Rf circuit for use in a combined leakage detector and signal level

Abstract

An RF circuit for use as a front end for a combined leakage signal detector and signal level monitor includes a shared frequency conversion stage utilized for both leakage signals and signal level monitoring ('SLM') signals. One embodiment of the present invention includes an RF circuit comprising a first RF input, a second RF input, a frequency conversion circuit and a coupling device. The first RF input is operable to receive first signals to be monitored, the first signals being in a first frequency range. The second RF input is operable to receive leakage signals to be detected, the leakage signals also being in a first frequency range. The frequency conversion circuit is operable to convert signals in the first frequency range to signals in a second frequency range, the frequency conversion circuit operable to receive unconverted first signals and unconverted leakage signals and produce output signals therefrom. The output signals produced by the frequency conversion stage have a frequency in the second frequency range. The coupling device alternately connects the first RF input to the frequency conversion circuit and the second RF input to the frequency conversion circuit. The output signal may then be provided to a suitable measurement circuit that performs leakage signal detection or signal level monitoring using known methods.