A method and device for determining transient response time

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for determining the transient response time. The method for determining the transient response time includes: determining the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link, and the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the phase link according to the transient response time of the signal adjustment module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude processing, the transient response time of the signal phase processing, the first transmission time, and the second transmission time; determining the average transient response time of the amplitude link, the average transient response time of the phase link, and the delay time of the delay module according to the slowest transient response time of the amplitude link, the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link, the slowest transient response time of the phase link, and the fastest transient response time of the phase link. The present invention can optimize the parameters of the radio frequency power amplifier correction system according to the average transient response time, thereby reducing the transient response time of the nonlinear correction system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical magnetic resonance imaging, and in particular, to a method and device for determining the transient response time. Background Art

[0002] In a magnetic resonance imaging system, a radio frequency power amplifier is a commonly used device. The radio frequency power amplifier is generally connected to a radio frequency coil and is used to amplify the input radio frequency signal and then output it to the radio frequency coil.

[0003] In a radio frequency power amplifier, especially when outputting high power, non-linear correction is required to achieve constant gain and constant phase. The prior art mainly relies on steady-state analysis methods to achieve non-linear correction of the radio frequency power amplifier.

[0004] The existing steady-state analysis methods ignore the transient response process and cannot determine the transient response time of the amplitude link and the transient response time of the phase link. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a method and device for determining the transient response time, gives a quantitative index for calculating the transient response time, can determine the transient response time of the amplitude link and the transient response time of the phase link, and can optimize relevant circuit corrections and parameters according to the transient response time, select and compare devices with the same function, thereby reducing the transient response time of the non-linear correction system.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for determining the transient response time, which is used to determine the transient response time of non-linear correction of a radio frequency power amplifier in a non-linear correction system. The non-linear correction system includes: a delay module, a signal conditioning module, and a signal amplitude and phase processing module;

[0007] The input end of the delay module is connected to the radio frequency input signal, and the output end of the delay module is connected to the input end of the signal conditioning module. The delay module is used to delay the transmission of the radio frequency input signal to the signal conditioning module; the output end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module is connected to the control end of the signal conditioning module. The signal amplitude and phase processing module is used to generate an adjustment control signal according to the amplitude and / or phase of the radio frequency input signal and the radio frequency output signal; the output end of the signal conditioning module is connected to the input end of the radio frequency power amplifier, and is used to adjust the amplitude and / or phase of the signal output by the delay module according to the adjustment control signal; the method for determining the transient response time includes: obtaining the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude processing of the signal amplitude and phase processing module, the transient response time of the signal phase processing of the signal amplitude and phase processing module, the first transmission time, and the second transmission time; wherein, the first transmission time is the delay time of the signal on the amplitude link line between the input end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module and the control end of the signal conditioning module; the second transmission time is the delay time of the signal on the phase link line between the input end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module and the control end of the signal conditioning module; determining the slowest transient response time of the amplitude link, the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link, the slowest transient response time of the phase link, and the fastest transient response time of the phase link according to the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude processing, the transient response time of the signal phase processing, the first transmission time, and the second transmission time; determining the average transient response time of the amplitude link according to the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link; determining the average transient response time of the phase link according to the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the phase link; determining the delay time of the delay module according to the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the average transient response time of the phase link.

[0008] Second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a device for determining the transient response time, which is used to determine the transient response time of the non-linear correction of a radio frequency power amplifier in a non-linear correction system. The non-linear correction system includes: a delay module, a signal conditioning module, and a signal amplitude and phase processing module; the input end of the delay module is connected to a radio frequency input signal, and the output end of the delay module is connected to the input end of the signal conditioning module. The delay module is used to delay the transmission of the radio frequency input signal to the signal conditioning module; the output end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module is connected to the control end of the signal conditioning module. The signal amplitude and phase processing module is used to generate an adjustment control signal according to the amplitude and / or phase of the radio frequency input signal and the radio frequency output signal; the output end of the signal conditioning module is connected to the input end of the radio frequency power amplifier, and is used to adjust the amplitude and / or phase of the signal output by the delay module according to the adjustment control signal; the device for determining the transient response time includes: a transient response time acquisition module, which is used to acquire the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude processing of the signal amplitude and phase processing module, the transient response time of the signal phase processing, the first transmission time, and the second transmission time; wherein, the first transmission time is the delay time of the signal on the amplitude link line between the input end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module and the control end of the signal conditioning module; the second transmission time is the delay time on the phase link line between the input end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module and the control end of the signal conditioning module; a slowest transient response time and fastest transient response time determination module, which is used to determine the slowest transient response time of the amplitude link, the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link, the slowest transient response time of the phase link, and the fastest transient response time of the phase link according to the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude processing, the transient response time of the signal phase processing, the first transmission time, and the second transmission time; an average transient response time determination module of the amplitude link, which is used to determine the average transient response time of the amplitude link according to the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link; an average transient response time determination module of the phase link, which is used to determine the average transient response time of the phase link according to the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the phase link; a delay time determination module of the delay module, which is used to determine the delay time of the delay module according to the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the average transient response time of the phase link.

[0009] The method for determining the transient response time provided by the embodiment of the present invention is used in the nonlinear correction of a radio frequency power amplifier. By taking the transient response of the signal adjustment module and the signal amplitude and phase processing module or the rise time of the square wave signal as the response time of the transient signal, the slowest transient response time, the fastest transient response time, and the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the phase link of the nonlinear correction system are determined. By calculating the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the average transient response time of the phase link, the parameters of the relevant circuits in the nonlinear correction design are optimized, thereby reducing the transient response time of the nonlinear correction system, that is, reducing the edge time of the radio frequency pulse modulation signal, so that the edge time of the radio frequency pulse modulation signal does not affect the envelope amplitude of the sampling function, thereby reducing the distortion of the envelope of the radio frequency pulse modulation signal and reducing artifacts. That is to say, the radio frequency power amplifier composed of the optimized nonlinear correction system can meet the requirements of the time domain and the frequency domain, and is particularly suitable for generating radio frequency signal waveforms using linear scanning in magnetic resonance multi-slice parallel imaging. Moreover, the method for determining the transient response time in the nonlinear correction of the radio frequency power amplifier gives a quantitative index for measuring the edge time of the envelope square wave of the radio frequency pulse modulation signal, and can express the time from the initial to the capture of the envelope square wave of the radio frequency pulse modulation signal.

[0010] It should be understood that the content described in this part is not intended to identify the key or important features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other features of the present invention will become easily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 is a flowchart of a method for determining the transient response time provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a nonlinear correction system of a radio frequency power amplifier provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of another nonlinear correction system of a radio frequency power amplifier provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 4 is a flowchart of another method for determining the transient response time provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 5 is a tunable phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 6 is Figure 5 the response curve of the provided tunable phase shifter;

[0018] Figure 7 is another tunable phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 8 is Figure 7 the response curve of the provided tunable phase shifter;

[0020] Figure 9 is a schematic structural diagram of another non - linear correction system for a radio frequency power amplifier provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 10 is a flowchart of another method for determining the transient response time provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 11 is a flowchart of another method for determining the transient response time provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 12 is another non - linear correction system for a radio frequency power amplifier provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 13 is a device for determining the transient response time provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0025] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solution of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without making creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0026] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification, claims and the above-mentioned drawings of the present invention are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not necessarily have to be used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present invention described here can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described here. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units does not necessarily have to be limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0027] As described in the background art, the ideal time-domain signal of the radio frequency pulse modulation signal is a square wave envelope. Inside the square wave envelope t is the carrier f0 and the signal with a square wave envelope period T. The frequency-domain signal of the radio frequency pulse modulation signal follows the Sa(x) function distribution. Due to the limitations of physical devices, the square wave envelope t usually has an edge time (i.e., transient response time). The shorter the edge time of the square wave envelope t, the closer it is to the ideal radio frequency pulse modulation signal. Therefore, the edge time is an important parameter. In a magnetic resonance system, the ultra-short echo time (UTE) sequence has very strict requirements on the hardware. The shortest echo time can reach about 70 μs, and even can be reduced to 8 μs by using special hardware. This also requires transient response analysis of the radio frequency pulse modulation signal.

