Phase Adjustment Circuit Buffer Amplifier Linear Region Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for high-precision adjustment of amplitudes and phases of signals in array antenna devices, particularly in millimeter-band communication systems where precise beam control is required, and existing technologies do not adequately address this need.
Innovation Solution
A phase adjustment circuit comprising a local frequency band phase shifter, a buffer amplifier, and a frequency-converting mixer, where the buffer amplifier amplifies the input power to ensure it remains within the linear region of the frequency-converting mixer's input-output characteristic, enabling precise phase and amplitude adjustments of signals transmitted by antenna elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the phase differences between antenna elements are adjusted using phase shifters, then beam control capability is improved, but the precision of amplitude and phase adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer amplifier as an intermediary component between the phase shifter and the frequency-converting mixer. This buffer amplifier mediates the signal transmission, providing proper impedance matching and signal level adjustment, which enables both beam control through phase shifters and high-precision amplitude/phase adjustment simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the frequency-converting mixer by ensuring the input power is maintained within the linear region through the buffer amplifier. This parameter control allows the system to achieve high-precision amplitude and phase adjustment while maintaining beam control functionality
2Measurement precision
If high-precision amplitude and phase adjustment is implemented, then beam control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer amplifier serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides impedance matching, signal level adjustment, and maintains the input power within the linear region of the frequency-converting mixer. This multi-functionality achieves high-precision beam control without requiring multiple separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
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
This solution allows for high-precision adjustment of signal amplitudes and phases, improving beam control and directionality in array antenna devices, thereby enhancing the performance of millimeter-band communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer amplifier that is provided between the local frequency band phase shifter and the frequency-converting mixer, and that is capable of amplifying an input power that is to be input to the frequency-converting mixer
Implementation Method 2
a frequency-converting mixer that receives the adjusted signal and another signal different from the adjusted signal, and that mixes the adjusted signal with the other signal
Data Source
AI summary
A phase adjustment circuit includes: a local frequency band phase shifter that adjusts a phase of a signal in a local signal frequency band and that outputs the adjusted signal; a frequency-converting mixer that receives the adjusted signal and another signal different from the adjusted signal, and that mixes the adjusted signal with the other signal; and a buffer amplifier that is provided between the local frequency band phase shifter and the frequency-converting mixer, and that is capable of amplifying an input power that is to be input to the frequency-converting mixer so that the input power is up to be in an input power range in which an input-output characteristic of power of the frequency-converting mixer is out of a linear region.