System and method for antenna power monitoring

Abstract

A power monitoring system is disclosed, configured to be secured to a base station tower having a transmitting antenna, the power monitoring system proximate the transmitting antenna to capture power from the antenna side and back lobes. The power monitoring system has its own receiving antenna to capture the RF power from the transmitting antenna, an RF sensor to detect the RF power, and a control apparatus to convert the RF power to a signal to be transmitted to a remote server. The signal may include information about the transmitting antenna and / or the power monitoring system itself. A method is also disclosed to monitor the RF power of the transmitting antenna using a power monitoring system by placing said system in the side / back lobes of the transmitting antenna, sensing the RF power and transmitting a signal remotely, the signal containing information about the transmitting antenna and system.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANTENNA POWER MONITORING

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The disclosure relates to the field of power monitoring, and more specifically to an external power monitoring system and method of monitoring RF power for use with transmitting antennas .

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Wireless communications, such as those by cellular telephones have increased drastically over the last several decades . Today, cellular base stations have at least one transmitting antenna and work collectively to form national and worldwide cellular networks .

[0006] As is known, the transmitting antennas positioned on these base stations emit radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields, as is otherwise termed RF energy or radio waves . These radio waves, or RF energy, are illustrated in the form of beam patterns, which typically are comprised of a main lobe, side lobes and back lobe . The beam patterns are typically measured in the form of gains, denoted by decibels with respect to an isotropic radiator, or dBi .

[0007] It is desirous to have a strong main beam as this typically dictates the strength of the transmitting antenna relative to cellular phones that are connected thereto . However, little attention is paid to the side lobes and back lobe, and typically an operator of a base station and its transmitting antenna have little visibility on the performance of said antenna, unless they perform on-site visits, which are both laborious, time-consuming and expensive .As such, there is a need for a monitoring system that can address these shortcomings in the art .SUMMARY

[0008] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a power monitoring system comprising: a receiving antenna configured to receive radio frequency (RF) power from a transmitting antenna; an RF sensor electrically coupled to the receiving antenna to detect the RF power of the transmitting antenna; and, a controller electrically coupled to the RF sensor to receive and convert the detected RF power into a signal and transmit the signal; and wherein the receiving antenna is positioned proximate the transmitting antenna and generally opposite a main lobe region of a radiation pattern of the transmitting antenna to capture power from side lobes and a back lobe of the radiation pattern.

[0009] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of monitoring radio frequency (RF) power from a transmitting antenna, the steps comprising: securing a power monitoring system to a base station of the transmitting antenna; sensing RF power emanating from the transmitting antenna; comparing the RF power sensed to a calibration profile of the transmitting antenna; and, transmitting a signal containing information about at least one of : the transmitting antenna and the power monitoring system, wherein the power monitoring system is placed in one of the side lobe and back lobe region of a radiation pattern of the transmitting antenna .

[0010] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of processing a sampled voltage of a radio frequency (RF) sensor using a controller, the steps comprising: taking a first set of n samples of the voltage of the RF sensor, each one of the first set of n samples taken every lOus; taking a second set of n samples of the voltage of the RFsensor, each one of the second set of n samples taken every lOOus; taking a third set of n samples of the voltage of the RF sensor, each one of the third set of n samples taken every 200us; taking a fourth set of n samples of the voltage of the RF sensor, each one of the fourth set of n samples taken every 400us; and, repeating taking the first, second, third and fourth set of n samples until a total of m samples have been taken, wherein the controller calculates an average transit power of a transmitting antenna based on the m samples .BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The following figures serve to illustrate various embodiments of features of the disclosure . These figures are illustrative and are not intended to be limiting.

