Multifunctional inverter module
By designing a multi-functional frequency conversion module and using a combination of cascaded attenuation and amplification circuits, flexible path switching and independent conditioning of multiple radio frequency signals in microwave electronic systems are realized, solving the problems of low integration and single function in traditional solutions, and improving system integration and functional flexibility.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521903665.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-09-04
AI Technical Summary
In microwave electronic systems, existing technologies, such as traditional discrete and integrated switch matrix solutions, result in large physical volume, low integration, long development cycles, poor performance consistency, and limited functionality, failing to meet the requirements for flexible path switching and independent power amplification or amplitude attenuation of multiple RF signals.
Design a multi-functional frequency converter module, including an input/output matrix and a signal processing network. Employing an upper-level switching matrix and a lower-level switching matrix, and through a combination of cascaded attenuation circuits and amplification circuits, a flexible signal path between any input port and output port is achieved. Combined with the coordinated control of switching circuits, flexible signal switching and conditioning are realized.
It achieves high module integration, solves the problems of large size and poor performance consistency, improves system integration, overcomes the defects of single function, provides functional flexibility and resource sharing, reduces structural redundancy and high power consumption, and realizes efficient processing of complex task chains.
Smart Images
Figure CN224935551U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of frequency converter module technology, and specifically relates to a multi-functional frequency converter module. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid development of modern communication, radar, and electronic countermeasures technologies, microwave electronic systems are evolving towards ultra-wideband, multifunctionality, high integration, and miniaturization. In complex communication links such as test systems and phased array radar subsystems, it is often necessary to flexibly switch multiple radio frequency signals, perform independent power amplification, or accurately attenuate amplitude. To meet these requirements, existing technologies typically employ either traditional discrete architectures or integrated switch matrix solutions. However, both of these approaches suffer from significant drawbacks, including large physical size and weight, and low integration. Utility Model Content
[0003] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, this utility model provides a multi-functional frequency converter module to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.
[0004] A multi-functional frequency converter module includes the following components: Input / output matrix: at least six input ports and at least six output ports; Signal processing network: Coupled between the ports of the input / output matrix, the signal processing network includes an upper-layer switching matrix and a lower-layer switching matrix; The upper-layer switching matrix includes: The first signal path includes a first input port, a cascaded attenuation circuit, and a first output port connected in sequence; the second signal path includes a second input port, a first switching circuit, and a second output port connected in sequence; the third signal path includes a third input port, a cascaded attenuation circuit, and a third output port connected in sequence; the first switching circuit is also connected to the first signal path and the third signal path. The lower-level switching matrix includes: a fourth signal path, comprising a fourth input port, a cascaded amplifier circuit, and a fourth output port connected in sequence; a fifth signal path, comprising a fifth input port, a second switching circuit, and a fifth output port connected in sequence; and a sixth signal path, comprising a sixth input port, a cascaded amplifier circuit, and a sixth output port connected in sequence; the second switching circuit is also connected to the fourth signal path and the sixth signal path. The layout of the first and second switching circuits enables any input port to form a signal path with any one or more output ports.
[0005] Preferably, the cascaded attenuation circuit includes a pre-stage digitally controlled attenuator 301, a cascaded amplifier circuit, and a post-stage digitally controlled attenuator connected in sequence.
[0006] Preferably, the cascaded amplifier circuit includes a preamplifier and a postamplifier connected in sequence.
[0007] Preferably, the first switching circuit is a single-pole single-throw switch, a single-pole triple-throw switch, or a combination thereof.
[0008] Preferably, the first switching circuit includes a first single-pole triple-throw switch and a second single-pole triple-throw switch. The input terminal of the first single-pole triple-throw switch is connected to a second input port. The three output terminals of the first single-pole triple-throw switch are electrically connected to the first input port, the second single-pole triple-throw switch, and the third input port, respectively. The three input terminals of the second single-pole triple-throw switch are connected to the first output port, the first single-pole triple-throw switch, and the third output port, respectively. The output terminal of the second single-pole triple-throw switch is connected to the second output port.
[0009] Preferably, a cascaded amplifier circuit is provided between the first single-pole three-throw switch and the second single-pole three-throw switch.
[0010] Preferably, the second switching circuit is a single-pole single-throw switch, a single-pole triple-throw switch, or a combination thereof.
[0011] Preferably, the second switching circuit includes a third single-pole triple-throw switch and a fourth single-pole triple-throw switch. The input terminal of the third single-pole triple-throw switch is connected to a fifth input port. The three output terminals of the third single-pole triple-throw switch are electrically connected to the fourth input port, the fourth single-pole triple-throw switch, and the sixth input port, respectively. The three input terminals of the fourth single-pole triple-throw switch are connected to the fourth output port, the third single-pole triple-throw switch, and the sixth output port, respectively. The output terminal of the fourth single-pole triple-throw switch is connected to the fifth output port.
