HPEM-DS Array Trigger Sequencing for Jitter-Free Pulse Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HPEM-DS pulse generators face challenges in generating precise, synchronized, and high-power electromagnetic pulses due to temporal inaccuracies and limitations in antenna arrays, particularly with semiconductor pulse generators and Marx generators.
Innovation Solution
A modular array system comprising spark-gap-free semiconductor pulse generators, resonators, and directional couplers in stripline technology, with feedback mechanisms for precise timing and delay correction, allowing synchronized generation and radiation of HPEM-DS pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If semiconductor pulse generators are used to generate HPEM-DS pulses, then temporal precision and jitter reduction are improved, but power output and radiated energy are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pulse generation task across multiple independent semiconductor pulse generators (at least two), each generating a partial pulse. These segmented generators operate in parallel to overcome the power limitation of individual devices while maintaining the temporal precision advantages of semiconductor technology.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple partial pulses from separate semiconductor pulse generators are combined through constructive interference to form a total HPEM-DS pulse with high power output. The merging occurs in the electromagnetic field domain, where the fields from individual generators add together to achieve the desired power level.
2Power
If antenna arrays are used to increase radiated power, then power output is improved, but temporal synchronization and phase alignment become difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where measurement signals from the antenna array are monitored and used to adjust the timing and phase of subsequent pulses. This closed-loop control maintains temporal synchronization and phase alignment across all array elements, ensuring constructive interference is maintained even as power levels increase.
3Power
If Marx generators are used to generate high-power pulses, then power output is improved, but temporal jitter and synchronization accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical/physical breakdown mechanism of Marx generators (which inherently produces jitter) with solid-state semiconductor pulse generators. This substitution eliminates the jitter-generating mechanisms while achieving high power through parallel operation and field combination rather than voltage multiplication.
4Power
If multiple individual modules are operated in parallel to form an array, then power output is improved, but delay compensation and temporal correlation become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary timing adjustments and delay compensations during the setup and calibration phase. By pre-characterizing each module's propagation delay and phase characteristics, the system stores correction parameters that are applied automatically during operation, simplifying real-time control while maintaining temporal correlation across all array elements.
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
Enables the generation of high-power, synchronized HPEM-DS pulses with reduced jitter, enhancing the radiated power and range of antenna arrays by compensating for temporal drift and propagation delays.
Implementation Method 1
The next element in the series circuit is a spark-gap-free resonator. This resonator serves to generate a partial pulse from the respective source pulse.
Implementation Method 2
At the end of the series circuit, and thus downstream of the directional coupler, is an antenna. This antenna serves to radiate the partial pulse in the form of electromagnetic radiation.
Implementation Method 3
In the series circuit, a directional coupler is connected downstream of the resonator. This coupler serves to extract a portion of the partial pulse as a measurement signal.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An array (2) for emitting a total HPEM-DS pulse (4) as a sum of HPEM-DS partial pulses (6a-d) comprises individual modules (8a-d) connected in series, each consisting of a spark-gap-free pulse generator (10a-d) for source pulses (12a-d), a spark-gap-free resonator (14a-d) for shaping partial pulses (6a-d) from the source pulses (12a-d), a directional coupler (18a-d) for coupling a measurement signal (20a-d) from the partial pulses (6a-d), and an antenna (22a-d) for radiating the partial pulses (6a-d), each with a trigger input (24a-d) for triggering the pulse generators (10a-d) based on trigger signals (26a-d), and a trigger module (28) to trigger the signals (26a-d) for a total pulse (4) based on to provide the feedback measurement signals (20a-d) in a temporal trigger sequence (30) such that the partial pulses (6a-d) are radiated to each other in a desired temporal transmission sequence (32).In a method for operating the array (2), the trigger module (28) provides the trigger signals (26a-d) for the total pulse (4) based on the feedback measurement signals (20a-d) in the temporal trigger sequence (30) such that the partial pulses (6a-d) are emitted to each other in the desired temporal transmission sequence (32).