[0028] The time-domain discrete sampling function of the radio frequency pulse modulation signal follows the Sa(x) function distribution. The time-domain discrete sampling function is used in a magnetic resonance system to realize parallel acquisition of multi-layer images. The too-slow edge time of the transient response of the radio frequency pulse modulation signal affects the change of the envelope amplitude of the sampling function, causing distortion of the envelope of the radio frequency pulse modulation signal, thereby forming artifacts.

[0029] For the above problems, the embodiments of the present invention provide a method for determining the transient response time, which can quantitatively calculate the transient response time of the non-linear correction system. According to the transient response time, the parameters of the radio frequency power amplifier correction system can be optimized, so as to reduce the transient response time of the non-linear correction system, thereby reducing the distortion of the envelope of the radio frequency pulse modulation signal and reducing artifacts.

[0030] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of a method for determining the transient response time provided by the embodiments of the present invention. The method for determining the transient response time is used to determine the transient response time of the non-linear correction of the radio frequency power amplifier in the non-linear correction system.

[0031] The RF power amplifier mainly amplifies the power of RF signals and has been widely used in industries such as wireless communication, radar, and medical equipment for magnetic resonance imaging. In a magnetic resonance imaging system, the RF power amplifier is a commonly used component. The RF power amplifier has different amplitude amplification capabilities and different output phases for RF signals with different powers, thus showing non-linear characteristics.

[0032] However, the users of magnetic resonance equipment often hope that the RF power amplifier is linear, that is, for RF signals with different powers, the RF power amplification ability is consistent, with the same amplitude amplification ratio and the same output phase. Therefore, an additional adjustment device needs to be designed to adjust the amplitude amplification ratio and output phase of the RF power amplifier to achieve constant gain and constant phase, which is called a non-linear correction system.

[0033] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of a non-linear correction system for an RF power amplifier provided by an embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 2 shown, the non-linear correction system includes: a delay module 11, a signal adjustment module 12, and a signal amplitude and phase processing module 13; the input end of the delay module 11 is connected to the RF input signal RF_IN, and the output end of the delay module 11 is connected to the input end of the signal adjustment module 12. The delay module 11 is used to delay the transmission of the RF input signal RF_IN to the signal adjustment module 12; the output end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module 13 is connected to the control end of the signal adjustment module 12. The signal amplitude and phase processing module 13 is used to generate an adjustment control signal according to the amplitude and / or phase of the RF input signal RF_IN and the RF output signal RF_OUT; the output end of the signal adjustment module 12 is connected to the input end of the RF power amplifier 14 and is used to adjust the amplitude and / or phase of the signal output by the delay module 11 according to the adjustment control signal.

[0034] Optionally, the output end of the RF power amplifier 14 is connected to the input end of a directional coupler 15, and the output end of the directional coupler 15 is connected to the input end of an attenuator 16. The directional coupler 15 processes the RF signal output by the RF amplifier 14 into at least two signals. One of the coupled-end signals is output to the attenuator 16, and the other direct-end high-power (KW level) RF output signal RF_OUT_PA is output to the load. The attenuator 16 is used for fine attenuation to convert the input coupled signal into a low-power (mW level) RF output signal RF_OUT, and the RF output signal RF_OUT is fed back to the signal amplitude and phase processing module 13.

[0035] Continue to refer to Figure 1 , the method for determining the transient response time includes the following steps:

[0036] S101. Obtain the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude processing of the signal amplitude and phase processing module, the transient response time of the signal phase processing of the signal amplitude and phase processing module, the first transmission time, and the second transmission time.

[0037] Among them, the first transmission time is the delay time of the signal on the amplitude link line between the input end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module and the control end of the signal conditioning module; the second transmission time is the delay time of the signal on the phase link line between the input end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module and the control end of the signal conditioning module.

[0038] The delay time of the signal on the line is the propagation delay time of the signal in the PCB trace. The propagation delay time of the signal in the PCB trace is related to the relative dielectric constant εr of the PCB medium. According to the physical structure of the wiring on the PCB board, it can be divided into stripline layout and microstrip line layout. The propagation delay times of the microstrip line layout and the stripline are different.

[0039] The propagation delay time of the microstrip line layout can be approximately calculated using Formula 1:

[0040] Formula 1: Among them, tpd1 represents the propagation delay time of the microstrip line layout;

[0041] The propagation delay time of the stripline layout can be approximately calculated using Formula 2:

[0042] Formula 2: Among them, tpd2 represents the propagation delay time of the stripline layout.

[0043] Exemplarily, for the FR4 board material, the relative dielectric constant εr is about 4.2. The delay time of the signal on the surface microstrip line is about 140 pS / Inch, the delay time of the signal on the inner layer stripline is about 166 pS / Inch, and in the air it is about 85 pS / Inch (picoseconds per inch).

[0044] The transient response time of the signal conditioning module is the edge time of the signal conditioning module. The transient response time of the signal amplitude processing of the signal amplitude and phase processing module is the sum of the edge times of the units that process the signal amplitude in the signal amplitude and phase processing module. The transient response time of the signal phase processing of the signal amplitude and phase processing module is the sum of the edge times of the units that process the signal phase in the signal amplitude and phase processing module. The edge time of each component can be obtained according to the characteristic curves of the various components used in the signal conditioning module and the signal amplitude and phase processing module. The edge times of the various components are statistically analyzed, so that the transient response time acquisition module can obtain the edge times of the various components from the statistical analysis.

[0045] Among them, the edge time includes the rising edge time and the falling edge time. The rising edge time refers to the time required for the system response curve to rise from 10% of the final value (i.e., the steady-state value) to 90% of the final value. The present invention mainly uses the rising edge time to calculate and describe the transient response time, and the falling edge time can also be used to describe the process of the radio frequency pulse signal from stable to disappearance.

[0046] S102. Determine the slowest transient response time of the amplitude link, the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link, the slowest transient response time of the phase link, and the fastest transient response time of the phase link according to the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude processing, the transient response time of the signal phase processing, the first transmission time, and the second transmission time.

[0047] The amplitude link is a link composed of various components that adjust the amplitude of the signal in the signal conditioning module and the signal amplitude and phase processing module. The phase link is a link composed of various components that adjust the phase of the signal in the signal conditioning module and the signal amplitude and phase processing module.

[0048] Since the transient response time of the amplitude link is related to the module that processes the amplitude of the signal and the delay time of the signal on the amplitude link trace, the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link can be determined according to the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude processing, and the first transmission time.

[0049] Specifically, add the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude processing, and the first transmission time to obtain the slowest transient response time of the amplitude link. That is to say, the slowest transient response time of the amplitude link, calculated according to the rising edge, is TaMax = TA + TB + Twa. Where TaMax represents the slowest transient response time of the amplitude link, TA represents the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, that is, the rising edge time of the signal conditioning module, TB represents the transient response time of the signal amplitude processing of the signal amplitude and phase processing module, and Twa represents the first transmission time.

