RF Hybrid Coupler Layout for Compact Full-Duplex OTA Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional measurement systems for over-the-air full-duplex mode are expensive and require significant space, limiting their efficiency and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A measurement system utilizing a first and second measurement chain, a radio frequency hybrid coupler, and controllable attenuators or switches for radio frequency ports, enabling efficient over-the-air measurements by reducing the need for Wilkinson power dividers and minimizing the number of frequency converters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement systems are used for over-the-air full-duplex mode, then measurement capability is achieved, but cost and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines transmit and receive measurement chains into a single integrated measurement system. The radio frequency hybrid coupler merges multiple signal paths, allowing simultaneous full-duplex measurements without requiring separate independent measurement systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity and space requirements while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed with multi-functional capability to handle both transmit and receive measurements through a unified architecture. The controllable attenuators and switches enable the system to perform multiple measurement functions using the same hardware resources, reducing cost and space compared to dedicated measurement systems for each function
2Ease of operation
If Wilkinson power dividers are used in measurement systems, then signal distribution is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a radio frequency hybrid coupler that creates signal copies and distributes them across multiple paths without requiring traditional Wilkinson power dividers. The hybrid coupler generates the necessary signal distributions through its inherent coupling properties, reducing the number of discrete components needed while maintaining signal distribution capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs controllable attenuators that can dynamically adjust signal levels in different measurement paths. This parameter control allows the system to achieve proper signal distribution without the fixed architecture of Wilkinson power dividers, enabling more flexible and compact design
3Measurement precision
If multiple frequency converters are used for measuring two signal directions, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the frequency conversion functions into a shared resource between the first and second measurement chains. By using a common frequency converter for both transmit and receive signal direction measurements, the system maintains measurement accuracy while reducing the total number of frequency converters required, thereby lowering cost and complexity
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 solution provides an inexpensive and compact system for performing full-duplex measurements, allowing simultaneous measurement of two signal directions with reduced complexity and cost, while maintaining high efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency hybrid coupler, a first radio frequency port connected to the first measurement chain via the radio frequency hybrid coupler, a second radio frequency port connected to the second measurement chain via the radio frequency hybrid coupler
Implementation Method 2
a first attenuator or a first radio frequency switch for the first radio frequency port, and a second attenuator or a second radio frequency switch for the second radio frequency port. In this context, a first transmission coefficient of the first attenuator or the first radio frequency switch is controllable. In addition to this, a second transmission coefficient of the second attenuator or the second radio frequency switch is controllable
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement system is provided. Said measurement system comprises a first measurement chain, a second measurement chain, a radio frequency hybrid coupler, a first radio frequency port connected to the first measurement chain via the radio frequency hybrid coupler, a second radio frequency port connected to the second measurement chain via the radio frequency hybrid coupler, a first attenuator or a first radio frequency switch for the first radio frequency port, and a second attenuator or a second radio frequency switch for the second radio frequency port. In this context, a first transmission coefficient of the first attenuator or the first radio frequency switch is controllable. In addition to this, a second transmission coefficient of the second attenuator or the second radio frequency switch is controllable.