High dynamic range RF power detector

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses a power meter system, method, and apparatus for measuring a power level of a radio frequency ("RF") input signal within a first input power detection range. The power meter includes a signal strength adjuster (SSA) for receiving an RF input signal, adjusting a strength of the RF input signal by an adjustment amount in response to a control signal, and generating an adjusted signal; and a rectifier to rectify the adjusted signal and to generate a rectified signal. The rectifier is limited to rectify within a rectifier input power detection range narrower than the first input power detection range. The rectified signal combined with the adjustment amount is representative of a detected power in the RF input signal. The power meter further includes a controller for controlling the SSA such that the adjusted signal is within a detection range of the rectifier.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the field of wireless communications, and more specifically to the detection of radio frequency signals over a wide power range. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional RF power detectors can use rectifiers with, for example, a 10 dB power detection range. Recent applications require much larger / wider power detection ranges than could be achieved with such traditional detectors. Given these limitations, a typical solution for measuring RF signals over a wide power range involves dividing the power range into segments; using multiple power detectors, each optimized for a discrete, finite power range corresponding to one of these segments; and then combining the final results. However, nonlinearities exist at the boundaries between these power detectors, where the high end of one detector transitions to the low end of the next. Furthermore, using multiple power detectors increases the cost, topology area, and power usage of the solution. Additionally, such solutions typically require extensive calibration. Therefore, there is a need for improved wide power detection range solutions for detecting power levels in RF signals. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In an example embodiment, a power meter is disclosed for measuring the power level of a radio frequency (“RF”) input signal within a first input power detection range. The power meter includes a signal strength adjuster (SSA) for receiving the RF input signal, adjusting the strength of the RF input signal by an adjustment amount in response to a control signal, and generating an adjusted signal. The power meter further includes a rectifier for rectifying the adjusted signal and generating a rectified signal. The rectifier is limited to rectifying within a rectifier input power detection range that is narrower than the first input power detection range. The rectified signal, combined with the adjustment amount, represents the detected power in the RF input signal. The power meter further includes a controller for controlling the SSA using a control signal based on the rectified signal to keep the adjusted signal within the rectifier's detection range.

[0004] In an example embodiment, a wireless communication system is disclosed. The wireless communication system includes a power meter for measuring the power level of a radio frequency (“RF”) input signal. In this example embodiment, the power meter includes: a signal strength adjuster (SSA) for receiving the RF input signal, adjusting the strength of the RF input signal by an adjustment amount in response to a control signal, and generating an adjusted signal; a rectifier for rectifying the adjusted signal and generating a rectified signal representing a detected power in the RF input signal; and a controller for providing the control signal to the SSA based on the rectified signal, such that the adjusted signal is within the detection range of the rectifier.

[0005] In an example embodiment, a method for detecting power in a radio frequency (“RF”) input signal within a detector operating input power range that is greater than the rectifier operating input power range of a single rectifier used in the detector is disclosed. The method includes: receiving the RF input signal at a signal strength conditioner (SSA); receiving at least one control signal at the SSA; adjusting the strength of the RF input signal by an adjustment amount to generate an adjusted signal, wherein the adjustment amount is based on the at least one control signal; rectifying the adjusted signal with a single rectifier to generate a rectified signal; generating at least one control signal at a controller based on the rectified signal to bring the adjusted signal within the detection range of the single rectifier; and generating a power detector output signal representing the power in the RF input signal based on the rectified signal and the adjustment amount made by the SSA. Attached Figure Description

[0006] By referring to the accompanying drawings and reading the following description, those skilled in the art will understand the above and other features of the present invention, wherein:

[0007] Figure 1 A portion of an exemplary power meter according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0008] Figure 2 A portion of another exemplary power meter according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0009] Figure 3 A portion of yet another example power meter according to an example embodiment is shown, the power meter including a discrete attenuator and a controller;

[0010] Figure 4 A method for dynamically detecting the power of an RF input signal over a range larger than that of the rectifier being detected, according to an example embodiment, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0011] While exemplary embodiments have been described in sufficient detail herein to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be implemented and logical electrical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is presented for illustrative purposes only.

[0012] In wireless communication systems or other systems employing radio frequency (“RF”) signals, the power level of a received or transmitted RF signal can be useful relative to the processing or use of the RF signal. These systems may employ one or more conventional power meters that measure or otherwise detect the power level of the RF signal. In many embodiments, these systems are exposed to RF signals with a wide range of power levels, where the operating range of the corresponding power meter may exceed the power detection range of one or more rectifiers in the power meter used to measure the power level of the RF signal. Therefore, conventional power meters may not be able to measure the power level of RF signals exceeding the power detection range of one or more rectifiers without increasing component cost, circuit complexity, etc.

[0013] To overcome these drawbacks, the example embodiments of power meters described herein for use in such systems and their methods of use employ a feedback mechanism to actively adjust the RF input signal to bring it within the power detection range of one or more corresponding rectifiers. By implementing this adjustment of the RF signal, the power meters disclosed herein can generate accurate measurements of the power level of the RF signal within an operating range that would otherwise exceed the power detection range of the rectifier. According to various example embodiments, the feedback mechanism of the power meter effectively increases the operating range of the power meter without altering the power detection range of the rectifier, and therefore, without increasing the power and area consumption of the power detector or the associated costs, compared to conventional power detectors.

