An ultra-wideband pass-through frequency meter

Abstract

The utility model relates to communication technical field especially, and it is a kind of ultra-wideband through formula frequency meter, and it includes: signal coupling module, signal frequency division module, time interpolation module, signal processing module and signal output module. Signal frequency division module adopts multistage frequency division technology, makes high-frequency signal to be able to effectively frequency reduction processing, to improve the frequency range that frequency meter can measure. In addition, time interpolation module can carry out high-precision time measurement to frequency division signal phase, amplifies small time interval to the range that is easy to measure, realizes picosecond level measurement resolution. In addition, through the accurate calculation and correction of signal processing module, effectively eliminates system error, improves the accuracy of frequency measurement. The ultra-wideband through formula frequency meter also has compact structure, low power consumption, small loss, can realize online real-time measurement, especially suitable for millimeter wave, terahertz and other high-frequency communication and radar system in frequency monitoring, has important engineering application value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an ultra-wideband through-type frequency meter. Background Technology

[0002] Frequency is one of the fundamental parameters of radio frequency signals, and accurate frequency measurement is of great significance for communication systems, radar, navigation, and scientific research. Traditional frequency meters generally suffer from the problem of balancing measurement bandwidth and resolution. While conventional counting frequency meters have a simple structure, their resolution drops significantly when measuring high-frequency signals; and while the heterodyne method offers high resolution, its measurement bandwidth is narrow and it is subject to spurious interference. Existing through-type frequency meters can achieve online measurement, but they generally face technical bottlenecks such as narrow measurement bandwidth, high loss, and low resolution, making it difficult to meet the requirements of modern broadband communication and radar systems for ultra-wideband, high-resolution, and low-loss frequency measurement. Especially in high-frequency applications such as millimeter waves and terahertz, existing frequency measurement equipment is limited by the bandwidth of the frequency divider and the accuracy of time measurement, making it impossible to achieve accurate measurement of ultra-high frequency signals. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an ultra-wideband through-type frequency meter, which improves the frequency range and measurement resolution that the frequency meter can measure.

[0004] This utility model discloses an ultra-wideband through-type frequency meter, comprising:

[0005] The signal coupling module is used to couple the measurement signal out of the signal under test;

[0006] A signal frequency division module is used to perform multi-level frequency division processing on the measurement signal;

[0007] A time interpolation module is used to measure the phase of the electrical signal obtained after frequency division; and,

[0008] The signal processing module is electrically connected to the signal frequency division module and the time interpolation module respectively, and is used to calculate the frequency of the electrical signal.

[0009] A signal output module is used to output the frequency of the electrical signal.

[0010] Furthermore, the signal coupling module includes an ultra-wideband signal coupler;

[0011] The ultra-wideband signal coupler includes:

[0012] The main transmission line is used to conduct the radio frequency signal under test; and,

[0013] A resonant ring array is used to couple measurement signals within a preset frequency range from the vertical direction of the main transmission line;

[0014] A resistor matching network is used to provide impedance matching for the measured signal.

[0015] Furthermore, the signal frequency division module includes:

[0016] An ultra-high-speed frequency divider, electrically connected to the ultra-wideband signal coupler, is used to perform preliminary frequency division on the measurement signal;

[0017] A multi-mode frequency divider chain, electrically connected to the ultra-high-speed frequency divider, is used to select a suitable frequency division mode according to the signal frequency of the measured signal, and transmit the frequency-divided electrical signal to the time interpolation module and the signal processing module.

[0018] Furthermore, the multi-mode frequency division chain includes:

[0019] A prescaler, electrically connected to the ultra-high-speed frequency divider, is used for the first stage of frequency division.

[0020] The main frequency divider, electrically connected to the pre-frequency divider, is used for the second-stage frequency division;

[0021] An FPGA frequency divider, electrically connected to the main frequency divider, selects different frequency division modes to divide the signal based on the frequency of the signal input to the FPGA frequency divider;

[0022] A counting unit; electrically connected to the FPGA frequency divider, used to process the electrical signal and transmit the processed signal to the signal processing module.

