Electrical Signal Phase Setting via Superposed Power Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating signals with precise phase differences are hindered by imperfections in measurement setups, such as varying cable lengths, making it difficult to accurately set desired phase differences between electrical signals.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the superposition of two electrical signals, where power parameters are measured for different phase offsets to determine and adjust the relative phase, using a mathematical model for interpolation and extrapolation, and varying phase offsets to achieve the desired phase difference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two arbitrary waveform generators are used to generate signals with predefined phase differences, then signal generation capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to varying cable lengths and thermal effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct phase measurement (which is sensitive to cable length variations) with power parameter measurement of superposed signals. By measuring power parameters such as maximum power, minimum power, or peak-to-average ratio of the superposed signal from two AWGs, the system indirectly determines phase differences with higher precision, substituting a mechanical measurement approach with a more robust electrical measurement approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a superposed signal as an intermediary between the two original signals and the measurement system. By combining the two signals and measuring power parameters of the combined signal, the system obtains phase difference information without directly measuring the phase relationship, which is prone to errors from cable variations.
2Loss of information
If direct phase measurement is performed, then phase information is obtained, but measurement complexity increases due to requirements for precise cable length matching and thermal stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the phase difference information from the complex direct measurement problem by transforming it into a power parameter measurement problem. Instead of measuring phase directly (which requires precise cable matching), the system measures power parameters of superposed signals, which are less sensitive to cable length variations and thermal effects, thereby simplifying the measurement setup.
3Measurement precision
If phase offsets are adjusted to compensate for cable length variations, then phase precision improves, but operation complexity increases due to manual calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where power parameters of superposed signals are measured and used to determine actual phase differences. The system can automatically adjust phase offsets based on these measurements to achieve desired phase relationships, eliminating manual calibration and simplifying operation while maintaining high 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
This approach allows for simple and precise generation of signals with predetermined phase differences and determination of phase differences between electrical signals, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by using power parameter measurements and mathematical modeling.
Implementation Method 1
A power parameter of the superposed signal is determined via a power measurement unit for several different phase offsets of the first signal and/or of the second signal
Implementation Method 2
The first signal and the second signal are superposed, thereby obtaining a superposed signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining and/or adjusting phases of at least two electrical signals is disclosed. The method includes the following steps: a first frequency and/or a first power level for a first signal is set and a second frequency and/or a second power level for a second signal is set. The first signal and the second signal are superposed, thereby obtaining a superposed signal. A power parameter of the superposed signal is determined via a power measurement unit for several different phase offsets of the first signal and/or of the second signal. A relative phase between the first signal and the second signal is determined and/or set based on the determined power parameters. Moreover, a signal generator system is disclosed.