Odd Harmonic Generation Using Phase-Shifted Even Harmonics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing odd harmonic generation devices face inefficiencies due to reduced conversion gain when generating odd harmonic signals, particularly the third harmonic, as a result of the mixing process.
Innovation Solution
An odd harmonic generation device comprising an even harmonic generation unit and a mixer, where the even harmonic signals are phase-shifted before mixing to ensure high conversion gain and efficiency, potentially eliminating the need for I/Q signal generation and incorporating a transconductance stage or frequency doubler to enhance performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-balanced mixer based frequency tripler is used to generate the third harmonic, then the odd harmonic signal can be generated, but the conversion gain is reduced leading to inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency tripling process is segmented into two separate stages: first generating even harmonics (including second harmonic) from the fundamental signal, then mixing the fundamental signal with the even harmonic signals to produce the third harmonic. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, avoiding the conversion gain loss that occurs in a single-stage mixer-based tripler.
Solution Approach 2:
The even harmonic generation unit performs preliminary action by generating the second and fourth harmonic signals before the mixing stage. By pre-generating these even harmonics with proper phase relationships, the subsequent mixing operation can efficiently produce the third harmonic without losing conversion gain, as the necessary frequency components are already prepared in the correct phase states.
2Loss of energy
If phase shifting is implemented to optimize conversion gain, then efficiency increases, but device complexity increases due to additional phase shifting components
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifting function is merged into the even harmonic generation unit itself rather than being a separate post-processing stage. The even harmonic generation circuitry inherently produces the second and fourth harmonics with specific phase relationships, and these phase characteristics are maintained through the mixing process. This merging eliminates the need for additional dedicated phase shifting components while still achieving the efficiency benefits of proper phase alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The even harmonic generation unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates the second harmonic, generates the fourth harmonic, and provides the necessary phase shifting for both functions. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate dedicated circuits for each function.
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 solution achieves a high conversion gain and efficiency in generating odd harmonic signals, such as the third harmonic, by optimizing the phase shifting and amplification processes, thereby reducing inefficiencies and increasing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the mixer is configured to mix the fundamental signal with at least two of the at least two even harmonic signals in order to generate a desired odd harmonic signal
Implementation Method 2
the phase shifting unit is configured to shift at least one of the fundamental signal and the at least two even harmonic signals, preferably at least one of the at least two even harmonic signals, in phase before the mixing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An odd harmonic generation device (10) is provided. Said odd harmonic generation device (10) comprises an even harmonic generation unit (11), and a mixer (12). In this context, the even harmonic generation unit (11) is configured to generate at least two even harmonic signals on the basis of a fundamental signal. In addition to this, the mixer (12) is configured to mix the fundamental signal with at least two of the at least two even harmonic signals in order to generate a desired odd harmonic signal.