[0012] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a radio frequency (RF) power monitoring system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure ;

[0013] Figure 2 is a block circuit diagram of the RF sensor for the RF power monitoring system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a securing mechanism to secure the RF power monitoring system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a housing to encase the RF power monitoring system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5 is side cross-sectional view of a housing to encase the RF power monitoring system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 6 is a first perspective view of the RF power monitoring system of Figure 1 partially contained within the housing, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 7 is a second perspective view of the RF power monitoring system of Figure 1 partially contained within the housing, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;Figure 8 is a block diagram of an RF power monitoring system, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 9 is a block circuit diagram of the RF power processor for the RF power monitoring system of Figure 8, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of sampling a voltage of the RF sensor of Figure 8, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of processing the sampled data acquired in the method described in Figure 10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 12 is a flowchart of a method of monitoring RF power of a transmitter antenna, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 13 is a screenshot of a graphical user interface of a power monitoring system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 14 is perspective cross-sectional view of the housing to encase the RF power monitoring system of Figure 8, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and,

[0025] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the antenna and antenna board of the RF power monitoring system of Figure 8, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure .DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting. It will be appreciated that various modifications and / or alterations to the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the disclosure and any modifications and / or alterations are within the scope of the contemplated disclosure .

[0027] With reference to Figure 1 and according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a block diagram representing the radio frequency (RF) power monitoring system 10 is shown. The RF power monitoring system 10 is comprised of a receiving antenna 15 to capture RF energy from a transmitter antenna, for example a 5G antenna positioned on a cellular tower or base station. A worker skilled in the art would appreciate that a typical cellular tower antenna emits RF energy in the form of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, more commonly referred to as RF energy. The RF power monitoring system 10 is also comprised of a RF sensor 20 to convert the captured energy into a voltage, and a control apparatus 25 to sample the voltage and convert the samples into an average power level to be transmitted via signal 27 for remote monitoring. Together, the RF sensor 20 and control apparatus 25 are electrically coupled on a printed circuit board (RGB) 30, although other means of electrical coupling are possible, for example by means of cable . The RF power monitoring system 10 is comprised of an enclosure such as a housing (not shown) and a mounting mechanism (not shown) to provide environmental protection to the RF system 10 and means of securing the RF system 10 on a transmitter antenna pole . The RF system 10 is configured to connect to a remote server 35, which receivesthe signal 27 transmitted by the RF system 10, said server configured to provide monitoring feedback to a user . The control apparatus 25 is comprised of a controller 115 having an interface to communicate with the server 35. A worker skilled in the art would appreciate that in this embodiment, the signal 27 contains various information, including not limited to the measured amplitude of the captured RF energy of the transmitting antenna . A worker skilled in the art would appreciate that the RF system 10 is placed in the side lobe or back lobe of the transmitter antenna . In such a placement, the RF system 10 does not affect the main lobe performance of the base station antenna and captures radiated power from the side lobe and back lobes of the base station antenna using the receiving antenna 15. Indeed, side lobes on base station transmitting antennas are typically stronger towards the top, or in an upward direction relative to the main lobe, in antenna radiation patterns . As such, the RF system 10 may be placed or secured above the transmitting antenna to better capture side lobe energy. This above position also has less risk of interfering with the main lobe in the direction of the antenna that could impact transmitter performance . The RF system 10 is configured to utilize the data of the radiated power of the side lobe or back lobe to estimate a proxy for radiated power of the main lobe . The relationship will be dependent on the specific transmitting antenna used, antenna tilt and configuration and polarization mismatch, which will be compensated for by in situ calibration procedure . The RF system 10 uses the information measured in real-time from the side or back lobes of the transmitting antenna, compares the measured output to a known transmitting antenna configuration, and estimates a proxy for the relative andproportional main lobe power . This enables information about the transmitting antenna output power status to be communicated remotely. In an embodiment, the transmitted signal 27 contains information related to the measured power of the transmitting antenna and / or a temperature of the RF system 10. In another embodiment, the information is related to the disposition of the transmitting antenna, for example whether the transmitting antenna is connected, disconnected or poorly connected. More specifically, the RF system 10 may sense that the radiated power of the transmitting antenna is lower than an expected radiated power, the expected radiated power derived from a properly connected transmitting antenna providing a baseline power that is used to calibrate the detector . The RF system 10 may have a threshold value to denote when the radiated power of the transmitting antenna is sufficiently lower than expected to determine a probable fault or poor connection.

