Nanosecond Pulse Generator With Delay-Line Impedance Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pulse generating devices are large and cumbersome due to the need for long delay lines, making precise control of pulse duration difficult and requiring additional space for impedance matching components.

Innovation Solution

A compact pulse generating device using a signal source, delay element, and reflection means with a laser diode as a matching element to create pulses in the nanosecond range, allowing for precise adjustment of pulse duration through the delay element's length and reflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a long delay line is used to generate nanosecond pulses, then the pulse duration can be controlled, but the device size becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepulse durationVSAvoiddelay line length
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the delay function and reflection function into a single integrated structure. The delay line is configured to both delay the signal and reflect it back, eliminating the need for separate reflection means and reducing the overall device length while maintaining the required pulse duration control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic signal inversion at the delay line endpoint to create the pulse effect. By inverting the signal after a predetermined time period and allowing it to cancel the original signal, the system generates precise nanosecond pulses without requiring excessively long delay lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of manufacture

If component tolerances are present in the delay line, then manufacturing is simplified, but pulse duration control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelay line manufacturingVSAvoidpulse duration precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the delayed signal is reflected back and inverted to cancel the original signal. This feedback loop creates a self-correcting system that compensates for component tolerances, maintaining precise pulse duration control even with standard manufacturing variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the signal parameter (phase inversion) at the delay line endpoint to achieve precise pulse control. By inverting the signal after the delay period, the system creates a cancellation effect that precisely defines pulse duration independent of small variations in delay line characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If impedance matching components are added to the pulse generating device, then signal integrity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidimpedance matching components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the impedance matching function into the existing delay line structure and signal inversion mechanism. By designing the delay line with specific characteristic impedance and using the inversion point as the matching interface, the system achieves signal integrity without adding separate impedance matching components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the delay line structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously: signal delay, signal reflection, and impedance matching. The inherent properties of the delay line and the inversion mechanism provide impedance matching without requiring external matching components, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables the generation of short, precisely adjustable pulses with logic-compatible voltage and current levels, reducing device size and improving manufacturing ease while maintaining compatibility with logic circuits.

Implementation Method 1

a matching element is present, which causes the resistance of the signal source and/or the reflection means to be matched to the characteristic impedance of the delay element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance matching: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

the matching element comprises a laser diode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser diode operation: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

a delay element which is electrically coupled to the signal source and which delays a signal applied to the delay element by a predetermined time period

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal delay: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 4

a reflection means, which reflects electrical signals passing through the delay element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3487072B1Pulse generation device
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 SICK AG
  • EP3487072B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3487072B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3487072B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a pulse generation device (10) designed to generate electrical pulses with pulse durations in the nanosecond range. The electrical pulses have logic levels or low voltages. The pulse generation device comprises a signal source (36) providing an input signal, a delay element (18) electrically coupled to the signal source, which delays a signal applied to the delay element by a predetermined time period as it passes through the delay element, a reflection element (24) which reflects signals passing through the delay element, and a signal output (26) for outputting the electrical pulses, which is electrically connected to the delay element. An matching element (16, 42) is provided, which adjusts the resistance of the signal source and/or the reflection element to the characteristic impedance of the delay element. The matching element comprises a laser diode (42).