[0012] Preferably, a cascaded amplifier circuit is provided between the third single-pole triple-throw switch and the fourth single-pole triple-throw switch.
[0013] Preferably, the frequency conversion module is encapsulated in a metal housing, and the RF input port and RF output port are led out through SMA connectors.
[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Compared to traditional discrete construction schemes, this invention, with its highly integrated single module, fundamentally solves the problems of large size, long development cycle, and poor performance consistency. Furthermore, through embedded amplification and attenuation, it overcomes the limitation of single-function design, enabling a single module to complete complex task chains of switching or conditioning, greatly improving system integration. Finally, this invention, through functional partitioning and resource sharing, avoids the structural redundancy, high cost, and high power consumption problems caused by full-function integrated schemes. It achieves maximum functional flexibility with minimal hardware, providing a flexibly reconfigurable RF signal processing device. Attached Figure Description
[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-functional frequency converter module provided by this utility model; Legend: 101, First Input Port; 102, Second Input Port; 103, Third Input Port; 104, Fourth Input Port; 105, Fifth Input Port; 106, Sixth Input Port; 201, First Output Port; 202, Second Output Port; 203, Third Output Port; 204, Fourth Output Port; 205, Fifth Output Port; 206, Sixth Output Port; 301, Pre-stage CNC Attenuator; 302, Post-stage CNC Attenuator; 401, First Single-blade Pole Single-throw switch; 402, second single-pole single-throw switch; 403, third single-pole single-throw switch; 404, fourth single-pole single-throw switch; 405, fifth single-pole single-throw switch; 406, sixth single-pole single-throw switch; 407, seventh single-pole single-throw switch; 408, eighth single-pole single-throw switch; 501, first single-pole triple-throw switch; 502, second single-pole triple-throw switch; 503, third single-pole triple-throw switch; 504, fourth single-pole triple-throw switch; 601, preamplifier; 701, power amplifier. Detailed Implementation
[0017] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
[0018] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of this invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention.
[0019] The embodiments of the utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, a multi-functional frequency converter module includes the following components: Input / output matrix: at least six input ports and at least six output ports; Signal processing network: Coupled between the ports of the input / output matrix, the signal processing network includes an upper-layer switching matrix and a lower-layer switching matrix; The upper-layer switching matrix includes: The first signal path includes a first input port 101, a cascaded attenuation circuit, and a first output port 201 connected in sequence; the second signal path includes a second input port 102, a first switching circuit, and a second output port 202 connected in sequence; the third signal path includes a third input port 103, a cascaded attenuation circuit, and a third output port 203 connected in sequence; the first switching circuit is also connected to the first signal path and the third signal path. The lower-level switching matrix includes: a fourth signal path, comprising a fourth input port 104, a cascaded amplifier circuit, and a fourth output port 204 connected in sequence; a fifth signal path, comprising a fifth input port 105, a second switching circuit, and a fifth output port 205 connected in sequence; and a sixth signal path, comprising a sixth input port 106, a cascaded amplifier circuit, and a sixth output port 206 connected in sequence; the second switching circuit is also connected to the fourth signal path and the sixth signal path. The layout of the first and second switching circuits enables any input port to form a signal path with any one or more output ports.
[0021] In actual operation, the upper-level switching matrix is dedicated to signal attenuation and pass-through, while the lower-level switching matrix is dedicated to power amplification and pass-through. In the upper-level matrix, the first and third signal paths are fixed attenuation channels, with built-in cascaded attenuation circuits at their core. The second signal path, through its internal first switching circuit, not only achieves its own signal pass-through but can also borrow or route signals from the second input port to the first or third path for processing by their attenuation circuits before output. Similarly, in the lower-level matrix, the fourth and sixth paths are dedicated amplification channels, while the fifth path uses the second switching circuit to schedule amplification. The system uses only two sets of attenuation circuits and two sets of amplification circuits, and through routing at the scheduling hub, it enables multiple input ports to receive amplification or attenuation functions as needed. Furthermore, by coordinating the control of the two switching circuits, the system can achieve complex signal distribution modes. For example, it can simultaneously distribute the signal from any input port to multiple output ports, forming one attenuated output, one pass-through output, and another amplified output, thus easily achieving one-to-many signal distribution and independent conditioning functions. By using a switching amplifier to switch between pass-through amplification attenuation and pass-through amplification, the output can meet the power requirements of both large and small signals.