[0028] With reference to Figure 2 and according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the RF sensor 20 circuitry is further described. The receiving antenna captures RF energy from the radiated electro-magnetic field of the transmitter antenna . The captured RF energy is then attenuated using an RF attenuator 55. The RF attenuator 55 is configured to provide an improvement in the input impedance match presented to the detector chain, reduces Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) sensitivity as well as decreases the RF power into the RF power limiter 60. The level of attenuation for the RF attenuator 55 is chosen to ensure that the maximum expected captured RF energy is lowered to an energy level that passes linearly through the RF power limiter 60. In an embodiment, the RF attenuator 55 is a pi pad circuit . The attenuatorcircuit 55 is electrically coupled to the RF power limiter 60, which is configured to protect the detector 80 from large and unexpected RF power . The RF power limiter 60 is electrically coupled to a second attenuator circuit 65 to reduce the input signal to fall within an optimal range for the detector 80. In this embodiment, the attenuator circuit 65 is another pi pad circuit . A high pass filter (HPF) circuit 70 is electrically coupled to the second attenuator circuit 65 and the detector 80. A purpose of the HPF circuit 70 is to rej ect unwanted signals from reaching the detector 80. The PCB (not shown) on which the RF sensor 20 is soldered has a dual footprint to allow for the additional placement of an optional bandpass filter (BPF) circuit 75, the BPF circuit 75 electrically coupled in between the second attenuator circuit 65 and the detector 80. A function of the BPF circuit 75 is to rej ect unwanted RF emissions below and above the frequency of operation of the power meter' s attenuator circuit 65. A worker skilled in the art would appreciate that the frequencies to rej ect are those below and above the operating frequency of the attenuator circuit 65. As the BPF circuit 75 is frequency dependent, the type of BPF circuit 75 will be a function of the operating frequency of the detector 80. In an embodiment, the HPF and BPF circuits 70, 75 are low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) filters . The RF signal detector 80 is electrically coupled in between the optional HPF and BPF circuits 70, 75 and the analog-to-digital converter 85. A worker skilled in the art would appreciate that the detector 80 is configured to detect RF signals, convert them to a voltage proportional to the average power in the RF signal . The ADC converter 85 then samples the outputvoltage of the detector 80 and outputs a digital value proportional to that voltage .

[0029] With reference to Figures 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 and according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a securing mechanism 200 to be operatively engaged to a sensor housing 210 is shown, the sensor housing 210 encasing the RF power monitoring system 10. The securing mechanism 200 is generally comprised of an adjustable mounting bracket 215 that is adapted to be secured to a pole 220 of a base station tower having a transmitting antenna (not shown) . In turn, the adjustable mounting bracket 215 is secured to a moveable tube 225, the moveable tube 225 terminating in a rotatable arm 230. The rotatable arm 230 is comprised of a curved channel 235 at one end and an aperture 237 at a second, opposed end. The aperture 237 is configured to receive and secure a corresponding nub 238 of the sensor housing 210. As shown, the nub 238 terminates in a flanged portion 239 that can be secured to the nub 238, thereby securing the sensor housing 210 to the rotatable arm 230. The circular shape of both the aperture 237 and nub 238 allows the sensor housing 210 to be rotatable relative to the securing mechanism 200. The curved channel 235 of the rotatable arm 230 is adapted to receive a fastener 240. The rotatable arm 230 is pivotable relative to the tube 225 about central rod 245, the central rod 245 connecting the rotatable arm 230 to the tube 225. The fastener 240 is slidable along the curved channel 235, and the movement of the fastener 240 within the curved channel 235 defines the range of rotation of the rotatable arm 230 relative to the tube 225. In an embodiment, the angle rotation of the rotatable arm 230 is ±30 degrees, although other ranges are possible . The ability of the rotatable arm 230 to pivotrelative to the tube 225, and thus the pole 220, is important to properly position the RF power monitoring system 10 relative to the transmitting antenna (not shown) . Indeed, a worker skilled in the art would appreciate that it is important to position the RF power monitoring system 10 to achieve sufficient near-field coupling or in the side and back lobes of the transmitting antenna (not shown) secured to the pole 220. As such, the rotatability of the RF power monitoring system 10 relative to both the rotatable arm 230 and the mounting mechanism 200 allows flexibility and a range of motion for a variety of types of transmitting antennas (not shown) .

