Digital-to-Impulse Radiating Array with Programmable Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Terahertz pulse radiating systems face limitations such as limited average radiated power, mechanical target movement, bandwidth constraints, RF leakage, high power demands, and limited scalability, which hinder the generation of ultra-short impulses for applications like 3D imaging radars and high-speed wireless communication.
Innovation Solution
A fully-programmable digital-to-impulse radiating array with integrated programmable delay at each element, allowing for precise control of trigger timing, near-ideal spatial combining, and beam steering, which enables the generation of ultra-short impulses with minimal jitter and high Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If femtosecond-laser-based photoconductive antenna is used for THz pulse generation, then ultra-short impulses can be generated, but the system requires laser equipment and has limited average radiated power
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the THz pulse generation into multiple independent radiating elements arranged in an array, where each element can be independently controlled with programmable delay. This segmentation allows coherent combining of pulses from multiple elements to increase average radiated power while maintaining ultra-short impulse width through precise timing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic triggering of multiple radiating elements with programmable delays to generate sequences of ultra-short impulses. By controlling the repetition rate and phase of each element, the system achieves both ultra-short impulse duration and enhanced average power through coherent accumulation of periodic pulses.
2Device complexity
If oscillator-based integrated circuits with VCO and PLL are used for pulse generation, then on-chip integration is achieved, but bandwidth limitations and RF leakage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the oscillator (VCO) and phase-locked loop (PLL) components from the pulse generation system. Instead, it uses a simple digital trigger signal to control fast switches that modulate continuous-wave signals, thereby eliminating bandwidth limitations and RF leakage associated with oscillators while maintaining on-chip integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic oscillation mechanism (VCO) with a digital control mechanism. A digital trigger signal controls electronic switches to generate pulses directly, substituting the complex oscillator-based timing mechanism with a simpler digital timing approach that provides broader bandwidth and reduced RF leakage.
3Ease of manufacture
If single-element impulse radiators are used, then simple fabrication is achieved, but scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple identical or similar radiating elements into an array configuration, where each element maintains the simple fabrication characteristics of single elements. The elements are combined with programmable delay control to enable coherent combining, thereby achieving scalability and enhanced performance while preserving the ease of manufacture of individual elements.
4Duration of action of moving object
If continuous-wave signal with switch modulation is used for impulse generation, then short impulses can be produced, but the impulse width is limited by the switch response time
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the critical parameter from switch response time to trigger signal characteristics. By using extremely short digital trigger pulses with programmable timing, the system achieves ultra-short impulse widths that are determined by the trigger duration rather than the switch response time, effectively bypassing the switch speed limitation.
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 solution achieves coherent spatial combining with minimal jitter, short pulse-width, and high EIRP, significantly enhancing the radiated power and scalability of Terahertz pulse generation, addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
An antenna coupled to the impulse matching circuitry may then radiate ultra-short impulses
Data Source
AI summary
A fully-programmable digital-to-impulse radiator with a programmable delay is discussed herein. The impulse radiator may be part of an array of impulse radiators. Each individual element of the array may be equipped with an integrated programmable delay that can shift the timing of a digital trigger. The digital trigger may be fed to an amplifier, switch, and impulse matching circuitry, whereas the data signal path may be provided from a separate path. An antenna coupled to the impulse matching circuitry may then radiate ultra-short impulses. The radiating array may provide the ability to control delay at each individual element, perform near-ideal spatial combing, and/or beam steering.