RF Power Detector Calibration Using Nominal Error Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The factory calibration of radio frequency (RF) devices with non-linear power detectors is slow and requires many measurements, leading to slower production rates and increased equipment investment.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for quickly calibrating non-linear power detectors in RF devices by using measurements of output levels and nominal data points to determine a power detector error function, which is then used to generate calibrated data sets for storing in the device, allowing for efficient calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional factory calibration methods are used for non-linear power detectors, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but calibration time increases and production rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-characterizing the non-linear power detector response across multiple output power levels before actual calibration. The system stores predetermined detector output values corresponding to known power amplifier output levels, allowing rapid comparison and calibration without performing extensive measurements during production. This pre-prepared reference data eliminates the need for time-consuming real-time characterization while maintaining calibration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by measuring and characterizing the power detector response at selected discrete output power levels rather than continuously across the entire operating range. By choosing representative power levels (e.g., 10%, 50%, 90% of maximum output), the system achieves sufficient calibration accuracy with fewer measurements, thereby reducing calibration time while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If traditional factory calibration methods are used for non-linear power detectors, then calibration accuracy is achieved, but equipment investment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a digital reference model of the non-linear power detector response that is stored in memory. Instead of requiring complex physical measurement equipment to characterize the detector during each calibration, the system uses a pre-recorded set of detector output values that copy the expected response behavior. This digital reference replaces the need for expensive real-time measurement apparatus while maintaining calibration accuracy through data comparison.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple measurements are taken to characterize non-linear power detector response, then detector characterization accuracy improves, but calibration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the time-consuming detector characterization work in advance by measuring the non-linear power detector response at multiple power levels before production calibration. These measurements are stored as reference data, allowing rapid calibration during manufacturing by simply comparing actual detector outputs against the pre-characterized values. This separates the accuracy-critical measurement phase from the time-critical calibration phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves sufficient detector characterization by taking measurements at a limited number of discrete power levels rather than continuously across the full operating range. By selecting key representative power points (such as low, medium, and high output levels), the patent obtains adequate characterization data to define the non-linear response without requiring exhaustive measurements at every possible power level, thus reducing calibration time while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The exemplary embodiments include methods, computer readable media, and devices for calibrating a non-linear power detector of a radio frequency device based upon measurements of the non-linear power detector output and the associated power amplifier output level, and a set of data points that characterize a nominal non-linear power detector. The set of data points that characterize the nominal non-linear power detector is stored in a calibration system memory as nominal power detector output data. The measured non-linear power detector outputs, power amplifier output levels, and the nominal power detector output data is used to determine a power detector error function that characterizes the difference between the response of the non-linear power detector and the nominal non-linear power detector. The power detector error function and the nominal power detector output data are used to develop a calibrated power detector output data set that is stored in the non-linear power detector.