PLL Radar Fill Level Circuit Without a Frequency Divider
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Radar fill level measurement devices often require complex electronic circuits, leading to increased size and reduced reliability, especially when operating at high frequencies above 60 GHz.
Innovation Solution
A radar fill level measurement device with a simplified design utilizing a phase-locked loop that includes a push-push oscillator, phase detector, duplexer, and frequency multiplier, eliminating the need for a frequency divider to achieve high-frequency transmission signals above 60 GHz, while maintaining compactness and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If complex electronic circuits are used to achieve high-frequency transmission signals above 60 GHz, then the transmission frequency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the frequency divider component from the phase-locked loop circuit. By extracting this component, the circuit complexity is reduced while the frequency multiplication function is achieved through the push-push oscillator's inherent capability to generate both fundamental and doubled frequencies, eliminating the need for separate frequency division and multiplication stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The push-push oscillator is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it generates the fundamental frequency for phase detection, produces the doubled frequency for high-frequency transmission, and provides both signals to the phase detector for frequency multiplication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate frequency divider and multiplier components, reducing overall circuit complexity.
2Speed
If complex electronic circuits are used to achieve high-frequency transmission signals above 60 GHz, then the transmission frequency is improved, but the reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the frequency divider component from the circuit, the number of potential failure points is reduced. Fewer components mean fewer opportunities for component failure, connection issues, or signal degradation, thereby improving overall system reliability while maintaining the high-frequency transmission capability above 60 GHz.
3Speed
If complex electronic circuits are used to achieve high-frequency transmission signals above 60 GHz, then the transmission frequency is improved, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elimination of the frequency divider component directly reduces the physical footprint of the radar module. By extracting this unnecessary component, the installation space required for the high-frequency transmission signal generation is minimized, allowing for more compact device design while maintaining transmission frequencies above 60 GHz.
4Measurement precision
If a frequency divider is used in the phase-locked loop, then the frequency control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase detector is designed to process both the fundamental frequency from the push-push oscillator and the doubled frequency simultaneously. This multi-functional capability allows the phase detector to perform frequency multiplication without requiring a separate frequency divider, maintaining frequency control precision while reducing circuit 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
The solution enables reliable and compact radar fill level measurement devices capable of operating at high frequencies with reduced circuit complexity, enhancing reliability and installation space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a push-push oscillator and a phase detector, the push-push oscillator comprising a first output for transmitting a first output signal, and a second output for outputting a second output signal
Implementation Method 2
a frequency multiplier, coupled between the second output of the push-push oscillator and the duplexer, for multiplying the frequency of the second output signal of the push-push oscillator
Implementation Method 3
a duplexer, coupled between the push-push oscillator and the antenna, for separating the transmission signal and the received signal
Implementation Method 4
the phase detector is configured and/or configured to detect a phase difference between the reference frequency signal and the second output signal of the push-push oscillator
Implementation Method 5
the transmission signal is emitted to a surface of a medium, whereupon part of the transmission signal is reflected from the surface and is received in turn by the radar fill level measurement device as a received signal
Data Source
AI summary
A radar fill level measurement device for determining a fill level of a medium is provided, including a radar module to generate a transmission signal of at least 60 GHz; and an antenna coupled to the module and to transmit the signal to a surface of the medium and to receive a reflected signal, the module including a phase-locked loop including a push-push oscillator and a phase detector, the oscillator including a first and second outputs, a duplexer coupled between the push-push oscillator and the antenna, and a frequency multiplier coupled between the oscillator second output and the duplexer, the oscillator first output being directly wired to the phase detector input, the duplexer being coupled to the antenna, the phase detector including a reference input and a phase detector output coupled to an oscillator control input. A method for operating a radar fill level measurement device is also provided.