[0022] Compared to traditional discrete architectures, this invention fundamentally solves the problems of bulky size, long development cycles, and poor performance consistency through highly integrated single-module design. Compared to integrated switch matrices with only switching functions, this invention overcomes the limitation of single-function matrices by incorporating amplification and attenuation, enabling a single module to complete complex switching or conditioning task chains, significantly improving system integration. Finally, this invention avoids the structural redundancy, high cost, and high power consumption problems caused by full-function integrated solutions through functional partitioning and resource sharing. It achieves maximum functional flexibility with minimal hardware, providing a flexibly reconfigurable RF signal processing device.
[0023] More specifically, the cascaded attenuation circuit includes a pre-stage digitally controlled attenuator 301, a cascaded amplifier circuit, and a post-stage digitally controlled attenuator 302 connected in sequence.
[0024] A cascaded attenuation circuit located between the first and third signal paths constructs a signal conditioning link with dynamic mode switching capability operating in the 0.1 to 18 GHz ultra-wideband range. Its core architecture is a cascaded topology of attenuation-amplification-re-attenuation. When attenuation of a large signal is required, the broadband signal covering 0.1 to 18 GHz first enters the link. Through the coordinated operation of the two stages of digitally controlled attenuators, a digitally controlled attenuation of up to 63 dB is achieved. The digitally controlled attenuator uses the GS5603 chip from GaSi Microelectronics. The switching amplifier located in the middle of the link uses the HGC367 chip from Zhongke Haigao, which is used to compensate for the insertion loss of the two stages of attenuators throughout the 18 GHz bandwidth, thus ensuring that the signal-to-noise ratio of the link does not significantly deteriorate even under maximum attenuation. Combined with an external first switching circuit, the switching between direct-through amplification attenuation and direct-through amplification is flexibly implemented.
[0025] More specifically, the cascaded amplifier circuit includes a preamplifier 601 and a postamplifier 602 connected in sequence.
[0026] The preamplifier is used to capture and process weak signals that are buried under noise; the power amplifier is used to handle high-power signals without saturation or distortion. While amplifying the signal, the noise it introduces is controlled to an absolute minimum, thereby maximizing the protection of the original signal-to-noise ratio and solving the problem that a single amplifier cannot balance sensitivity and power output.
[0027] More specifically, the first switching circuit is a single-pole single-throw switch, a single-pole triple-throw switch, or a combination thereof.
[0028] The single-pole triple-throw switch uses the GS4613 chip from GaSi Microelectronics, while the single-pole single-throw switch uses the GS4515 chip from GaSi Microelectronics.
[0029] More specifically, the first switching circuit includes a first single-pole triple-throw switch 501 and a second single-pole triple-throw switch 502. The input terminal of the first single-pole triple-throw switch 501 is connected to the second input port 102. The three output terminals of the first single-pole triple-throw switch 501 are electrically connected to the first input port 101, the second single-pole triple-throw switch 502, and the third input port 103, respectively. The three input terminals of the second single-pole triple-throw switch 502 are connected to the first output port 201, the first single-pole triple-throw switch, and the third output port 203, respectively. The output terminal of the second single-pole triple-throw switch 502 is connected to the second output port 202.
[0030] In the first switching circuit, the first output terminal of the first single-pole triple-throw switch 501 is connected to the input terminal of the first single-pole single-throw switch 401, the output terminal of the first single-pole single-throw switch 401 is connected between the first input port 101 and the first cascaded attenuation circuit, the second output terminal of the first single-pole triple-throw switch 501 is connected to the input terminal of the second single-pole single-throw switch 402, and the output terminal of the second single-pole single-throw switch 402 is connected between the third input port 103 and the second cascaded attenuation circuit. The first input terminal of the second single-pole triple-throw switch 502 is connected to the output terminal of the third single-pole single-throw switch 403. The input terminal of the third single-pole single-throw switch 403 is connected between the first cascaded attenuation circuit and the first output port 201. The second input terminal of the second single-pole triple-throw switch 502 is connected to the output terminal of the fourth single-pole single-throw switch 404. The input terminal of the fourth single-pole single-throw switch 404 is connected between the second cascaded attenuation circuit and the third output port 203. The third output terminal of the first single-pole three-throw switch 501 is connected to the third input terminal of the second single-pole three-throw switch 502.
[0031] This switching circuit provides three completely different but switchable signal processing paths for the second signal path.
