Multiphase Signal Generator with Discrete Phase Shifters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiphase signal generators face challenges in accurately generating signals with a fixed phase relationship due to limitations in analog tunable delay elements and complex feedback structures, leading to increased manufacturing costs and circuit complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multiphase signal generator with a feed-forward open-loop architecture using phase shifters and phase interpolators, where each phase shifter provides an identical phase shift, allowing for accurate setting of phase relationships between output signals without the need for precise delay matching or complex feedback structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If analog tunable delay elements and complicated feedback structures are employed to generate signals with fixed phase relationship, then phase accuracy can be achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shift range is divided into discrete steps using multiple phase shifters, each providing a specific phase shift amount. This segmentation allows precise phase control without requiring complex continuous tuning mechanisms, thereby reducing circuit complexity while maintaining phase accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs digitally controllable phase shifters that can dynamically adjust phase shifts based on control signals. This dynamic control replaces static analog delay elements and complex feedback structures, enabling flexible phase relationship adjustment with simpler circuitry.
2Measurement precision
If analog tunable delay elements are used to achieve accurate phase relationships, then phase tuning accuracy improves, but trimming effort during production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from continuous analog delay tuning to discrete digital phase control. By using digitally programmable phase shifters with predetermined phase shift values, the system eliminates the need for manual trimming during production while maintaining accurate phase relationships through digital configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple identical phase shifter circuits that can be mass-produced with consistent characteristics. Instead of requiring individual trimming of each analog delay element, the design copies standardized digital phase shifter modules that inherently provide accurate phase shifts without production adjustment.
3Measurement precision
If analog tunable delay elements and feedback structures are employed, then phase relationship accuracy improves, but circuit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple phase shifting functions into integrated digital phase shifter modules. By merging the delay and phase control functions into unified digital circuits, the design reduces the overall circuit area compared to separate analog delay elements and feedback control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical analog delay mechanisms with digital signal processing approaches. This substitution eliminates the need for large analog circuit components and feedback pathways, achieving accurate phase relationships with compact digital logic circuits.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multiphase signal generator includes an input port. Furthermore, the multiphase signal generator includes a plurality of phase shifters. Each phase shifter of the plurality of phase shifters is configured to provide an identical phase shift Δφ. At least one phase shifter is connected to the input port. Furthermore, the multiphase signal generator includes a first phase interpolator and at least a second phase interpolator. Each phase interpolator has a respective output terminal. Each phase interpolator is configured to weight a phase of a signal at a respective first input terminal of the phase interpolator with a respective first weighting factor w i,1 and to weight a phase of another signal at a respective second input terminal of the phase interpolator with a respective second weighting factor w i,2 to generate an interpolated phase signal at the respective output terminal of the phase interpolator. A first subset of the plurality of phase shifters includes n > 1 serially connected phase shifters. The first subset of phase shifters is coupled between the first input terminal and the second input terminal of the first phase interpolator. A different second subset of the plurality of phase shifters includes n serially connected phase shifters. The second subset of phase shifters is coupled between the first input terminal and the second input terminal of the second phase interpolator.