[0050] The transient response time of the signal amplitude processing on the amplitude link includes the transient response time of the amplitude detection and the transient response time of the amplitude conditioning. Among them, the transient response time of the amplitude detection is the sum of the edge times of the components that detect the signal amplitude in the signal amplitude and phase processing module; the transient response time of the amplitude conditioning is the sum of the edge times of the components that condition the signal amplitude in the signal amplitude and phase processing module.

[0051] Select the maximum value among the transient response time of the selection signal conditioning module, the transient response time of amplitude detection, and the transient response time of amplitude conditioning. Add the maximum value among the transient response time of the selection signal conditioning module, the transient response time of amplitude detection, and the transient response time of amplitude conditioning to the first transmission time to obtain the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link. That is to say, for the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link, calculated according to the rising edge, TaMin = Max{TA, TB1, TB2} + Twa. Where TaMin represents the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link, TA represents the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, that is, the rising edge time of the signal conditioning module, TB1 represents the transient response time of amplitude detection, TB2 represents the transient response time of amplitude conditioning, and Twa represents the first transmission time.

[0052] Since the transient response time of the phase link is related to the module for processing the phase of the signal and the delay time of the signal on the phase link trace, the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the phase link can be determined based on the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the signal phase processing of the signal amplitude and phase processing module, and the second transmission time.

[0053] Specifically, add the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of signal phase processing, and the second transmission time to obtain the slowest transient response time of the phase link. That is to say, for the slowest transient response time of the phase link, calculated according to the rising edge, TpMax = TA + TC + Twp. Where TpMax represents the slowest transient response time of the phase link, TA represents the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, that is, the rising edge time of the signal conditioning module, TC represents the transient response time of the signal phase processing of the signal amplitude and phase processing module, and Twp is the second transmission time.

[0054] The transient response time of the signal phase processing on the phase link of the signal amplitude and phase processing module includes the transient response time of phase detection and the transient response time of phase conditioning. Among them, the transient response time of phase detection is the sum of the edge times of the components for detecting the signal phase in the signal amplitude and phase processing module; the transient response time of phase conditioning is the sum of the edge times of the components for conditioning the signal phase in the signal amplitude and phase processing module.

[0055] Select the maximum value among the transient response time of the selection signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the phase detection, and the transient response time of the phase conditioning. Add the maximum value among the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the phase detection, and the transient response time of the phase conditioning to the first transmission time to obtain the fastest transient response time of the phase link. That is, for the fastest transient response time of the phase link calculated according to the rising edge, TpMin = Max{TA, TC1, TC2} + Twp. Where TpMin represents the fastest transient response time of the phase link, TA represents the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, i.e., the rising edge time of the signal conditioning module, TC1 represents the transient response time of the phase detection, TC2 represents the transient response time of the phase conditioning, and Twp is the second transmission time.

[0056] S103. Determine the average transient response time of the amplitude link according to the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link.

[0057] Specifically, for the average transient response time of the amplitude link calculated according to the rising edge, TaMed = (TaMax + TaMin) / 2; where TaMed represents the average transient response time of the amplitude link, TaMax represents the slowest transient response time of the amplitude link, and TaMin represents the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link.

[0058] S104. Determine the average transient response time of the phase link according to the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the phase link.

[0059] Specifically, for the average transient response time of the phase link calculated according to the rising edge, TpMed = (TpMax + TpMin) / 2; where TpMed represents the average transient response time of the phase link, TpMax represents the slowest transient response time of the phase link, and TaMin represents the fastest transient response time of the phase link.

[0060] S105. Determine the delay time of the delay module according to the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the average transient response time of the phase link.

[0061] Specifically, the delay time of the delay module is equal to the sum of the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the average transient response time of the phase link divided by 2. That is, T7Med = (TaMed + TpMed) / 2, where T7Med represents the delay time of the delay module, TaMed represents the average transient response time of the amplitude link, and TpMed represents the average transient response time of the phase link.

[0062] The transient response of the amplitude link and the transient response of the phase detection connection are executed in parallel. When the average transient response time of the amplitude link is equal to the average transient response time of the phase link, the tolerance range of the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the average transient response time of the phase link is minimized to 0. When the average transient response time of the amplitude link is equal to the average transient response time of the phase link, and the delay time of the delay module is equal to the sum of the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the average transient response time of the phase link divided by 2, the overall transient response time of the nonlinear correction system is optimal. At this time, the correction can be quickly tracked and executed, the pulsed RF signal can be quickly captured and stabilized, so as to realize the amplitude and phase correction, ensure the linearity of the pulsed RF signal, and at the same time realize the detection of multi-layer signals, improve the signal-to-noise ratio, and reduce magnetic resonance artifacts.

[0063] The method for determining the transient response time provided by the embodiment of the present invention is used in the nonlinear correction of a radio frequency power amplifier. By taking the transient response of the signal adjustment module and the signal amplitude and phase processing module or the rise time of the square wave signal as the response time of the transient signal, the slowest transient response time, the fastest transient response time, and the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the phase link of the nonlinear correction system are determined; by calculating the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the average transient response time of the phase link, the parameters of the relevant circuits in the nonlinear correction design are optimized, so as to reduce the transient response time of the nonlinear correction system, that is, reduce the edge time of the radio frequency pulse modulation signal, so that the edge time of the radio frequency pulse modulation signal does not affect the envelope amplitude of the sampling function, thereby reducing the distortion of the envelope of the radio frequency pulse modulation signal and reducing artifacts. That is to say, the radio frequency power amplifier composed of the optimized nonlinear correction system can meet the requirements of the time domain and the frequency domain, and is especially suitable for generating the radio frequency signal waveform using linear scanning in magnetic resonance multi-layer parallel imaging. Moreover, the method for determining the transient response time in the nonlinear correction of the radio frequency power amplifier gives a quantitative index for measuring the edge time of the envelope square wave of the radio frequency pulse modulation signal, which can express the time from the initial to the capture of the envelope square wave of the radio frequency pulse modulation signal.

[0064] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of another nonlinear correction system of a radio frequency power amplifier provided by the embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 3 shown. Optionally, the signal adjustment module 12 includes a tunable attenuator 100 and a tunable phase shifter 200. The input end of the tunable attenuator 100 is used as the input end of the signal adjustment module 12. The output end of the tunable attenuator 100 is connected to the input end of the tunable phase shifter 200. The output end of the tunable phase shifter 200 is used as the output end of the signal adjustment module 12.

[0065] The signal amplitude and phase processing module 13 includes a signal amplitude detection unit 10, a signal amplitude conditioning unit 20, a signal phase detection unit 30, and a signal phase conditioning unit 40.

[0066] The signal amplitude detection unit 10 is used to detect the amplitudes of the radio frequency input signal RF_IN and the radio frequency output signal RF_OUT; the signal amplitude conditioning unit 20 is used to condition the signal output by the signal amplitude detection unit 10; the signal phase detection unit 30 is used to detect the phases of the radio frequency input signal RF_IN and the radio frequency output signal RF_OUT; the signal phase conditioning unit 40 is used to condition the signal output by the signal phase detection unit 30; the signal amplitude detection unit 10, the signal amplitude conditioning unit 20, and the variable attenuator 100 form an amplitude link, and the signal phase detection unit 30, the signal phase conditioning unit 40, and the variable phase shifter 200 form a phase link.

[0067] Specifically, the adjustment control signal includes a first adjustment control signal and a second adjustment control signal; the input ends of the signal amplitude detection unit 10 and the signal phase detection unit 30 both serve as the input end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module 13, the output end of the signal amplitude detection unit 10 is connected to the input end of the signal amplitude conditioning unit 20, the output ends of the signal amplitude conditioning unit 20 and the signal phase conditioning unit 40 both serve as the output end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module 13, and the output end of the signal phase detection unit 30 is connected to the input end of the signal phase conditioning unit 40.