[0030] With specific reference to Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 and according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the receiving antenna 15 is shown electrically coupled by means of a cable 255 to the RGB 30 containing both the RF sensor (not shown) and control apparatus (not shown) . In another embodiment, the electrical coupling is by means of an integrated circuit ( IC) or other electrical coupling on a PCB or otherwise as known in the art . The receiving antenna 15, cabling 255 and PCB 30 are contained within the housing 210. A RF shield 270 is also provided and secured to the PCB 30 to protect the RF sensor (not shown) from potential interference .

[0031] With reference to Figure 8 and according to an embodiment of the present disclosure a block diagram representing an RF power monitoring system 310 is shown. The RF power monitoring system 310 is comprised of a receiving antenna 315 to capture a signal 317 from a transmitter antenna (not shown) , for example a 5G antenna positioned on a cellular tower or base station. The power monitoring system 310 is also comprised ofa RF sensor 320 to convert the captured energy into a voltage, and a controller 325 to sample the voltage and convert the samples into data 327 to be transmitted to a cellular module 330. The cellular module is in turn electrically coupled to a cellular antenna 335 configured to wirelessly transmit and receive information by means of communication link 332. Together, the RF sensor 320, controller 325 and cellular module 330 are electrically coupled on a printed circuit board (RGB) 337, although other means of electrical coupling are possible . The RF system 310 is configured to connect to a remote server (not shown) via the cellular antenna 335, the remote server (not shown) configured to provide feedback to a user .

[0032] With further reference to Figure 8, RF power monitoring system 310 is comprised of an enclosure such as a housing (not shown) and a mounting mechanism (not shown) to provide environmental protection to the RF system 310 and a means of securing the RF system 310 on the transmitter antenna pole . A worker skilled in the art would appreciate that the RF system 310 is placed proximate the transmitter antenna' s near field, in the side lobe or back lobe portion of the transmitter antenna radiation pattern. In such a placement, the RF system 310 does not affect the main lobe performance of the base station antenna and captures radiated power from the side lobe and back lobes of the base station antenna using the receiving antenna 315. Indeed, side lobes on base station transmitting antennas are typically stronger towards the top, or in an upward direction relative to the main lobe, in antenna radiation patterns . As such, the RF system 310 may be placed or secured above the transmitting antenna to better capture back lobe and side lobe energy. RF system 310 is configuredto utilize the data of the radiated power of the side lobe or back lobe and determine what the main lobe power is or should be depending on the specific transmitting antenna used. RF system 310 is configured to use the information measured in real-time from the side or back lobes of the transmitting antenna, determines what a main lobe power would be, and compares the measured output to a known transmitting antenna configuration to provide information about the transmitting antenna . In an embodiment, RF system 310 can provide information related to the measured average power of the transmitting antenna and / or a temperature of the RF system 310. In another embodiment, the information may be related to the disposition of the transmitting antenna, for example whether the transmitting antenna is connected, disconnected or poorly connected. More specifically, RF system 310 may sense that the radiated power of the transmitting antenna is lower than an expected radiated power, the expected radiated power derived from a properly connected transmitting antenna providing a baseline power that is used to calibrate the detector . RF system 310 may have a threshold value to denote when the radiated power of the transmitting antenna is sufficiently lower than expected to determine a probable fault or poor connection. During operation, RF sensor 320 outputs a voltage proportional to its input power . This voltage is sampled using an analog to digital converter embedded in the controller 325. To increase the accuracy of the detected power over temperature, the controller 325 also samples a temperature on the RF sensor 320. RF system 310 also determines a frequency band of transmitter antenna that is being monitored. RF system 310 is comprised of a preselection filter band selected to exclude any possible interfering signals . In an embodiment, the RF system 310 required bothfactory calibration and in field calibration. The factory calibration includes calibration of at least two power levels to determine the detectors' slope and intercept point . This calibration may need to be performed at more than one frequency, as the slope and intercept have a frequency dependency. Meanwhile, in field calibration would consist of finding the optimal sensor placement by maximizing the measured power during a transmit period and locking down the antenna placement . Then measuring the received power using system 310 with the transmitter antenna transmitting a known average power . The system 310 server software can then report delta powers from this calibrated power level .