[0014] According to various example embodiments, a wireless communication system includes a power meter configured to measure the power level of an RF input signal, wherein the power meter operates over a range greater than that suitable for conventional power meters. In example embodiments, the power level of the RF input signal is greater than a power level limit (i.e., power detection range) of the rectifier being detected. While the power meter described herein is used in wireless communication systems, it can be used in any suitable RF signal application, such as radar systems, cellular transceivers, satellite transceivers, radio signal monitoring systems, etc.

[0015] According to an example embodiment, the power meter includes a signal strength conditioner (“SSA”), a rectifier, and a controller. In the example embodiment, the power meter is configured to measure the power level of an RF input signal within a first input power detection range (i.e., an operating power range) associated with the power meter. In the example embodiment, the first input power detection range is a wide power range that could saturate the rectifier if the power level of the RF input signal is not adjusted to, for example, the power detection range of the rectifier. In the example embodiment, the power meter utilizes feedback to the SSA to adjust the power level of the RF input signal fed into the rectifier. For example, the RF input signal can be fed through an SSA (such as a variable attenuator) that adjusts (e.g., attenuates) the power level of the RF input signal based on feedback to keep it within the power detection range of the rectifier. The power meter is then configured to provide an accurate measurement of the power level of the RF input signal based on a combination of the rectified signal generated by the rectifier and the amount of adjustment applied by the feedback (e.g., the amount of adjustment applied by the SSA).

[0016] More specifically, in an example embodiment, the SSA is configured to receive an RF input signal and adjust the strength (i.e., power level) of the RF input signal to generate an adjusted signal. A rectifier can be configured to receive the adjusted signal and generate a rectified signal, which is provided to a controller, and the controller can be configured to provide a control signal to the SSA. This control signal sent to the SSA may correspond to the feedback described above. In another example embodiment, the controller is a comparator. Furthermore, in another example embodiment, the power meter includes a comparator and a controller. In this example embodiment, the comparator is configured to provide a comparator signal to the controller, and the controller is configured to provide a control signal to the SSA, which can provide different values ​​to the SSA to adjust the RF input signal by different amounts accordingly. Further details are provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In particular, Figures 1 to 3 It is a block diagram that shows a portion or a subset of the relevant components of a complete power meter, without showing or discussing details of various other well-known components of the power meter (which may be present in any practical application of this disclosure and are included herein by way of implicit inclusion).

[0017] According to the example embodiments and reference Figure 1A power meter 100 is disclosed. In this example embodiment, the power meter 100 includes an SSA 110, a rectifier 120, and a controller 130. In the example embodiment, the rectifier 120 is signal-communicatingly connected between the SSA 110 and the controller 130, and the controller 130 is signal-communicatingly connected between the rectifier 120 and the SSA 110. The signal communication between the controller 130 and the SSA 110 may correspond to or serve as a control or feedback signal for the power meter 100. The power meter 100 further includes a power meter signal input 111 that receives an RF input signal for processing and / or monitoring. The power meter 100 further includes a power meter signal output 199 that outputs a measurement or indication of the power level of the RF input signal received at the power meter signal input 111. In an example embodiment, the power meter 100 further includes a processor 180 for generating a power meter output signal at the power meter signal output 199 based on one or more of a combination of an output signal from the rectifier 120, an adjustment amount associated with a feedback signal, etc. Further details are provided below.

[0018] In an example embodiment, SSA 110 is connected to or includes a power meter signal input 111, an SSA control signal input 112, and an SSA signal output 113. SSA 110 can be configured to receive an RF input signal at or from the power meter signal input 111 and a control signal at or from the SSA control signal input 112. The RF input signal can be a wireless communication system signal (such as a transceiver input / output signal), a signal indicating a circuit power level, a noise signal, a signal generated by a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), a monitoring radio signal (e.g., as used in radio astronomy), or any other raw or processed RF signal.

[0019] In some embodiments, a control signal instructs the SSA 110 of an adjustment amount applied to the RF input signal. More specifically, the control signal may provide the SSA 110 with a value indicating the adjustment amount, or the SSA 110 may interpret this value to determine the adjustment amount applied to the RF input signal by the SSA 110. The adjustment amount may correspond to an amount of adjustment (e.g., attenuation or gain) applied to the RF input signal such that the power level or signal strength of the RF input signal is within or closer to the power detection range of the rectifier 120. The SSA 110 may be further configured to adjust the power level of the RF input signal by an adjustment amount or based on the adjustment amount in response to the control signal, and generate an adjusted signal at the SSA signal output 113. In one example embodiment, the SSA 110 is an attenuator, such as a variable attenuator. In such embodiments, the SSA 110 may therefore be configured to reduce the power in the RF input signal by a variable or fixed amount. As described above, when generating the adjusted signal, the amount of reduction can be indicated or identified based on a control signal. In another example embodiment, SSA 110 is a gain amplifier, such as a variable gain amplifier. In some such embodiments, SSA 110 can be configured to increase the power in the RF input signal by a variable or fixed amount, wherein the amount of increase can be indicated or identified based on a control signal. In some embodiments, SSA 110 is a fixed gain amplifier configured to increase the power in the RF input signal by a fixed amount, wherein the amount of increase may be independent of or based on a control signal but on a predetermined value, function, etc. Furthermore, SSA 110 can be any means suitable for reducing or increasing the gain of the RF input signal by a desired (fixed or variable) adjustment amount, and thus reducing or increasing the power level of the RF input signal.

