RF Signal Output Control and Cable Connection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal generation devices for mobile communication testing face challenges in preventing analog RF signal power from exceeding the rating of the RF amplifier and in determining whether the RF converter and RF amplifier are correctly connected via an RF cable, leading to potential incorrect testing outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A signal generation device that includes an RF converter, an RF amplifier with a variable attenuator and detector, and a control unit to monitor and adjust the output power based on detected voltage, and determine connection status through changes in detected voltage when the attenuation amount is altered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the signal generation device outputs high power analog RF signal, then the testing capability is improved, but the RF amplifier may be damaged due to exceeding its rating
Solution Approach 1:
The detector continuously monitors the detected voltage of the analog RF signal and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the RF converter output based on this feedback to ensure the signal power does not exceed the RF amplifier's rating, thus preventing damage while maintaining maximum testing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of the detected voltage before the signal reaches the RF amplifier. By detecting the voltage level in advance and adjusting the RF converter output accordingly, the system prevents excessive power from reaching the amplifier, ensuring its safety before damage can occur.
2Measurement precision
If the signal generation device includes connection monitoring function, then the testing accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing detector, originally designed for monitoring signal power levels, is utilized for the additional function of detecting connection status. By analyzing the detected voltage behavior when attenuation amount changes, the system determines whether the RF converter and RF amplifier are properly connected, thus achieving multiple functions without adding dedicated hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing components (detector and control unit) to perform connection monitoring. The detector's voltage measurements are analyzed to determine connection status, and the control unit processes this information to verify proper connectivity, allowing the system to self-diagnose connection issues without external monitoring equipment.
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
Effectively prevents analog RF signal power from exceeding the RF amplifier's rating and ensures correct connection verification between the RF converter and amplifier, ensuring accurate mobile communication device testing.
Implementation Method 1
a detector (9) which detects the analog RF signal having the adjusted amplitude
Implementation Method 2
a variable attenuator (7) which adjusts an amplitude of the analog RF signal by an attenuation amount
Implementation Method 3
an RF converter (2) that modulates an analog signal for testing and outputs an analog RF signal
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a signal generation device and a signal generation method, the signal generation device having a function of preventing the power of the analog RF signal which is output by the RF converter from exceeding the rating of the RF amplifier and a function of checking whether or not the RF converter and the RF amplifier are connected to each other. According to the present invention, there is provided a signal generation device in which the control performed by the control unit includes adjusting an output of the RF converter based on a detected voltage which is output by the detector, and determining whether or not the RF converter and the RF amplifier are connected to each other based on a change in the detected voltage when the attenuation amount of the variable attenuator is changed.