Shared Power Detection Subsystem for Phased Array Transmitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power detection subsystems in wireless transceivers or transmitters with multiple antenna elements require significant area and increase costs due to replication of power detection hardware for each antenna element, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
Implement a power detection topology where power detection hardware elements are shared among multiple transmit paths, including power coupling circuits, a shared transimpedance amplifier, and an analog-to-digital converter, to reduce the area and number of hardware components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If power detection hardware is replicated for each antenna element, then measurement precision is improved, but area occupied and device cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple power detection circuits that were previously replicated for each antenna element are merged into a single shared power detection circuit. The patent combines the detection functions of multiple transmit paths into one circuit that can handle multiple input signals, thereby reducing the occupied area while maintaining detection capability across all antenna elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared power detection circuit is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting power levels from multiple different transmit paths through different antenna elements. This universal circuit replaces multiple dedicated detection circuits, achieving the same measurement precision requirements for all paths while occupying significantly less area.
2Reliability
If power detection hardware is replicated for each antenna element, then reliability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple replicated power detection circuits into a single shared circuit, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation lowers device cost while the circuit is designed to maintain reliable detection across all transmit paths through proper signal handling and processing.
3Area of stationary object
If power detection hardware is shared among multiple transmit paths, then area occupied is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shared power detection circuit processes signals from multiple transmit paths by segmenting the detection function - handling each path's signal through distinct processing stages within the unified circuit. This segmentation allows the circuit to manage multiple inputs systematically, reducing area while controlling complexity through structured signal handling.
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 significantly reduces the occupied area and costs by sharing power detection hardware, allowing for more efficient use of space for other enhancements and reducing device costs.
Implementation Method 1
multiple power coupling circuits that are each coupled between a respective power amplifier and a respective antenna element in a phased array, each power coupling circuit configured to generate a current proportional to an output power of the respective power amplifier
Implementation Method 2
a shared transimpedance amplifier (TIA) coupled to the multiple power coupling circuits, wherein the shared TIA comprises: an input to receive, from the multiple power coupling circuits, the respective generated currents; and an output to provide an analog signal indicating a value of the respective generated currents
Implementation Method 3
an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that comprises an input coupled to the output from the shared TIA and an output configured to provide a digital signal indicating the output powers from the power amplifiers
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, an apparatus may comprise multiple power coupling circuits that are each coupled between a respective power amplifier and a respective antenna element in a phased array, each power coupling circuit configured to generate a current proportional to an output power of the respective power amplifier. The apparatus may comprise a shared transimpedance amplifier (TIA) coupled to the multiple power coupling circuits, wherein the shared TIA comprises an input to receive, from the multiple power coupling circuits, the respective generated currents and an output to provide an analog signal indicating a value of the respective generated currents received from the multiple power coupling circuits. The apparatus may comprise an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that comprises an input coupled to the output from the shared TIA and an output configured to provide a digital signal indicating the output powers from the power amplifiers. Numerous other aspects are described.