[0068] The signal amplitude detection unit 10 is used to detect the amplitudes of the radio frequency input signal RF_IN and the radio frequency output signal RF_OUT, and generate an amplitude difference signal; the signal amplitude conditioning unit 20 is used to generate a first adjustment control signal according to the amplitude difference signal, and the first adjustment control signal is used to adjust the amplitude of the radio frequency input signal RF_IN. The signal phase detection unit 30 is used to detect the phases of the radio frequency input signal RF_IN and the radio frequency output signal RF_OUT, and generate a phase difference signal; the signal phase conditioning unit 40 is used to generate a second adjustment control signal according to the phase difference signal, and the second adjustment control signal is used to adjust the phase of the radio frequency input signal RF_IN.

[0069] As an implementation manner, the model of the variable attenuator 100 is MAAV-007941 of MACOM Corporation. The rise time Tr and the fall time Tf of the variable attenuator 100 are both 3 nS, so T1tr and T1Tf are both equal to 3 nS.

[0070] As an implementation manner, the variable phase shifter 200 can be a voltage-controlled phase shifter, which is implemented by using a varactor diode in cooperation with a 3 dB 90-degree hybrid coupler.

[0071] As an implementation, the signal amplitude detection unit 10 includes two power detection chips, and the model of the power detection chip is AD8310 of Analog Devices, Inc. The rise time Tr of AD8310 is 20 nS, and the fall time Tf of AD8310 is 30 nS. The rise time and fall time of the signal amplitude detection unit 10 are the transient response times for converting pulse power into pulse voltage.

[0072] As an implementation, the signal amplitude conditioning unit 20 can use the TL082 operational amplifier, and its rise time Tr is 500 nS. The signal amplitude conditioning unit 20 can also use THS4032 of Texas Instruments Incorporated. THS4032 is a low-noise high-speed operational amplifier for signal conditioning. It can be known from the test curve of the THS4032 chip data sheet that both the rise time Tr and the fall time Tf of THS4032 are 34 nS.

[0073] As an implementation, the chip used by the signal phase detection unit 30 is the AD8302 chip of Analog Devices, Inc. Both the rise time Tr and the fall time Tf of the transient response of the AD8302 chip are 40 nS. The signal conditioning operational amplifier of the signal phase conditioning unit 40 can use THS4032 of Texas Instruments Incorporated.

[0074] Figure 4 is a flowchart of another method for determining the transient response time provided by the embodiments of the present invention. Refer to Figure 4 and the method for determining the transient response time includes the following steps:

[0075] S201. Obtain the transient response time of the adjustable attenuator, the transient response time of the adjustable phase shifter, the transient response time of the signal amplitude detection unit, the transient response time of the signal amplitude conditioning unit, the transient response time of the signal phase detection unit, the transient response time of the signal phase conditioning unit, the first transmission time, and the second transmission time.

[0076] Continue to refer to Figure 3 and the transient response time of the adjustable attenuator 100 is T1tr, and the transient response time of the signal amplitude conditioning unit 20 is T2tr. The signal amplitude detection unit 10 detects the amplitude difference between the RF input signal RF_IN and the feedback RF output signal RF_OUT, and converts the amplitude difference signal into a first low-frequency AC signal. The transient response time of the signal amplitude detection unit 10 is T3tr. The transient response time of the adjustable phase shifter 200 is T4tr, and the transient response time of the signal phase conditioning unit 40 is T5tr. The signal phase detection unit 30 detects the phase difference between the RF input signal RF_IN and the feedback RF output signal RF_OUT, and converts the phase difference signal into a low-frequency AC signal for output. The transient response time of the signal phase detection unit 30 is T6tr.

[0077] The first transmission time includes a first trace delay time Twa1 and a second trace delay time Twa2. The first trace delay time Twa1 is the delay time of the signal on the trace between the output end of the signal amplitude detection unit 10 and the signal amplitude conditioning unit 20, and the second trace delay time Twa2 is the delay time of the signal on the trace between the signal amplitude conditioning unit 20 and the control end of the adjustable attenuator 100.

[0078] The second transmission time includes a third trace delay time Twp1 and a fourth trace delay time Twp2. The third trace delay time Twp1 is the delay time of the signal on the trace between the output end of the signal phase detection unit 30 and the signal phase conditioning unit 40, and the fourth trace delay time Twp2 is the delay time of the signal on the trace between the signal phase conditioning unit 40 and the control end of the adjustable phase shifter 200.

[0079] S202. Add the transient response time of the adjustable attenuator, the transient response time of the signal amplitude detection unit, the transient response time of the signal amplitude conditioning unit, and the first transmission time to obtain the slowest transient response time of the amplitude link.

[0080] Specifically, the slowest transient response time TaMax of the amplitude link is calculated according to the rising edge, and TaMax = T3tr + T2tr + T1tr + Twa1 + Twa2.

[0081] S203. Select the maximum value among the transient response time of the adjustable attenuator, the transient response time of the signal amplitude detection unit, and the transient response time of the signal amplitude conditioning unit as the first transient response time; add the first transient response time and the first transmission time to obtain the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link.

[0082] Specifically, the fastest transient response time TaMin of the amplitude link is calculated according to the rising edge, and TaMin = Max{T3tr, T2tr, T1tr} + Twa1 + Twa2; Max{T3tr, T2tr, T1tr} is the maximum value of the three, that is, the slowest transient response time of the three.

[0083] S204. Obtain the slowest transient response time of the phase link by adding the transient response time of the adjustable phase shifter, the transient response time of the signal phase detection unit, the transient response time of the signal phase conditioning unit, and the second transmission time.

[0084] Specifically, the slowest transient response time TpMax of the phase link is calculated according to the rising edge, and TpMax = T4tr + T5tr + T6tr + Twp1 + Twp2.

[0085] S205. Select the maximum value among the transient response time of the adjustable phase shifter, the transient response time of the signal phase detection unit, and the transient response time of the signal phase conditioning unit as the second transient response time; add the second transient response time and the second transmission time to obtain the fastest transient response time of the phase link.

[0086] Specifically, for the fastest transient response time TpMin of the phase link calculated according to the rising edge, TpMin = Max{T4tr, T5tr, T6tr} + Twp1 + Twp2; Max{T4tr, T5tr, T6tr} is the maximum value of the three, that is, the slowest transient response time of the three.

[0087] S206. Determine the average transient response time of the amplitude link according to the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link.

[0088] S207. Determine the average transient response time of the phase link according to the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the phase link.

[0089] S208. Determine the delay time of the delay module according to the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the average transient response time of the phase link.

[0090] The method for determining the transient response time provided in this embodiment can optimize the parameters of relevant circuits in the non-linear correction design according to the average transient response time. Exemplarily, in the non-linear correction system before optimization, the model of the adjustable attenuator 100 is MAAV-007941 of MACOM Corporation, that is, T1tr is 3 ns.

[0091] Figure 5 It is an adjustable phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is Figure 5 The response curve of the provided adjustable phase shifter. Combining Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the first node A is the output end of the adjustable phase shifter, so the output waveform of the adjustable phase shifter can be observed from the first node A. Figure 5 The second node B is the input end of the adjustable phase shifter, so the input waveform of the adjustable phase shifter can be observed from the second node B. Figure 5 In Figure 6 , the curve 501 represents Figure 5 the output waveform of the provided adjustable phase shifter, and the curve 502 represents Figure 5 the input waveform of the provided adjustable phase shifter. From Figure 6 it can be seen that Figure 5The rising edge time Tr of the provided tunable phase shifter 200 is 180.1 us, that is, T4tr is 180.1 us. The signal amplitude detection unit 10 includes 2 power detection chips. The model of the power detection chip is AD8310 of ADI Corporation, and the rising edge time Tr is 20 nS, that is, T3tr is 20 ns. The signal amplitude conditioning unit 20 uses a TL082 operational amplifier, and its rising edge time Tr is 500 nS, that is, T2tr is 500 ns. The chip used in the signal phase detection unit 30 is AD8302 of ADI Corporation, and the rising time of the transient response is 40 nS, that is, T6tr is 40 ns. The signal conditioning operational amplifier of the signal phase conditioning unit 40 can use THS4032 of TI Corporation, and the rising time of the transient response is 34 nS, that is, T5tr is 34 ns.

