as well as When the difference between the second sensor measurement and the first sensor measurement exceeds a threshold, the one or more processors identify the external object as being closer to the threshold distance from the one or more antennas.

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