[0033] With reference to Figure 9 and according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the RF sensor 320 circuitry is shown. The RF sensor 320 circuitry is comprised of both RF components and digital components and requires a small input DC voltage to power functionality. The RF sensor 320 may have a preselect filter 350 may be included to exclude any possible interfering signals . The signal is attenuated using attenuator 355. The attenuator 355 is configured to provide impedance matching of the antenna as well as decreasing the RF power into the RF power limiter 360. The attenuator 355 is electrically coupled to the RF power limiter 360, which is configured to protect a power detector circuit 380 from large and unexpected RF power . The RF power limiter 360 is electrically coupled to a second attenuator circuit 365 to reduce the input signal to fall within an optimal range for the power detector circuit 380. A high pass filter (HPF) circuit (not shown) may be placed after the limiter 360 and before the power detector circuit 380 to reduce any unwanted emission under the frequency of power detection . The second attenuator 365 iselectrically coupled to the power detector circuit 380, which is configured to detect RF signals, convert them to a voltage proportional to the average power in the RF signal . The power detector circuit 380 is electrically coupled to an ADC converter 385 in the controller 325 to sample the output voltage of the power detector circuit 380 and output a digital value proportional to that voltage . The controller 325 is also configured to receive a temperature reading from a temperature sensor 390 to increase the accuracy of the detected power over temperature . The measured power and temperature are then transported over an interface 395 to the cellular module 330 and wireless cellular link of the antenna, which all passes the data to the remote server enabling the server to accurately determine the sensed power .

[0034] With further reference to Figure 8 and with reference to Figures 10 and 11, the controller 325 must sample the voltage of the RF sensor 320 at a specific rate . To determine the desired sampling rate of the system 310, a transmission frame structure may be required to be known. For example, a 5G TDD frame structure frame period is 10ms . Based on an assumption that the T portion of the frame is 10% or more of the frame period, then power must be measured in a 1ms pulse, which would require a sample rate of 2 kHz or greater . To estimate burst power over approximately 1ms intervals, the detector / envelope bandwidth should be sufficient such that rise / fall settling is small relative to the integration window ( e. g. , <10-20% of the window) , or the response is compensated in processing. To maintain a precision of 0.1 dB in reading the detector voltage would require > 10 bits (depending on detector slope and noise) of an analog to digital converter (A / D) . The sampling rate and the A / D fidelity will determinethe minimum bit rate that the data link must support . The controller 325 will begin sampling the voltage of the RF sensor 320 at lOus and change to the next sampling rate every 50 samples . Therefore in a method of sampling 500, a first step 510 is for the controller 325 to sample the voltage of the RF sensor 320 50 times at lOus . In step 520, 50 samples are taken at lOOus . In step 530, 50 samples are taken at 200us . In step 540, 50 samples are taken at 400us . In step 550, it is determined whether 1000 samples have been taken. If so, the sampling is complete . If not, steps 510, 520, 530 and 540 are repeated. A method to process the sampled data 600 is described as follows . In step 610, system 310 determines the maximum value among the sampled data . In step 620, the lower bound is calculated by subtracting the calibrated tolerance value from the maximum value . In step 630, a subset of sample values is extracted that are between lower bound and the maximum value (inclusive) . In step 640, the average value of the extracted subset is calculated.

