Adjustable Phase-Noise Signal Generation for DUT Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack the ability to simulate and measure the effect of phase noise from oscillators on signal processing in devices under test (DUTs), particularly in electronic devices like satellite communications equipment.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for generating an output signal with adjustable phase noise using waveform generation, oscillator, and mixer circuitry to mimic non-ideal oscillator signals, allowing simulation and measurement of their impact on DUTs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an ideal oscillator signal is used in DUT testing, then signal processing performance is maintained, but the ability to measure phase noise effects is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A phase noise injection apparatus is introduced as an intermediary device between the test equipment and the DUT. This apparatus includes a phase modulator that combines a clean reference signal with a phase noise signal to generate a composite test signal. The phase noise signal can be generated by oscillators or other noise sources, and the phase modulator imparts this noise to the reference signal, creating a realistic test signal that mimics actual oscillator behavior in satellite communication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus creates a copy or simulation of non-ideal oscillator behavior by generating phase noise signals that replicate the spectral characteristics and statistical properties of real oscillator phase noise. This allows testing with realistic signals without requiring actual oscillators, enabling measurement of phase noise effects while maintaining control over the test parameters.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If real oscillators are used to generate test signals, then phase noise effects are naturally present, but control over phase noise characteristics is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control of phase noise characteristics through programmable parameters. The phase noise signal generator can be configured with adjustable spectral density functions, correlation times, and noise levels. The phase modulator dynamically adjusts the phase noise injection based on control signals, allowing real-time modification of phase noise characteristics to match different operating conditions or failure modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus allows independent adjustment of multiple phase noise parameters including spectral density, correlation time, noise power level, and frequency offset. These parameters can be modified through software control or hardware interfaces, enabling systematic study of phase noise effects at different levels without changing the physical oscillator hardware.
3Measurement precision
If phase noise is added to test signals, then measurement of phase noise effects becomes possible, but test signal complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test signal generation process is divided into separate functional modules: a reference signal generator, a phase noise signal generator, a phase modulator, and a combiner. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently controlled or calibrated. This modular architecture simplifies the overall complexity by allowing each component to be optimized separately while maintaining clear interfaces between them.
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 simulation and measurement of phase noise effects on DUTs, particularly in satellite communications, by generating adjustable phase noise signals to test and analyze the behavior of DUTs under various noise conditions.
Implementation Method 1
mixer circuitry coupled to the waveform generation circuitry and the oscillator circuitry and configured to mix the reference signal with the LO signal to generate the output signal having phase noise based on the LO signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for generating an output signal with adjustable phase noise. The apparatus comprises waveform generation circuitry configured to generate a reference signal. Further, the apparatus comprises oscillator circuitry configured to generate an adjustable local oscillator (LO) signal. In addition, the apparatus comprises mixer circuitry coupled to the waveform generation circuitry and the oscillator circuitry and configured to mix the reference signal with the LO signal (LO) to generate the output signal having phase noise based on the LO signal. Further, the present invention relates to a system comprising such apparatus.