Digital Frequency Synthesizer for Wideband RF Resonator Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation measurement methods suffer from increased measurement errors over time, require frequent calibrations that slow down the process, and have narrow scanning bands, making them inefficient for many applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using digital frequency synthesis to scan radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation over a desired frequency band with discrete measuring frequencies, allowing for accurate and rapid measurement of object characteristics with minimal need for external calibration, enabling wide scanning bands and simultaneous measurement of propagation time, phase, or attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If VCO or YIG oscillator is used to scan the frequency band, then the measurement can be performed, but the scanning band is excessively narrow and the scanning speed is too slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/analogue frequency tuning mechanism (VCO or YIG oscillator) with a digital frequency synthesizer that generates frequencies electronically through digital control. This substitution enables much faster frequency switching and wider bandwidth coverage without the physical limitations of analogue oscillators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of frequency generation from analogue continuous tuning to digital discrete synthesis. By using a digital frequency synthesizer, the system can rapidly jump between frequency points and cover a much wider band, directly resolving the contradiction between narrow band coverage and slow scanning speed.
2Measurement precision
If calibration measurements are performed frequently, then measurement error is reduced, but the actual measurement process is slowed down or disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The digital frequency synthesizer serves itself by maintaining inherent frequency accuracy through its design, eliminating the need for frequent external calibration. The system's internal reference and digital synthesis mechanism automatically maintain precision without requiring external calibration objects or processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the calibration-based accuracy maintenance mechanism with a digitally synthesized frequency generation system that inherently maintains accuracy through its design. This substitution eliminates the need for physical calibration objects and frequent calibration procedures.
3Reliability
If VCO or YIG oscillator is used for frequency scanning, then the measurement system can operate, but the measurement error increases over time and with repeated measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the unstable analogue oscillator system (VCO or YIG) with a stable digital frequency synthesizer. The digital system's reliance on a stable crystal reference and digital synthesis eliminates the drift and instability inherent in analogue oscillators, maintaining both reliability and precision over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency generation approach from analogue to digital, fundamentally improving stability. The digital synthesizer's parameters are controlled by precise digital signals referenced to a stable crystal, preventing the frequency drift that occurs in analogue systems during extended operation or repeated measurements.
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
Maintains measurement accuracy over time, reduces the need for frequent calibrations, and allows for quick scanning of wide frequency bands, enhancing the method's applicability across various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a resonator that is designed such that characteristics of the object to be measured affect the resonance frequency of the resonator
Implementation Method 2
scanning the radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation frequency applied to the at least one resonator over a desired frequency band by using discrete measuring frequencies, the forming of which utilizes digital synthesis
Data Source
AI summary
A generator generates radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation to a resonator whose resonance frequency is affected by a characteristic to be measured of an object to be measured. A receiver receives radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation from the resonator and a signal processing unit searches for a resonance frequency of the resonator for measuring the characteristic to be measured. The generator comprises a digital frequency synthesizer for scanning a frequency of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation to be applied to the resonator over a desired frequency band by using discrete measuring frequencies.