Compact Limiter Circuit Using Diode and Switch for Signal Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional limiter circuits for high frequency signals require multiple components, such as attenuators and control units, making them difficult to miniaturize due to the large number of parts.
Innovation Solution
A limiter circuit design that includes an input terminal, an output terminal, a distributor, a diode that turns on or off based on signal level and cycle, an inductor to ground current, a smoothing circuit connected to the diode's anode, and a switch element that turns off the path between the input and output terminals when a voltage is applied to its control terminal, reducing the number of necessary components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional limiter circuits use attenuators and control units to limit signal power, then the signal power can be controlled to be equal to or less than a predetermined value, but the number of parts increases making miniaturization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated circuit block. The limiter circuit integrates the signal distribution, power detection, and signal attenuation functions into one compact unit, eliminating the need for separate attenuators and control units while maintaining the ability to control signal power to be equal to or less than a predetermined value
Solution Approach 2:
The limiter circuit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes the input signal, detects the power level of the distributed signal, and attenuates the main signal path based on the detected power level. This multi-functional integration reduces the overall number of components required while achieving effective signal power control
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 configuration allows for the miniaturization of the limiter circuit without increasing the number of parts, effectively reducing the power of high frequency signals when they exceed a predetermined value.
Implementation Method 1
a diode to turn on or off depending on a level and a cycle of the distributed signal
Implementation Method 2
an inductor to ground a current flowing from the diode when the diode is in an on state
Data Source
AI summary
A switch element is arranged between an input terminal and an output terminal. A signal from the input terminal is distributed by a capacitative element and supplied to the cathode side of a diode. An inductor is connected to the cathode side of the diode, and a smoothing circuit including a capacitative element and a resistor is connected to the anode side. The switch element has a control terminal connected to the anode of the diode, and turns off a path between the input terminal and the output terminal when a voltage is applied to the control terminal.