Parallel RF Signal Paths for Harmonic Distortion Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF signal generators, particularly in quantum computing applications, introduce nonlinearities that create harmonic distortion terms, requiring high power consumption to achieve a desired spurious-free dynamic range, which is prohibitive for cryogenic applications due to increased thermal load.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple parallel signal paths in RF signal generators to convert baseband signals into radio frequency signals, using a signal combiner to cancel distortion components, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining a desired spurious-free dynamic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high current levels are used to reduce odd order distortion terms, then spurious-free dynamic range is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The RF signal generation is divided into multiple parallel signal paths (first signal path and second signal path), each operating at different current densities. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high SFDR through distortion cancellation without requiring any single path to operate at prohibitively high power levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful distortion components generated by each signal path into a beneficial effect by having multiple paths generate controlled distortion terms that cancel each other out. The distortion that would normally be harmful is instead used as a mechanism for suppression when combined through the signal combiner.
2Measurement precision
If high power is consumed to achieve desired SFDR, then signal quality is improved, but thermal load on cryostat increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the signal generation across multiple parallel paths operating at lower individual power levels, the total thermal load on the cryogenic system is reduced while maintaining signal quality through distortion cancellation in the combined output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the thermal burden of high-power operation into an advantage by using multiple lower-power paths whose distortion products cancel each other, thereby improving signal quality without proportionally increasing thermal load.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple parallel signal paths are used to cancel distortion, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The use of multiple parallel signal paths segmented into distinct current density levels enables power reduction through distortion cancellation, with the complexity managed through systematic design of the parallel architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple signal paths operating in parallel are merged through a signal combiner that combines their outputs while canceling distortion components. This merging achieves power reduction through constructive interference of fundamental signals and destructive interference of distortion terms.
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprises a radio frequency signal generator. The radio frequency signal generator comprises a plurality of signal paths, and a signal combiner. The plurality of signal paths are configured to operate in parallel to convert a baseband signal to a plurality of radio frequency signals, wherein each signal path of the plurality of signal paths outputs a respective one of the plurality of radio frequency signals. The signal combiner is configured to combine the plurality of radio frequency signals to cancel corresponding distortion components in the plurality of radio frequency signals, and output a resulting radio frequency output signal with at least one suppressed distortion component.