RF Isolation Detection via Internal Power Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring RF isolation between wireless communication standards are invasive, labor-intensive, and limited to small-signal measurements, requiring disconnecting and reconnecting antennas and using network analyzers.
Innovation Solution
An isolation detecting device with a power sensor, signal receiver, analog-to-digital converter, and processing module that receives attenuated RF signals and determines isolation values by comparing received transmission power to a preset power, allowing for non-invasive and dynamic measurement of RF isolation between RF circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional network analyzer method is used to measure RF isolation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operation complexity increase due to invasive antenna disconnection and reconnection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The RF circuit performs self-measurement of isolation using its own internal components (power sensor, signal receiver, analog-to-digital converter, and processing module). The circuit transmits test signals and measures the attenuated signals received from other RF circuits without requiring external network analyzers or invasive antenna manipulations, thereby simplifying the measurement system while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary power sensor that couples with the RF signal path to measure power levels without disrupting the signal flow. This allows the isolation measurement to be performed through the existing antenna connections, eliminating the need for invasive disconnection and reconnection operations while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If invasive antenna disconnection method is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to labor-intensive disconnection and reconnection processes
Solution Approach 1:
The RF circuit autonomously performs isolation measurement using its built-in power sensor and signal processing capabilities. The circuit transmits test signals through its antenna and measures the attenuated signals from other RF circuits without requiring manual antenna disconnection or reconnection, making the process simple and automated
Solution Approach 2:
The power sensor is pre-configured in the RF circuit to continuously monitor power levels. The measurement process begins by automatically transmitting test signals and capturing attenuated signals without requiring preliminary manual antenna manipulation, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If network analyzer is used for small-signal measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as it cannot measure large-signal isolation effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The power sensor in the RF circuit is designed to measure power levels across a wide dynamic range, accommodating both small-signal and large-signal conditions. The processing module analyzes the attenuated signal power at different levels, enabling the system to adapt to various signal strengths and provide accurate isolation measurements across different operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The RF circuit's power sensor and signal processing module are designed to perform multiple measurement functions - they can measure isolation at different signal levels (small-signal and large-signal conditions) using the same hardware components. This universal measurement capability eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment for different signal ranges
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 efficient, non-invasive, and dynamic measurement of RF isolation across various frequencies, simplifying the process and accommodating multiple wireless standards without the need for invasive antenna adjustments or limited small-signal analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The power sensor converts said at least part of the attenuated RF signal into a voltage signal
Implementation Method 2
The analog-to-digital converter is connected electrically to the power sensor for receiving the voltage signal therefrom, and converts the voltage signal into a numerical value associated with the attenuated RF signal
Data Source
AI summary
An isolation detecting device includes a signal receiver for receiving an attenuated RF signal and transmitting at least part of the attenuated RF signal to a power sensor for conversion into a voltage signal, an A/D converter for converting the voltage signal into a numerical value, and a processing module for determining a received transmission power of the attenuated RF signal with reference to the numerical value and at least one reference set, which contains a transmission power and a numerical value associated with a test RF signal, and for further determining an isolation value by subtracting the received transmission power from a preset transmission power at which an original RF signal resulting into the attenuated RF signal is transmitted.