Modulator Feedback Compensation for Parasitic Spectral Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating broadband arbitrary waveform generators with high spectral quality and agility are hindered by imperfections such as carrier leakage, image lines, and intermode lines, which are not adequately compensated by conventional solutions, particularly in on-board radar applications where high precision and rapid disturbance response are required.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a closed feedback loop with a monitoring receiver and waveform generator, using digital oscillators to synchronize and measure parasitic spectral components, and employing filters with sliding average capabilities to discriminate and correct these imperfections, thereby reducing their amplitudes significantly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional open loop compensation methods are used to correct carrier leak and image line, then some level of compensation is achieved, but the response time is too slow to track rapid disturbances in on-board radar applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral qualityVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where the modulator output is continuously monitored and fed back to dynamically adjust compensation parameters. This allows the system to track and compensate for time-varying disturbances in real-time, resolving the contradiction between achieving high spectral quality and maintaining fast response capability in on-board radar applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static open-loop compensation to dynamic closed-loop compensation. The compensation parameters are continuously updated based on real-time measurements of the modulator output, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain high spectral quality despite rapid disturbances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If existing compensation devices are added to correct parasitic components, then carrier leak and image line are partially compensated, but intermode lines cannot be adequately compensated without limiting modulation power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral purityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal digital signal processing approach that can compensate for multiple types of parasitic components (carrier leak, image line, and intermode lines) using the same closed-loop feedback infrastructure. This multi-functional compensation system eliminates the need for separate compensation devices for each parasitic component, reducing overall device complexity while achieving comprehensive spectral purity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses digital signal processing to dynamically change compensation parameters based on measured parasitic components. By adjusting digital compensation parameters in real-time, the system can address multiple types of distortions without requiring additional analog compensation circuits, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high spectral purity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If additional compensation devices are introduced to improve spectral quality, then parasitic components are reduced, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral qualityVSAvoidnumber of compensation devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex analog compensation circuits with digital signal processing implemented in software or firmware. The closed-loop feedback system uses digital algorithms to generate compensation signals, eliminating the need for multiple analog compensation devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining or improving spectral quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital model of the parasitic components through measurement and uses this model to generate compensating signals. By copying the characteristics of the distortions in the digital domain and applying inverse compensation, the system achieves high spectral quality without requiring physical compensation devices for each type of distortion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP2114045B1Cancelling out of the imperfections of a modulator
Publication Date: 2018.01.24 THALES SA
  • EP2114045B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2114045B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2114045B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves synchronizing digital oscillators (DDS-2, DDS-3) of a monitoring receiver (22), and synchronizing a waveform generator and the monitoring receiver so as to define a matrix of transition between a measuring marker and a modulation marker. Parasitic spectral components are measured in the measuring marker. The parasitic spectral components are estimated in the modulation marker.