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 caused by mixing processes, particularly in the generation of third harmonic signals for wideband millimeter-wave applications.
Innovation Solution
An odd harmonic generation device comprising an even harmonic generation unit and a mixer, where the even harmonic signals are phase-shifted to ensure constructive addition and amplified by a transconductance stage, potentially using field-effect transistor-based frequency doublers, to enhance conversion gain and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
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 due to the mixing process
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency tripling process is segmented into two separate stages: first generating even harmonics (frequency doubler), then mixing with the fundamental signal to produce the third harmonic. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, reducing overall energy loss compared to a single-stage mixer-based tripler.
Solution Approach 2:
The even harmonic signals are generated in advance by the frequency doubler before the mixing stage. By preparing the even harmonic components beforehand, the mixing process only needs to combine pre-generated signals, reducing the complexity and energy loss of the mixing operation.
2Power
If phase shifting is implemented to achieve constructive addition of signals, then conversion gain is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional phase shifting components
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifting is implemented asymmetrically by introducing a 90-degree phase shift only to the second harmonic signal, while the fundamental and fourth harmonic signals maintain their original phases. This selective asymmetric phase shifting achieves constructive addition at the third harmonic frequency without requiring complex phase control for all signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase shift parameter is changed specifically for the second harmonic signal (90-degree shift) to optimize the constructive addition at the third harmonic frequency. By changing only the phase parameter of one signal component, the solution achieves high conversion gain without adding complex phase shifting mechanisms for all signals.
3Reliability
If an I/Q signal generation approach is used to achieve proper phase relationships, then odd harmonic generation is improved, but the efficiency is reduced due to the complexity of I/Q modulation
Solution Approach 1:
The I/Q modulation complexity is extracted and replaced by a simpler direct phase-shifting approach. Instead of generating in-phase and quadrature components and combining them, the invention directly applies a 90-degree phase shift to the second harmonic signal, achieving the same constructive addition effect with reduced complexity and improved efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using I/Q modulation to achieve proper phase relationships (complex approach), the invention inverts the approach by directly phase-shifting the second harmonic signal by 90 degrees. This inverted methodology achieves the same result with simpler circuitry and higher efficiency.
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 solution achieves high conversion gain and efficiency by phase-shifting even harmonic signals for constructive mixing, reducing inefficiencies and complexity, and allowing for high-performance odd harmonic generation, such as third harmonic signals, in complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technology.
Implementation Method 1
the even harmonic generation unit is configured to shift at least one of the fundamental signal and the at least two even harmonic signals, for example at least one of the at least two even harmonic signals, in phase before the mixing with the aid of the mixer
Implementation Method 2
the at least two even harmonic signals are shifted in phase with regard to each other in a manner that corresponding signal portions are constructively added with respect to the desired odd harmonic signal after the mixing
Implementation Method 3
the transconductance stage is configured to amplify its respective input and/or at least one component, for example at least one even harmonic component, of its respective input
Data Source
AI summary
An odd harmonic generation device is provided. The odd harmonic generation device includes an even harmonic generation unit and a mixer. In this context, the even harmonic generation unit is configured to generate two even harmonic signals on the basis of a fundamental signal. In addition to this, the mixer is configured to mix the fundamental signal with the two even harmonic signals to generate a desired odd harmonic signal.