Channel-Selective RF Power Sensing for Post-Combiner Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF power sensors are unable to differentiate between different channels when installed post-combiner, necessitating the use of complex and expensive spectrum analyzers or measuring receivers for channel-specific power measurements.
Innovation Solution
A channel-selective RF power sensor using a receiver-based design with a tunable local oscillator, in-phase and quadrature mixers, and digital filters to down-convert RF signals to baseband, allowing selective measurement of power in a single channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional RF power sensors are used for channel-specific power measurements post-combiner, then measurement capability is provided, but the sensors cannot differentiate between different channels requiring complex and expensive spectrum analyzers
Solution Approach 1:
The RF signal is segmented into individual channel components through frequency-selective filtering. The power measurement circuit measures power in specific frequency bands corresponding to different channels, allowing channel-specific measurements without requiring a full spectrum analyzer. This segmentation approach enables precise channel power measurement while avoiding the complexity of broadband spectral analysis equipment.
2Measurement precision
If spectrum analyzers are used for channel-specific power measurements, then accurate channel differentiation is achieved, but the equipment becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the necessary power measurement function for specific channels from the complex spectrum analyzer system. By using frequency-selective filters to isolate individual channels and dedicated power measurement circuits to measure power in those filtered signals, the system extracts channel power information without requiring the full spectral analysis capability, thereby reducing cost and complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Power
If broadband power sensors are used post-combiner, then total power measurement is provided, but channel-specific power information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The power measurement system is made locally selective to different frequency channels through frequency-selective filtering. Each channel has its own filtered measurement path that measures power locally within that specific frequency band. This local quality approach allows the system to measure total power across all channels while simultaneously providing channel-specific power information, preventing information loss about individual channel contributions to the total power.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and cost-effective measurement of forward and reflected power in a specific frequency channel, facilitating monitoring of transmitter, combining system, and antenna performance without the need for complex spectrum analyzers.
Implementation Method 1
The receiver is configured to down-convert the sample of energy to baseband or a low intermediate frequency. The local oscillator down-converts the sample of energy to baseband of low intermediate frequency using an in-phase signal, a quadrature signal, an in-phase mixer, and a quadrature mixer.
Implementation Method 2
The tuneable receiver configured to select the channel of interest in the sample of energy by rejecting frequencies in the sample of energy that are outside of the bandwidth of the channel of interest. The in-phase bandpass filter and a quadrature bandpass filter that pass only frequencies of the downconverted sample of energy within the channel of interest.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a channel-selective RF power sensor having a coupler and a channel-selective power measurement circuit. The said coupler is configured to obtain a sample of energy travelling on a main transmission line and provide the sample of energy to the channel-selective power measurement circuit. The sample of energy has a channel of interest. The channel-selective power measurement circuit is configured to measure RF energy information for the channel of interest in the sample of energy. Also disclosed is a method of measuring RF energy information for a channel of interest. The method includes providing a channel-selective RF power sensor and a main transmission line and obtaining a sample of energy from the main transmission line using a coupler of the channel-selective RF power sensor.