[0092] In the non-linear correction system before optimization, for the slowest transient response time TaMax of the amplitude link, calculated according to the rising edge, TaMax = T3tr + T2tr + T1tr + Twa1 + Twa2 = 20 ns + 500 ns + 3 ns + 0.8 ns = 523.8 ns. For the fastest transient response time TaMin of the amplitude link, calculated according to the rising edge, TaMin = Max{3 nS, 500 nS, 20 ns} + 0.8 ns = 500.8 ns. For the average transient response time TaMed of the amplitude link, calculated according to the rising edge, TaMed = (523.8 + 500.8) / 2 = 512.3 ns.

[0093] For the slowest transient response time TpMax of the phase link, calculated according to the rising edge, TpMax = T4tr + T5tr + T6tr + Twp1 + Twp2 = 180.1 us + 34 ns + 40 ns + 0.83 ns = 180.17483 us. For the fastest transient response time TpMin of the phase link, calculated according to the rising edge, TpMin = Max{180.1 us, 34 nS, 40 ns} + 0.83 ns = 180.10083 uS. For the average transient response time Tp Med of the phase link, calculated according to the rising edge, TpMed = (180.17483 + 180.10083 uS) / 2 ≈ 180.14 uS.

[0094] From the above calculation process, it can be seen that the difference between the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the average transient response time of the phase link is too large. For a 100 uS RF short pulse, the large difference between the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the average transient response time of the phase link will seriously affect the capture time of the entire non-linear correction system, resulting in too large a phase error of the RF short pulse.

[0095] In the optimized non - linear correction system, the model of the adjustable attenuator 100 is MAAV - 007941 of MACOM Corporation, that is, T1tr is 3 ns. Figure 7 It is another adjustable phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is Figure 7 The response curve of the provided adjustable phase shifter. Combining Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the third node C is the output end of the adjustable phase shifter. Therefore, the output waveform of the adjustable phase shifter provided by Figure 7 can be observed from the third node C. The fourth node D is the output end of the adjustable phase shifter. Therefore, the input waveform of the adjustable phase shifter provided by Figure 7 can be observed at the fourth node D. Figure 8 In Figure 7 , the curve 601 represents the output waveform of the adjustable phase shifter provided by Figure 7 , and the curve 602 represents the input waveform of the adjustable phase shifter provided by Figure 8 . It can be known from Figure 7 that the rise - time Tr of the adjustable phase shifter 200 provided by

[0096] is 42 ns, that is, T4tr is 42 ns. The signal amplitude detection unit 10 includes 2 power detection chips. The model of the power detection chip is AD8310 of ADI Corporation. The rise - time Tr of AD8310 is 20 nS, that is, T3tr is 20 ns. The signal amplitude conditioning unit 20 uses THS4032 of TI Corporation. The rise - time Tr of THS4032 is 34 nS, that is, T2tr is 500 ns. The chip used in the signal phase detection unit 30 is AD8302 of ADI Corporation. The rise - time Tr of AD8302 is 40 nS, that is, T6tr is 40 ns. The signal conditioning operational amplifier of the signal phase conditioning unit 40 uses THS4032 of TI Corporation. The rise - time Tr of THS4032 is 34 nS, that is, T5tr is 34 ns.

[0097] For the non - linear correction system of the radio - frequency power amplifier, the slowest transient response time, the fastest transient response time and the average transient response time of the amplitude link in the optimized non - linear correction system are calculated as follows:

[0097] The slowest transient response time of the amplitude link: TaMax = 3nS + 34nS + 20ns + 0.8ns = 57.8nS. The fastest transient response time of the amplitude link: TaMin = Max{3nS, 34nS, 20ns} + 0.8ns = 34.8ns. The average transient response time of the amplitude link: TaMed = (57.8 + 34.8) / 2 = 46.3nS. The slowest transient response time, the fastest transient response time and the average transient response time of the optimized phase link are calculated as follows: The slowest transient response time of the phase link: TpMax = 42nS + 34nS + 40ns + 0.83ns = 116.8nS. The fastest transient response time of the phase link: TpMin = Min{42nS + 34nS + 40ns} + 0.83ns = 42.8nS. The average transient response time of the phase link: TpMed = (116.8 + 42.8) / 2 = 79.8nS. The delay time of the delay module T7Med = (46.3 + 79.8) / 2 = 63.05nS ≈ 63.1ns.

[0098] As can be seen from the calculation, for the RF power amplifier of the pulse, the transient response time of the amplitude link in the optimized nonlinear correction system is between 34.8nS and 57.8nS, and the average transient response time is 46.3ns; the transient response time of the phase link is between 42.8ns and 116.8nS, and the average transient response time is 79.8nS. The delay time of the delay module is 63.1ns. In this way, the transient response time error of the whole system is appropriate. The average transient response time error of the amplitude link is 46.3 - 63.1 = -16.8nS. The negative sign indicates that the average transient response time of the amplitude link is faster than the delay time of the delay module; the average transient response time error of the phase link is 79.8 - 63.1 = +16.7nS. The positive sign indicates that the average transient response time of the phase link is slower than the delay time of the delay module.

[0099] In summary, through the method of determining the transient response time, the optimization of the nonlinear system correction of the RF power amplifier can be carried out. The average transient response time of the amplitude link is reduced from 512.3nS before optimization to 46.3nS after optimization, and the average transient response time of the phase link is reduced from 180.14us before optimization to 79.8nS after optimization. Therefore, the RF power amplifier composed of the optimized nonlinear correction system can amplify the power of the RF pulse of 100us or even shorter RF pulses.

[0100] Figure 9 It is a schematic structural diagram of another nonlinear correction system of the RF power amplifier provided by the embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 9As shown, optionally, the signal amplitude and phase processing module 13 includes a signal amplitude detection unit 10, a signal amplitude conditioning unit 20, a signal phase detection unit 30, a signal phase conditioning unit 40, and a signal comprehensive weighting unit 50.

[0101] The signal amplitude detection unit 10 is used to detect the amplitudes of the RF input signal RF_IN and the RF output signal RF_OUT; the signal amplitude conditioning unit 20 is used to condition the signal output by the signal amplitude detection unit 10; the signal phase detection unit 30 is used to detect the phases of the RF input signal RF_IN and the RF output signal RF_OUT; the signal phase conditioning unit 40 is used to condition the signal output by the signal phase detection unit 30; the signal comprehensive weighting unit 50 is used to condition the signals output by the signal amplitude conditioning unit 20 and the signal phase conditioning unit 40 again.

[0102] The signal comprehensive weighting unit 50 can control both the amplitude and the phase of the signal simultaneously. The signal comprehensive weighting unit 50 can be a predistorter, and the predistorter can include circuits such as diodes.

[0103] The signal amplitude detection unit 10, the signal amplitude conditioning unit 20, the signal comprehensive weighting unit 50, and the signal conditioning module 12 form an amplitude link, and the signal phase detection unit, the signal phase conditioning unit, the signal comprehensive weighting unit 50, and the signal conditioning module 12 form a phase link.

