An economical vector network analyzer expansion module and control method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an economical vector network analyzer expansion module and control method, comprising a local oscillator power splitter and a radio frequency, wherein the first output end of the local oscillator power splitter is connected to the first input end of a first mixer, the output end of the radio frequency is connected to the input end of a first single directional coupler, the coupling end of the first single directional coupler is connected to the second input end of the first mixer, the through end of the first single directional coupler is connected to the input end of a first frequency multiplier, the output end of the first frequency multiplier is connected to the input end of a second single directional coupler, the coupling end of the second single directional coupler is connected to the first input end of a second mixer, the first output end of the local oscillator power splitter is connected to the input end of the second frequency multiplier, and the output end of the second frequency multiplier is connected to the second input end of the second mixer. The present invention has a simple overall structure, is easy to use, and has low cost, and can meet multiple usage scenarios.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field related to vector network analyzers, and in particular to an economical vector network analyzer expansion module and a control method. Background Art

[0002] A vector network analyzer (VNA) is a device for measuring electromagnetic wave energy. It can measure both the amplitude and phase of various parameters in a single-port network. The principle and application of a VNA are directly dependent on the system's dynamic range. A VNA includes a built-in signal generator that can perform frequency sweeps across a frequency band. For single-port measurements, a stimulus signal is applied to a port and the amplitude and phase of the reflected signal are measured to determine impedance or reflection conditions. Two-port measurements can also measure transmission parameters.

[0003] Currently, vector network analyzer extension modules for different frequencies have the same reference and test channels, are bulky, and expensive. Sometimes, customers don't have high requirements for the reference channel when using a module. Therefore, a cost-effective vector network analyzer extension module is needed while maintaining its basic functionality.

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned defects, the designers have actively carried out research and innovation in order to create an economical vector network analyzer expansion module and control method to make it more valuable for industrial use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an economical vector network analyzer expansion module and a control method.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] An economical vector network analyzer expansion module includes a local oscillator power splitter and a radio frequency. The first output end of the local oscillator power splitter is connected to the first input end of a first mixer, the output end of the radio frequency is connected to the input end of a first single directional coupler, the coupling end of the first single directional coupler is connected to the second input end of the first mixer, the through end of the first single directional coupler is connected to the input end of a first frequency multiplier, the output end of the first frequency multiplier is connected to the input end of a second single directional coupler, the coupling end of the second single directional coupler is connected to the first input end of a second mixer, the first output end of the local oscillator power splitter is connected to the input end of the second frequency multiplier, and the output end of the second frequency multiplier is connected to the second input end of the second mixer.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the output end of the first mixer is connected to the input end of the first amplifier, and the output end of the second mixer is connected to the input end of the second amplifier.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first amplifier and the second amplifier are both low-noise amplifiers.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first mixer is a low-frequency balanced mixer, and the second mixer is a subharmonic mixer.

[0011] A control method for an economical vector network analyzer expansion module comprises the following steps: inputting a low-frequency signal at a radio frequency input end, and after the low-frequency signal enters the input end of a first single directional coupler, mixing a signal output from a coupling end of the first single directional coupler with a signal output from a first output end of a local oscillator power splitter through a first mixer to obtain an intermediate frequency signal as a reference signal; passing a signal output from a through end of the first single directional coupler through a first frequency multiplier to obtain a high-frequency signal, and the high-frequency signal passes through an input end of a second single directional coupler, and the through end of the second single directional coupler outputs a transmission signal, and mixing a signal output from a coupling end of the second single directional coupler with a signal output from a second output end of the local oscillator power splitter through a second mixer to obtain an intermediate frequency signal as a measurement signal.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the signal output from the second output terminal of the local oscillator power divider is frequency multiplied by the second frequency multiplier and then enters the second input terminal of the second mixer.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the signal output from the coupling end of the first single directional coupler and the signal output from the first output end of the local oscillator power splitter are mixed by a first mixer and then amplified by a first amplifier to produce an intermediate frequency signal serving as a reference signal; the signal output from the coupling end of the second single directional coupler and the signal output from the second output end of the local oscillator power splitter are mixed by a second frequency multiplier and then amplified by a second amplifier to produce an intermediate frequency signal serving as a measurement signal.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first amplifier and the second amplifier are both low-noise amplifiers.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first mixer is a low-frequency balanced mixer, and the second mixer is a subharmonic mixer.

