Frequency Multiplier Power Control for Fast RF Output Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frequency generator arrangements in radar systems lack sufficient isolation efficiency and experience delays when controlling output power, particularly at high frequencies, due to inadequate on/off switch performance.
Innovation Solution
A frequency generator arrangement that includes a frequency multiplier with a controllable power supply, allowing for adjustable output power by reducing or deactivating the power supply to the frequency multiplier core, thereby attenuating or switching off the output signal effectively, and using a high-pass filter to suppress unwanted frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an on/off switch is used to control output power, then the output signal can be interrupted, but the isolation efficiency is insufficient especially at high frequencies due to crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful crosstalk signal from the main signal path by using a separate attenuation mechanism. The on/off switch is decoupled from the main signal flow, and a dedicated attenuation path is introduced to handle the isolation function separately, removing the crosstalk problem from the critical signal path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary attenuation mechanism between the oscillator and the output. This intermediary component (the attenuation mechanism with controllable attenuation amount) acts as a mediator that can selectively reduce or block the signal without directly interrupting the oscillator operation, thereby preventing crosstalk while maintaining isolation.
2Reliability
If the oscillator is deactivated to control output power, then the output signal is stopped, but there are considerable delays when reactivated due to transient effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power control function from the oscillator operation. Instead of deactivating the entire oscillator system, the control is segmented into two independent parts: the oscillator continues running while only the output stage is attenuated. This segmentation allows instantaneous power control without oscillator reactivation delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The attenuation mechanism is prepared in advance and can be activated instantly without waiting for oscillator stabilization. By having the attenuation capability pre-configured and independent of the oscillator start-up process, the system avoids reactivation delays when controlling output power.
3Ease of operation
If the oscillator runs continuously to maintain signal availability, then other components receive continuous signal, but the output power cannot be effectively controlled or deactivated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary attenuation mechanism that sits between the continuously operating oscillator and the output. This mediator allows the oscillator to run continuously (maintaining signal availability for all components) while providing independent control over the actual output power, effectively decoupling these two requirements.
4Ease of operation
If an on/off switch is used between oscillator and transmitting antenna, then the connection can be interrupted, but the isolation effect is insufficient at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the isolation function from the simple on/off switch and implements it through a dedicated attenuation mechanism. The switch is removed from the critical isolation path, and its function is replaced by the attenuation mechanism which provides superior isolation performance especially at high frequencies by controlling attenuation amount rather than simple connection/interruption.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a frequency generator arrangement having an oscillator for generating an oscillator signal having an oscillator frequency and an oscillator output for outputting the oscillator signal, the frequency generator arrangement further comprising a frequency multiplier coupled and/or connected to an oscillator output for generating an output signal of the frequency generator arrangement having a multiplier frequency corresponding to a multiple of the oscillator frequency, wherein the frequency multiplier comprises a frequency multiplier core directly causative of the frequency multiplication, the frequency multiplier core having a power supply, and the frequency generator arrangement having a control input for controlling the power supply to the frequency multiplier core, whereby an output power of the output signal is adjustable by controlling the power supply to the frequency multiplier core.