Clock Signal Generation with DDS Segmentation and Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in generating high-frequency signals with minimal jitter and phase control, particularly in plasma processes, where the sampling rate must synchronize with the high-frequency output signal to ensure accurate measurement, and require flexible frequency and phase stability for clock and high-frequency signal generation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a reference frequency generator, multiple signal processing modules (DDS) connected via signal lines, a power generator, and a digital measuring device, which generates output signals with software-defined frequency and phase, and a power amplifier to produce high-frequency signals, with phase control and synchronization capabilities to minimize jitter and ensure frequency agility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reference frequency generator with multiple signal processing modules is used to generate multiple clock and high-frequency signals, then frequency and phase stability is improved and jitter is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple independent signal processing modules (DDS modules), each capable of generating separate clock or high-frequency signals from a common reference frequency. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for specific frequency ranges or applications while maintaining overall system stability through the shared reference source.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference frequency generator serves as a universal source for multiple different output signals. The same reference frequency fx is used to generate clock signals, high-frequency power signals, and sampling signals through different signal processing modules, eliminating the need for multiple independent frequency sources and reducing overall system complexity despite the multi-functional capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple signal processing modules are connected via signal lines to generate output signals with software-defined frequency, then frequency agility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and signal line requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing modules are configured with software-defined parameters that allow dynamic adjustment of output frequencies and phases. The configuration words can be changed during operation to generate different frequency ratios (n/m * fx) without hardware modifications, providing frequency agility and adaptability to various plasma process requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference frequency generator acts as an intermediary that mediates between the software control interface and the multiple signal processing modules. By providing a single stable reference frequency that all modules can lock onto, it simplifies the coordination between modules and reduces the complexity of inter-module signal line requirements.
3Reliability
If the oscillator frequency is set at least 3 to 5 times greater than the reference signal frequency, then jitter of the reference signal is reduced proportionally, but the frequency conversion requirements and signal processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the frequency parameter of the oscillator to be significantly higher (3-5 times) than the reference frequency fx. This parameter change exploits the physical principle that dividing a high-frequency signal by an integer ratio produces a lower-frequency signal with proportionally reduced jitter, thereby improving reference signal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using mechanical frequency division methods or multiple cascaded dividers, the patent uses digital signal processing in the DDS modules to achieve frequency conversion. The high-frequency oscillator signal is converted to the reference frequency fx through digital synthesis, reducing the need for complex mechanical or analog frequency conversion circuits.
4Measurement precision
If phase control and synchronization capabilities are implemented in the signal processing modules, then measurement accuracy and sampling synchronization are improved, but device complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements phase control through feedback mechanisms where the output signals are monitored and compared against the reference frequency. The signal processing modules adjust their phase and frequency parameters based on feedback from the reference generator, ensuring synchronization and improving measurement accuracy in plasma processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference frequency generator and signal processing modules are configured to establish phase relationships in advance before signal generation begins. By pre-synchronizing the phases of multiple output signals to the reference frequency, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time phase adjustment during operation, simplifying control requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for generating a plurality of clock signals or high-frequency signals, comprising a reference frequency generator (2), which is connected to an oscillator (3) and generates at its output (5) a reference signal with a reference frequency fx, and at least one signal processing component (10-14), in particular DDS, which is connected to the reference frequency generator (2) via a first signal line (15) and to which the reference signal with the reference frequency fx is supplied, and which is configured to generate an output signal having a frequency < fx.