Phase Reference System Arbitrary Frequency Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase calibration methods for receivers, such as mixers, are limited to frequencies corresponding to a harmonic grid, leading to higher measurement uncertainties for frequencies outside this grid, necessitating interpolation and reducing calibration accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using independent first and second frequency generators to produce spectral lines with frequencies that are integer multiples of the generator frequencies, allowing for arbitrary frequency selection and improved signal power concentration on specific spectral lines, enabling precise phase calibration independent of the harmonic grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a harmonic grid of frequency points is generated for phase calibration, then the phase relationship can be calibrated at specific frequency points, but measurement uncertainty increases for frequencies outside the harmonic grid requiring interpolation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of frequency generation from a single harmonic grid based on one base frequency to multiple independent frequency generators producing separate comb spectra. This allows the system to provide accurate phase calibration at arbitrary frequency points by selecting appropriate generator frequencies, eliminating the need for interpolation and resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and frequency range coverage.
2Reliability
If signal power is spread equally over a frequency range, then the harmonic grid is fully populated, but the signal-to-noise ratio decreases for specific calibration frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating signal power at specific spectral lines of interest through independent frequency generators. Instead of uniformly distributing power across an entire frequency range, each generator can be configured to produce comb lines at specific frequencies where high signal-to-noise ratio is needed for calibration, allowing localized optimization of signal quality at critical frequency points.
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 approach significantly reduces measurement uncertainty, allowing for accurate phase calibration at any desired frequency, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and enabling precise phase calibration of phase-sensitive receivers.
Implementation Method 1
generating, by using a first frequency generator, a first generator signal with a first generator frequency; generating, by using a second frequency generator, a second generator signal with a second generator frequency; providing the first generator signal and the second generator signal into a multiplier; and outputting a first spectral line with a first frequency, a second spectral line with a second frequency and a third spectral line with a third frequency, wherein the first frequency is equal to a first integer multiple of the first generator frequency, the second frequency being equal to a second integer multiple of the second generator frequency and the third frequency being equal to the sum or the difference of the first frequency and the second frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A phase reference system for a phase-sensitive receiver is shown that provides an output signal which can be used for phase calibration of a frequency-converting device under test. The phase reference system has a first frequency generator that generates a first generator signal with a first generator frequency fg1 and a second frequency generator that generates a second generator signal with a second generator frequency fg2. The first and second generator signals are fed to a multiplier. The multiplier process the signals and outputs first, second and third spectral line data.