[0020] In some embodiments, the desired adjustment amount is determined or selected based on the power detection range of rectifier 120. For example, the desired adjustment amount may correspond to an amount suitable for causing the adjusted signal generated by SSA 110 to have a power level within or closer to the power detection range of rectifier 120. For example, the desired adjustment amount may be determined based on rectifier 120 output exceeding one or more thresholds. Alternatively, the desired adjustment amount may be determined based on prediction, estimation, lookup tables, etc., configured to adjust the power level of the RF input signal to be within or closer to the detection range of rectifier 120. Thus, the adjustment amount received by SSA 110 via a control signal enables SSA 110 to generate an adjusted signal having a power level within or closer to the power detection range of rectifier 120 compared to an unadjusted RF input signal. In some embodiments, SSA 110 may generate an adjusted signal without actually adjusting the RF input signal when the control signal indicates that adjustment is not required.

[0021] In an example embodiment, rectifier 120 is configured to receive a regulated signal from SSA signal output 113, rectify the regulated signal, and generate a rectified signal at rectifier output 123. This rectified signal can indicate or represent the power level of the regulated signal and thus the power level of the RF input signal. In the example embodiment, rectifier 120 generates a DC voltage as the rectified signal that is proportional to the power level of the regulated signal at SSA signal output 113. In other words, the rectified signal can represent the detected power in the regulated signal.

[0022] In the example embodiment, the rectified signal from rectifier 120, combined with the adjustment amount, represents the detected power in the RF input signal, as further described below.

[0023] As discussed above, in the example embodiment, rectifier 120 is limited to rectifying the conditioned signal over or within a rectifier power detection range that is narrower than the first input power detection range of power meter 100. Therefore, when the first input power detection range is the operating input power range within which power meter 100 can reliably detect the power level in the RF input signal and the rectifier detection range is the rectifier operating input power range within which rectifier 120 can reliably detect and rectify the power in the RF input signal power, the operating input power range of power meter 100 can be greater than the rectifier operating input power range of a single rectifier 120 of power meter 100. In the example embodiment, the operating input power range of power meter 100 is greater than 40 dB and the rectifier operating input power range of a single rectifier 120 of power meter 100 is less than or equal to 10 dB. Furthermore, in the example embodiment, the first input power range is at least twice the rectifier input power range. The variance between the first input power detection range of power meter 100 and the rectifier power detection range may vary depending on the application. For example, the first input power detection range of power meter 100 may be many times larger than the rectifier power detection range or rectifier operating input power of rectifier 120 (e.g., 10 times, 100 times, 1000 times, etc.), or the first input power detection range of power meter 100 may be slightly larger than the rectifier power detection range or rectifier operating input power of rectifier 120 (e.g., 10%, 50%, 100%, 200%, etc.). In an example embodiment, the operating input power range of the power meter is greater than 20 dB, and the operating input power range of a single rectifier of the power meter is less than 10 dB. Therefore, without the feedback discussed herein, when the power level of the measured power meter signal input is within the operating input power range of the power meter 100 but outside the rectifier operating input power range of the rectifier 120, the power meter 100 may not be able to provide a reliable output in the event of rectifier 120 saturation.

[0024] In an example embodiment, controller 130 is configured to receive a rectified signal representing the detected power in the adjusted signal from rectifier output 123. In another example embodiment, controller 130 is further configured to compare the rectified signal with a predetermined threshold and generate a control signal at controller output 133. For example, controller 130 may include an operational amplifier or other component configured to compare the rectified signal with a threshold level and generate a control signal indicating whether the rectified signal is below or above the threshold level.

[0025] Therefore, the control signal can indicate whether the regulated signal provided to rectifier 120 can be reliably measured by rectifier 120. For example, controller 130 can generate a control signal to indicate whether the signal strength of the regulated signal generated by SSA 110 is within the power detection range of rectifier 120. In other words, controller 130 can generate a feedback signal to cause power meter 100 to generate a rectified signal at rectifier output 123 that is within a predetermined or defined range (e.g., within the power detection range of rectifier 120). In the example embodiment, the control signal is a voltage level or current level or otherwise indicates the value of the power level adjustment applied to the RF input signal by SSA 110.

[0026] In some embodiments, a predetermined threshold corresponds to, for example, an expected value or range of power levels, which the rectified signal will be compared to. The predetermined threshold may include or correspond to one or more of the power detection range of rectifier 120, a predetermined or expected power range, etc., wherein any of them may be stored in or retrieved from memory or local storage, received or retrieved from rectifier 120, received from user interface, etc.

[0027] Therefore, the power meter 100 may include a control or feedback loop 101, wherein the controller 130 provides feedback (e.g., in the form of a control signal) to the SSA 110 based on the rectified signal from the rectifier 120, and the SSA 110 uses the feedback to control the amount of adjustment applied by the SSA 110 to the RF input signal such that the adjusted signal provided to the rectifier 120 is within the power detection range of the rectifier 120.

[0028] Compared to conventional power meter topologies used for wide power range sensing, and according to the various example embodiments described herein, power meter 100 may not include parallel or cascaded rectifiers. Instead, in the various example embodiments, power meter 100 may include only a single rectifier 120.

[0029] As described above, in the example embodiment, the power meter 100 includes a processor 180 configured to generate a power meter output signal at a power meter signal output 199, the power meter output signal representing or indicating the detected power in the RF input signal detected by the power meter 100. In the example embodiment, the power meter 100 is capable of generating the power meter output signal without the need for rectifier alignment and / or calibration of the alignment of multiple rectifiers.

