Dual-Oscillator Phase and Amplitude Control by Coherent Combining
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The phase-locked loop frequency synthesizer disclosed in Patent Literature 1 can control the phase of an output signal but not the amplitude, limiting its ability to manage the phase and amplitude of a combined output wave effectively.
Innovation Solution
A phase and amplitude controlled oscillation device is configured with a reference oscillator, two injection-locked oscillators, a combiner, and controllers that adjust the oscillation frequencies of these oscillators to control the phase and amplitude of the combined output wave by shifting their phases in the same or opposite directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a phase-locked loop frequency synthesizer is used to control the phase of an output signal, then the phase control capability is improved, but the amplitude control capability deteriorates (cannot be controlled)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the output signal generation into two separate oscillators (first and second oscillators) that are locked to the reference oscillator. Each oscillator can be independently controlled for phase adjustment, allowing separate control of phase and amplitude through coherent combination. This segmentation enables independent optimization of phase precision while adding amplitude control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-oscillator phase control to a two-oscillator system where phase control occurs in one dimension (phase shift of individual oscillators) and amplitude control occurs in another dimension (relative phase relationship between combined signals). By controlling the phase difference between two coherent oscillators, the amplitude of the combined output can be adjusted while maintaining precise phase control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple oscillators are used to enable amplitude control, then the amplitude control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two oscillators that are both locked to the same reference oscillator, creating a coherent signal source system. By combining the outputs of these synchronized oscillators through a combiner, the system achieves amplitude control capability while maintaining relatively simple individual oscillator designs. The merging of coherent signals allows amplitude modulation through phase adjustment without requiring complex individual oscillator circuits.
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
This configuration allows for precise control of both the phase and amplitude of the combined output wave, enabling phase, amplitude, or phase and amplitude modulation, while maintaining constant output power and reducing power fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a first oscillator whose oscillation frequency is locked to the oscillation frequency of the reference oscillator; a second oscillator whose oscillation frequency is locked to the oscillation frequency of the reference oscillator
Data Source
AI summary
A phase and amplitude controlled oscillation device is configured in such a manner that a first controller and a second controller control a phase of a combined output wave obtained by a combiner by performing control to shift phases of respective oscillation frequencies of a first oscillator and a second oscillator in the same direction, and control an amplitude of the combined output wave obtained by the combiner by performing control to shift the phases of the respective oscillation frequencies of the first oscillator and the second oscillator in opposite directions.