Hybrid Harmonic Source Pull Tuner With Active-Passive Impedance Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load/source pull test systems for microwave devices are limited by passive tuners' frequency-dependent reflection factor limitations and require cumbersome and expensive active tuners for harmonic impedance control, which often result in power mismatch and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A wideband hybrid source pull tuner system using active loop injection and wideband amplifiers for harmonic feed-forward power injection, combined with an adjustable wave-probe signal coupler for optimized tuning, enabling full source pull operations and calibration of harmonic hybrid source pull tuners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive slide-screw tuners are used for impedance control, then the system structure is simple and cost-effective, but the reflection factor is limited and frequency-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines passive slide-screw tuners with active loop injection amplifiers to create a hybrid tuner system. The passive tuner provides baseline impedance control while the active amplifier extends the reflection factor range through loop injection, achieving both structural simplicity and enhanced adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an adjustable wave-probe signal coupler as an intermediary component that samples the signal and feeds it to the loop injection amplifier. This coupler mediates between the main signal path and the active tuning loop, enabling extended reflection factor control without disrupting the primary signal flow.
2Adaptability or versatility
If active tuners are used for harmonic impedance control, then the tuning range is extended, but power mismatch and inefficiency occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using loop injection that adds only the necessary reactive component to extend the reflection factor, rather than fully replacing the passive tuner. This partial active intervention achieves extended tuning range while minimizing power mismatch and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the amplifier by adjusting the loop injection level and coupling factor to optimize the balance between extended tuning range and power efficiency. The adjustable wave-probe coupler allows dynamic parameter adjustment to minimize reflections and maximize power transfer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid active tuning is implemented, then full source pull operations are enabled, but system complexity and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the hybrid tuner with multi-functionality to perform both passive impedance transformation and active loop injection within a single integrated system. The adjustable wave-probe coupler serves multiple functions including signal sampling, loop injection, and calibration reference, reducing the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements calibration procedures that establish the relationship between tuner states and source impedances, creating a feedback mechanism that enables accurate source pull operations. The system uses measurement instruments and control software to monitor and adjust tuner parameters, achieving full source pull capability through controlled feedback.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid, active-passive, harmonic source pull tuner system employs the Gamma Boosting Unit (GBU) concept and associated calibration and monitoring algorithms to allow for real source pulling operation. The GBU concept itself does not provide knowledge of the source impedance without proper calibration and monitoring. The hybrid tuner system includes a single or multi-probe source tuner and adjustable coupling allowing steering the impedance to the optimum device matching area.