[0023] Furthermore, the prescaler is a GaAs HBT.

[0024] Furthermore, the main frequency divider is a SiGe BiC MOS main frequency divider.

[0025] Furthermore, the time interpolation module includes a dual delay chain time amplifier; the dual delay chain time amplifier is used to convert the electrical signal into a time interval signal, and after quantizing the time interval signal, transmit the quantization result to the signal processing module.

[0026] Furthermore, it also includes a reverse power detector, which is electrically connected to the signal processing module.

[0027] Furthermore, it also includes an ADC, which is electrically connected to the signal processing module.

[0028] Furthermore, it also includes a display screen, which is electrically connected to the signal processing module.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following technical effects:

[0030] The signal frequency division module employs multi-stage frequency division technology to effectively down-divide high-frequency signals, thereby increasing the frequency range that the frequency meter can measure. Furthermore, the time interpolation module can perform high-precision time measurement of the phase of the frequency-divided signal, amplifying minute time intervals to an easily measurable range, achieving picosecond-level measurement resolution. In addition, through precise calculation and correction by the signal processing module, system errors are effectively eliminated, improving the accuracy of frequency measurements. This ultra-wideband through-feed frequency meter also features a compact structure, low power consumption, and low loss, enabling online real-time measurement. It is particularly suitable for frequency monitoring in high-frequency communication and radar systems such as millimeter-wave and terahertz frequencies, and has significant engineering application value. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a simplified structural diagram of the ultra-wideband through-type frequency meter in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a simplified schematic diagram of another structure of the ultra-wideband through-type frequency meter in Embodiment 1 of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following detailed description, with reference to schematic diagrams, describes an ultra-wideband through-type frequency meter according to the present invention, illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that the following description is intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present invention, and is for illustrative purposes only, not for limiting the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that, based on the teachings of this specification, various modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements can be made to the described specific embodiments without departing from the core spirit and principles of the present invention. For example, technical features from different embodiments can be cross-combined to form new technical solutions. As long as no technical contradictions arise, these variations and combinations should fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0034] The present invention will be described more specifically by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in the following paragraphs. The advantages and features of the present invention will become clearer from the following description. It should be noted that the drawings are in a very simplified form and use non-precise proportions, and are only used to facilitate and clarify the illustration of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] Please refer to Figures 1-2 This embodiment discloses an ultra-wideband through-type frequency meter, comprising:

[0036] A signal coupling module is used to couple a measurement signal from the signal under test. A signal frequency division module is used to perform multi-level frequency division processing on the measurement signal. A time interpolation module is used to measure the phase of the electrical signal obtained after frequency division. A signal processing module, electrically connected to both the signal frequency division module and the time interpolation module, is used to calculate the frequency of the electrical signal. A signal output module is used to output the frequency of the electrical signal.

[0037] In this embodiment, the signal frequency division module employs multi-stage frequency division technology to effectively down-divide high-frequency signals, thereby increasing the frequency range that the frequency meter can measure. Furthermore, the time interpolation module can perform high-precision time measurement of the phase of the frequency-divided signal, amplifying minute time intervals to an easily measurable range, achieving picosecond-level measurement resolution. In addition, through precise calculation and correction by the signal processing module, system errors are effectively eliminated, improving the accuracy of frequency measurement. This ultra-wideband through-feed frequency meter also features a compact structure, low power consumption, and low loss, enabling online real-time measurement. It is particularly suitable for frequency monitoring in high-frequency communication and radar systems such as millimeter-wave and terahertz frequencies, and has significant engineering application value.

[0038] Furthermore, the signal coupling module includes an ultra-wideband signal coupler.

[0039] The ultra-wideband signal coupler includes: a main transmission line for conducting the radio frequency signal under test; a resonant ring array for coupling the measurement signal within a preset frequency range from the vertical direction of the main transmission line; and a resistor matching network for providing impedance matching for the measurement signal.

