RF Power Detector Combining Multi-Antenna Millimeter-Wave Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
There are limited practical ways to accurately measure conducted transmitted power from multiple antennas in millimeter-wave transmitters, particularly in 5G mobile phones with multiple antenna arrays, which poses a challenge for RF power detection.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency (RF) power detector system is developed, comprising an envelope detector, a detector current mirror, an RF power detector combiner, and a detector current scaler, which converts RF signals into detector currents proportional to the forward power, allowing for accurate measurement and combination of power from multiple antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna arrays are used in millimeter-wave transmitters for beam steering, then the coverage and signal quality are improved, but the ability to accurately measure conducted transmitted power deteriorates due to limited practical measurement methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power measurement function into multiple independent envelope detectors, each associated with a specific antenna or antenna group. Each detector independently measures the power of signals from its associated antenna, allowing individual power measurement while maintaining the multiple antenna configuration for beam steering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces envelope detectors as intermediary components between the multiple antenna transmitters and the power measurement system. These detectors convert RF signals into detectable voltage signals, serving as a bridge that enables accurate power measurement without interfering with the antenna arrays' beam steering functionality.
2Measurement precision
If multiple envelope detectors are used to measure power from multiple antennas, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple detection channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the outputs of multiple envelope detectors through a summing circuit that adds the detector voltages together. This merging approach allows the system to maintain multiple independent detection channels for accurate power measurement while consolidating the output into a single combined signal, thereby reducing the complexity of subsequent processing circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the envelope detectors and current mirrors with universal functionality that allows them to handle multiple signal paths. The same detector and current mirror circuitry can be reused across different antenna channels, reducing the overall component count and system complexity while maintaining the capability to measure power from multiple antennas.
3Measurement precision
If detector voltages from multiple antennas are combined, then the total power measurement is achieved, but the analog-to-digital converter dynamic range requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary scaling of the detector currents using current mirror circuits before they are converted to digital signals. By adjusting the current mirror ratios, the system pre-processes the analog signals to optimize their amplitude ranges, thereby reducing the dynamic range burden on the subsequent analog-to-digital converters and simplifying their design requirements.
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 system enables robust and accurate detection of RF power across a wide dynamic range, facilitating effective beam steering and power adjustment in millimeter-wave transmitter arrays, thereby addressing the limitations of existing measurement methods.
Implementation Method 1
an envelope detector configured to detect peak voltages of a radio frequency (RF) signal
Implementation Method 2
a detector current mirror having a first mirror branch coupled to the current mode terminal and a second mirror branch configured to create a detector current that is proportional to a branch current through the first mirror branch
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency (RF) power detector is disclosed. The RF power detector includes an envelope detector having an RF signal terminal and a current mode terminal, wherein the envelope detector is configured to detect peak voltages of an RF signal at the RF signal terminal. Further included is a detector current mirror having a first mirror branch coupled to the current mode terminal and a second mirror branch configured to create a detector current that is proportional to a branch current through the first mirror branch in response to peak voltages detected by the envelope detector.