[0030] In one example embodiment, the power meter output signal includes or corresponds to the rectified signal at rectifier output 123 in conjunction with a control signal at controller output 133. In another example embodiment, processor 180 can inversely calculate (or otherwise determine) the power level of the RF input signal based on the rectified signal indicating the power level of the rectified signal and an adjustment amount of a control signal indicating how to adjust the original RF input signal to obtain the rectified signal. The combination of the adjustment amount and the power level of the rectified signal determines the power level of the RF input signal. For example, processor 180 can receive the control signal and determine the amount of power compensated by the adjustment applied by SSA 110, and add that power amount to the power level indicated by the rectified signal to calculate the power level of the RF input signal. In some embodiments, such as when controller 130 includes a high-gain comparator, processor 180 can determine (and the power meter output signal can therefore indicate) the detected power level of the RF input signal based on the comparator signal without receiving or using the rectified signal.

[0031] In some embodiments described in this application, control loop 101 is depicted in the context of a digital control loop. However, other embodiments may also include analog control loops that are functionally similar to the digital control loops described herein. For example, Figure 1 The disclosed embodiments can be implemented as analog control loops, such as through a controller 130 having feedback directly to the SSA 110 (as a variable attenuator or variable gain amplifier), wherein the controller 130 feedback indicates the amount of adjustment applied at the SSA 110, etc. In the analog control loop embodiments, any stability issues can be addressed by allowing an increase in settling time. For example, when the power meter 100 does not include any components between the controller 130 and the SSA 110, the controller 130, including a comparator, can generate a control signal as a true analog output signal. Alternatively, in a power meter including a feedback controller / comparator, the comparator can provide a digital comparator signal to the feedback controller, which can generate the control signal as either an analog or digital signal.

[0032] As described above, in some embodiments, SSA 110 receives a control signal from controller 130 and uses the control signal to identify or control the amount of adjustment applied to the RF input signal by SSA 110. For example, when the control signal is a digital control signal, SSA 110 may change the amount of adjustment applied to the RF input signal when the control signal value is "0" and maintain the applied adjustment amount when the value is "1". In some embodiments, the control signal is an analog control signal indicating one or more of the amount of adjustment previously applied to the RF input signal by SSA 110 (e.g., in a previous iteration), the amount of adjustment applied to the RF input signal by SSA 110 (e.g., in a subsequent iteration), etc. For example, SSA 110 may not apply any adjustment to the RF input signal in the first iteration. Accordingly, when the adjusted signal exceeds the rectifier operating input power range (e.g., according to a binary search or similar algorithm), controller 130 may generate an analog control signal indicating that SSA 110 should apply half of the maximum adjustment amount of SSA 110. More specifically, the analog control signal can identify the amount of adjustment applied to the RF input signal by the SSA 110, thereby indicating a value equal to half of the maximum adjustment of the SSA 110 (or the maximum available subsequent adjustment amount), or a value that the SSA 110 identifies as instructing it to apply half of its maximum adjustment to the RF input signal. Therefore, the SSA 110 can receive the analog control signal to apply an appropriate amount of adjustment to the RF input signal.

[0033] In some embodiments, the SSA 110 includes processing components or similar components that enable the SSA 110 to interpret analog or digital control signals and accordingly identify the amount of adjustment applied to the RF input signal. For example, when the SSA 110 receives a digital control signal with a value of "0", the SSA 110 with processing components can change the amount of adjustment applied to the RF input signal according to one or more of a binary search algorithm, iterative adjustment, etc. Alternatively, the SSA 110 may simply react to the analog or digital control signal without performing any processing. For example, such an SSA 110 receives an analog control signal indicating the amount of adjustment applied to the RF input signal, and the SSA 110 can accordingly activate appropriate components (e.g., activate a corresponding attenuator as indicated or determined by an analog control signal from a controller, examples of which refer to...). Figure 3 (As provided below). Similarly, when the digital control signal is used by the circuit without any actual processing of the digital control signal, the SSA can incrementally increase the adjustment applied to the RF input signal by responding to a digital control signal with a value of "0".

[0034] In some embodiments, controller 130 controls the attenuation amount via SSA 110 using a control signal. For example, if controller 130 includes a comparator, the comparator signal may indicate that the adjusted signal from SSA 110 is within the power detection range of rectifier 120, and the feedback controller may provide a control signal based on the comparator signal that causes SSA 110 not to change the amount of adjustment (e.g., attenuation or amplification) applied to the RF input signal by SSA 110. On the other hand, if the comparator signal indicates that the adjusted signal from SSA 110 is not within the power detection range of rectifier 120, the comparator of controller 130 is configured to provide a comparator signal to a feedback controller that generates a control signal that causes SSA 110 to adjust (e.g., iteratively adjust) the amount of adjustment applied to the RF input signal by SSA 110 such that the adjusted signal is within the power detection range of rectifier 120 (or closer to the power detection range of rectifier 120). As described above, the control signal can indicate to the SSA 110 one or more of the adjustment amount to be applied, the adjustment required, etc.

[0035] In an example embodiment, controller 130 includes a state machine, such as a successive approximation register (“SAR”) state machine, a counter, etc. In this example embodiment, the state machine controls the attenuation amount via SSA 110 using a control signal. In this example embodiment, the state machine may have: a first state in which the state machine causes controller 130 to generate a control signal that causes SSA 110 to not change the adjustment amount; and a second state in which the state machine causes controller 130 to generate a control signal that causes SSA 110 to change the adjustment amount. The state machine may be configured to change between the first state and the second state based on whether the adjusted signal from SSA 110 is within the detection range of rectifier 120.

