Broadband Signal Synthesis With Amplitude and Phase Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical arbitrary waveform generation (OAWG) schemes struggle to synthesize ultra-broadband electromagnetic signals due to random amplitude and phase fluctuations between tributary signals, which distort the desired signal and result in low-quality output.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising at least two electromagnetic signal generators, a signal-combining element, a signal-detecting element, a controlling element, and an actuating element, which superimpose tributary signals while monitoring and adjusting their relative amplitudes and phases to maintain a correct relationship, thereby synthesizing a well-defined broadband electromagnetic signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If tributary electromagnetic signals are superimposed to synthesize broadband signals, then the bandwidth of the output signal is increased, but random amplitude and phase fluctuations between tributary signals distort the desired signal and reduce output quality

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidsignal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control mechanisms that continuously monitor the amplitude and phase relationships between tributary signals and automatically adjust them to maintain correct relationships. This feedback system compensates for random fluctuations and environmental influences, ensuring high signal quality while synthesizing broadband outputs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary calibration and adjustment procedures to establish correct amplitude and phase relationships between tributary signals before superposition. By pre-configuring the signal generators and combining elements with precise settings, the system prevents distortion before it occurs, enabling high-fidelity broadband signal synthesis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If discrete components are used in OAWG schemes, then the system is easier to manufacture and assemble, but thermal and mechanical environmental influences cause unavoidable phase shifts between tributary signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem assemblyVSAvoidphase stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static discrete component arrangements to dynamic active control systems. The system continuously monitors and adjusts phase relationships in real-time, adapting to environmental changes. This dynamic approach maintains phase stability despite thermal and mechanical fluctuations, while still using practical discrete components that are manufacturable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs active control mechanisms that dynamically change operational parameters (phase shifts, amplitude levels) of the discrete components to compensate for environmental influences. By adjusting these parameters in real-time, the system maintains stable phase relationships between tributary signals while retaining the manufacturing advantages of discrete components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If pure phase modulation is used instead of IQ modulation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the waveform generated cannot be truly arbitrary and cannot simultaneously adjust amplitude and phase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodulator complexityVSAvoidwaveform arbitrary control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple modulation functions and control capabilities into a unified system architecture. By integrating amplitude and phase control through coordinated adjustment of multiple tributary signals rather than relying on a single complex modulator, the system achieves truly arbitrary waveform generation while maintaining manageable device complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4231550B1Apparatus and method for synthesizing a broadband electromagnetic signal
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 KARLSRUHER INST FUR TECH
  • EP4231550B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4231550B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~2
  • EP4231550B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus (1), a system (2), a method (200), and a computer program for synthesizing at least one targeted broadband electromagnetic signal (60). Herein, the apparatus (1) comprises - at least two electromagnetic signal generators (10, 11), wherein the electromagnetic signal generators (10, 11) are configured to provide at least two tributary electromagnetic signals having spectra that overlap at least partially; - at least one signal-combining element (50), wherein the at least one signal-combining element (50) is configured to merge the at least two tributary electromagnetic signals into at least one combined electromagnetic signal; - at least one signal-detecting element (90), wherein the at least one signal-detecting element (90) is configured to generate at least one detection output signal (100) by detecting at least a portion of at least one of the at least one combined electromagnetic signal; - at least one controlling element (110), wherein the at least one controlling element (110) is configured to extract signal information about at least one of a relative amplitude or a relative phase with which the at least two tributary electromagnetic signals are merged into the at least one combined electromagnetic signal from the at least one detection output signal (100); - at least one actuating element (30), wherein the at least one actuating element (30) is configured to modify at least one of the amplitude or the phase of at least one of the at least two tributary electromagnetic signals based on the signal information, wherein modifying the at least one of the amplitude or the phase of the at least one of the at least two tributary electromagnetic signals is performed in a manner that at least one of the at least one combined electromagnetic signal corresponds to the at least one targeted broadband electromagnetic signal (60).