[0032] Straight-through mode: When lossless signal transmission is required, both the first single-pole triple-throw switch and the second single-pole triple-throw switch switch are switched to their third throw. At this time, the signal flows directly from the input terminal of the first single-pole triple-throw switch through the internal path of the third throw to the third throw of the second single-pole triple-throw switch, and is finally output from the second output port, forming a direct link with the lowest loss.
[0033] First attenuation mode: When signal attenuation is required, the first single-pole triple-throw switch switches to the first throw. After the signal enters from the second input port, it is injected into the first signal path and flows through the dedicated cascaded attenuation circuit of the path. The attenuated signal after processing is then extracted through the third single-pole single-throw switch and sent to the first throw of the second single-pole triple-throw switch, and finally output from the second output port.
[0034] The second bypass attenuation mode operates on the same principle as the first bypass attenuation mode, except that by controlling the first and second single-pole triple-throw switches to switch to the second throw, the signal is processed using the cascaded attenuation circuit of the third signal path. Here, the four single-pole single-throw switches 401-404 act as gates, ensuring that the signal is cleanly injected and extracted during "bypassing" without interfering with the original input / output ports of the borrowed channel.
[0035] By simply adding a set of switches, the second path, which originally lacked attenuation functionality, can now call upon and use the attenuation resources of the other two paths as needed, achieving a high degree of hardware reuse and great functional flexibility.
[0036] More specifically, a cascaded amplifier circuit is also provided between the first single-pole three-throw switch 501 and the second single-pole three-throw switch 502.
[0037] The cascaded amplifier circuit between the first and second single-pole triple-throw switches provides the second signal path with native amplification capability while retaining the flexibility to utilize attenuation resources. By controlling this set of switches, users can freely switch between amplification and attenuation signal conditioning functions.
[0038] More specifically, the second switching circuit is a single-pole single-throw switch, a single-pole triple-throw switch, or a combination thereof.
[0039] More specifically, the second switching circuit includes a third single-pole triple-throw switch 503 and a fourth single-pole triple-throw switch 504. The input terminal of the third single-pole triple-throw switch 503 is connected to the fifth input port 105. The three output terminals of the third single-pole triple-throw switch 503 are electrically connected to the fourth input port 104, the fourth single-pole triple-throw switch 504, and the sixth input port 106, respectively. The three input terminals of the fourth single-pole triple-throw switch 504 are connected to the fourth output port 204, the third single-pole triple-throw switch, and the sixth output port 206, respectively. The output terminal of the fourth single-pole triple-throw switch 504 is connected to the fifth output port 205.
[0040] In the second switching circuit, the first output terminal of the third single-pole triple-throw switch 503 is connected to the input terminal of the fifth single-pole single-throw switch 405, the output terminal of the fifth single-pole single-throw switch 405 is connected between the fourth input port 104 and the first cascaded amplifier circuit, the second output terminal of the third single-pole triple-throw switch 503 is connected to the input terminal of the sixth single-pole single-throw switch 406, and the output terminal of the sixth single-pole single-throw switch 406 is connected between the sixth input port 106 and the second cascaded amplifier circuit. The first input terminal of the fourth single-pole triple-throw switch 504 is connected to the output terminal of the seventh single-pole single-throw switch 407. The input terminal of the seventh single-pole single-throw switch 407 is connected between the first cascaded amplifier circuit and the fourth output port 204. The second input terminal of the fourth single-pole triple-throw switch 504 is connected to the output terminal of the eighth single-pole single-throw switch 408. The input terminal of the eighth single-pole single-throw switch 408 is connected between the second cascaded amplifier circuit and the sixth output port 206. The third output terminal of the third single-pole three-throw switch 503 is connected to the third input terminal of the fourth single-pole three-throw switch 504.
[0041] This implementation constructs a programmable signal routing and amplification resource scheduling center at the lower layer, mirror-symmetric to the upper-layer matrix. During operation, this circuit provides three signal processing paths for the core fifth signal path, which can be flexibly switched by software.
[0042] Passive direct-through mode: When the signal does not require any processing, the central processing unit controls the third single-pole triple-throw switch and the fourth single-pole triple-throw switch to switch to their third throw. At this time, the signal flows directly from the input of the third single-pole triple-throw switch through the internal direct-through path between the two to the output of the fourth single-pole triple-throw switch, i.e., the fifth output port, forming a passive transmission link with the lowest loss.
[0043] First bypass amplification mode: When power amplification of the signal is required, the processor can instruct the third single-pole triple-throw switch to switch to the first throw. At this time, the signal entering from the fifth input port is injected into the fourth signal path and flows through the first cascaded amplifier circuit dedicated to this path, which consists of a pre-stage low-noise amplifier and a post-stage power amplifier. After high-quality amplification, the signal is then extracted through another seventh single-pole single-throw switch and sent to the first throw of the fourth single-pole triple-throw switch, and finally output from the fifth output port.
