Phase-Locked Multitone RF Generation for Stable Multi-Channel Readout
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling or reading-out multiple-state systems, such as quantum computing architectures and radar systems, require a high number of local oscillator sources, leading to increased costs, space requirements, and reduced phase stability between radio frequency channels.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a baseband signal generator, a reference frequency source, a multitone source, and mixers is used to generate modulated RF signals, where the phase between the baseband signal generator and multitone source is locked, significantly reducing the number of local oscillator sources and improving phase stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high number of local oscillator sources are used to generate modulated RF signals for each channel, then the system can control and read-out multiple-state systems, but the costs, space requirements, and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple local oscillator sources into a single shared local oscillator that serves all RF channels. This is achieved by using a single local oscillator source that is distributed to multiple mixers, each handling different RF channels. The invention merges what were previously separate oscillator units into one unified source, reducing device complexity while maintaining phase stability through the shared reference.
Solution Approach 2:
The single local oscillator source is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously, providing clock signals and reference frequencies to multiple RF channels. This universal oscillator performs the role of what would traditionally require multiple dedicated oscillators, reducing the overall number of components while maintaining the ability to control and read-out multiple quantum states or radar channels independently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a high number of local oscillator sources are used, then each RF channel can be independently controlled, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power-consuming local oscillator sources into a single oscillator unit. By consolidating the oscillator functions into one source that serves all channels, the overall power consumption is reduced while the independent control capability is maintained through the mixer architecture and signal distribution network.
3Reliability
If a high number of local oscillator sources are used, then comprehensive signal generation is achieved, but the space requirements in the cryostat increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple local oscillator sources into a single compact unit that can be housed in the cryostat. This consolidation dramatically reduces the physical space required while maintaining the capability to generate comprehensive modulated RF signals for all channels. The single oscillator source is distributed to multiple mixers that handle different frequency channels, achieving comprehensive signal generation in a reduced footprint.
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
This approach reduces costs, minimizes space requirements, and lowers power consumption while enhancing phase stability between radio frequency channels, facilitating efficient control and reading-out of multiple-state systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one mixer comprising a first mixer input, at least one second mixer input and a mixer output, wherein the corresponding one of the at least one baseband signal generator output is connected to the first mixer input of the respective one of the at least one mixer and the corresponding one of the at least one multitone source output is connected to the second mixer input of the respective one of the at least one mixer
Data Source
AI summary
A modulated RF signals generating system for controlling or reading-out a multiple-state system, such as a quantum computing architecture or a multiple-input multiple-output architecture or an architecture for testing and/or operating a radar system, is provided. Said modulated RF signals generating system for controlling or reading-out a multiple-state system comprises a baseband signal generator comprising at least one baseband signal generator output, a reference frequency source being in unidirectional or bidirectional communication with the baseband signal generator, a multitone source comprising at least one multitone source output and being in unidirectional or bidirectional communication with the reference frequency source to lock the corresponding phase between the baseband signal generator and the multitone source, and at least one mixer comprising a first mixer input, at least a second mixer input and a mixer output. In this context, the corresponding one of the at least one baseband signal generator output is connected to the first mixer input of the respective one of the at least one mixer. In addition to this, the corresponding one of the at least one multitone source output, especially the multitone source output, is connected to the second mixer input of the respective one of the at least one mixer, especially to the second mixer input of each of the at least one mixer.