RF Path Calibration for ADC Anomaly Detection in Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in identifying anomalies in the operation of radio frequency (RF) circuitry, particularly in analogue to digital converter (ADC) circuits, which affect transmission capacity and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device is equipped with digital to analogue converter (DAC) circuitry, analogue to digital converter (ADC) circuitry, power amplifier circuitry, coupling circuitry, RF switches, RF processing circuitry, calibration circuitry, and processors that generate reference signals to identify anomalies by comparing target signals with calibration signals, enabling precise calibration and anomaly detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RF circuitry operates in normal communication mode, then transmission capacity is maintained, but anomaly detection capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanomaly detection capabilityVSAvoidtransmission capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs calibration operations in advance to establish reference signals and characteristics before normal communication begins. This preliminary calibration enables subsequent anomaly detection by comparing real-time signals against the pre-established baseline, allowing the system to detect deviations without interrupting normal transmission capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A dedicated calibration circuit is introduced as an intermediary component that can operate independently from the main RF communication path. This calibration circuit generates reference signals and performs measurements without interfering with the primary transmission and reception operations, enabling simultaneous anomaly detection and normal communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If calibration operations are performed frequently, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanomaly detection accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration operation is performed periodically at predetermined intervals rather than continuously or on-demand. This periodic calibration approach maintains measurement precision by regularly updating reference signals while minimizing time loss by avoiding excessive calibration operations. The system balances accuracy requirements with operational efficiency through this periodic execution strategy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If RF switch connects transmitting path to RF processing circuitry, then signal processing capability improves, but receiving path availability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoidreceiving path availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The RF circuitry is segmented into separate transmitting and receiving paths with independent connectivity options. The RF switch can connect the transmitting path to the RF processing circuitry for calibration and signal processing operations while the receiving path remains independently available. This segmentation allows the system to perform calibration operations on the transmit path without affecting the availability and functionality of the receiving path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20260012269A1Electronic device and method for identifying abnormality in electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.01.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20260012269A1 patent drawing
  • US20260012269A1 patent drawing
  • US20260012269A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a digital to analogue converter (DAC) circuitry, analogue to digital converter (ADC) circuitry, first power amplifier circuitry, second power amplifier circuitry, coupling circuitry configured to connect a transmitting path between the DAC circuitry and the first power amplifier circuitry and a receiving path between the ADC circuitry and the second power amplifier circuitry, a radio frequency (RF) switch connected to the coupling circuitry, RF processing circuitry connected to the RF switch, an antenna connected to the RF processing circuitry, calibration circuitry for calibrating an output of the ADC circuitry, memory, comprising one or more storage media, storing instructions, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the DAC circuitry, the ADC circuitry, the first power amplifier circuitry, the second power amplifier circuitry, the coupling circuitry, the RF switch, the RF processing circuitry, the antenna, the calibration circuitry, and the memory, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to generate a reference signal based on a mode of the electronic device changed from a first mode in which one of the transmitting path and the receiving path is connected to the RF processing circuitry to a second mode in which the first power amplifier circuitry and the second power amplifier circuitry are activated, in response to transmitting the reference signal through the transmitting path, obtain a target signal changed from the reference signal through the receiving path, obtain a calibration signal based on calibrating the target signal through the calibration circuitry, and based on the reference signal and the calibration signal, identify anomaly of at least one of the calibration circuitry, the transmitting path, and the receiving path.