Harmonic Mixer Radio Communication Device for 30 GHz Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies face challenges in generating a stable local oscillation frequency for high-frequency radio communication devices, particularly above 30 GHz, which is costly and complex, making it difficult to achieve high-quality communication.

Innovation Solution

A radio communication device design that includes a local oscillator, an amplifier producing harmonic wave components, and a harmonic mixer, allowing the harmonic wave components to pass through and mix with information signals to generate up-converted signals, enabling communication at frequencies as high as 30 GHz with a simple and cost-effective structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a local oscillator is used to generate oscillation frequency identical to the unmodulated carrier for transmission, then the receiver structure can be simplified and communication quality improved through environmental factor cancellation, but it becomes difficult to generate stable local oscillation frequency at high frequencies (30 GHz or more)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidlocal oscillator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the frequency generation function into two parts: a low-frequency local oscillator (e.g., 30 GHz) and a frequency multiplication stage. Instead of using a single high-frequency local oscillator, the system generates the carrier frequency by multiplying the local oscillator frequency (e.g., using 2nd harmonic to achieve 60 GHz transmission). This segmentation allows the local oscillator to operate at lower, more stable frequencies while still achieving high-frequency transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating frequency parameter of the local oscillator from high frequency (matching carrier frequency) to low frequency (sub-multiple of carrier frequency). By transmitting both the unmodulated carrier and the modulated signal, and using the carrier for demodulation, the system maintains communication quality while avoiding the complexity of high-frequency local oscillators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If current technology is used to generate stable local oscillation frequency at 60 GHz, then millimeter-wave radio communication can be realized, but extremely advanced technology and considerable cost are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocal oscillation frequency stabilityVSAvoidproduction cost and technology requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of generating the carrier frequency directly from a high-frequency local oscillator, the patent inverts the approach by using a low-frequency local oscillator and generating the carrier frequency through frequency multiplication. The unmodulated carrier at high frequency is generated by mixing or harmonically multiplying the low-frequency local oscillator signal, which is then transmitted alongside the modulated signal for demodulation reference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 stable radio communication at high frequencies by using a low-frequency local oscillator, simplifying the device structure and reducing costs while maintaining communication quality by canceling environmental fluctuations.

Implementation Method 1

an amplifier amplifying an output signal of the local oscillator and outputting a local oscillation frequency and a harmonic wave component thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHarmonic generation:

Implementation Method 2

a harmonic mixer receiving an output signal of the amplifier and an information signal, and generating an up-converted signal of the information signal with the harmonic wave component based on the local oscillation frequency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency mixing: Heterodyne

Data Source

PatentUS7738844B2Radio communication device

Publication Date: 2010.06.15 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC DEVICE INNOVATIONS

AI summary

A radio communication device includes: a local oscillator; an amplifier amplifying an output signal of the local oscillator and outputting a local oscillation frequency and a harmonic wave component thereof; and a harmonic mixer receiving an output signal of the amplifier and an information signal, and generating an up-converted signal of the information signal with the harmonic wave component based on the local oscillation frequency, while allowing the harmonic wave component to pass through.