Patent ID: 6400934
Filing Date: 2002-06-04
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
A method for protecting receiver circuitry from high radio frequency (RF) overload voltages input to the antenna comprising the steps of:detecting inside the receiver any reverse RF power on an antenna connected to the receiver; converting inside the receiver the RF power to a direct current (DC) voltage; comparing inside the receiver the DC voltage against a predetermined reference voltage; actuating inside the receiver at least one switch to disconnect the antenna if the DC voltage exceeds the reference voltage; detecting inside the receiver the radio signal strength indication (RSSI) of a received on-channel signal comparing inside the receiver the RSSI against a first reference voltage; actuating a secondary RF attenuator if the RSSI is less than the first reference signal level for reducing input signal strength from the antenna; comparing inside the receiver the RSSI against a second reference DC voltage; and actuating a secondary RF attenuator if the RSSI is greater than the second reference voltage for reducing input signal strength from the antenna.