[0036] For example, in the case where controller 130 includes a comparator and a state machine, when the comparator signal from the comparator indicates that the regulated signal from SSA 110 is within the power detection range of rectifier 120, the state machine does not change its state and the state machine prevents the control signal generated by controller 130 from changing, thereby preventing SSA 110 from changing the amount of regulation (e.g., attenuation or amplification) applied to the RF input signal by SSA 110. On the other hand, if the comparator signal indicates that the regulated signal is not within the power detection range of rectifier 120, the state machine is configured to change its state. In the new state, controller 130 outputs a control signal that causes SSA 110 to change its regulation amount. After SSA 110 has changed its regulation amount, the rectified signal is checked again to determine whether the regulated signal is now within the power detection range of rectifier 120. If the adjusted signal is not yet within the power detection range of rectifier 120, the process can be repeated until the adjusted signal is within the power detection range of rectifier 120. At this point, the state machine changes state again to prevent further changes to the adjustment amount. By changing the state, controller 130 can use control signals to adjust (e.g., iteratively adjust) the adjustment amount applied to the RF input signal by SSA 110 so that the adjusted signal is within the power detection range of rectifier 120.

[0037] In this example embodiment, the state machine is configured to change its state based on a comparator signal by generating a state machine control signal suitable for causing the SSA 110 to adequately attenuate or amplify the RF input signal to ultimately bring the adjusted signal within the power detection range of the rectifier 120. For example, the state machine may have at least a "non-saturated" state and a "saturated" state. When the comparator signal indicates that the SSA 110 needs further adjustment, if the state machine is currently in the "saturated" state, it can return to or maintain the saturated state, whereby the state machine generates control signals to adjust the SSA 110. If the state machine is in the non-saturated state and the comparator signal indicates that the SSA 110 needs adjustment, the state machine can change its state to the saturated state to provide appropriate control signals. On the other hand, if the comparator signal indicates that no further adjustment is needed and the state machine is in a saturated state, the state machine can change from a saturated state to a non-saturated state. In this state, the state machine generates a control signal that prevents the SSA110 from making further adjustments. If the state machine is already in a non-saturated state, the state machine can simply return to or maintain that state.

[0038] In other example embodiments, the state machine may employ additional states, such as those leading to different amounts of adjustment in different states. Furthermore, the state machine may be configured to use an iterative adjustment method. In this embodiment, the state machine includes a state configured to generate a control signal that incrementally adjusts the SSA 110 attenuation or amplification of the RF input signal.

[0039] In one example embodiment and now referred to Figure 2 The disclosure includes a portion of a power meter, which comprises a power meter (such as...) Figure 1 Example control or feedback loop 201 for power meter 100. Figure 2 Components such as those outputting the power signal are not shown. In an example embodiment, the feedback loop 201 of the power meter includes an SSA 210 (similar to SSA 110), a rectifier 220 (similar to rectifier 120), and a controller 230. In this example embodiment, the controller 230 includes or corresponds to a comparator 231 and a feedback controller 232. In this example embodiment, the comparator 231 can determine whether the rectified signal is within a expected range (e.g., the rectifier power detection range) and generate a comparator signal that similarly indicates the corresponding binary (e.g., "1" when within the expected range and "0" when not within the expected range) to the feedback controller 232. For example, the power level of the rectified signal corresponding to the sustained or repeated maximum power output of the rectifier 220 can indicate that the adjusted signal at the output of the SSA 210 exceeds the expected range of the rectifier 220. Therefore, upon receiving the rectified signal, comparator 231 of controller 230 can determine that the rectified signal is outside the expected range of rectifier 220 and generate a comparator signal with a binary value of "0". In some embodiments, comparator 231 can generate a comparator signal with a variable or analog value indicating, for example, the difference between the expected range and the power level of the rectified signal, or the amount of adjustment to be applied at SSA 210. Comparator 231 can provide the comparator signal to feedback controller 232, which provides feedback to SSA 210 via a control signal. In an example embodiment, when the feedback is a variable value, the feedback can indicate one or more of the following: the amount of adjustment applied to the RF input signal by SSA 210, the number of times or cycles the rectified signal has exceeded the expected range, the number of adjustment steps applied to the RF input signal by SSA 210, etc. Therefore, SSA 210 can be configured to apply appropriate power adjustment to the RF input signal based on the value of the control signal. Therefore, when the comparator signal has a variable value, the SSA 210 can use a feedback control signal to adjust the RF input signal to generate an adjusted signal within the power detection range of the rectifier 220.

[0040] For example, when SSA 210 is a variable gain amplifier and the control signal indicates an adjustment amount, SSA 210 can apply the indicated adjustment amount to the RF input signal to generate a corresponding adjusted signal within the power detection range of rectifier 220. Alternatively, when SSA 210 is a variable attenuator and the comparator signal only indicates that the power level of the rectified signal is outside the power detection range of rectifier 220 (e.g., as a binary value), SSA 210 can increase the attenuation applied to the RF input signal to generate a corresponding adjusted signal. Such adjustments can be repeated iteratively until SSA 210 generates an adjusted signal within the power detection range of rectifier 220.

[0041] The control loop 201 may further include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 250 for receiving a digital signal from the controller 230, converting the digital signal into an analog signal, and providing an analog control signal to the SSA 210 at a control signal input, where the SSA 210 is intended to receive the analog control signal. The use of the DAC can facilitate variable attenuation or variable amplification in the SSA 210, where the feedback controller 232 provides one or more digital signals, and the DAC 250 converts these one or more digital signals into control signals. The one or more digital signals may indicate various aspects of the feedback discussed above. In one example embodiment, the SSA 210 is a variable attenuator, and the DAC 250 is configured to provide a control signal to the variable attenuator based on an input received from the controller 230 for controlling the amount of attenuation of the RF input signal. In another example embodiment, the SSA 210 is a variable gain amplifier, and the DAC 250 is configured to provide a control signal to the variable gain amplifier for controlling the amount of amplification of the RF input signal.