[0035] With reference to Figure 12 and according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of monitoring RF power from a transmitting antenna 1000 is shown. In a first step 1100, a power monitoring system is secured to a base station of the transmitting antenna, in the side lobe region or back lobe region of the radiation pattern of the transmitting antenna . This positioning may be above the transmitting antenna on the pole of the base station. In a second step 1200, the power monitoring system senses the RF power present at this physical location relative to the transmitting antenna . In a third step 1300, the power monitoring system compares the power sensed to a calibration profile of the transmitting antenna . In an embodiment, the calibration profile may include theexpected radiation pattern of the transmitting antenna . In another embodiment, the calibration profile may be a baseline power of a known transmission signal (termed the "known average power") . Based on the comparison, the power monitoring system creates a real-time antenna profile, which is calculated at least based on one of : the known average power of the transmitting antenna, what percentage of the total output power is within the targeted side lobe based on the empirically calculated calibration baseline, the measured near field or far field coupling factor (depending on the installation scenario) , etc . Based on this data, the power monitoring system is configured to determine the power received at the receiving antenna of the power monitoring system compared to an expected power and provide an offset number . The offset number is then applied to the sensed power to give real-time power reading. In a fourth step 1400, the power monitoring system transmits a signal, for example to a remote server, with information based on the transmitting antenna . In an embodiment, this information may include the real-time power of the transmitting antenna . A worker skilled in the art would appreciate that a feature of the power monitoring system is to monitor the side or back lobe of the transmitting antenna and correlate that information to the main lobe power . In doing so, the power monitoring system is able to provide information about the transmitting antenna, including but not limited to quality of service .

[0036] With reference to Figure 13 and according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a screenshot of a graphical user interface is shown, illustration information about the transmitting antenna and / or the power monitoring system itself . This information may include the location of thetransmitting antenna, its power output, temperature of the power monitoring system, alerts, etc . This information may be communicated by means of remote server to an end user .

[0037] With reference to Figures 14 and 15 and according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a sensor housing 2210 is shown, the sensor housing 2210 encasing the RF power monitoring system 2010. The receiving antenna 2015 is shown mechanically coupled by means of screws 2255 to an antenna board 2028. In turn, the antenna board 2028 is configured to be coupled to a PCB 2030 containing both the RF sensor (not shown) and controller (not shown) . The receiving antenna 2015, screws 2255, antenna board 2028 and PCB 2030 are contained within the housing 2210 as shown in Figure 14. In this embodiment, the sensor housing 2210 and power monitoring system 2010 is physically positioned in the near field of the transmitter antenna (not shown) for better signal quality. The receiving antenna 2015 may have a wideband dipole-based design (bowtie) to properly fit into the enclosure and meet the required bandwidth. To facilitate the feeding of the receiving antenna 2015, each arm on an axis is fed 180 degrees out of phase . This feed network combines the feeds of a given axis through an impedance transformer to provide the required phase shift . The two orthogonal axes are then combined to give a polarization agnostic output . In other words, the receiving antenna 2015 is circularly polarized and captures output from multiple frequency bands of the transmitter antenna (not shown) . The power monitoring system 2010 is configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote server using a different frequency band than the frequency band used to sense power from the transmitting antenna . In this way, the system 2010 does not include any of the power output fromthe cellular antenna (335 in Figure 8 ) in the data readings . A worker skilled in the art would appreciate that in this embodiment, the receiving antenna 2015 is tuned for 5-7GHz, and the RF sensor board (not shown) is tuned so that it can only wirelessly communicate on different bands, for example 3.5GHz or lower to eliminate any overlap . In an embodiment, the RF sensor board (not shown) communicates wirelessly for a brief period, then stop communicating to begin sensing power of the transmitting antenna . This on-off switch is continuous during operation of the system 2010.

[0038] It is understood that the presently described method can be performed by a processor in a device . In an embodiment, the processor may be part of a system that would perform various aspects of the techniques described in this disclosure . The system would be comprised of a user device (not shown) capable of running the method, the user device in wireless communication with a host device server and other external devices to perform the various functions . The host device may be any type of computing device capable of running the functions as described in the present disclosure . The host device may include one or more servers, execution platforms, ML / AI units and databases .

[0039] Many modifications of the embodiments described herein as well as other embodiments may be evident to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings . It is understood that these modifications and additional embodiments are captured within the scope of the contemplated disclosure which is not to be limited to the specific embodiment disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A power monitoring system comprising:a receiving antenna configured to receive radio frequency (RF) power from a transmitting antenna;an RF sensor electrically coupled to the receiving antenna to detect the RF power of the transmitting antenna; and, a controller electrically coupled to the RF sensor to receive and convert the detected RF power into a signal and transmit the signal;and wherein the receiving antenna is positioned proximate the transmitting antenna and generally opposite a main lobe region of a radiation pattern of the transmitting antenna to capture power from side lobes and a back lobe of the radiation pattern .

