Multi-source Signal Generator for Millimeter Wave CMOS
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The development of signal source chips for frequency bands above 30 GHz is hindered by high costs and long development periods due to the scarcity of affordable commercial chips, making it challenging to support millimeter wave and sub-terahertz bands effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multi-source signal generator implemented with a stable CMOS device, comprising a voltage-controlled oscillator, a Single Pole Double Throw switch, and a multi-source converting unit, which generates and amplifies signals in the millimeter wave and sub-terahertz bands, enabling support for 5G, IEEE 802.11ad/ay, and ISM bands through frequency multiplication and power division.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If expensive equipment or III-V devices are used to generate signals in 30 GHz band or higher, then signal generation capability is achieved, but development cost increases and development period extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter range of the signal generator to cover 30 GHz and above, achieving millimeter wave and sub-THz band signal generation using CMOS technology instead of traditional III-V devices, thereby reducing development cost while maintaining signal generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes III-V device-based signal generation systems with CMOS-based systems, replacing the mechanical/physical device architecture with a different technological approach that is more cost-effective and suitable for mass production
2Adaptability or versatility
If III-V devices or expensive equipment are used for millimeter wave signal generation, then frequency coverage is achieved, but development time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the frequency parameter range of the signal generator to 30 GHz and above using CMOS technology, achieving broad frequency coverage (including 5G, WiGig, and ISM bands) without incurring long development periods associated with traditional III-V device approaches
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple signal sources are generated using traditional methods, then frequency band coverage is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal signal generator that can generate multiple frequency bands (5G, WiGig, ISM) using a single CMOS device architecture with frequency multiplication capability, eliminating the need for separate devices for each frequency band and thereby reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple signal generation functions into a single integrated CMOS device that can produce various frequency bands through frequency multiplication, merging what would traditionally require separate equipment into one unified system
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 solution provides a cost-effective, single-chip implementation that generates multiple source signals across the millimeter wave and sub-terahertz bands, reducing development costs and time, while enhancing the utility and efficiency of signal generation for high-frequency applications.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage-controlled oscillator configured to generate a first source signal having a first frequency
Implementation Method 2
a first power amplifier configured to amplify power of the first source signal
Implementation Method 3
a multi-source converting unit configured to multiply a frequency of the amplified first source signal or divide power of the amplified first source signal to generate multi-source signals
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a multi-source signal generator including a voltage-controlled oscillator configured to generate a first source signal having a first frequency to deliver the first source signal to a first output port, a Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) switch configured to select the first source signal or an external source signal, a first power amplifier configured to amplify power of the first source signal selected by the SPDT switch, and a multi-source converting unit configured to multiply a frequency of the amplified first source signal or divide power of the amplified first source signal to generate multi-source signals, wherein the frequency of the first source signal and frequencies of the multi-source signals are included in a millimeter wave band or sub-terahertz (THz) band.