[0104] Specifically, the input ends of the signal amplitude detection unit 10 and the signal phase detection unit 30 both serve as the input end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module 13. The output end of the signal amplitude detection unit 10 is connected to the input end of the signal amplitude conditioning unit 20. The output end of the signal amplitude conditioning unit 20 is connected to the first input end of the signal comprehensive weighting unit 50. The output end of the signal comprehensive weighting unit 50 serves as the output end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module 13. The output end of the signal phase detection unit 30 is connected to the input end of the signal phase conditioning unit 40. The output end of the signal phase conditioning unit 40 is connected to the second input end of the signal comprehensive weighting unit 50.

[0105] Figure 10 is a flowchart of another method for determining the transient response time provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Refer to Figure 10 and the method for determining the transient response time includes the following steps:

[0106] S301. Obtain the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude detection unit, the transient response time of the signal amplitude conditioning unit, the transient response time of the signal phase detection unit, the transient response time of the signal phase conditioning unit, the transient response time of the signal comprehensive weighting unit, the first transmission time, and the second transmission time.

[0107] Continue to refer to Figure 9 , the transient response time of the signal conditioning module 12 is TA, the transient response time of the signal amplitude conditioning unit 20 is T2tr, the transient response time of the signal amplitude detection unit 10 is T3tr, the transient response time of the signal phase conditioning unit 40 is T5tr, and the transient response time of the signal amplitude detection unit 30 is T6tr. The transient response time of the signal synthesis and weighting unit 50 is T8tr.

[0108] The first transmission time includes a first trace delay time Twa1, a second trace delay time Twa2, and a combined trace time Twap1. The first trace delay time Twa1 is the delay time of the signal on the trace between the output end of the signal amplitude detection unit 10 and the signal amplitude conditioning unit 20. The second trace delay time Twa2 is the delay time of the signal on the trace between the signal amplitude conditioning unit 20 and the input end of the signal synthesis and weighting unit 50. The combined trace time Twap1 is the delay time of the signal on the trace between the output end of the signal synthesis and weighting unit 50 and the control end of the signal conditioning module 12.

[0109] The second transmission time includes a third trace delay time Twp1, a fourth trace delay time Twp2, and a combined trace time Twap1. The third trace delay time Twp1 is the delay time of the signal on the trace between the output end of the signal phase detection unit 30 and the signal phase conditioning unit 40. The fourth trace delay time Twp2 is the delay time of the signal on the trace between the signal phase conditioning unit 40 and the input end of the signal synthesis and weighting unit 50. The combined trace time Twap1 is the delay time of the signal on the trace between the output end of the signal synthesis and weighting unit 50 and the control end of the signal conditioning module 12.

[0110] S302. Add the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude detection unit, the transient response time of the signal amplitude conditioning unit, the transient response time of the signal synthesis and weighting unit, and the first transmission time to obtain the slowest transient response time of the amplitude link.

[0111] Specifically, the slowest transient response time TaMax of the amplitude link, calculated according to the rising edge, TaMax = T3tr + T2tr + T8tr + TA + Twa1 + Twa2 + Twap1.

[0112] S303. Select the maximum value among the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude detection unit, the transient response time of the signal amplitude conditioning unit, and the transient response time of the signal synthesis and weighting unit as the third transient response time; add the third transient response time and the first transmission time to obtain the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link.

[0113] Specifically, for the fastest transient response time TaMin of the amplitude link, calculated based on the rising edge, TaMin = Max{T3tr, T2tr, T8tr, TA} + Twa1 + Twa2 + Twap1; Max{T3tr, T2tr, T8tr, TA} takes the maximum value of the four, that is, the slowest transient response time of the four.

[0114] S304. Obtain the slowest transient response time of the phase link from the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the signal phase detection unit, the transient response time of the signal phase conditioning unit, the transient response time of the signal synthesis and weighting unit, and the second transmission time.

[0115] Specifically, for the slowest transient response time TpMax of the phase link, calculated based on the rising edge, TpMax = TA + T5tr + T6tr + T8tr + Twp1 + Twp2 + Twap1.

[0116] S305. Select the maximum value among the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the signal phase detection unit, the transient response time of the signal phase conditioning unit, and the transient response time of the signal synthesis and weighting unit as the fourth transient response time; add the fourth transient response time and the second transmission time to obtain the fastest transient response time of the phase link.

[0117] Specifically, for the fastest transient response time TpMin of the phase link, calculated based on the rising edge, TpMin = Max{TA, T5tr, T6tr, T8tr} + Twp1 + Twp2; Max{TA, T5tr, T6tr, T8tr} takes the maximum value of the four, that is, the slowest transient response time of the four.

[0118] S306. Determine the average transient response time of the amplitude link according to the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link.

[0119] S307. Determine the average transient response time of the phase link according to the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the phase link.

[0120] S308. Determine the delay time of the delay module according to the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the average transient response time of the phase link.

[0121] Figure 11 It is a flowchart of another method for determining the transient response time provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Based on the above embodiments, with reference to Figure 11 , the method for determining the transient response time includes the following steps:

[0122] S401. Obtain the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude processing of the signal amplitude and phase processing module, the transient response time of the signal phase processing of the signal amplitude and phase processing module, the first transmission time, and the second transmission time.

[0123] S402. Determine the slowest transient response time of the amplitude link, the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link, the slowest transient response time of the phase link, and the fastest transient response time of the phase link according to the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude processing, the transient response time of the signal phase processing, the first transmission time, and the second transmission time.

[0124] S403. Determine the average transient response time of the amplitude link according to the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link.

[0125] S404. Determine the average transient response time of the phase link according to the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the phase link.

[0126] S405. Determine the delay time of the delay module according to the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the average transient response time of the phase link.

[0127] S406. Determine the tolerance range of the average transient response time according to the average transient response time of the amplitude link, the average transient response time of the phase link, and the delay time of the delay module.

[0128] Among them, the first boundary value of the average transient response time tolerance range is obtained by subtracting the delay time from the average transient response time of the amplitude link; the second boundary value of the average transient response time tolerance range is obtained by subtracting the delay time from the average transient response time of the phase link; where the first boundary value and the second boundary value are opposite to each other.

[0129] Exemplarily, the transient response time of the amplitude link is between 34.8 nS and 57.8 nS, and the average transient response time of the amplitude link is 46.3 ns; the transient response time of the phase link is between 42.8 ns and 116.8 nS, and the average transient response time of the phase link is 79.8 nS. The delay time of the delay module is 63.1 ns.

[0130] The first boundary value of the average transient response time tolerance range is 46.3 - 63.1 = -16.8 nS, and the negative sign indicates that the average transient response time of the amplitude link is faster than the delay time of the delay module; the second boundary value of the average transient response time tolerance range is 79.8 - 63.1 = +16.7 nS, and the positive sign indicates that the average transient response time of the phase link is slower than the delay time of the delay module.

[0131] Figure 12 This is another non - linear correction system for a radio - frequency power amplifier provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Refer to Figure 12 , the non - linear correction system includes: a delay module 11, a signal conditioning module 12, and a signal amplitude and phase processing module 13. The signal conditioning module 12 includes a variable attenuator 100 and a variable phase shifter 200; the signal amplitude and phase processing module 13 includes a signal amplitude detection unit 10, a signal amplitude conditioning unit 20, a signal phase detection unit 30, a signal phase conditioning unit 40, a signal amplitude delay unit 60, and a signal phase delay unit 70.