2. The power monitoring system of Claim 1 further comprising a cellular module electrically coupled to the controller, the cellular module having a cellular antenna to wirelessly transmit the signal to a remote server .

3. The power monitoring system of Claim 2 wherein the RF sensor is further comprised of :a limiter to protect the power monitoring system from excessive RF power and damage; and,a detector circuit electrically coupled to the limiter to determine the RF power .

4. The power monitoring system of Claim 3 further comprising at least one attenuator to attenuate the RF power and protect the detector circuit from overpower .

5. The power monitoring system of Claim 2 wherein the RF sensor is further comprised of a temperature sensor to incorporate temperature compensation and increase the accuracy of the RF power over temperature, the temperature sensor electrically coupled to the controller .

6. The power monitoring system of Claim 1 wherein the controller samples a voltage of the transmitting antenna .

7. The power monitoring system of Claim 6 wherein the controller samples a temperature of the RF sensor to increase accuracy of the RF power detected.

8. The power monitoring system of Claim 6 wherein the controller converts the sampled voltage into an average power level of the transmitting antenna .

9. The power monitoring system of Claim 1 wherein the receiving antenna is a cross bowtie antenna .

10. The power monitoring system of Claim 1 wherein the cellular antenna is configured to reduce interference with both the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna, and the cellular antenna is one of : a surface-mount patch antenna and a flex PCB antenna .

11. The power monitoring system of Claim 1 wherein the receiving antenna is positioned proximate a near field of the transmitting antenna to achieve a near-field coupling.

12. The power monitoring system of Claim 1 wherein the receiving antenna is positioned above the transmitting antenna to reduce affecting a performance of the main lobe of the transmitting antenna .

13. The power monitoring system of Claim 1 wherein the receiving antenna is further comprised of arms, and wherein each arm of the arms is fed 180-degrees out of phase on an axis to facilitate feeding of the receiving antenna .

14. The power monitoring system of Claim 13 wherein the receiving antenna is further comprised of an impedance transformer to provide a phase shift .

15. The power monitoring system of Claim 13 wherein the axes are orthogonal such that the receiving antenna is circularly polarized to capture multiple frequency bands of the transmitting antenna .

16. A method of monitoring radio frequency (RF) power from a transmitting antenna, the steps comprising:securing a power monitoring system to a base station of the transmitting antenna;sensing RF power emanating from the transmitting antenna; comparing the RF power sensed to a calibration profile of the transmitting antenna; and,transmitting a signal containing information about at least one of : the transmitting antenna and the power monitoring system,wherein the power monitoring system is placed in one of the side lobe and back lobe region of a radiation pattern of the transmitting antenna .

17. A method of processing a sampled voltage of a radio frequency (RF) sensor using a controller, the steps comprising :taking a first set of n samples of the voltage of the RF sensor, each one of the first set of n samples taken every lOus;taking a second set of n samples of the voltage of the RF sensor, each one of the second set of n samples taken every lOOus;taking a third set of n samples of the voltage of the RF sensor, each one of the third set of n samples taken every 20 Ous;taking a fourth set of n samples of the voltage of the RF sensor, each one of the fourth set of n samples taken every 400us; and,repeating taking the first, second, third and fourth set of n samples until a total of m samples have been taken, wherein the controller calculates an average transit power of a transmitting antenna based on the m samples .

18. The method of Claim 17 further comprising the step of determining a maximum value among the m samples .

19. The method of Claim 18 further comprising the step of calculating a lower bound by subtracting a calibrated tolerance value from the maximum value .

20. The method of Claim 19 further comprising the step of extracting a subset of the m samples between the lower bound and the maximum value .

21. The method of Claim 20 further comprising the step of calculating an average value of the extracted subset of the m samples .

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