Self-Activating Adjustable Power Limiter Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing limiter circuits lack fast response time, good linearity, and an adjustable threshold, and are difficult to integrate with other circuitry, particularly in high-power applications.
Innovation Solution
A self-activating adjustable threshold limiter circuit using a voltage-controlled field effect transistor with capacitive coupling elements, allowing for instantaneous activation and adjustable limiting threshold, implemented using standard FET fabrication techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If prior art limiter circuits are used, then power limiting function is provided, but response time is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power/amplitude detection function from a separate detector circuit and integrates it directly into the gate control node of the FET. This allows the limiter to respond instantaneously to power levels without the delay inherent in separate detection and control circuits, achieving both fast response time and reliable limiting performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the limiting element (FET) and control elements (coupling capacitors and bias circuitry) into a single integrated circuit structure. This consolidation eliminates inter-component signal transmission delays and enables instantaneous activation when the input signal exceeds the limiting threshold, resolving the contradiction between fast response and reliable performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If prior art limiter circuits are used, then power limiting is achieved, but linearity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a field effect transistor whose gate voltage can be dynamically adjusted through the coupling capacitors to precisely control the threshold voltage. This dynamic control mechanism allows for improved linearity in the limiting region while maintaining reliable power limiting function, as the FET operates in its most linear region during the limiting process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If prior art limiter circuits are used, then limiting threshold is fixed, but adjustability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables adjustment of the limiting threshold by changing the bias voltage applied to the gate of the FET or by modifying the capacitance values of the coupling capacitors. This parameter-based adjustability provides versatility in setting different threshold levels without requiring complex reconfiguration circuits, maintaining simplicity while achieving adaptability.
4Ease of manufacture
If prior art limiter circuits are used, then integration with other circuitry is difficult, but ease of integration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the limiter circuit with a universal structure based on the FET and coupling capacitors that can be easily integrated with various types of electronic circuitry. The circuit accepts standard voltage inputs and provides protected outputs, making it compatible with diverse downstream devices without requiring custom integration solutions, thus achieving ease of manufacture and integration.
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 provides a fast response time, improved linearity, and ease of integration with other circuitry, enabling effective power limiting in high-power applications with customizable threshold settings.
Implementation Method 1
A self-activating adjustable threshold limiter circuit uses a field effect transistor 610 with the source 612, drain 616, and gate 608
Implementation Method 2
A first coupling element 620 having a first capacitance C1 is electrically connected from a signal node 601 of the field effect transistor 610 to a control input 602 of the field effect transistor 610
Data Source
AI summary
A fast response time, self-activating, adjustable threshold limiter including a limiting element LE, a first coupling element CE1 electrically connected from a signal node of LE to a control input of LE, and a second coupling element CE2 electrically connected from the control input of LE to a nominal node of LE. An initial bias (control) voltage is also supplied to the control input of LE to dynamically control the limiting threshold for the limiter. Embodiments include usage of self-activating adjustable power limiters in combination with series switch components in a switch circuit in lieu of conventional shunt switches.