High-Frequency Signal Phase Coherence Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring phase differences between high-frequency signals in MIMO transmission systems are inadequate, particularly for small signal levels, as they require expensive equipment and are not suitable for signal levels below -50 dBm, and existing methods do not allow for precise phase synchronization or quantizable phase coherence.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the additive or subtractive combination of high-frequency signals using a signal combination unit, where the phase of one signal is varied to minimize the amplitude of the measurement signal, allowing for the determination of quantizable phase coherence or phase synchronicity, and automated adjustments are made to achieve precise phase alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement methods (oscilloscope, network analyzer, HF mixer) are used to measure phase difference between high-frequency signals, then phase difference measurement is possible, but the equipment is expensive and not suitable for signal levels below -50 dBm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a signal combination unit as an intermediary device that additively combines two high-frequency signals to generate a measurement signal. This mediator enables phase difference measurement through spectrum analyzer amplitude measurements, avoiding the need for expensive conventional equipment while extending measurement capability to low signal levels below -50 dBm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic measurement systems (oscilloscope, network analyzer, HF mixer) with a signal processing approach using a signal combination unit and spectrum analyzer. This substitution eliminates the limitations of conventional equipment regarding cost and minimum signal level requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If phase of one signal is varied to minimize measurement signal amplitude, then quantizable phase coherence is achieved, but measurement and adjustment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the spectrum analyzer continuously monitors the amplitude of the measurement signal generated by the signal combination unit. The phase of one input signal is varied based on this feedback, and the adjustment stops when the amplitude reaches its minimum value, indicating quantizable phase coherence has been achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic phase adjustment where the phase of one signal is continuously varied until the measurement signal amplitude reaches its minimum. This dynamic process enables precise phase coherence measurement while providing a clear termination criterion (minimum amplitude) to minimize adjustment time.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4A
Figure 4B~5
AI summary
The method involves additive combination of two high frequency signals (HF1, HF2) into a measurement signal (HFout) by a signal combining unit (13), where the signals (HF1, HF2) are summed with or subtracted from each other. Amplitude of the measurement signal is measured using a spectrum analyzer (14). Amplitude and phase of the signal (HF1) is successively varied relative to amplitude and phase of the signal (HF2), respectively, such that the amplitude of the measurement signal reaches a minimal value. An independent claim is also included for a device for producing a quantizable phase coherence between two high frequency signals.