[0040] Specifically, the main transmission line carries the measured RF signal in a low-loss manner, and the resonant ring array separates the measurement signal of the target frequency band in the vertical direction through spatial electromagnetic field coupling. This structure avoids the axial layout limitations of traditional directional couplers. The resistor matching network improves signal transmission efficiency by adjusting the resistance combination to achieve conjugate matching between the impedance of the coupling port and the input of the frequency divider module. The three-dimensional orthogonal layout spatially isolates the main transmission line from the coupling structure, effectively suppressing signal crosstalk.

[0041] In one specific example, the main transmission line may be a 0.085-inch air microstrip line with SMA or 3.5mm connectors soldered to both ends.

[0042] In another specific example, the resonant ring array is a quarter-wavelength resonant ring array.

[0043] In another specific example, the resistor matching network can be implemented using a π-type or T-type network topology.

[0044] In another specific example, the ultra-wideband signal coupler has a coupling degree of -20dB±1dB (100MHz-20GHz), a directivity of >30dB, and can withstand 10W of continuous wave power.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the signal frequency division module includes: an ultra-high-speed frequency divider electrically connected to the ultra-wideband signal coupler, used for preliminary frequency division of the measurement signal; and a multi-mode frequency division chain electrically connected to the ultra-high-speed frequency divider, used for selecting an appropriate frequency division mode according to the signal frequency of the measurement signal, and transmitting the frequency-divided electrical signal to the time interpolation module and the signal processing module.

[0046] The purpose of the initial frequency division is to perform preliminary frequency reduction processing on the high-frequency measurement signal so that subsequent modules can effectively process the signal.

[0047] The multi-mode frequency divider chain automatically switches the frequency division mode according to the frequency range of the measured signal through an internal mode selection mechanism. For example, it selects a high-magnification frequency division mode in the millimeter-wave band and a low-magnification frequency division mode in the microwave band, ultimately outputting a low-frequency electrical signal adapted to the processing capability of the time interpolation module. The frequency-divided signal is synchronously transmitted to the time interpolation module for phase measurement and simultaneously transmitted to the signal processing module for frequency calculation.

[0048] In one specific example, the ultra-high-speed frequency divider can be implemented using a high-speed frequency divider circuit based on compound semiconductor materials, such as integrated circuits manufactured using GaAs (gallium arsenide) or InP (indium phosphide) processes.

[0049] Furthermore, the multi-mode frequency division chain includes: a prescaler electrically connected to the ultra-high frequency divider for performing first-level frequency division; a main frequency divider electrically connected to the prescaler for performing second-level frequency division; an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) frequency divider electrically connected to the main frequency divider for performing third-level frequency division; and a counting unit electrically connected to the FPGA frequency divider for processing the electrical signal and transmitting the processing control to the signal processing module.

[0050] In a specific example, the prescaler is a GaAs HBT (gallium arsenide heterojunction bipolar transistor). Specifically, the first-stage frequency division refers to using the high-speed switching characteristics of the prescaler to perform integer-fold frequency reduction processing on the signal output from the ultra-high-speed frequency divider, thereby reducing the difficulty of high-frequency signal processing.

[0051] The GaAs HBT can be selected from the ADI HMC862 model. This model of GaAs HBT can down-clock the signal output from the ultra-high-speed frequency divider by 4, 8, or 16 times.

[0052] In another specific example, the main frequency divider is a SiGe BiC MOS (a hybrid process of silicon-germanium bipolar transistors and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) main frequency divider. Specifically, the second-stage frequency division refers to dynamically adjusting the division ratio to adapt to different frequency band signals, thereby expanding the system's operating bandwidth.

[0053] The SiGe BiC MOS main frequency divider is selected from the TI LMX2595 model, which can perform frequency reduction processing on the signal output by the ultra-high speed frequency divider by any multiple.

[0054] In another specific example, the FPGA divider is designed to provide flexible frequency division mode selection.

