Hybrid Coupler Phase Detection Using Iterative Test Signal Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phase detection electronic devices are not suited for high-frequency electromagnetic applications in the radiofrequency domain, particularly in the millimeter band, and require a low-complexity solution for phase detection without significant 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 with an initial phase, iteratively adjusting the phase until a maximum or minimum peak value is reached, and determining the signal phase based on the stored test phase, with the option to adjust the phase to match a setpoint within a tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electronic phase detection devices are used, then phase detection can be performed, but the device complexity increases and it becomes unsuitable for high-frequency electromagnetic applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electronic phase detection circuits with a hybrid coupler-based system that uses signal combining and peak detection. This substitution eliminates complex electronic multipliers and logic gates, reducing circuit complexity while maintaining phase detection capability for high-frequency applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hybrid coupler as an intermediary device that combines the analog signal and test signal in a power combiner mode. This intermediary enables indirect phase detection through peak value measurement, avoiding the need for direct electronic phase comparison circuits.
2Measurement precision
If conventional phase detection methods are used, then phase difference can be measured, but significant modifications to existing electronic circuits are required
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid coupler is designed to operate in power combiner mode, serving dual purposes: signal combining for phase detection and maintaining compatibility with existing RF circuit architectures. This multi-functionality allows phase detection without requiring fundamental circuit redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the hybrid coupler to power combiner mode, allowing it to function as a phase detection device. By adjusting the coupling and combining characteristics, the system achieves phase detection capability while working with standard RF components and minimal modifications.
3Measurement precision
If iterative peak value measurement is performed, then phase detection precision is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs iterative periodic measurement of peak values at different test phases to determine the analog signal phase. This structured periodic approach systematically narrows down the phase value through multiple measurements, improving precision while maintaining efficient convergence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from peak value measurements to adjust and refine the phase determination. Each measurement provides feedback information that guides subsequent measurements, enabling accurate phase detection through an efficient iterative process that balances precision and time consumption.
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 for phase detection and adjustment in high-frequency applications, enhancing the precision and adaptability of phase detection in RF and millimeter band domains.
Implementation Method 1
By virtue of the intrinsic characteristics of the hybrid coupler, when the hybrid coupler, operating according to the power combiner mode, receives respectively at the first and second inputs the analog signal and the additional analog signal phase-shifted by 90° with respect to the analog signal, an output signal is obtained at one of the first and second outputs having a power equal to the combination of the powers of the analog signal and of the additional analog signal
Implementation Method 2
with in each iteration a measurement of the current peak value of the output signal, and a storage of the current test phase and of the current peak value as maximum or minimum peak value, if it does not exist respectively not a greater stored maximum peak value or a smaller stored minimum peak value than the current peak value
Data Source
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AI summary
The method for detecting the phase (PI) of an analog signal (SI3) via a hybrid coupler (CH2) operating in a power combiner mode, the hybrid coupler (CH2) comprising a first input (BE3) intended to receive the analog signal (SI3), a second input (BE4) intended to receive an additional analog signal (SI4) phase shifted by 90° in relation to the analog signal (SI3), a first output (BS3) delivering an output signal (SS1), and a second output (BS4), comprises an injection at the second output (BS4) of a test signal (ST1) having an initial test phase (PTI), an iterative generation of a current test phase (PTC) for the test signal (ST1), from the initial test phase (PTI) until a final test phase (PTF) equal to the initial test phase (PTI) increased by at least a portion of a complete revolution, with, in each iteration, a current peak value measurement (AC1) of the output signal (SS1), and a storing of the current test phase (PTC) and the current peak value (AC1) as a maximum peak value (Amax) or minimum peak value (Amin), if there is respectively no stored maximum peak value (Amax) that is greater or stored minimum peak value (Amin) that is less than the current peak value (AC1), and a determination of the phase (PI) of the analog signal (SI3) using the stored test phase (PTM).