[0016] By means of the above solution, the present invention has at least the following advantages:

[0017] 1. The local oscillator end of the present invention adopts the form of local oscillator power splitting and intermediate frequency amplification, which can realize the splitting of the local oscillator into two and also amplify the signal at the intermediate frequency end.

[0018] 2. The reference channel in this invention utilizes a low-frequency mixer, achieving the basic performance of the expansion module while simplifying the structure and reducing costs. The reference channel utilizes a low-frequency balanced mixer, ensuring that its performance meets certain requirements. Currently, the reference and measurement channel frequencies of commercially available vector network analyzer expansion modules are identical to the transmit output frequency. This design reduces the cost of the reference channel.

[0019] 3. The overall structure of the present invention is simple, easy to use, low cost, and can meet multiple usage scenarios.

[0020] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present invention and implement it according to the contents of the specification, the following is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0022] Figure 1 The diagram is a structural diagram of an economical vector network analyzer expansion module of the present invention.

[0023] The meanings of the reference numerals in the figures are as follows.

[0024] 1 Local oscillator power splitter 2 RF

[0025] 3. First single directional coupler 4. First mixer

[0026] 5. First amplifier 6. First frequency multiplier

[0027] 7 Second single directional coupler 8 Second frequency doubler

[0028] 9 Second mixer 10 Second amplifier DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0030] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solutions of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention generally described and shown in the drawings herein can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed for protection, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] Example

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown,

[0033] An economical vector network analyzer expansion module includes a local oscillator power splitter 1 and a radio frequency 2. The first output end of the local oscillator power splitter 1 is connected to the first input end of a first mixer 4, the output end of the radio frequency 2 is connected to the input end of a first single directional coupler 3, the coupling end of the first single directional coupler 3 is connected to the second input end of the first mixer 4, the through end of the first single directional coupler 3 is connected to the input end of a first frequency multiplier 6, the output end of the first frequency multiplier 6 is connected to the input end of a second single directional coupler 7, the coupling end of the second single directional coupler 7 is connected to the first input end of a second mixer 9, the first output end of the local oscillator power splitter 1 is connected to the input end of a second frequency multiplier 8, and the output end of the second frequency multiplier 8 is connected to the second input end of the second mixer 9.

[0034] Preferably, the output end of the first mixer 4 is connected to the input end of the first amplifier 5 , and the output end of the second mixer 9 is connected to the input end of the second amplifier 10 .

[0035] Preferably, the first amplifier 5 and the second amplifier 10 are both low noise amplifiers.

[0036] Preferably, the first mixer 4 is a low-frequency balanced mixer, and the second mixer 9 is a subharmonic mixer.

[0037] A control method for an economical vector network analyzer expansion module is disclosed. A low-frequency signal is input to the input end of a radio frequency (RF) 2. After the low-frequency signal enters the input end of a first single directional coupler 3, a signal output from the coupling end of the first single directional coupler 3 and a signal output from the first output end of a local oscillator power splitter 1 are mixed by a first mixer 4 to obtain an intermediate frequency signal as a reference signal. A signal output from the through end of the first single directional coupler 3 is passed through a first frequency multiplier 6 to obtain a high-frequency signal. The high-frequency signal passes through the input end of a second single directional coupler 7. The through end of the second single directional coupler 7 outputs a transmission signal. A signal output from the coupling end of the second single directional coupler 7 and a signal output from the second output end of the local oscillator power splitter 1 are mixed by a second mixer 9 to obtain an intermediate frequency signal as a measurement signal.

[0038] Preferably, the signal output from the second output terminal of the local oscillator power splitter 1 is frequency multiplied by the second frequency multiplier 8 and then enters the second input terminal of the second mixer 9 .

[0039] Preferably, the signal output from the coupling end of the first single directional coupler 3 and the signal output from the first output end of the local oscillator power splitter 1 are mixed by the first mixer 4 and then amplified by the first amplifier 5 to produce an intermediate frequency signal as a reference signal, and the signal output from the coupling end of the second single directional coupler 7 and the signal output from the second output end of the local oscillator power splitter 1 are mixed by the second frequency multiplier 8 and then amplified by the second amplifier 10 to produce an intermediate frequency signal as a measurement signal.

[0040] Preferably, the first amplifier 5 and the second amplifier 10 are both low noise amplifiers.

[0041] Preferably, the first mixer 4 is a low-frequency balanced mixer, and the second mixer 9 is a subharmonic mixer.

