Variable Coupling Factor Antenna Power Coupler for Transceiver Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless devices face increased calibration times and risk of transceiver damage due to power coupling issues across multiple frequency bands, particularly with high transmit power levels in 3G and 4G technologies.

Innovation Solution

An antenna power coupler with a variable coupling factor, combined with a detection receiver and variable attenuator, senses transmit power across wide frequency bands and adjusts the signal to maintain a safe level, protecting transceiver components and facilitating fast self-calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If power calibration is performed for each frequency band to ensure accurate power detection, then measurement precision is improved, but calibration time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower detection accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a variable coupling factor that dynamically adjusts based on the frequency band being used. Instead of performing separate calibrations for each frequency band, the system adapts the coupling factor in real-time to maintain accurate power detection across all bands, thereby reducing calibration time while preserving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the coupling parameter dynamically according to the operating frequency band. By adjusting the coupling factor based on frequency-specific characteristics, the system achieves accurate power detection without requiring exhaustive calibration for each band, thus resolving the time-precision tradeoff

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If high transmit power levels are used to increase data transmission capability, then productivity is improved, but transceiver components are at risk of damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidtransceiver component damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a detection receiver coupled through a variable coupling factor as an intermediary between the high-power transmit path and the sensitive receiver components. This intermediary structure allows high transmit power to be used for improved data transmission while the coupling mechanism ensures that only a safe, attenuated portion of the power reaches the transceiver components, preventing damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs a detection receiver that provides feedback about the coupled power level. This feedback mechanism enables real-time monitoring and adjustment to ensure that transceiver components are protected from excessive power while maintaining high transmit power capability for improved productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8929843B2Antenna power coupler having a variable coupling factor

Publication Date: 2015.01.06 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

An antenna power coupler having a variable coupling factor is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a coupler configured to generate a power detection signal based on transmit signal power associated with a plurality of transmission technologies and a variable attenuator configured to apply a selected attenuation factor to the power detection signal to generate an adjusted power detection signal, the selected attenuation factor associated with a selected transmission technology.