[0132] Specifically, the input ends of both the signal amplitude detection unit 10 and the signal phase detection unit 30 serve as the input end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module 13. The output end of the signal amplitude detection unit 10 is connected to the input end of the signal amplitude conditioning unit 20. The output end of the signal amplitude conditioning unit 20 is connected to the input end of the signal amplitude delay unit 60. The output ends of both the signal amplitude delay unit 60 and the signal phase delay unit 70 serve as the output end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module 13. The output end of the signal phase detection unit 30 is connected to the input end of the signal phase conditioning unit 40. The output end of the signal phase conditioning unit 40 is connected to the input end of the signal phase delay unit 70.

[0133] The transient response time of the variable attenuator 100 is T1tr, the transient response time of the signal amplitude conditioning unit 20 is T2tr, and the transient response time of the signal amplitude detection unit 10 is T3tr; the transient response time of the variable phase shifter 200 is T4tr, the transient response time of the signal phase conditioning unit 40 is T5tr, the transient response time of the signal amplitude detection unit 30 is T6tr, the delay time of the delay module of the delay module is T7tr, the delay time of the signal amplitude delay unit 60 is T9, and the delay time of the signal phase delay unit 70 is T10.

[0134] The initial values of the delay time T9 of the signal amplitude delay unit 60 and the delay time T10 of the signal phase delay unit 70 are set to 0.

[0135] Referring to the calculation formulas of the above - mentioned embodiments, calculate the average transient response time of the amplitude link, the average transient response time of the phase link, and the delay difference between the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the average transient response time of the phase link respectively. According to the delay difference between the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the average transient response time of the phase link, set the delay time of the corresponding delay unit on the detection link with a longer time to 0; set the delay time of the corresponding delay unit on the detection link with a shorter time to the delay difference between the two.

[0136] Exemplarily, the average transient response time of the amplitude link is 46.3 ns (the channel with a smaller time), the average transient response time of the phase link is 79.8 nS (the channel with a longer time), and the delay difference between the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the average transient response time of the phase link is (79.8 - 46.3) 33.5 ns. Therefore, at this time, the delay time of the signal amplitude delay unit 60 is set to 33.5 ns, and the delay time of the signal phase delay unit 70 is set to 0 ns. At this time, the average transient response time of the amplitude link, the average transient response time of the phase link, and the delay time of the delay module are all equal, all being 79.8 nS, and the tolerance of the nonlinear correction system is 0 at this time.

[0137] The present invention realizes the nonlinear correction function of a radio frequency power amplifier, uses the edge time of the transient response to calculate the overall transient response time, uses the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the phase link to calculate the delay time of the delay module, gives the tolerance range of the average transient response time, and provides a nonlinear correction system with a tolerance range of 0 for the average transient response time; optimizes the parameters of the relevant circuits in the nonlinear correction design according to the average transient response time, selects and compares devices with the same function to reduce the transient response time of the nonlinear correction system, thereby reducing the distortion of the envelope of the radio frequency pulse modulation signal and reducing artifacts.

[0138] Figure 13 It is a device for determining the transient response time provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The device for determining the transient response time is used to determine the transient response time of the nonlinear correction of a radio frequency power amplifier in a nonlinear correction system.

[0139] Continue to refer to Figure 2 , the nonlinear correction system includes: a delay module 10, a signal conditioning module 12, and a signal amplitude and phase processing module 13; the input end of the delay module 11 is connected to the radio frequency input signal RF_IN, and the output end of the delay module 11 is connected to the input end of the signal conditioning module 12. The delay module 11 is used to delay the transmission of the radio frequency input signal RF_IN to the signal conditioning module 12.

[0140] The output end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module 13 is connected to the control end of the signal conditioning module 12. The signal amplitude and phase processing module 13 is used to generate an adjustment control signal according to the amplitude and / or phase of the radio frequency input signal RF_IN and the radio frequency output signal RF_OUT. The output end of the signal conditioning module 12 is connected to the input end of the radio frequency power amplifier 14, and is used to adjust the amplitude and / or phase of the signal output by the delay module 11 according to the adjustment control signal.

[0141] Refer to Figure 13 , the device for determining the transient response time includes:

[0142] The transient response time acquisition module 300 is configured to acquire the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude processing of the signal amplitude and phase processing module, the transient response time of the signal phase processing, the first transmission time, and the second transmission time. Among them, the first transmission time is the delay time of the signal on the amplitude link line between the input end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module and the control end of the signal conditioning module; the second transmission time is the delay time on the phase link line between the input end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module and the control end of the signal conditioning module.

[0143] The slowest and fastest transient response time determination module 400 is configured to determine the slowest transient response time of the amplitude link, the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link, the slowest transient response time of the phase link, and the fastest transient response time of the phase link according to the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude processing, the transient response time of the signal phase processing, the first transmission time, and the second transmission time. The average transient response time determination module 500 of the amplitude link is configured to determine the average transient response time of the amplitude link according to the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link. The average transient response time determination module 600 of the phase link is configured to determine the average transient response time of the phase link according to the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the phase link. The delay time determination module 700 is configured to determine the delay time of the delay module according to the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the average transient response time of the phase link.

[0144] It should be understood that various forms of the processes shown above can be used, with steps reordered, added, or deleted. For example, the steps described in the present invention can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired results of the technical solution of the present invention can be achieved, and no limitations are imposed herein.

[0145] The above specific embodiments do not constitute a limitation to the protection scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub - combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for determining the transient response time, characterized in that For determining the transient response time of non - linear correction of a radio - frequency power amplifier in a non - linear correction system, the non - linear correction system includes: a delay module, a signal conditioning module, and a signal amplitude and phase processing module; The input end of the delay module is connected to a radio - frequency input signal, and the output end of the delay module is connected to the input end of the signal conditioning module. The delay module is used to delay and transmit the radio - frequency input signal to the signal conditioning module; The output end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module is connected to the control end of the signal conditioning module. The signal amplitude and phase processing module is used to generate an adjustment control signal according to the amplitude and / or phase of the radio - frequency input signal and the radio - frequency output signal; The output end of the signal conditioning module is connected to the input end of the radio - frequency power amplifier, and is used to adjust the amplitude and / or phase of the signal output by the delay module according to the adjustment control signal; The method for determining the transient response time includes: Obtaining the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of signal amplitude processing of the signal amplitude and phase processing module, the transient response time of signal phase processing of the signal amplitude and phase processing module, a first transmission time, and a second transmission time; wherein, the first transmission time is the delay time of the signal on the amplitude link line between the input end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module and the control end of the signal conditioning module; the second transmission time is the delay time of the signal on the phase link line between the input end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module and the control end of the signal conditioning module; Determining the slowest transient response time of the amplitude link, the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link, the slowest transient response time of the phase link, and the fastest transient response time of the phase link according to the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of signal amplitude processing, the transient response time of signal phase processing, the first transmission time, and the second transmission time; Determining the average transient response time of the amplitude link according to the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link; Determining the average transient response time of the phase link according to the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the phase link; Determining the delay time of the delay module according to the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the average transient response time of the phase link.

