Radio Receiver Gain-Boost Intermodulation Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic reception devices face complexity in detecting intermodulation, often requiring multiple detectors which complicates the process.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a control module that generates a gain increase in the upstream amplifier and compares the power of the signal before and after the increase to detect intermodulation, simplifying the detection process by identifying non-linear power variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple detectors are used to detect intermodulation, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintermodulation detection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single detector by using a complex modulation signal that contains multiple frequency components. The single detector measures the power of this composite signal, and intermodulation detection is achieved by analyzing the power variations caused by intermodulation products, eliminating the need for multiple separate detectors while maintaining detection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detector is designed to handle multiple frequency components simultaneously through the use of a complex modulation signal. The single detector performs the function of multiple detectors by measuring the overall power of the composite signal, making it a universal detection solution that covers multiple detection requirements in one device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple detectors are deployed for intermodulation detection, then detection precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintermodulation detection precisionVSAvoiddetection process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple detection operations are merged into a single power measurement process. The detector measures the power of a composite signal containing multiple frequency components, and intermodulation detection is achieved by analyzing power variations, simplifying the operation to a single measurement step while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by comparing the measured power with expected power levels to detect intermodulation. The power measurement result is fed back to determine whether intermodulation is present, providing a simple yet precise detection mechanism that is easy to operate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 allows for easier and more straightforward intermodulation detection, minimizing signal disturbance and reducing the need for multiple detectors, thereby enhancing the efficiency of radioelectric signal reception.

Implementation Method 1

an upstream amplifier configured to amplify a radioelectric signal received

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal amplification:

Implementation Method 2

a mixer, connected at the output of the upstream amplifier, the mixer being configured to mix the signal coming from the upstream amplifier with a reference signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal mixing:

Data Source

PatentEP3651369B1Electronic device and method for receiving a radio signal, integrated circuit implementing such a device
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 PARROT FAURECIA AUTOMOTIVE SAS
  • EP3651369B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3651369B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3651369B1 patent drawing

AI summary

This electronic device (10) for receiving a radio signal comprises an upstream amplifier (14) configured to amplify a received radio signal, a control module (16) configured to control the gain of the upstream amplifier, and a mixer (18) connected to the output of the upstream amplifier and configured to mix the signal from the upstream amplifier with a reference signal. The control module (16) is further configured to perform intermodulation detection by controlling the upstream amplifier (14) to generate a gain boost and comparing a first power with a second power, the first and second powers being the respective powers of a signal at the output of the mixer (18), the first power being measured in the absence of the gain boost and the second power being measured in the presence of the gain boost.