[0055] Specifically, when the input frequency of the signal to the FPGA frequency divider is greater than 10 GHz, the FPGA frequency divider selects a 64x division mode; when the input frequency of the signal to the FPGA frequency divider is between 2 GHz and 10 GHz, the FPGA frequency divider selects a 16x division mode; and when the input frequency of the signal to the FPGA frequency divider is less than 2 GHz, the FPGA frequency divider directly inputs the obtained electrical signal to the counting unit. Of course, those skilled in the art can configure different division factors according to the frequency of the measured signal.

[0056] In another specific example, the counting unit refers to a pulse statistics module composed of binary accumulators, which can be implemented using a synchronous counter circuit. It generates a digital output by accumulating and dividing the pulse edges, and its function is to convert the analog signal into a processable digital signal.

[0057] Specifically, after the measurement signal undergoes preliminary processing by the ultra-high-speed frequency divider, it first enters the pre-divider for fixed-multiple frequency reduction. Then, the main frequency divider dynamically selects the division mode based on the signal characteristics for secondary processing. Next, the FPGA frequency divider completes the programmable frequency division operation. Finally, the counting unit digitizes and statistically analyzes the divided pulse sequence. This multi-stage frequency division structure, through progressive frequency reduction, ensures both high-frequency signal processing capability and flexible configuration of the frequency division mode.

[0058] Through the above technical solution, this application realizes multi-mode frequency division processing of ultra-wideband signals, overcoming the technical deficiency of traditional frequency division chains that cannot simultaneously handle high-frequency measurement and resolution, enabling this ultra-wideband through-type frequency meter to process measurement signals up to 20 GHz. The cascaded operation of the three-stage frequency division structure not only improves the accuracy of millimeter-wave band signals but also expands the system's adaptability to terahertz band signals, while avoiding signal distortion problems caused by a single frequency division mode.

[0059] Furthermore, the time interpolation module includes a dual delay chain time amplifier.

[0060] The dual delay chain time amplifier is used to convert the electrical signal into a time interval signal, and after quantizing the time interval signal, transmit the quantization result to the signal processing module.

[0061] In one specific example, the dual delay chain time amplifier is model ACAM TDC-GPX2.

[0062] Specifically, after frequency division, the electrical signal enters a dual-delay-chain time amplifier. The two delay chains respectively delay and extend the rising and falling edges of the signal, using the difference in delay between the chains to amplify the minute time interval into a measurable time window. The amplified time interval signal is captured by the time-to-digital converter within the dual-delay-chain time amplifier and converted into a digital code. The quantization result is then transmitted to the signal processing module for frequency calculation.

[0063] Through the above technical solution, this application can effectively improve the resolution of time interval measurement, thereby achieving higher accuracy in high-frequency signal frequency calculation and solving the problem of reduced frequency resolution caused by time measurement error in the prior art.

[0064] Furthermore, the present invention also discloses a reverse power detector, which is electrically connected to the signal processing module.

[0065] In one specific example, the reverse power detector employs a directional coupler or bridge structure combined with a detection circuit.

[0066] The reverse power detector is used to determine the impedance matching status of the signal transmission path by monitoring the reverse power signal strength in real time.

[0067] Specifically, the reverse power detector detects the reflected component of the measured RF signal in the main transmission line, generates an electrical signal related to the reflected power, and transmits this signal to the signal processing module. Based on the received reflected power data, the signal processing module dynamically adjusts the impedance matching parameters of the three-dimensional orthogonal electromagnetic coupler or the operating mode of the frequency divider chain, thereby reducing the impact of signal reflection on measurement accuracy. For example, when the reflected power exceeds a preset threshold, the signal processing module can trigger an adaptive adjustment mechanism to optimize the coupling efficiency of the resonant ring array or the frequency division ratio of the frequency divider module, thereby improving the stability of the measured signal in the transmission path.

[0068] Through the above technical solution, this application effectively solves the reflection loss problem caused by impedance mismatch in high-frequency signal measurement, improves the accuracy of frequency measurement results, enhances the system's adaptability in complex electromagnetic environments, and ensures the stability and reliability of online measurement of ultra-wideband signals.

[0069] Furthermore, the ultra-wideband pass-through frequency meter also includes an ADC (analog-to-digital converter), which is electrically connected to the signal processing module.

