RF Circuit Error Detection via Sensing Line Crosstalk

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for detecting errors in radio frequency circuits are cumbersome and require disassembly of the circuit, making it difficult to identify malfunctioning elements in a timely manner.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a radio frequency circuit design that utilizes crosstalk between RF/HF transmission lines and sensing lines to detect element/signal errors without disassembling the machine, employing a controller to determine the state of elements based on induced signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional detection methods are used to identify malfunctioning elements, then detection accuracy can be achieved, but the circuit must be disassembled and elements tested one by one, resulting in loss of time and reduced productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddetection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the detection function into separate sensing lines that are spatially distributed alongside the transmission lines. Each sensing line can independently detect errors on specific transmission lines, enabling parallel detection of multiple elements simultaneously without requiring sequential testing or disassembly of the circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sensing lines as intermediary elements that couple with transmission lines through controlled crosstalk. These sensing lines act as mediators that transfer error information from the transmission lines to the detection circuitry, enabling non-intrusive error detection without direct contact or disassembly of the tested elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional detection methods are used, then element malfunction can be identified, but the circuit must be disassembled, increasing device complexity and reducing ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelement malfunction identificationVSAvoiddetection operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the detection function with the existing transmission line structure by placing sensing lines in close proximity to the transmission lines. This integration allows error detection to occur within the normal circuit operation without requiring separate testing equipment or disassembly procedures, thereby maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing lines are designed to automatically detect errors on transmission lines through natural electromagnetic coupling (crosstalk) during normal circuit operation. The detection system serves itself by utilizing the existing signal energy and electromagnetic fields in the circuit, eliminating the need for external testing equipment or manual disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If sensing lines are placed close to transmission lines to detect errors, then detection capability is improved, but crosstalk interference may increase, affecting signal quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection capabilityVSAvoidcrosstalk interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful crosstalk effect into a beneficial detection mechanism. By intentionally placing sensing lines close to transmission lines, the design exploits the natural electromagnetic coupling to transfer error information from transmission lines to sensing lines. The crosstalk that would normally be considered interference becomes the primary mechanism for error detection, transforming a harmful factor into a useful signal source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different quality requirements to different parts of the system: transmission lines are designed for high-fidelity signal transmission, while sensing lines are designed specifically for error detection through controlled crosstalk. The sensing lines have different impedance and coupling characteristics optimized for detecting errors rather than transmitting high-quality signals, allowing each component to have specialized properties suited to its function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 real-time error detection within radio frequency circuits, enabling prompt identification and potential correction of malfunctions without disrupting the circuit's operation.

Implementation Method 1

a sensing line SL disposed on the base plate and substantially parallel to the transmission line TL within a sensing area SA of the base plate. The sensing line SL is adapted for inducing an error on the transmission line TL to generate an induction signal SS

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Using the characteristics of crosstalk of the RF/HF transmission line and the corresponding circuit design, a radio frequency circuit having element/signal error detection capability is realized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrosstalk: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4243044B1Radio frequency circuit having error detection capability
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 TMY TECH INC
  • EP4243044B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP4243044B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2D
  • EP4243044B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A radio frequency circuit (10) includes a base plate (11), an element under test (12), a transmission line (TL, TL11~TL1N, TL21~TL25), a sensing line (SL, SL11~SL1N, SL21~SL23), and a controller (13). The base plate (11) has a first surface. The element under test (12) is disposed on the base plate (11) and includes an output port (121) to output an RF signal (RS, RS1). The transmission line (TL, TL11~TL1N, TL21~TL25) is disposed on the first surface (S 1) of the base plate (11) and electrically connected to the output port (121) of the element under test (12). The sensing line (SL, SL11~SL1N, SL21~SL23) is substantially parallel to the transmission line (TL, TL11~TL1N, TL21~TL25) within a sensing area (SA) of the base plate (11). The sensing line (SL, SL11~SL1N, SL21~SL23) is separated from the transmission line (TL, TL11~TL1N, TL21~TL25) by a first length (L1) and adapted for inducing the RF signal (RS, RS1) on the transmission line (TL, TL11~TL1N, TL21~TL25) to generate an induction signal (SS, SS1). The controller (13) is disposed on the base plate (11), electrically connected to the sensing line (SL, SL11~SL1N, SL21~SL23), and configured to determine the state of the element under test (12) according to the induction signal (SS, SS1).