Multi-Frequency Electromagnetic Coupler Module for Power Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic couplers face challenges in accurately measuring power at multiple frequencies simultaneously due to interference from other signals, requiring frequency selective components and high linearity in antenna swap switches, which increases costs and complexity and limits frequency usage.
Innovation Solution
A multi-frequency electromagnetic coupler module with bi-directional couplers, a termination network, and a coupler switch network that selectively connects termination loads to forward or reverse coupled ports, eliminating the need for filters and relaxing linearity requirements by separating signals into distinct paths using diplexers and triplexers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequency selective components (filters) are used in electromagnetic couplers to measure power at multiple frequencies, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single coupler into multiple independent bi-directional electromagnetic couplers, each dedicated to a specific frequency band. This segmentation eliminates the need for frequency-selective filters within each coupler, as each coupler operates independently at its designated frequency, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Each bi-directional electromagnetic coupler is designed to handle both forward and reverse power measurements across multiple frequency bands through the antenna swap switch mechanism, eliminating the need for separate filters for each frequency band while maintaining measurement precision
2Reliability
If high linearity antenna swap switches are used to handle multiple frequencies, then signal integrity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns dedicated couplers to specific frequency bands, which segments the signal paths such that the antenna swap switch only needs to handle frequency switching within each band rather than maintaining high linearity across all frequencies simultaneously, reducing the linearity requirement and component cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces diplexers and triplexers as intermediary components between the antenna swap switch and the electromagnetic couplers. These intermediaries filter and route specific frequency bands to appropriate couplers, allowing the use of lower linearity antenna swap switches while maintaining overall signal integrity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple signals at different frequencies are provided to the same antenna swap switch input port, then frequency versatility is improved, but intermodulation distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments frequency bands into separate paths using diplexers and triplexers, so that multiple signals at different frequencies are routed to different output ports of the antenna swap switch rather than being combined at a single input port, thereby maintaining frequency versatility while eliminating intermodulation distortion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies frequency-selective routing at specific points in the signal path using diplexers and triplexers, ensuring that each frequency band is handled with appropriate quality and isolation, preventing intermodulation distortion while maintaining overall system versatility
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
Enables simultaneous power detection at multiple frequencies without filters, reducing the need for high-linearity antenna swap switches and avoiding intermodulation distortion, thus improving accuracy and reducing design complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of bi-directional electromagnetic couplers, each configured to individually receive and couple a respective single one of a corresponding plurality of input signals of different frequencies
Implementation Method 2
a termination network including a plurality of termination loads
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling methodology and circuit arrangements to provide multi-frequency simultaneous power measurement. In one example, a wireless device front-end apparatus includes a plurality of antenna swap switches each connected to first and second antenna contacts, and a plurality of electromagnetic couplers each having an input port to receive a input signal of a unique frequency, a coupled port that provides a coupled signal based on the input signal, an output port connected to one of the plurality of antenna swap switches, and an isolation port. The apparatus further includes a termination network including a plurality of termination loads, and an output switch network configured to selectively connect the coupled port of each electromagnetic coupler to a coupler output bank to provide the coupled signals at the coupler output bank, and to selectively connect the isolation port of each electromagnetic coupler to one of the plurality of termination loads.