RF Cable Integrated Power Measurement for Path Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining path losses in RF cables require separate measurement equipment and cumbersome disconnection procedures, making them inefficient and costly for testing systems, especially in mobile communication device testing.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a power measurement device within the RF cable connector housing to measure RF signal power directly, eliminating the need for external power measurements and allowing real-time path loss determination without disconnecting the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate path loss determination equipment is connected to the cables used for measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to required cable disconnection and complicated test scheme preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the path loss measurement function directly into the RF cable by integrating a power measurement device and signal retrieval circuit within the cable connector housing. This combination eliminates the need for separate external measurement equipment and cable disconnection procedures, thereby reducing test scheme complexity while maintaining measurement precision through direct in-cable monitoring of RF signal parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The RF cable performs self-measurement of path loss by incorporating a power measurement device that automatically monitors RF signal parameters transmitted through the cable itself. The cable serves its own measurement needs without requiring external measurement equipment or interruption of normal operation, enabling continuous real-time path loss determination during actual testing
2Measurement precision
If separate path loss determination equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to cumbersome disconnection procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is merged into the cable connector housing, allowing path loss determination to be performed continuously during normal cable operation. The power measurement device and signal retrieval circuit enable real-time monitoring without requiring cable disconnection or reconfiguration, dramatically improving operational ease while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power measurement device enables continuous path loss monitoring throughout the entire testing process. The measurement function operates continuously without interruption, allowing path loss values to be determined in real-time during actual signal transmission rather than requiring separate measurement operations
3Measurement precision
If external power meters and additional communication means are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power measurement device, signal retrieval circuit, and communication interface within the RF cable connector housing. This integration eliminates the need for external power meters and separate communication means, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision through direct in-cable signal monitoring and digital output of measurement values
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 real-time, cost-effective, and simplified path loss determination within the RF cable, reducing the complexity and expense of testing systems by eliminating the need for external power meters and additional communication means.
Implementation Method 1
a power measurement device integrated into the connector housing and configured to measure a power value of an RF signal transmitted through the RF signal transmission path
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
An RF cable (20) includes a connector housing (21) having an RF signal output interface (25a), a cable body (22) having a first end portion connected to the connector housing (21) and a second end portion comprising an RF signal input interface (26a), an RF signal transmission path (23) formed from the RF signal input interface (26a) through the cable body (22) and the connector housing (21) to the RF signal output interface (25), and a power measurement device (24) integrated into the connector housing (21) and configured to measure a power value of an RF signal transmitted through the RF signal transmission path (23). The RF cable (20) further includes a measurement signal output interface (26b; 25b), and a measurement signal transmission line (29a; 29b) connecting the power measurement device (24) to the measurement signal output interface (26b; 25b), the power measurement device (24) being configured to output a measurement signal indicating the measured power value of the RF signal at the measurement signal output interface (26b; 25b).