[0042] In another example embodiment (not shown), loop 201 includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). In this example embodiment, the signal generated by the controller may have a bit length (e.g., number of bits), which can be determined by dividing the range of the RF input signal to be detected (e.g., the operating input power range of the power meter) by the detection or rectifier step size within that range (e.g., the rectifier operating input power range). For example, a 3-bit control signal with a 0-35 dB range (e.g., capable of receiving RF input signals in the 0-35 dB range) and a rectifier step size of 5 dB can be used for 7 available steps. Thus, the value of this control signal can indicate the amount of adjustment to the RF input signal that will cause the adjusted signal to fall within the rectifier operating input power range. In some embodiments, the control signal may transmit one or more of the most significant bit (MSB) or least significant bit (LSB) of the bit length to the SSA, which can use it to change the adjustment applied to the RF input signal, etc.

[0043] Now for reference Figure 3 In the example embodiment, a portion of a power meter is shown, illustrating an example feedback loop 301 of the power meter. For example, Figure 3 The component for output signal power output is not shown. In an example embodiment, the control or feedback loop 301 of the power meter (such as power meter 100) includes an SSA 310 (similar to SSA 110) comprising any suitable number of discrete attenuators 310a-310n, a rectifier 320 (similar to rectifier 120), a comparator 340 (similar to comparator 231), and a controller 330 (similar to feedback controller 232). In this example embodiment, each of the discrete attenuators 310a-310n can be configured to provide a discrete attenuation amount different from the discrete attenuation amounts of the other discrete attenuators. In some embodiments, the discrete attenuators are active when attenuation is added (e.g., applying 16 dB attenuation when discrete attenuator 310a is active) and inactive when no attenuation is added (e.g., applying 0 dB from discrete attenuator 310a when discrete attenuator 310a is inactive). In an example embodiment, controller 330 controls when each of the discrete attenuators 310a-310n will attenuate the RF input signal.

[0044] exist Figure 3In an example embodiment not shown, each discrete attenuator of the SSA 310 provides the same amount of attenuation. For example, each of the discrete attenuators 310a-310n may provide 1 dB of attenuation, such that when the controller 330 instructs the application of 4 dB of attenuation, all four discrete attenuators 310a-310n will be activated. The controller 330 is configured to generate digital signals to control the SSA 310, activating / deactivating the discrete attenuators 310a-310n individually as needed to achieve the desired attenuation.

[0045] According to another example embodiment, controller 330 employs a "thermometer" or similar algorithm that selectively activates discrete attenuators 310a-310n to provide a gradual change in attenuation via SSA 310, and can be configured to determine which(s) discrete attenuators are best suited for activation / deactivation. For example, via a temperature calculation method, controller 330 can first activate the first discrete attenuator 310a, and then (if needed) activate the second discrete attenuator 310b combined with the first discrete attenuator 310a, and then activate the third discrete attenuator 310c combined with the first and second discrete attenuators 310a and 310b. This temperature calculation method enables SSA 310 to incrementally increase the attenuation by 1dB each time when each of the discrete attenuators 310a-310n introduces the same amount of attenuation (e.g., each provides 1dB of attenuation). In some embodiments, when the discrete attenuators provide different amounts of attenuation (e.g., ... Figure 3 As shown), controller 330 can employ a temperature calculation method, but provides a similar function of incremental attenuation increase in different increments. For example, controller 330 can incrementally increase the attenuation applied by SSA310 starting from the smallest discrete attenuator (e.g., 1 / 8dB attenuator), then switch to a 1 / 4dB attenuator, then turn on the 1 / 8 and 1 / 4dB attenuators to provide 3 / 8dB attenuation, and so on.

[0046] Alternatively, controller 330 may employ a successive approximation algorithm, in which controller 330 uses stepwise or iterative steps to optimally approximate a change. More specifically, controller 330 employing a successive approximation algorithm involves using comparator 340 and controller 330 at each step to determine whether the power level of the rectified signal is higher or lower than a predetermined threshold, and controller 330 iterates the attenuation applied by SSA 310 to bring the rectified signal power level closer to the predetermined threshold. For example, for Figure 3The discrete attenuator shown, employing a successive approximation algorithm, allows the controller 330 to first activate a discrete attenuator 310a with 16dB attenuation. The controller 330 then determines, based on a comparison of the rectified signal obtained via comparator 340 with a predetermined threshold, whether to increase attenuation by activating an 8dB discrete attenuator 310b combined with the 16dB discrete attenuator 310a if additional attenuation is required, or to decrease attenuation by activating the 8dB discrete attenuator 310b without activating the 16dB discrete attenuator 310a. If the controller activates the 8dB discrete attenuator 310b without activating the 16dB discrete attenuator 310a, the controller 330 can then determine, based on a comparison of the rectified signal obtained via comparator 340 with a predetermined threshold, whether to increase attenuation by activating a 4dB discrete attenuator 310c combined with the 8dB discrete attenuator 310b if additional attenuation is required, or to decrease attenuation by activating the 4dB discrete attenuator 310c without activating the 8dB discrete attenuator 310b. In some embodiments, a successive approximation algorithm can produce attenuation faster than temperature-based calculations, bringing the RF input signal power level within the power detection range of rectifier 320. In some embodiments, controller 330 can be configured to control attenuation via a successive approximation-based binary search. In this example embodiment, system 300 can, for example, set SSA 310 at an intermediate point and use controller 330 to determine whether to increase or decrease the signal strength. In this example, it can start at 50%, determine it is too low, gradually increase to 75%, determine it is too high, set it to 62.5%, and continue iterating in this manner to reach the appropriate amount of adjustment. Other methods, such as a sweep method, can also be used, where the adjustment starts from a value (such as zero) and increases or decreases linearly, exponentially, or otherwise until the adjusted signal is within the power detection range of rectifier 320. Any suitable control method can be implemented that adjusts the RF input power level to suit rectifier 320. In another example embodiment, comparator 340 may be a multi-stage comparator (e.g., a flash ADC), and controller 330 may receive the output from the multi-stage comparator 340 and control SSA 310 as described above. In this example embodiment, the power meter output signal may be based on a combination of the rectifier output and an attenuation applied by the corresponding ADC output.

