RF Signal Strength Detection via Up-Conversion to Cut Ripple
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal strength detection methods in RF receivers suffer from long signal settling times and severe ripple effects, particularly at low frequencies, requiring larger capacitors that occupy more circuit area.
Innovation Solution
The method involves frequency down-converting received signals to a lower frequency, then up-converting them to a higher frequency for detection, using a frequency up converter and a detecting unit to generate a signal strength indicator, which represents the original signal strength, thereby reducing settling time and ripple effects while allowing for smaller capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If signal strength detection is performed at low frequency (e.g., 200 KHz), then the detection can be executed after frequency down-conversion, but the signal settling time becomes long and ripple effect becomes severe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the signal from low frequency (after down-conversion) to high frequency (after up-conversion) specifically for the detection process. This parameter change allows the system to achieve faster signal settling time and reduced ripple effect while still accurately measuring the original low-frequency signal strength through the up-converted high-frequency signal.
2Measurement precision
If signal strength detection is performed at low frequency, then detection can be executed, but larger capacitors are required to reduce ripples which occupies larger circuit area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies frequency parameter change to transform the detection signal from low frequency to high frequency through up-conversion. This enables the use of smaller capacitors for ripple reduction, thereby decreasing the required circuit area while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the signal processing into distinct frequency domains: the original low-frequency signal path for communication and a separate up-converted high-frequency path for detection purposes. This segmentation allows optimization of each path independently, enabling small capacitor usage in the detection path without affecting the main signal path.
3Device complexity
If frequency down-conversion is performed for signal strength detection, then the detection process can be simplified, but the detection accuracy and efficiency are reduced due to long settling time and severe ripple effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a two-stage frequency transformation: first down-conversion to simplify the signal processing, then up-conversion to high frequency for actual detection. This parameter change strategy maintains the simplicity of processing while achieving high detection accuracy and efficiency through the high-frequency detection stage.
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
This approach enhances the efficiency and accuracy of signal strength detection, reduces circuit area, and allows for circuit sharing between receivers and transmitters, eliminating the need for extra frequency up mixers in receivers, thus saving cost and space.
Implementation Method 1
a frequency up converter for receiving and converting the second signal to a third signal whose frequencies are higher than the frequencies of the second signal
Implementation Method 2
a detecting unit for detecting strength of the third signal and generating a signal strength indicator to the communication system according to a detecting result corresponding to the strength of the third signal
Data Source
AI summary
A signal strength detecting device of a communication system is disclosed. The signal strength detecting device is coupled to a frequency down mixer of the communication system and the frequency down mixer is used for receiving and converting a first signal to a second signal whose frequencies are lower than frequencies of the first signal. The signal strength detecting device comprises a frequency up converter for receiving and converting the second signal to a third signal whose frequencies are higher than the frequencies of the second signal and a detecting unit for detecting strength of the third signal and generating a signal strength indicator to the communication system according to a detecting result corresponding to the strength of the third signal, wherein the signal strength indicator represents the strength of the first signal received by the frequency down mixer.