Wideband Multitone Generator With DAC Delay Sideband Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal generators consume high power due to energy-intensive mixers and filters, and introduce additional frequency conversion products (spurs) that require further power consumption to mitigate.
Innovation Solution
A multitone generator device with a controller operatively coupled to first and second DACs, applying different delays to facilitate sideband suppression and mitigate gain/phase mismatches, using RF DACs for direct synthesis and combining signals to suppress image sidebands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If mixers are used for upconversion in signal generators, then frequency conversion capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mixer component from the signal generation system entirely. Instead of using mixers for frequency conversion, the invention employs digital-to-analog converters (DACs) operating in the radio frequency range to directly generate the desired frequency signals, thereby eliminating the power consumption associated with mixers while maintaining frequency conversion capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional analog mixer-based frequency conversion mechanism with a digital signal processing approach. Digital baseband signals are converted to analog RF signals through DACs, and frequency conversion is achieved through digital signal manipulation rather than analog mixing, reducing power consumption while maintaining versatility
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 source of frequency conversion products. Since mixers are removed from the system, the harmful frequency conversion products they generate are also eliminated, removing the need for power-consuming filters while maintaining signal purity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs frequency selection and signal purification in the digital domain before conversion to analog. By processing signals digitally and using DACs to directly generate RF signals at the desired frequencies, the system prevents the creation of unwanted frequency products rather than requiring subsequent filtering
3Power
If traditional signal generation methods are used, then frequency conversion capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional multi-stage analog signal generation process with a streamlined digital-to-analog conversion process. Digital baseband signals are directly converted to RF signals through DACs operating at the target frequency, eliminating multiple analog processing stages and significantly improving energy efficiency while maintaining signal generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the DACs to operate directly in the radio frequency range rather than at baseband frequencies. This parameter change allows direct generation of RF signals without requiring subsequent frequency upconversion, improving both power efficiency and signal generation speed
Data Source
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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.