Millimeter-Wave Frequency Generation with Phase Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Millimeter-wave frequencies generated from lower frequency sources often have high phase noise, making them unusable in microwave systems due to interference with nearby channels and restricted frequency spans for microwave signal transmission.

Innovation Solution

A system using a single oscillator and frequency alteration mechanism to generate specific exact frequency differentials between millimeter-wave frequencies, which are phase-correlated to reduce phase noise and enable the generation of usable signals for wide frequency ranges in microwave systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If millimeter-wave frequencies are generated from lower frequency sources, then frequency generation is achieved, but phase noise increases making the signal unusable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency generationVSAvoidphase noise level

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary frequency (a microwave frequency between the base frequency and the target millimeter-wave frequency) as a mediator in the frequency multiplication process. This intermediary approach breaks the direct multiplication path into two stages: first multiplying the base frequency to an intermediate frequency, then multiplying again to reach the final millimeter-wave frequency. This intermediary step allows for better phase noise control compared to direct high-order multiplication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The frequency multiplication process is segmented into multiple stages rather than performed in a single step. The patent divides the multiplication into two separate multiplication operations with an intermediate frequency, allowing each stage to be optimized independently for phase noise performance. This segmentation enables the use of different multiplication factors at each stage to minimize overall phase noise accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If up-conversion frequencies in the microwave range are used, then signal transmission is enabled, but interference with nearby channels occurs and frequency span is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidchannel interference

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the frequency parameter from microwave range to millimeter-wave range for the up-conversion process. By operating in the millimeter-wave band (30 GHz to 300 GHz), the system achieves higher frequency transmission that does not overlap with traditional microwave channels, thereby eliminating channel interference. This parameter change also expands the available frequency span since millimeter-wave bands offer much broader unused频谱 resources compared to crowded microwave bands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system effectively reduces phase noise and allows for the transmission of microwave signals over a wide frequency range without interfering with nearby channels, enhancing the operational capabilities of microwave systems.

Implementation Method 1

multiplying a frequency associated with a single microwave oscillator comprising a certain level of phase noise, thereby producing a millimeter-wave up-conversion frequency associated with a higher level of phase noise

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency multiplication:

Implementation Method 2

using the millimeter-wave up-conversion frequency to up-convert the first signal from said baseband and/or intermediate frequency into a millimeter-wave frequency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency up-conversion:

Implementation Method 3

using the millimeter-wave down-conversion frequency to down-convert the millimeter-wave version of the first signal into a microwave version of the first signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency down-conversion:

Implementation Method 4

phase-matching the millimeter-wave up-conversion frequency with the millimeter-wave down-conversion frequency, thereby reducing a phase noise associated with the microwave version of the first signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase correlation:

Data Source

PatentUS11349520B2Generation of millimeter-wave frequencies for microwave systems

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 SIKLU COMM

AI summary

Systems and methods for generating a microwave signal using two millimeter-wave frequencies. A first millimeter-wave up-conversion frequency, which is generated from a lower frequency source, is used to up-convert a baseband and/or intermediate signal into a first millimeter-wave signal, which is then down-converted into a microwave signal using a second millimeter-wave down-conversion frequency generated from the same lower frequency source. Each of the first and second millimeter-wave frequencies is associated with a phase noise that is higher than a phase noise associated with the lower frequency source, however, the frequency differential between the first millimeter-wave frequency and the second millimeter-wave frequency is free of the higher phase noise, as a result of the two millimeter-wave signal being generated from the single lower frequency source, thereby causing the resultant microwave signal to be free of the higher phase noise as well.