RFIC Power Detector Calibration via Switching Circuit Path Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio communication devices face challenges in accurately measuring the performance of power detectors in RFICs due to signal distortion and variation, leading to inaccurate calibration and reduced communication performance, especially in mmWave band applications.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with an antenna module comprising multiple RF chains, a processor, and a switching circuit that selectively switches between test and transmission paths to directly transmit RF signals to power detectors, allowing for accurate measurement and calibration of transmission power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate measurement equipment is used to measure the power detector signal, then measurement can be performed externally, but signal distortion occurs in the signal path leading to inaccurate measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from external equipment and integrates it directly into the RFIC by placing the power detector within the RFIC structure, allowing direct measurement of the RF signal without external intervention, thereby eliminating signal path distortion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupling capacitor as an intermediary element that enables direct measurement of the RF signal at the power detector while blocking DC components, allowing accurate measurement without requiring external measurement equipment and avoiding signal distortion
2Measurement precision
If the power detector is connected to a coupler at the antenna end, then signal can be measured at the antenna, but signal variation between detector and coupler increases and connection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the antenna end and relocates it to the RFIC side by integrating the power detector within the RFIC, eliminating the need for external coupler connection and reducing signal path complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an internal measurement path within the RFIC that replicates the function of external coupler measurement, allowing accurate power detection without requiring physical connection to external antenna couplers
3Productivity
If calibration is performed with inaccurate power detector measurements, then calibration process can be completed, but transmission power accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of the RF signal at the power detector before calibration to establish accurate reference values, ensuring that subsequent calibration operations are based on precise measurement data rather than distorted external measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the power detector continuously monitors the RF signal and provides measurement data back to the calibration system, allowing real-time adjustment and verification of transmission power accuracy during the calibration process
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electronic device including an antenna module comprising a plurality of radio frequency (RF) chains, and a processor configured to control the antenna module, wherein each of the RF chains comprises an amplifier that amplifies power and a power detector, and wherein the antenna module further comprises a switching circuit that selectively switches between a first path and a second path, the first path being a connection through which an RF signal converted in the antenna module is transmitted to the power detector causing the RF signal to be detected, and the second path being a connection through which the RF signal is transmitted to the amplifier causing the power detector to detect an RF signal of the amplifier.