Compact PIM Measuring Instrument Using Millimeter Wave Phase Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PIM measurement systems are ineffective in identifying and locating external sources of passive intermodulation, as they are bulky, high-powered, and lack directional capabilities, making them impractical for mobile use in tracking down PIM sources in the field.
Innovation Solution
A compact, low-power measuring instrument that uses a signal source and a reference signal source to generate and transmit test signals with multiple frequencies, employing a combiner and receiver to determine the phase shift and estimate the distance to a PIM source, utilizing millimeter waves and compact antennas for directional detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional PIM measurement systems are used to identify external PIM sources, then measurement capability is achieved, but the systems are bulky and high-powered making them impractical for mobile field use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using millimeter wave frequencies (24 GHz, 38 GHz, 60 GHz) instead of conventional lower frequencies, enabling compact antenna design while maintaining effective radiated power. The system uses frequency multiplication techniques to generate high-frequency signals from lower-frequency sources, reducing the physical size of components while preserving measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions to millimeter wave dimension (24-60 GHz range) which allows for physically smaller wavelengths and consequently smaller antennas and system components. This dimensional change in the electromagnetic spectrum enables the system to be compact enough for portable field deployment while maintaining sufficient power for external PIM detection
2Measurement precision
If conventional PIM measurement systems are used, then PIM detection is possible, but directional capabilities and distance estimation are not easily achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system transmits test signals at multiple frequencies, receives reflected signals from external PIM sources, measures phase shifts, and uses this feedback to calculate distance to the source. The system continuously adjusts and refines measurements by comparing transmitted and received signal characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical directional detection systems with electromagnetic field-based phase shift measurement. Instead of using mechanically complex directional antennas or moving parts, the system uses the phase information inherent in the reflected millimeter wave signals to determine direction and distance, simplifying the overall system architecture
3Ease of operation
If compact, low-power design is implemented for mobile PIM detection, then portability is improved, but effective radiated power for detecting external sources may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter to millimeter waves where compact antennas can achieve high gain and effective radiated power despite low transmit power. The high frequency enables small physical dimensions while maintaining or improving detection capability through increased signal directionality and reduced susceptibility to interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-functional system where a single compact unit performs signal generation, frequency multiplication, transmission, reception, phase measurement, and distance calculation. The system can detect multiple PIM sources simultaneously and provides both directional and distance information, making it universally applicable for various field measurement scenarios
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
Enables the identification and localization of PIM sources in a portable and efficient manner, reducing the size and power requirements while maintaining effective radiated power levels, allowing for precise distance estimation and source identification.
Implementation Method 1
first and second transmitter modules each configured to receive a signal from the signal source and a reference signal from the reference signal source and generate a tone at a first frequency and a second frequency
Implementation Method 2
an antenna configured to receive and transmit a test signal having at least two tones generated using the signal and the reference signal
Implementation Method 3
The receiver is configured to determine a shift in phase between the reference signal and the sample signal. The receiver determines an estimate of distance to the source of PIM using determinations of the shift in phase
Implementation Method 4
utilizing millimeter waves and compact antennas for directional detection
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring instrument for detecting a source of passive intermodulation (PIM) includes a signal source, a reference signal source, and a first transmitter module and a second transmitter module each configured to receive a signal from the signal source and a reference signal from the reference signal source and generate a tone at a first frequency and a second frequency, respectively. The measuring instrument further includes a receiver and a receiver module configured to receive the signal from the signal source and a harmonic of the test signal generated by a source of PIM to generate a sample signal at the fixed frequency of the reference signal. The receiver is configured to determine a shift in phase between the reference signal and the sample signal. The receiver determines an estimate of distance to the source of PIM using determinations of the shift in phase as the signal source is swept.