Radio Receiver Intermodulation Detection via Gain-Step Power Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic reception devices for radio signals face complexity in detecting intermodulation, often requiring multiple detectors and cumbersome processes.
Innovation Solution
An electronic reception device with an upstream amplifier, a control module to manage gain, and a mixer that generates a gain increase and compares signal powers before and after the increase to simplify intermodulation detection, using a control module to command the generation of a gain increase and measure power variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple detectors are used to detect intermodulation, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single detector by using a control module that commands gain increases and compares power measurements. Instead of using separate detectors for different detection tasks, the invention merges intermodulation detection, signal presence detection, and gain control into one integrated detection system that uses power comparison before and after gain changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector in the patent serves multiple functions: it detects intermodulation, detects signal presence, provides information for gain control, and enables automatic gain control. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized detectors, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple detectors and cumbersome processes are used, then intermodulation detection accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-detection by using its own gain control mechanism to create test conditions. The control module commands gain increases and the detector automatically compares power levels, eliminating the need for external complex detection processes. The system serves itself by using its operational parameters (gain changes) as the detection stimulus.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention detects intermodulation by changing the gain parameter and observing power changes. Instead of using complex detection algorithms or multiple detectors, the system simply varies the gain parameter and measures the resulting power difference, providing an operationally simple yet accurate detection method.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If gain increase is commanded for detection, then detection capability is improved, but signal disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module commands gain increases periodically or intermittently rather than continuously, allowing the system to perform detection at specific intervals. This periodic gain modulation enables intermodulation detection while limiting the duration and extent of signal disruption to brief measurement periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies a temporary, controlled gain increase that exceeds normal operating gain only during detection intervals. This partial action (temporary gain boost) provides sufficient signal level for accurate power comparison and intermodulation detection, while the gain is reduced afterward to minimize ongoing signal disruption.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device for receiving a radio signal includes an upstream amplifier configured to amplify a received radio signal, a control module configured to control a gain of the upstream amplifier, and a mixer connected at the output of the upstream amplifier and configured to mix the signal from the upstream amplifier with a reference signal. The control module is further configured to perform an intermodulation detection, by commanding the generation by the upstream amplifier of a gain increase and comparing a first power with a second power, the first and second powers being respective powers of a signal at the output of the mixer, the first power being measured in the absence of gain increase and the second power being measured in the presence of the gain increase.