Transmit Power Tracking via Feedback Path Gain Error Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wireless communication terminals using external power detectors face increased costs, longer response times, and susceptibility to external blockers due to the need for external discrete components and complex integration, which is inadequate for fast power control required by protocols like CDMA and EVDO.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication element with a transmit path, antenna, feedback receive path, and error tracking path that determines gain error and adjusts signal power without external detectors, allowing for faster power control and interference detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external power detectors are used to sense output power, then power control function is achieved, but device cost increases due to external discrete components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power detection function with the existing feedback receive path by using the same antenna and signal processing circuitry. The feedback receive path, originally designed for receiving communication signals, is now also used to detect the power level of transmitted signals, eliminating the need for separate external power detectors and reducing device cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback receive path is given multi-functionality by enabling it to perform both its original communication function and the new power detection function. This universal approach allows a single circuit to serve multiple purposes, reducing the overall component count and device complexity while maintaining reliable power control.
2Reliability
If external power detectors are used to sense output power, then power control function is achieved, but response time increases to approximately thirty to forty microseconds
Solution Approach 1:
By merging power detection with the feedback receive path, the patent eliminates the signal routing delays associated with external detectors. The feedback receive path is already optimized for fast signal processing in communication protocols, enabling power control response times to meet the stringent requirements of CDMA and EVDO protocols (less than seven microseconds).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a fast feedback mechanism where the feedback receive path immediately processes the transmitted signal and provides power level information back to the power control system. This closed-loop feedback operates within the existing communication signal processing timeline, ensuring rapid response without adding external detection delays.
3Reliability
If external power detectors are used to sense output power, then power control function is achieved, but the system becomes susceptible to external blockers and interferers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the feedback receive path, which is inherently designed to process communication signals in the presence of various interference conditions, into a power detection mechanism. This path already incorporates interference rejection and signal processing algorithms optimized for communication environments, thereby transforming potential vulnerability to interference into an advantage where the same robust processing protects against blockers while performing power detection.
4Reliability
If external power detectors are used to sense output power, then power control function is achieved, but integration complexity increases requiring additional development time and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power detection functionality with the existing feedback receive path circuitry, eliminating the need for separate external detector components and their associated integration processes. This merging reduces manufacturing complexity by utilizing already-integrated communication circuitry for dual purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
By designing the feedback receive path to serve both communication and power detection functions, the patent eliminates the need for separate integration processes for power detectors. This multi-functional design simplifies the manufacturing workflow and reduces development time and resources required for integrating multiple separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present disclosure, a method for tracking power levels of a wireless communications signal comprises receiving a feedback signal indicative of a power level of a wireless communication signal associated transmitted from a transmit path to an antenna of a wireless communication element. The method further comprises receiving a reference signal associated with a digital signal converted into the wireless communication signal. Additionally, the method comprises determining a gain of the feedback signal with respect to the reference signal and determining a gain error based on the determined gain and an expected gain.