Segmented Logarithmic Power Detector for Wider RF Bandwidth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional logarithmic power detectors in RF communication systems face challenges in accurately measuring RF signal power and have limited operational bandwidth, leading to inefficiencies in signal control and interference reduction.

Innovation Solution

A logarithmic power detector design incorporating multiple detecting circuits with half-wave rectifiers, low-pass filters, and buffers to generate and amplify power signals, allowing for precise power detection across varying power segments, thereby increasing linearity and operational bandwidth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional logarithmic power detector is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of RF signal power deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower detection accuracyVSAvoiddetector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detector is divided into multiple parallel detecting circuits (first detecting circuit with first half-wave rectifier, second detecting circuit with second half-wave rectifier), each processing different power segments of the input signal. This segmentation allows accurate measurement across different power ranges while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dimensional approach by processing signals through multiple parallel paths (different detecting circuits) rather than a single sequential path. Each circuit handles specific power segments, and the results are combined to achieve comprehensive power measurement with high precision across the entire operating range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional logarithmic power detector is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operational bandwidth is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational bandwidthVSAvoiddetector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple detecting circuits are configured to handle different power segments and frequency ranges. The first detecting circuit processes one segment while the second detecting circuit processes another segment, collectively expanding the operational bandwidth without requiring a single overly complex circuit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detector achieves multi-functionality by combining multiple detecting circuits that can collectively handle a wide range of power levels and frequencies. Each circuit is designed to be universal within its segment, and together they provide broad operational versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the number of detecting circuits is increased to improve power detection accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower detection accuracyVSAvoidcircuit structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection function is segmented into multiple specialized circuits, each optimized for specific power segments. This segmentation improves measurement precision by dedicating specific circuits to specific ranges, while the modular nature of segmentation keeps complexity manageable through organized, reusable circuit blocks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detector dynamically selects and processes signals through different circuits based on the input power level. The power distributor dynamically routes different power segments to appropriate detecting circuits, allowing the system to adapt to varying signal conditions and maintain high precision without requiring all circuits to operate simultaneously at full complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables accurate power detection and increased linearity and bandwidth of the output signal, effectively controlling RF signal power and reducing interference within specific power ranges.

Implementation Method 1

The first half-wave rectifier is coupled to the power distributor and used to attenuate half cycles of the first power signal to generate a first rectified signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHalf-wave rectification: Diode

Implementation Method 2

The first low-pass filter is coupled to the first half-wave rectifier and used to pass the first rectified signal to generate a first low-pass signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLow-pass filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

The first buffer is coupled to the first low-pass filter and used to amplify the first low-pass signal to generate a first amplified current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal amplification: Magnetic Amplifier

Implementation Method 4

The second half-wave rectifier is coupled to the power distributor and used to attenuate half cycles of the second power signal to generate a second rectified signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHalf-wave rectification: Diode

Implementation Method 5

The second low-pass filter is coupled to the second half-wave rectifier and used to pass the second rectified signal to generate a second low-pass signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLow-pass filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 6

The second buffer is coupled to the second low-pass filter and used to amplify the second low-pass signal to generate a second amplified current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal amplification: Magnetic Amplifier

Data Source

PatentUS11223337B2Logarithmic power detector
Publication Date: 2022.01.11 RICHWAVE TECH CORP
  • US11223337B2 patent drawing
  • US11223337B2 patent drawing
  • US11223337B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A logarithmic power detector includes a power distributor, a first detection circuit, a second detection circuit and an output circuit. The power distributor is used to generate a first power signal and a second power signal according to an input signal. The first detection circuit is used to attenuate the first power signal to generate a first rectified signal, filter the first rectified signal to generate a first low-pass signal, and amplify the first low-pass signal to generate a first amplification current. The second detection circuit is used to attenuate the second power signal to generate a second rectified signal, filter the second rectified signal to generate a second low-pass signal, and amplify the second low-pass signal to generate a second amplification current. The output circuit is used to receive the first amplification current and the second amplification current to generate a converted voltage related to the input signal.