Active Tuner Frequency Multiplier for Millimeter Wave Load Pull
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current measurement arrangements are limited in characterizing devices under test at high frequency ranges, as they require expensive components and are not capable of operating effectively at millimeter wave frequencies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of active tuners with frequency multipliers that receive a signal at a first frequency and output a multiplied signal at an integer multiple of that frequency, allowing for device characterization at higher frequencies using less expensive components, and the use of millimeter wave extenders with frequency multipliers in the signal injection path to facilitate these measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement arrangements are used for high frequency characterization, then measurement capability is improved, but component cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into two functional parts: a low-frequency active tuner that operates at frequency f0 and a frequency multiplier that converts the signal to N*f0. This segmentation allows the expensive high-frequency components to be replaced by a cheap low-frequency component combined with a simple frequency multiplier, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and component cost.
Solution Approach 2:
A frequency multiplier acts as an intermediary between the active tuner and the device under test. It receives the signal at frequency f0 from the active tuner and converts it to N*f0 for characterization of the device at higher frequencies. This intermediary enables the system to achieve high-frequency measurement capability without requiring expensive high-frequency components throughout the entire signal path.
2Ease of operation
If active tuners operate at the same frequency as the injection signal, then control and injection are simplified, but frequency range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically separates the control frequency (f0) from the injection frequency (N*f0). The active tuner operates at the lower frequency f0 where control signals are easily generated, while the frequency multiplier dynamically converts this to the higher injection frequency N*f0. This dynamic frequency conversion enables the system to overcome the frequency range limitation while maintaining operational simplicity at the base frequency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables characterization of devices at much higher frequencies than previously possible, using less expensive components and allowing for effective large signal characterization at frequencies beyond the capabilities of existing systems, while also providing accessories for vector network analyzers to enhance measurement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the active tuner further comprising a frequency multiplier receiving the injection signal and outputting a multiplied injection signal having a second frequency, the second frequency being an integer multiple (N) of the first frequency
Data Source
AI summary
Load pull measurement arrangement having an active tuner with a signal generator providing a signal at a first frequency to a vector modulator. The vector modulator has an input for receiving control signals and is arranged to provide an injection signal at the first frequency based on the control signals. The active tuner further has a frequency multiplier receiving the injection signal and outputting a multiplied injection signal having a second frequency, the second frequency being an integer multiple of the first frequency. Furthermore, a millimeter wave extender has a frequency multiplier in the signal injection path connected to the device under test during operation.