Wideband Multitone Generation Using Delayed DAC Sideband Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal generators for exciting devices under test (DUTs) consume high power due to the energy requirements of mixers and filters, which also introduce additional frequency conversion products like spurs into the signals.
Innovation Solution
A multitone generator device with a controller operatively coupled to digital-to-analog converters (DACs) applies different delays to the DACs to facilitate sideband suppression, mitigating gain and phase mismatches, and using a combinational circuit to combine signals and suppress image sidebands, thereby reducing power consumption and eliminating unwanted frequency products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mixers are used for upconversion in signal generators, then frequency conversion capability is improved, but power consumption increases and frequency conversion products (spurs) are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mixer component from the signal generation system entirely. Instead of using a mixer for frequency conversion, the system directly generates the desired frequency output through a DAC (digital-to-analog converter) operating in a wideband mode, thereby eliminating the source of spur generation and reducing power consumption associated with mixer operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of direct DAC output (which naturally produces wideband signals including unwanted frequency components) into a benefit by using digital signal processing techniques. The system generates all frequency components digitally and uses selective filtering to extract only the desired frequencies, turning the wideband nature from a disadvantage into a capability that enables flexible frequency generation without physical mixers.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If higher order filters are used to mitigate frequency conversion products, then signal purity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for higher order filters by removing the mixer that generates the frequency conversion products in the first place. The system generates clean sinusoidal outputs directly through the DAC with digital control, avoiding the creation of spurs that would require filtering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical filtering approach (using higher order analog filters) with a digital approach. Frequency selection is achieved through digital signal generation and control rather than physical filtering, thereby eliminating the power consumption associated with high-order filter circuits while maintaining signal purity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mixers and filters are used in signal generators, then frequency conversion and signal conditioning are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of frequency conversion, signal generation, and filtering into a single integrated DAC-based system. The DAC directly generates the desired frequency output with digital control, combining what were previously separate mixer and filter stages into one unified component, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining signal generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The DAC in the patent serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the frequency converter, signal generator, and source of clean output signals. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate mixer and filter components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining or enhancing signal generation capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, computer-implemented methods, and/or computer program products that facilitate low power, wideband multitone generation. In one example, a multitone generator device can comprise a controller operatively coupled to first and second digital-to-analog converters (DACs). The controller can apply different delays of a sampling signal to the first and second DACs to facilitate sideband suppression of signals output by the first and second DACs. One aspect of such a multitone generator device is that the multitone generator device can facilitate low power, wideband multitone generation.