Reconfigurable RF Power Detector for Wide Dynamic Range Jamming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional jammer/power detectors in wireless communications devices lack sufficient dynamic range to effectively program receiver configurations under jammer conditions and monitor transmitter output power, especially in 3G, 4G, and 5G systems where signal-to-noise ratio changes significantly due to jammer signals.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable power detector is developed, incorporating a switch matrix and configuration block that dynamically selects output configurations based on input power range, utilizing pairs of coupled transistors to switch positive and negative outputs, thereby increasing gain and improving dynamic range by compensating for transistor mismatches and temperature variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional power detector is used, then the device is simple, but the dynamic range is insufficient to detect jammer signals and regulate transmitter power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoiddetector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power detector is divided into multiple detector circuits (first power detector circuit and second power detector circuit), each handling different power ranges. The switch matrix segments the output signals and selects appropriate detector outputs based on the input power level, enabling wide dynamic range detection through functional segmentation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detector employs dynamic reconfiguration through the switch matrix and configuration block that adaptively select different detector circuits and output configurations based on the detected power level. This dynamic switching enables the detector to maintain optimal performance across a wide dynamic range from -50 dBm to +10 dBm

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the detector operates across a wide dynamic range, then it can detect both weak and strong jammer signals, but the transistor mismatches and temperature variations affect measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidpower detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detector changes operational parameters by switching between different detector circuits and output configurations based on input power level. The configuration block dynamically adjusts the detector operation mode, selecting appropriate transistor pairs and output combinations to maintain measurement precision across varying power levels and temperature conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The detector incorporates a configuration block that monitors the detected power level and provides feedback to the switch matrix to select the appropriate detector circuit and output configuration. This feedback mechanism ensures that the detector operates in the optimal range for the current signal conditions, maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the detector uses multiple output configurations, then it can adapt to different jammer conditions, but the device complexity increases with additional switches and configuration blocks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereceiver reconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidswitch matrix and configuration block

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch matrix and configuration block serve multiple functions: they select different detector circuits, choose appropriate output configurations, and enable the detector to adapt to various jammer conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, managing complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration block pre-configures the appropriate detector circuit and output combination based on the detected power level before the signal is processed further. This preliminary configuration ensures that the detector is optimally set up for the current signal conditions, enabling rapid adaptation to different jammer scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11251756B2Reconfigurable radio frequency (RF) interference signal detector with wide dynamic range transceiver module

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

A reconfigurable power detector is described. The reconfigurable power detector includes a first power detector circuit. The first power detector circuit includes a pair of coupled first-type transistors to switch a first-type positive output and a first-type negative output. The reconfigurable power detector includes a second power detector circuit. The second power detector circuit includes a pair of coupled second-type transistors to switch a second-type positive output and a second-type negative output. The reconfigurable power detector includes a switch matrix. The switch matrix includes switches to select the second-type positive output and the second-type negative output in a first configuration, the first-type positive output and the first-type negative output in a second configuration, and the first-type positive output and the second-type positive output in a third configuration. The reconfigurable power detector also includes a configuration block to program the switches to select an output configuration at a detector output.