[0042] The working principle of an economical vector network analyzer expansion module and control method of the present invention is briefly described as follows:

[0043] The measurement port and reference port in the expansion module of the present invention use the same radio frequency and local oscillator port. First, a low-frequency signal is input into the radio frequency 2 end, and passes through a first single directional coupler 3 of this frequency band. The signal coupled out of the coupling end of the first single directional coupler 3 is used as the radio frequency and passes through a low-frequency balanced mixer. It is mixed with the intermediate frequency signal of one channel of the signal from the local oscillator power splitter 1 to serve as the reference signal. The signal output through the through end of the first single directional coupler 3 passes through the first frequency multiplier 6 to obtain a high-frequency signal. The signal then passes through the through end of the second single directional coupler 7 to output the transmission signal. The signal output from the coupling end of the second single directional coupler 7 serves as the radio frequency end of the subharmonic mixer. It is mixed with the other channel of the signal from the local oscillator power splitter 1 after being multiplied by 8 times through the second frequency multiplier to obtain the intermediate frequency signal as the measurement signal.

[0044] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like to indicate directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the devices or elements referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly referring to the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined as "first", "second", etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

[0045] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be internal communication between two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood by specific circumstances.

[0046] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An economical vector network analyzer expansion module, characterized in that: The invention comprises a local oscillator power splitter (1) and a radio frequency (2), wherein the first output end of the local oscillator power splitter (1) is connected to the first input end of the first mixer (4), the output end of the radio frequency (2) is connected to the input end of the first single directional coupler (3), the coupling end of the first single directional coupler (3) is connected to the second input end of the first mixer (4), the through end of the first single directional coupler (3) is connected to the input end of the first frequency multiplier (6), the output end of the first frequency multiplier (6) is connected to the input end of the second single directional coupler (7), the coupling end of the second single directional coupler (7) is connected to the first input end of the second mixer (9), the first output end of the local oscillator power splitter (1) is connected to the input end of the second frequency multiplier (8), and the output end of the second frequency multiplier (8) is connected to the second input end of the second mixer (9); The output end of the first mixer (4) is connected to the input end of the first amplifier (5), and the output end of the second mixer (9) is connected to the input end of the second amplifier (10); The first mixer (4) is a low-frequency balanced mixer, and the second mixer (9) is a subharmonic mixer.

2. The economical vector network analyzer expansion module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first amplifier (5) and the second amplifier (10) are both low-noise amplifiers.

3. The control method of an economical vector network analyzer expansion module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A low-frequency signal is inputted at the input end of the radio frequency (2). After the low-frequency signal enters the input end of the first single directional coupler (3), the intermediate frequency signal after the signal outputted from the coupling end of the first single directional coupler (3) and the signal outputted from the first output end of the local oscillator power splitter (1) are mixed by the first mixer (4) as a reference signal; the signal outputted from the through-end of the first single directional coupler (3) is passed through the first frequency multiplier (6) to obtain a high-frequency signal, the high-frequency signal passes through the input end of the second single directional coupler (7), the through-end of the second single directional coupler (7) outputs a transmission signal, the signal outputted from the coupling end of the second single directional coupler (7) and the signal outputted from the second output end of the local oscillator power splitter (1) are mixed by the second mixer (9) as a measurement signal.

4. The control method of an economical vector network analyzer expansion module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The signal output from the second output end of the local oscillator power divider (1) is frequency-multiplied by the second frequency multiplier (8) and then enters the second input end of the second mixer (9).

5. The control method of an economical vector network analyzer expansion module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The signal output from the coupling end of the first single directional coupler (3) and the signal output from the first output end of the local oscillator power splitter (1) are mixed by the first mixer (4) and then amplified by the first amplifier (5), and the intermediate frequency signal is used as a reference signal. The signal output from the coupling end of the second single directional coupler (7) and the signal output from the second output end of the local oscillator power splitter (1) are mixed by the second frequency multiplier (8) and then amplified by the second amplifier (10), and the intermediate frequency signal is used as a measurement signal.

6. The control method of an economical vector network analyzer expansion module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first amplifier (5) and the second amplifier (10) are both low-noise amplifiers.

7. The control method of an economical vector network analyzer expansion module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first mixer (4) is a low-frequency balanced mixer, and the second mixer (9) is a subharmonic mixer.

Images