Optical Waveform Generator Pulse Attenuation Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
RF AWGs face challenges in generating arbitrary waveforms with high signal-to-noise ratio due to noise from electronic signals, which is mitigated by using optical signals but requires advanced circuitry to manage pulse characteristics and frequency bands effectively.
Innovation Solution
A waveform generator comprising an optical signal generating circuit, a controlling circuit, and a waveform shaping circuit that adjusts pulse magnitudes, phases, and intervals to produce an optical signal with specific characteristics, which is then converted to an electric signal with adjustable frequency bands, utilizing components like AGC amplifying circuits, pulse shaping circuits, and optical filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electronic signal is used in the RF AWG, then the device can generate arbitrary waveforms, but the signal-to-noise ratio is low due to noise from surrounding environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical signal as an intermediary carrier to transfer information between the arbitrary waveform generator and the radio frequency amplifier. The optical signal acts as a mediator that avoids direct electrical connection, thereby isolating the system from electronic noise while still enabling arbitrary waveform generation. The optical-to-electrical conversion occurs only at the output stage where noise filtering can be applied.
2Reliability
If optical signals are used to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then noise is reduced, but advanced circuitry is required to manage pulse characteristics and frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic pulse management circuitry with optical domain processing. Instead of using sophisticated electronic circuits to control pulse characteristics, the system uses optical modulators and optical filters that operate in the optical domain, simplifying the electronic circuit requirements while maintaining precise control over pulse characteristics through optical means.
3Loss of information
If the optical signal includes all frequency components, then complete waveform information is preserved, but the output signal contains unwanted frequency bands that need filtering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary frequency filtering in the optical domain before optical-to-electrical conversion. By pre-filtering the optical signal to remove unwanted frequency components before conversion, the system avoids generating unwanted electronic frequency bands that would require additional filtering stages. This preliminary action preserves essential waveform information while eliminating harmful frequency components proactively.
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 enhances the signal-to-noise ratio and allows for precise control of waveform characteristics, improving the quality of RF signals generated, particularly in wireless communication systems by effectively managing noise and frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
an optical signal generating circuit configured to generate a first optical signal including pulses
Implementation Method 2
The waveform shaping circuit may attenuate a magnitude of the first pulse on the basis of the control signal and the first optical signal
Implementation Method 3
The output circuit may output an electric signal of bands corresponding to differences between frequencies of the pulses included in the second optical signal on the basis of the second optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the inventive concept includes an optical signal generating circuit, a controlling circuit, a waveform shaping circuit, and an output circuit. The optical signal generating circuit generates a first optical signal including pulses. The controlling circuit generates a control signal indicating a first pulse to be attenuated in magnitude among the pulses. The waveform shaping circuit attenuates a magnitude of the first pulse based on the control signal and the first optical signal, and generates a second optical signal including pulses corresponding to the pulses included in the first optical signal and the first pulse having the attenuated magnitude. The output circuit outputs an electric signal of bands corresponding to differences between frequencies of the pulses included in the second optical signal based on the second optical signal. A band corresponding to the first pulse among the bands of the electric signal is adjusted as the magnitude of the first pulse is attenuated.