Multi-Stage Frequency Generator for Ultra-Wideband Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frequency generators have limited frequency coverage, requiring multiple frequency conversions to achieve target frequencies, which increases system design costs and reduces reliability.
Innovation Solution
A frequency generator with N stages of mixing modules and N stages of comb spectrum generation modules, where each comb spectrum generation module generates fundamental signal groups based on different second reference signals, allowing for expanded frequency coverage through harmonic signal generation and filtering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency conversions are used to expand frequency coverage, then frequency coverage is improved, but system complexity and design cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency generator is divided into multiple independent mixing stages (first-stage mixing module, second-stage mixing module, etc.), where each stage processes a specific frequency range. This segmentation allows the system to achieve wide frequency coverage by combining the outputs of multiple simpler modules, rather than using a single complex frequency conversion system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the output of the first mixing module becomes the input for the second mixing module, and so on. Each mixing stage is nested within the overall frequency generation system, with the i-th stage processing the output from the (i-1)-th stage. This nested architecture enables progressive frequency expansion while maintaining modular simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency conversions are used to achieve target frequencies, then frequency coverage is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the phase-locked loop (PLL) component from the frequency conversion process. By using direct mixing operations without PLL-based frequency synthesis, the system removes a potential source of failure and complexity, thereby improving reliability while maintaining the ability to generate multiple frequencies through the cascaded mixing stages.
3Measurement precision
If phase lock loops are used in frequency conversion, then frequency stability is improved, but frequency switching time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using PLL to lock onto and stabilize frequencies (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using direct mixing of harmonic signals where frequency stability is achieved through the inherent stability of the crystal oscillator and the mathematical relationships between harmonic frequencies, rather than through feedback-based phase locking. This eliminates the frequency switching time associated with PLL acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses harmonic signals (integer multiples of fundamental frequencies) as copies of the original reference signals. By generating and mixing these harmonic copies directly, the system achieves frequency multiplication and conversion without requiring PLL-based frequency synthesis, thereby maintaining frequency stability while enabling rapid frequency switching.
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 proposed frequency generator achieves ultra-wideband frequency coverage without the need for phase lock loops in the frequency conversion process, reducing frequency switching time and enhancing system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Each of at least some of the comb spectrum generation modules includes: a step diode; and the step diode is configured to generate a plurality of harmonic signals with a frequency of the second reference signal as a fundamental frequency according to the second reference signal
Implementation Method 2
Each of at least some of the comb spectrum generation modules further includes: a band-pass filter bank configured to filter the plurality of harmonic signals with the frequency of the second reference signal as the fundamental frequency to generate the fundamental signal group
Implementation Method 3
Each of at least some of the comb spectrum generation modules further includes a first mixer; and the first mixer is configured to generate the fundamental signal group according to a third reference signal and the plurality of harmonic signals with the ith frequency as the fundamental frequency
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a frequency generator, and belongs to the technical field of communications. The frequency generator provided by the present disclosure includes: N stages of mixing modules and N stages of comb spectrum generation modules. Each of the comb spectrum generation modules is configured to provide a mixing module in a same stage as the comb spectrum generation modules with one stage of fundamental signal group generated according to a second reference signal; and different stages of fundamental signal groups are generated based on different second reference signals. A 1st-stage mixing module generates a 1st-stage mixed signal according to a 1st-stage fundamental signal group and a first reference signal, and the 1st-stage fundamental signal group includes a plurality of harmonic signals with a first frequency as a fundamental frequency.