Hybrid Coupler Phase Detection via Test Signal Peak Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phase-detecting electronic devices are not suited for high-frequency electromagnetic applications in the RF and millimeter-band domains, requiring a low-complexity solution for phase detection without substantial modifications to existing electronic circuits.
Innovation Solution
A method using a hybrid coupler operating in power-combiner mode to detect the phase of an analog signal by injecting a test signal and iteratively adjusting its phase to maximize the output signal's peak value, determining the phase based on stored peak values, and optionally adjusting the phase to match a setpoint phase within a tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional phase-detecting electronic devices (analog multipliers, logic gates, flip-flops) are used, then phase detection function is achieved, but the device complexity and unsuitability for high-frequency applications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electronic phase-detecting circuits (analog multipliers, logic gates, flip-flops) with a hybrid coupler-based system. The hybrid coupler, operating in power-combiner mode, serves as the core phase detection mechanism, eliminating the need for complex electronic circuits while maintaining phase detection functionality in high-frequency RF and millimeter-band applications
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid coupler is designed to perform multiple functions: it operates as a power combiner in normal transmission mode and as a phase detector when a test signal is injected into its isolated port. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated phase detection circuits, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while improving suitability for high-frequency applications
2Measurement precision
If substantial modifications are made to electronic circuits for phase detection, then phase detection capability is improved, but the ease of operation and compatibility with existing transmission paths deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a test signal as an intermediary to enable phase detection without modifying the main signal path. By injecting a low-power test signal into the isolated port of the hybrid coupler and measuring the output signal's peak value, the system determines phase information while leaving the original transmission path unchanged, thus maintaining ease of operation and compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid coupler itself provides the phase detection function through its inherent properties. When operating in power-combiner mode with a test signal injected into the isolated port, the coupler's structure naturally produces an output signal whose peak value indicates the phase of the main signal, eliminating the need for external phase detection circuits and substantial modifications to existing transmission paths
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
This approach provides a non-invasive, low-complexity solution suitable for high-frequency applications, enabling precise phase detection and adjustment, enhancing the performance of directional emission in communication systems like Wi-Fi routers.
Implementation Method 1
when the hybrid coupler, operating in the power-combiner mode, receives at its first and second inputs the analog signal and the additional analog signal that is phase shifted by 90° with respect to the analog signal, respectively, an output signal having a power equal to the combination of the powers of the analog signal and of the additional analog signal
Implementation Method 2
The hybrid coupler comprises a first input intended to receive the analog signal, a second input intended to receive an additional analog signal that is phase shifted by 90° with respect to the analog signal, a first output that delivers an output signal, and a second output
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment method, a hybrid coupler comprises a first input receiving an analog signal, a second input receiving an additional analog signal phase shifted by 90° from the analog signal, and first and second outputs. The method comprises injecting into the second output a test signal having an initial test phase, iteratively generating a current test phase for the test signal, from the initial test phase to a final test phase equal to the initial test phase increased by at least one portion of one complete revolution, and, in each iteration, measuring the current peak value of the first output, and storing the current test phase and the current peak value as a maximum/minimum peak value if there is not a stored maximum/minimum peak value higher/lower than the current peak value, respectively, and determining a phase of the analog signal from the stored test phase.