Clipped Comb Signal Generator for Precise Calibration References
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration methods for electronic devices, such as receivers, lack precision and fine frequency resolution, leading to uncertainties in phase and amplitude references, especially at higher frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A comb signal generator comprising at least two signal sources with similar shaped signals, a combining circuit to generate a combined signal, and a clipping circuit to produce a comb signal with well-defined amplitude and phase components, allowing for precise calibration without requiring harmonic frequency grids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a harmonic grid of several frequency points is generated for calibration, then the calibration can be performed for frequency-converting units, but the fine frequency resolution is not provided and only phase relationship calibration is possible at comb lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of signal generation by using a clipping circuit to transform a continuous waveform into a comb signal with discrete frequency components. This parameter change enables fine frequency resolution without requiring a complex harmonic grid system, as the clipping operation naturally generates the desired frequency spectrum with well-defined amplitude and phase relationships.
2Measurement precision
If known solutions are used for generating comb signals, then certain calibration functions are provided, but uncertainties result in less precise phase and amplitude reference
Solution Approach 1:
The clipping circuit serves as an intermediary element that processes the input signal to generate a comb signal with well-defined characteristics. This intermediary component ensures that the phase and amplitude references are precisely determined by the clipping operation itself, rather than being subject to uncertainties from previous calibration methods. The clipping circuit acts as a deterministic mediator that transforms the input signal into a reliable reference signal.
3Power
If conventional calibration methods are used, then basic calibration is achieved, but the required characteristics for high signal levels at higher frequencies are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The clipping circuit generates a periodic comb signal with discrete frequency components that are evenly spaced. This periodic structure ensures that high signal levels are maintained across multiple frequency points, including higher frequencies. The periodic nature of the comb signal provides consistent amplitude and phase characteristics across the frequency spectrum, enabling accurate calibration at higher frequencies without sacrificing measurement precision.
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
The comb signal generator provides a precise phase and amplitude reference, enabling accurate and fast calibration of devices, with improved signal levels and frequency resolution, reducing the need for interpolation and post-processing.
Implementation Method 1
a clipping circuit connected with a combining circuit, wherein the clipping circuit is configured to receive and process the combined signal, thereby generating a comb signal
Data Source
AI summary
A comb signal generator that includes at least two signal sources that each provide a signal, wherein the signals provided by the at least two signal sources are shaped similarly. The com signal generator also has a combining circuit connected with the at least two signal sources, wherein the combining circuit is configured to combine the signals provided by the at least two signal sources, thereby generating a combined signal. Further, the com signal generator includes a clipping circuit connected with the combining circuit, wherein the clipping circuit is configured to receive and process the combined signal, thereby generating a comb signal. Further, a method of providing a phase and amplitude reference is described.