Parallel RF Power Detector for Wide Dynamic Range Linearity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF signal power detectors face challenges in accurately determining signal power with reduced latency and high dynamic range, leading to potential undesired signal power due to inefficient gain adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A wide band power detector is implemented using multiple passive attenuators and rectifiers coupled in parallel, each with different attenuation levels, to generate a voltage output that exhibits approximately linear behavior across a wide dynamic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single rectifier is used for power detection, then the device complexity is low, but the dynamic range and linearity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power detector is segmented into multiple parallel rectifier paths, each with different attenuation levels. This segmentation allows each rectifier to operate optimally in different input power ranges, improving overall measurement precision across a wide dynamic range while maintaining a relatively simple parallel structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of attenuation levels to the traditional single-path detector. By introducing multiple attenuation stages (0 dB, -10 dB, -20 dB, etc.) in parallel, the system transforms a one-dimensional detection approach into a multi-dimensional solution that covers broader power ranges with improved linearity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple passive attenuators and rectifiers are used in parallel, then the dynamic range and linearity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each parallel rectifier path serves multiple functions: it detects power across different ranges, provides linearization through attenuation, and contributes to the overall wide dynamic range. This multi-functionality allows the complex parallel structure to achieve high adaptability without requiring separate detection circuits for different power levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attenuation parameter for each parallel path (0 dB, -10 dB, -20 dB, -30 dB, etc.), allowing each rectifier to operate in its optimal linear region for different input power levels. This parameter variation enables wide dynamic range coverage while maintaining relatively simple identical rectifier circuits
3Loss of time
If traditional power detection methods are used, then the latency is higher, but the gain adjustment accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple attenuated paths are prepared in advance, allowing the detector to immediately respond to input power changes without requiring sequential measurement or complex signal processing. This preliminary preparation of parallel paths reduces detection latency while the combined output provides accurate gain adjustment information
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 reduces latency and increases linearity in determining RF signal power, enabling more accurate gain adjustment and improved responsiveness to channel conditions.
Implementation Method 1
generating, by a set of multiple passive attenuators coupled in parallel between a first port and a set of multiple second ports and based on a radio frequency (RF) signal input to the first port, a respective set of multiple attenuated RF signals on the set of multiple second ports, where each of the set of multiple passive attenuators has a different attenuation
Implementation Method 2
outputting, by a set of multiple rectifiers having respective input ports coupled with respective second ports of the set of multiple second ports, respective currents at respective output ports that are dependent on respective powers of respective attenuated RF signals
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wide band power detection are described. For instance, a circuit may include a set of passive attenuators coupled in parallel between a first port and a set of second ports, the set of passive attenuators configured to generate, based on a radio frequency (RF) signal input to the first port, a respective set of attenuated RF signals on the set of second ports, where each of the set of passive attenuators has a different attenuation. The circuit may include a set of rectifiers having respective input ports coupled with respective second ports of the set of second ports, where the set of rectifiers are configured to output respective currents at respective output ports that are dependent on respective powers of respective attenuated RF signals on the respective second ports, and where the respective output ports of the set of rectifiers are coupled together.