Harmonic Suppressor for RF Power Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RF transmit chain designs face inaccuracies in power control due to harmonic signals generated by detectors, which can distort RF output signals and require duplicative detector placement in each chain, leading to inefficiencies and mismatch issues.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a harmonic suppressor, such as a source-follower amplifier or filter network, between the detector and coupler to reduce harmonic signals, allowing for centralized power detection without disrupting RF output signals, thereby simplifying the design and improving power control accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a power detector is placed after the power amplifier to sample the output signal, then power control feedback can be achieved, but harmonic signals generated by the detector distort the RF output signal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower detection accuracyVSAvoidharmonic signal distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power detection function from the RF signal path by using a coupler to extract a portion of the RF signal. This allows the detector to sample the signal without being directly in the main RF path, reducing harmonic distortion while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupler acts as an intermediary element that transfers a scaled version of the RF signal to the detector. This intermediary approach allows power detection while isolating the detector from the main RF signal path, thereby minimizing harmonic distortion of the output signal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If duplicative detectors are placed in each RF transmit chain, then power control for multiple chains can be achieved, but device complexity and mismatch issues increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-chain power control capabilityVSAvoiddetector quantity and mismatch

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal power detection architecture where a single detector and control circuitry serve multiple RF transmit chains. The coupler samples signals from multiple chains, and the detector provides centralized power measurement and feedback, eliminating the need for separate detectors in each chain while maintaining multi-chain power control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8032093B1Power detection arrangement with harmonic suppressor

Publication Date: 2011.10.04 QORVO US INC

AI summary

Embodiments of circuits, devices, and methods for a power detection arrangement are disclosed. The power detection arrangement may have a coupler coupled with, and in between, a switch and an output to couple a signal to a detector. The power detection arrangement may include a harmonic suppressor coupled with, and in between, the coupler and the detector to reduce an amount of harmonic signals transmitted back to the coupler. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.