Master-Slave Microwave Generators for Phase-Coherent High-Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microwave generation using magnetron tubes results in uncontrollable resonance wavelengths, leading to suboptimal power controllability.

Innovation Solution

A microwave device comprising a master generator, delay lines, and slave generators, where the master generator produces a source RF signal that is split and synchronized with slave generators through delay lines to achieve phase-coherent RF outputs, utilizing solid state microwave generators for improved control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If magnetron tubes are used for microwave generation, then high power can be achieved, but controllability of resonance wavelengths deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrowave powerVSAvoidcontrollability of resonance wavelengths

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the microwave generation function into multiple independent solid state microwave generators (master generator and slave generators), each capable of being individually controlled. This segmentation allows precise control over frequency, phase, and power of each generator, thereby achieving wavelength controllability while maintaining high power through combined output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs solid state microwave generators that enable independent adjustment of key parameters including frequency, phase, and power output. The master generator produces a reference signal with controllable parameters, and slave generators synchronize to this reference while maintaining independent parameter control, resolving the contradiction between high power and wavelength controllability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If multiple slave generators are used to achieve high power, then power output is improved, but phase synchronization becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidphase synchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements phase-locked loop (PLL) technology where slave generators receive a reference signal from the master generator and automatically adjust their phase and frequency to maintain synchronization. This feedback mechanism ensures that even with multiple slave generators contributing to high power output, precise phase synchronization is maintained through continuous monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The master generator预先 generates a reference signal with precisely controlled phase and frequency characteristics before distributing it to slave generators. This preliminary establishment of phase reference ensures that all subsequent slave generators can synchronize to the same phase standard, simplifying the phase synchronization challenge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The device generates high-power microwaves with precise frequency, phase, and power control, enabling efficient beam forming and irradiation.

Implementation Method 1

The master generator includes a phase-locked loop (PLL) synthesizer, a splitter, a delay unit, a master phase shifter, a master attenuator, and a master amplifier. The PLL synthesizer is configured to generate the source RF signal.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase-locked loop (PLL) synthesis:

Implementation Method 2

The delay lines are coupled to the master generator and configured to delay the slave RF signals so as to generate delayed slave RF signals, respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal propagation delay:

Implementation Method 3

The master phase shifter is configured adjust a phase of the delayed master RF signal so as to generate an adjusted RF signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase shifting:

Implementation Method 4

The master amplifier is configured to amplify the attenuated RF signal so as to generate the master RF output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal amplification:

Implementation Method 5

The microwave device is configured to perform a beam forming to irradiate the master RF output and the slave RF outputs along a direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeam forming:

Data Source

PatentUS20250247926A1Microwave device

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 MICROELECTRONICS TECH INC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a microwave device including a master generator, delay lines, and slave generators. The master generator is configured to generate a source RF signal so as to generate a master RF output. The delay lines are coupled to the master generator. The lave generators are coupled to the master generator through the delay lines and configured to generate slave RF outputs according to the source RF signal, respectively. The master RF output and the plurality of slave RF outputs are in phase.