[0070] Specifically, the electrical signal output from the frequency divider chain is converted into a digital signal by an ADC, and then the signal processing module performs frequency calculations. The introduction of the ADC allows the signal processing module to directly process digital signals, avoiding noise interference and signal attenuation problems during analog signal transmission, thereby improving the accuracy and stability of frequency measurement. In millimeter-wave or terahertz frequency band applications, high-frequency signals may still carry slight phase errors after multi-stage frequency division. ADC quantization can accurately capture time interval information, providing a reliable data foundation for subsequent calculations.

[0071] Through the above technical solution, this application solves the problem of accuracy degradation caused by analog signal processing when traditional frequency meters measure at high frequencies, and significantly improves the accuracy of frequency measurement of ultra-wideband signals, especially suitable for precision frequency analysis needs in high-frequency scenarios such as millimeter waves and terahertz.

[0072] Furthermore, the ultra-wideband pass-through frequency meter also includes a display screen, which is electrically connected to the signal processing module.

[0073] Specifically, after completing the frequency calculation, the signal processing module transmits the frequency value in digital signal form to the display screen. The display screen has a built-in driving circuit that converts the received digital signal into visual graphics or digital characters, forming a stable display of the measurement result on the screen surface.

[0074] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this utility model and their equivalents, this utility model also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An ultra-wideband through-type frequency meter, characterized in that, include: The signal coupling module is used to couple the measurement signal out of the signal under test; A signal frequency division module is used to perform multi-level frequency division processing on the measurement signal; A time interpolation module is used to measure the phase of the electrical signal obtained after frequency division; and, The signal processing module is electrically connected to the signal frequency division module and the time interpolation module respectively, and is used to calculate the frequency of the electrical signal; A signal output module is used to output the frequency of the electrical signal.

2. The ultra-wideband through-type frequency meter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The signal coupling module includes an ultra-wideband signal coupler; The ultra-wideband signal coupler includes: The main transmission line is used to conduct the radio frequency signal under test; and, A resonant ring array is used to couple measurement signals within a preset frequency range from the vertical direction of the main transmission line; A resistor matching network is used to provide impedance matching for the measured signal.

3. The ultra-wideband through-type frequency meter as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The signal frequency division module includes: An ultra-high-speed frequency divider, electrically connected to the ultra-wideband signal coupler, is used to perform preliminary frequency division on the measurement signal; A multi-mode frequency divider chain is electrically connected to the ultra-high-speed frequency divider. It selects an appropriate frequency division mode based on the signal frequency of the measured signal and transmits the electrical signal obtained after frequency division to the time interpolation module and the signal processing module.

4. The ultra-wideband through-type frequency meter as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The multimode frequency division chain includes: A prescaler, electrically connected to the ultra-high-speed frequency divider, is used for the first stage of frequency division. The main frequency divider, electrically connected to the pre-frequency divider, is used for the second-stage frequency division; An FPGA frequency divider, electrically connected to the main frequency divider, selects different frequency division modes to divide the signal based on the frequency of the signal input to the FPGA frequency divider; A counting unit; electrically connected to the FPGA frequency divider, used to process the electrical signal and transmit the processed signal to the signal processing module.

5. The ultra-wideband through-type frequency meter as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The prescaler is a GaAs HBT.

6. The ultra-wideband through-type frequency meter as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The main frequency divider is a SiGe BiCMOS main frequency divider.

7. The ultra-wideband through-type frequency meter as described in claim 3, 4, 5, or 6, characterized in that, The time interpolation module includes a dual delay chain time amplifier; The dual delay chain time amplifier is used to convert the electrical signal into a time interval signal, and after quantizing the time interval signal, transmit the quantization result to the signal processing module.

8. The ultra-wideband through-type frequency meter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a reverse power detector, which is electrically connected to the signal processing module.

9. The ultra-wideband through-type frequency meter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an ADC, which is electrically connected to the signal processing module.

10. The ultra-wideband through-type frequency meter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a display screen, which is electrically connected to the signal processing module.

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