[0047] In one example embodiment, the controller is configured to generate multiple digital signals for controlling the SSA, such as Figure 2 The feedback controller 232. In such example embodiments, multiple digital signals can be directly provided to the SSA, and more specifically, to the respective discrete attenuators among the multiple discrete attenuators, for switching the respective discrete attenuators among the multiple discrete attenuators between an on state and an off state.

[0048] According to the example embodiment, and now referring to Figure 4 A method 400 for detecting power in a radio frequency (“RF”) input signal is disclosed. Method 400 may include additional aspects and / or subsets of the described and illustrated aspects. Method 400 may be adapted to detect power in the RF input signal within a power detector operating input power range greater than the rectifier operating input power range of a single rectifier used in the power detector. In one example embodiment, the method includes: (410) receiving the RF input signal at an SSA (such as one of SSA 110 or SSA 310). Method 400 may further include: (420) receiving at the SSA (e.g., from a controller 130). The at least one control signal may instruct the SSA of an adjustment amount applied to the RF input signal. In some embodiments, the at least one control signal may include a default value instructing the SSA not to adjust the RF input signal during the first iteration through the power meter and / or when the SSA first receives the RF input signal. In some embodiments, the default value may include any value indicating an initial adjustment amount applied to the RF input signal during the initial iteration through the power meter.

[0049] Method 400 may further include: (430) adjusting the signal strength of the RF input signal by an adjustment amount to generate an adjusted signal. As described above, the adjustment amount may be based on at least one control signal. In another example embodiment, the at least one control signal may be based on a comparator signal from a comparator receiving the adjusted signal.

[0050] In an example embodiment, method 400 further includes: (440) rectifying the adjusted signal with a single rectifier (such as rectifier 120 or rectifier 320) to generate a rectified signal.

[0051] Method 400 further includes: (450) receiving the rectified signal at a controller (such as one of controller 130 or 330) and generating at the controller at at least one control signal based on the rectified signal. In an example embodiment, the at least one control signal may be a feedback signal configured to cause the SSA to adjust the RF input signal by an adjustment amount so that the rectified signal is within the power detection range of the rectifier.

[0052] In one example embodiment, the controller optionally includes a comparator for comparing the rectified signal with a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, as discussed above, the predetermined threshold may include one or more values ​​stored and / or obtained from memory, the rectifier, a user interface, etc. In various example embodiments, the predetermined threshold is stored as part of the power meter in local memory, a remote server, etc. In various embodiments, the predetermined threshold may be a set reference voltage level that is adjustable or permanently set, hardwired to the controller, or stored in memory. In an example embodiment, the comparator generates a control signal. In another example embodiment, the comparator generates a comparator output signal that is provided to the feedback controller that generates the control signal. The control signal may be configured to cause the SSA to adjust the power level in the RF input signal. In an example embodiment, the method loops back to (420) to adjust the signal strength of the RF input signal with an adjustment amount controlled by the control signal during iteration. This loop may be repeated until the SSA has adjusted the RF input signal power (attenuation or amplification) sufficiently to satisfy the predetermined threshold (i.e., sufficient to be within the power detection range of the rectifier). In another example embodiment, the comparator provides an input (e.g., a comparator output) to the controller indicating whether the attenuated signal is within the detection range of the single rectifier, and the controller is configured to change the state of the digital-to-analog converter (“DAC”) such that the SSA continues to iteratively adjust the adjustment amount until the adjusted signal is within the detection range of the single rectifier.

[0053] Once the controller has commanded the SSA to adequately adjust the power in the RF input signal, the method 400 may include: (460) generating a power detector output signal at a processor (such as processor 180) representing the power in the RF input signal based on a rectified signal. The power detector output signal may be generated based on one or more of the following: a combination of a rectified signal and an amount adjusted by the controller (e.g., at least one control signal) of the RF input signal, a rectified signal, an adjusted amount, etc.

[0054] In one example embodiment, as discussed above, the SSA is a variable attenuator, and the strength of the RF input signal is adjusted by an adjustment amount including adjusting the attenuation of the RF input signal by successive approximation (binary search) until the power at the output of the variable attenuator reaches the threshold of the rectifier.

[0055] In another example embodiment, successive approximation attenuation is used for attenuation. In another example embodiment, the SSA is a variable gain amplifier, and adjusting the strength of the RF input signal by an adjustment amount includes adjusting the gain of the RF input signal.

[0056] According to various example embodiments, the power meter can be configured to report attenuation or amplification (and / or detected input power) to a remote system, store the information in a database, or use it for other purposes.

[0057] According to various example embodiments, the ability of a power meter to detect a wide range of power levels makes it possible to use the same power meter in many different applications. Furthermore, the power meter may be useful in applications where the power level of the RF input signal to be detected may change at any time.

