Phase Imbalance Detection Circuit Using DC Signal Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting phase imbalance in radio frequency signals, such as those used in receivers, often require complex computations and result in high power consumption due to the use of voltage-controlled oscillators or filters, increasing costs and area requirements.
Innovation Solution
A circuit comprising a conversion block and a comparator that generates a direct current signal based on the phase difference between two signals, with the comparator producing an alert signal if the difference exceeds a threshold, allowing for phase adjustment to reduce imbalance, employing a controller to control buffers and adjust the phase difference efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a voltage-controlled oscillator or voltage-controlled low pass filter is used to continuously adjust phase imbalance, then phase imbalance compensation is achieved, but power consumption increases and circuit area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a periodic sampling approach where the phase difference is detected at specific intervals rather than continuously. The controller samples the phase difference between in-phase and quadrature signals periodically, determines compensation amounts, and adjusts the signals at discrete time points, thereby reducing power consumption compared to continuous adjustment while maintaining effective phase imbalance compensation.
2Reliability
If a voltage-controlled oscillator or voltage-controlled low pass filter is used to continuously adjust phase imbalance, then phase imbalance compensation is achieved, but circuit area increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of phase difference detection and compensation amount determination from complex continuous adjustment circuits. By using a simplified detection circuit that outputs phase difference information and a controller that calculates compensation amounts based on this information, the patent eliminates the need for large-area voltage-controlled oscillators or low pass filters, achieving phase imbalance compensation with reduced circuit area.
3Measurement precision
If maximum likelihood criterion detection is used to detect phase imbalance, then detection accuracy is achieved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simpler detection circuit that provides sufficient accuracy for phase imbalance detection without employing the computationally intensive maximum likelihood criterion. The detection circuit generates phase difference information that is adequate for determining compensation amounts, trading off some detection precision for significantly reduced computational complexity and simpler hardware implementation.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for detecting a phase imbalance of signals includes a conversion block and a comparator coupled to the conversion block. The conversion block generates generating a direct current (DC) signal based on a first signal and a second signal. The level of the DC signal is determined by a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal. The comparator compares the DC signal to a reference signal and generates an alert signal if a difference between the DC signal and the reference signal is greater than a predetermined threshold.