RF Frequency Monitor Using Split-Signal Power Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frequency monitoring devices are bulky, complex, and susceptible to jamming, often requiring costly and complex solutions that fail to operate efficiently over a wide range and withstand high RF power levels.
Innovation Solution
A compact and cost-effective frequency monitoring device that decouples RF signals into two parts, alters the frequency response of one part, and determines frequency by comparing power levels using logarithmic power detectors, enabling rapid and accurate frequency detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional frequency monitoring devices use delay lines and wideband receivers, then they can monitor frequency, but they become bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency monitoring function into multiple narrowband receiver modules, each tuned to a specific frequency range. This segmentation allows the system to achieve wideband monitoring capability through coordination of multiple simple modules rather than one complex wideband module, resolving the contradiction between monitoring capability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a modular architecture where identical receiver modules can be configured to monitor different frequency ranges. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware design to serve multiple purposes across different bands, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive frequency monitoring capability
2Measurement precision
If receivers operate with high sensitivity to detect weak signals, then they can achieve good detection performance, but they become susceptible to jamming from strong interfering signals
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the frequency spectrum into multiple narrowband segments and assigning dedicated receiver modules to each, the system can detect weak signals in each segment with high sensitivity while the segmented architecture naturally isolates them from jamming in other segments, reducing overall jamming susceptibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements coordination between multiple receiver modules with feedback mechanisms that allow the system to detect jamming conditions and dynamically adjust reception strategies, such as switching between modules or adjusting gain, to maintain detection sensitivity while mitigating jamming effects
3Adaptability or versatility
If wideband receivers are used to cover large frequency ranges, then they can monitor more spectrum, but they shut down over the full bandwidth when exposed to narrowband jammers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wideband monitoring function across multiple narrowband receiver modules, each covering a specific frequency portion. This segmentation ensures that a narrowband jammer affecting one module does not cause system-wide shutdown, as other modules continue to operate independently, maintaining system availability while preserving wide frequency range coverage
Solution Approach 2:
Each receiver module is optimized with specific local characteristics (narrowband tuning, targeted frequency range) rather than uniform wideband characteristics. This local quality allows each module to operate reliably in its specific frequency domain while collectively providing wideband coverage, preventing cascading failures under jamming conditions
4Stability of the object's composition
If RF systems reduce gain to avoid saturation from strong signals, then they can prevent saturation, but they become de-sensitized and lose detection capability
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the reception system into multiple narrowband modules, each module can maintain optimal gain settings for its specific frequency range without being affected by strong signals in other ranges. This prevents the need to reduce overall system gain, maintaining detection sensitivity while ensuring signal level stability in each segment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces coordination logic as an intermediary that manages multiple receiver modules independently. This intermediary allows each module to operate with optimal gain settings while the coordination layer handles signal level balancing and prevents saturation through intelligent resource allocation, maintaining both sensitivity and stability
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
The device allows for rapid and accurate frequency determination over a wide range, operates compactly, and can adapt to harmful signals by suppressing or filtering them, reducing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
determining a power level of (each of) the first RF signal and the altered second RF signal... determined by a first and a second power detector, preferably being two identical logarithmic power detectors
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method (100) for monitoring radio frequency, RF, signals comprising the steps of obtaining (101) an RF signal, the RF signal having an input power. Further, the method comprises extracting (102) a pre-determined portion of said input power to obtain a decoupled RF signal and splitting (103) said decoupled RF signal into a first and a second RF signal. Furthermore, the method comprises altering (104) a frequency response of the second RF signal, determining (105) a power level of the first RF signal and the altered second RF signal and determining (106) a frequency of said RF signal based on a comparison of said power levels of said first RF signal and altered second RF signal.