[0058] Benefits, other advantages, and problem solutions have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, problem solutions, and any elements that may lead to or make more apparent any benefit, advantage, or solution should not be construed as critical, essential, or necessary features or elements of any or all claims. As used herein, the term "includes / including / comprises / comprising" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to the process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, unless expressly described as "essential" or "critical," the elements described herein are not essential for the practice of the invention.

Claims

1. A power meter for measuring the power level of a radio frequency ("RF") input signal within a first input power detection range, the power meter comprising: A signal strength conditioner (SSA) for receiving radio frequency ("RF") input signals. In response to a control signal, the intensity of the RF input signal is adjusted by an adjustment amount, and an adjusted signal is generated; A rectifier for rectifying the adjusted signal and generating a rectified signal, wherein the rectifier is limited to rectifying within a rectifier input power detection range that is narrower than the first input power detection range, wherein the rectified signal in conjunction with the adjustment amount represents the detected power in the RF input signal; as well as A controller is configured to control the SSA using a control signal based on the rectified signal, such that the adjusted signal is within the detection range of the rectifier.

2. The power meter of claim 1, wherein the first input power detection range is a power range within which the power meter can detect power in the RF input signal, and wherein the rectifier input power detection range is an operating input power range within which the rectifier can reliably detect power in the signal input to the rectifier, and wherein the first input power detection range is at least twice the rectifier input power range.

3. The power meter according to claim 1, wherein the SSA is an attenuator or an amplifier.

4. The power meter according to claim 1, wherein the SSA is a variable attenuator, and the power meter further comprises: A digital-to-analog converter ("DAC") is used to receive the control signal from the controller and to provide an analog control signal to the variable attenuator that controls the attenuation of the RF input signal.

5. The power meter of claim 1, wherein the SSA comprises a series of discrete attenuators, each of the series of discrete attenuators being configured to provide a discrete attenuation amount, and wherein the controller controls when each of the discrete attenuators will attenuate the RF input signal.

6. The power meter of claim 1, wherein the SSA is a variable gain amplifier that adjusts the RF input signal based on a control signal from the digital-to-analog converter, and wherein the control signal is based on at least one signal from the controller.

7. The power meter of claim 1, wherein the controller controls attenuation by successive approximation based on binary search.

8. The power meter of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to generate a plurality of digital signals for controlling the SSA, wherein the plurality of digital signals are provided to a respective discrete attenuator among a plurality of discrete attenuators for switching the respective discrete attenuator among the plurality of discrete attenuators between an on state and an off state.

9. The power meter of claim 1, wherein the controller further comprises a comparator for comparing the rectified signal with a predetermined threshold and for generating a comparator signal indicating whether the rectified signal is within the detection range of the rectifier, and wherein the control signal is based on the comparator signal.

10. A wireless communication system, comprising: A power meter for measuring the power level of a radio frequency ("RF") input signal, the power meter comprising: A signal strength adjuster (SSA) is used to receive a radio frequency ("RF") input signal, to adjust the strength of the RF input signal by an adjustment amount in response to a control signal, and to generate an adjusted signal; A rectifier, wherein the rectifier is used to rectify the adjusted signal and generate a rectified signal representing the detected power in the RF input signal; and A controller is configured to provide the control signal to the SSA based on the rectified signal, so that the regulated signal is within the detection range of the rectifier.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the power meter does not include a parallel rectifier or a cascaded rectifier.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the power meter comprises a single rectifier.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the system is configured to generate a power meter output signal representing the detected power in the RF input signal without requiring rectifier alignment or calibration of the alignment of a plurality of rectifiers.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the operating input power range of the power meter is greater than the operating input power range of the individual rectifier of the power meter.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein the controller further includes a comparator for comparing the rectified signal with a predetermined threshold and for generating a comparator signal indicating whether the rectified signal is within the detection range of the rectifier, and wherein the control signal is based on the comparator signal.

16. A method for detecting power in a radio frequency ("RF") input signal within a detector operating input power range, said detector operating input power range being greater than the rectifier operating input power range of a single rectifier used in the detector, the method comprising: Receive RF input signals at the signal strength conditioner (SSA); At least one control signal is received at the SSA; The intensity of the RF input signal is adjusted by an adjustment amount to generate an adjusted signal, wherein the adjustment amount is based on the at least one control signal; The adjusted signal is rectified using a single rectifier to generate a rectified signal; At the controller, at least one control signal based on the rectified signal is generated so that the adjusted signal is within the detection range of the single rectifier; as well as A power detector output signal representing the power in the RF input signal is generated based on the rectified signal and the amount of adjustment made by the SSA.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising comparing the rectified signal with a predetermined threshold using a comparator to generate a comparator signal, wherein the at least one control signal is based on the comparator signal.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the SSA is a variable attenuator, and wherein adjusting the intensity of the RF input signal by the adjustment amount comprises adjusting the attenuation of the RF input signal by successive approximation (binary search) until the power at the output of the variable attenuator reaches the threshold of the single rectifier.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the power detector output signal is based on the sum of the rectified signal and the adjustment amount; and wherein the comparator provides the comparator signal indicating whether the attenuated signal is within the detection range of the single rectifier, and wherein the controller is configured to change the state of the digital-to-analog converter ("DAC") such that the SSA continues to iteratively adjust the adjustment amount until the adjusted signal is within the detection range of the single rectifier.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the attenuation is performed using successive approximation attenuation.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein the SSA is a variable gain amplifier, and wherein adjusting the intensity of the RF input signal by the adjustment amount includes adjusting the gain of the RF input signal.

Images