2. The method for determining the transient response time according to claim 1, wherein The signal conditioning module includes an adjustable attenuator and an adjustable phase shifter. The input end of the adjustable attenuator is used as the input end of the signal conditioning module, the output end of the adjustable attenuator is connected to the input end of the adjustable phase shifter, and the output end of the adjustable phase shifter is used as the output end of the signal conditioning module; The signal amplitude and phase processing module includes a signal amplitude detection unit, a signal amplitude conditioning unit, a signal phase detection unit, and a signal phase conditioning unit; The signal amplitude detection unit is used to detect the amplitudes of the radio frequency input signal and the radio frequency output signal; the signal amplitude conditioning unit is used to condition the signal output by the signal amplitude detection unit; The signal phase detection unit is used to detect the phases of the radio frequency input signal and the radio frequency output signal; the signal phase conditioning unit is used to condition the signal output by the signal phase detection unit; The signal amplitude detection unit, the signal amplitude conditioning unit and the adjustable attenuator form the amplitude link, and the signal phase detection unit, the signal phase conditioning unit and the adjustable phase shifter form the phase link; Obtaining the transient response time of the signal adjustment module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude processing of the signal amplitude and phase processing module, the transient response time of the signal phase processing of the signal amplitude and phase processing module, the first transmission time and the second transmission time includes: Obtaining the transient response time of the adjustable attenuator, the transient response time of the adjustable phase shifter, the transient response time of the signal amplitude detection unit, the transient response time of the signal amplitude conditioning unit, the transient response time of the signal phase detection unit, the transient response time of the signal phase conditioning unit, the first transmission time and the second transmission time.

3. The method for determining the transient response time according to claim 2, wherein Determining the slowest transient response time of the amplitude link, the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link, the slowest transient response time of the phase link and the fastest transient response time of the phase link according to the transient response time of the signal adjustment module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude processing, the transient response time of the signal phase processing, the first transmission time and the second transmission time includes: Adding the transient response time of the adjustable attenuator, the transient response time of the signal amplitude detection unit, the transient response time of the signal amplitude conditioning unit and the first transmission time to obtain the slowest transient response time of the amplitude link; Selecting the maximum value among the transient response time of the adjustable attenuator, the transient response time of the signal amplitude detection unit and the transient response time of the signal amplitude conditioning unit as the first transient response time; Adding the first transient response time and the first transmission time to obtain the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link; Obtaining the slowest transient response time of the phase link by the transient response time of the adjustable phase shifter, the transient response time of the signal phase detection unit, the transient response time of the signal phase conditioning unit and the second transmission time; Selecting the maximum value among the transient response time of the adjustable phase shifter, the transient response time of the signal phase detection unit and the transient response time of the signal phase conditioning unit as the second transient response time; Adding the second transient response time and the second transmission time to obtain the fastest transient response time of the phase link.

4. The method for determining the transient response time according to claim 1, characterized in that The signal amplitude and phase processing module includes a signal amplitude detection unit, a signal amplitude conditioning unit, a signal phase detection unit, a signal phase conditioning unit and a signal comprehensive weighting unit; The signal amplitude detection unit is used to detect the amplitudes of the radio frequency input signal and the radio frequency output signal; the signal amplitude conditioning unit is used to condition the signal output by the signal amplitude detection unit; The signal phase detection unit is used to detect the phases of the radio frequency input signal and the radio frequency output signal; the signal phase conditioning unit is used to condition the signal output by the signal phase detection unit; The signal comprehensive weighting unit is used to condition the signals output by the signal amplitude conditioning unit and the signal phase conditioning unit again; The signal amplitude detection unit, the signal amplitude conditioning unit, the signal comprehensive weighting unit and the signal adjustment module form the amplitude link, and the signal phase detection unit, the signal phase conditioning unit, the signal comprehensive weighting unit and the signal adjustment module form the phase link; Obtaining the transient response time of the signal adjustment module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude processing of the signal amplitude and phase processing module, the transient response time of the signal phase processing of the signal amplitude and phase processing module, the first transmission time and the second transmission time includes: Obtaining the transient response time of the signal adjustment module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude detection unit, the transient response time of the signal amplitude conditioning unit, the transient response time of the signal phase detection unit, the transient response time of the signal phase conditioning unit, the transient response time of the signal comprehensive weighting unit, the first transmission time and the second transmission time.

5. The method for determining the transient response time according to claim 4, characterized in that, Determining the slowest transient response time of the amplitude link, the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link, the slowest transient response time of the phase link and the fastest transient response time of the phase link according to the transient response time of the signal adjustment module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude processing, the transient response time of the signal phase processing, the first transmission time and the second transmission time includes: Adding the transient response time of the signal adjustment module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude detection unit, the transient response time of the signal amplitude conditioning unit, the transient response time of the signal comprehensive weighting unit and the first transmission time to obtain the slowest transient response time of the amplitude link; Selecting the maximum value among the transient response time of the signal adjustment module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude detection unit, the transient response time of the signal amplitude conditioning unit and the transient response time of the signal comprehensive weighting unit as the third transient response time; Adding the third transient response time and the first transmission time to obtain the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link; Obtaining the slowest transient response time of the phase link by using the transient response time of the signal adjustment module, the transient response time of the signal phase detection unit, the transient response time of the signal phase conditioning unit, the transient response time of the signal comprehensive weighting unit and the second transmission time; Select the maximum value among the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the signal phase detection unit, the transient response time of the signal phase conditioning unit, and the transient response time of the signal comprehensive weighting unit as the fourth transient response time; Add the fourth transient response time and the second transmission time to obtain the fastest transient response time of the phase link.

6. The method for determining the transient response time according to claim 1, wherein After determining the delay time of the delay module according to the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the average transient response time of the phase link, it further includes: Determine the tolerance range of the average transient response time according to the average transient response time of the amplitude link, the average transient response time of the phase link, and the delay time of the delay module.

7. The method for determining the transient response time according to claim 6, wherein The determining the tolerance range of the average transient response time according to the average transient response time of the amplitude link, the average transient response time of the phase link, and the delay time of the delay module includes: Subtract the delay time of the delay module from the average transient response time of the amplitude link to obtain the first boundary value of the average transient response time tolerance range; Subtract the delay time of the delay module from the average transient response time of the phase link to obtain the second boundary value of the average transient response time tolerance range; Wherein, the first boundary value and the second boundary value are opposite to each other.

8. A device for determining the transient response time, characterized in that Used to determine the transient response time of the non-linear correction of the radio frequency power amplifier in the non-linear correction system, the non-linear correction system includes: a delay module, a signal conditioning module, and a signal amplitude and phase processing module; The input end of the delay module is connected to a radio frequency input signal, and the output end of the delay module is connected to the input end of the signal conditioning module. The delay module is used to delay and transmit the radio frequency input signal to the signal conditioning module; The output end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module is connected to the control end of the signal conditioning module. The signal amplitude and phase processing module is used to generate an adjustment control signal according to the amplitude and / or phase of the radio frequency input signal and the radio frequency output signal; The output end of the signal conditioning module is connected to the input end of the radio frequency power amplifier, and is used to adjust the amplitude and / or phase of the signal output by the delay module according to the adjustment control signal; The device for determining the transient response time includes: A transient response time acquisition module, configured to acquire the transient response time of the signal conditioning module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude processing of the signal amplitude and phase processing module, the transient response time of the signal phase processing, the first transmission time, and the second transmission time; wherein, the first transmission time is the delay time of the signal on the amplitude link line between the input end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module and the control end of the signal conditioning module; the second transmission time is the delay time on the phase link line between the input end of the signal amplitude and phase processing module and the control end of the signal conditioning module; The slowest transient response time and fastest transient response time determination module is configured to determine the slowest transient response time of the amplitude link, the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link, the slowest transient response time of the phase link, and the fastest transient response time of the phase link according to the transient response time of the signal adjustment module, the transient response time of the signal amplitude processing, the transient response time of the signal phase processing, the first transmission time, and the second transmission time; The average transient response time determination module of the amplitude link is configured to determine the average transient response time of the amplitude link according to the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the amplitude link; The average transient response time determination module of the phase link is configured to determine the average transient response time of the phase link according to the slowest transient response time and the fastest transient response time of the phase link; The delay time determination module of the delay module is configured to determine the delay time of the delay module according to the average transient response time of the amplitude link and the average transient response time of the phase link.

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