[0044] The second bypass amplification mode operates on the same principle as mode two, except that by controlling the third and fourth single-pole triple-throw switches to switch to the second throw, the signal is instead processed using the second cascaded amplifier circuit in the sixth signal path. The direct effect of this series of operations is that, through a set of switch networks, the fifth path can call upon and utilize the high-performance amplification resources of its two adjacent channels on demand and without conflict, achieving a high degree of hardware resource reuse and on-demand allocation of functions.
[0045] More specifically, a cascaded amplifier circuit is provided between the third single-pole three-throw switch 503 and the fourth single-pole three-throw switch 504.
[0046] The lower-level switching matrix has three independent, parallel-operating high-performance amplification links. It can simultaneously amplify three different input signals independently, greatly improving the module's parallel processing capability and functional density.
[0047] More specifically, the frequency converter module is encapsulated in a metal housing, and the input and output ports are led out via SMA connectors.
[0048] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this utility model.
Claims
1. A multi-functional frequency converter module, characterized in that, Includes the following: Input / output matrix: at least six input ports and at least six output ports; Signal processing network: Coupled between the ports of the input / output matrix, the signal processing network includes an upper-layer switching matrix and a lower-layer switching matrix; The upper-layer switching matrix includes: The first signal path includes a first input port, a cascaded attenuation circuit, and a first output port connected in sequence; the second signal path includes a second input port, a first switching circuit, and a second output port connected in sequence; the third signal path includes a third input port, a cascaded attenuation circuit, and a third output port connected in sequence; the first switching circuit is also connected to the first signal path and the third signal path. The lower-level switching matrix includes: a fourth signal path, comprising a fourth input port, a cascaded amplifier circuit, and a fourth output port connected in sequence; a fifth signal path, comprising a fifth input port, a second switching circuit, and a fifth output port connected in sequence; and a sixth signal path, comprising a sixth input port, a cascaded amplifier circuit, and a sixth output port connected in sequence; the second switching circuit is also connected to the fourth signal path and the sixth signal path. The layout of the first and second switching circuits enables any input port to form a signal path with any one or more output ports.
2. The frequency converter module with multi-functional conversion according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cascaded attenuation circuit includes a pre-stage digitally controlled attenuator, a cascaded amplifier circuit, and a post-stage digitally controlled attenuator connected in sequence.
3. The frequency converter module with multi-functional conversion according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cascaded amplifier circuit includes a preamplifier and a postamplifier connected in sequence.
4. The frequency converter module with multi-functional conversion according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first switching circuit is a single-pole single-throw switch, a single-pole triple-throw switch, or a combination thereof.
5. The frequency converter module with multi-functional conversion according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first switching circuit includes a first single-pole triple-throw switch and a second single-pole triple-throw switch. The input terminal of the first single-pole triple-throw switch is connected to the second input port. The three output terminals of the first single-pole triple-throw switch are electrically connected to the first input port, the second single-pole triple-throw switch, and the third input port, respectively. The three input terminals of the second single-pole triple-throw switch are connected to the first output port, the first single-pole triple-throw switch, and the third output port, respectively. The output terminal of the second single-pole triple-throw switch is connected to the second output port.
6. The frequency converter module with multi-functional conversion according to claim 5, characterized in that, A cascaded amplifier circuit is also provided between the first single-pole three-throw switch and the second single-pole three-throw switch.
7. The frequency converter module with multi-functional conversion according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second switching circuit is a single-pole single-throw switch, a single-pole triple-throw switch, or a combination thereof.
8. The frequency converter module with multi-functional conversion according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second switching circuit includes a third single-pole triple-throw switch and a fourth single-pole triple-throw switch. The input terminal of the third single-pole triple-throw switch is connected to the fifth input port. The three output terminals of the third single-pole triple-throw switch are electrically connected to the fourth input port, the fourth single-pole triple-throw switch, and the sixth input port, respectively. The three input terminals of the fourth single-pole triple-throw switch are connected to the fourth output port, the third single-pole triple-throw switch, and the sixth output port, respectively. The output terminal of the fourth single-pole triple-throw switch is connected to the fifth output port.
9. The frequency converter module with multi-functional conversion according to claim 8, characterized in that, A cascaded amplifier circuit is also provided between the third single-pole three-throw switch and the fourth single-pole three-throw switch.
10. The frequency converter module with multi-functional conversion according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frequency conversion module is encapsulated in a metal housing, and the RF input port and RF output port are brought out through SMA connectors.