PLL Radar Signal Generator for Marine Emission Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pulse compression marine radars face issues with unwanted cross-talk, leakage, and out-of-band emissions due to frequency conversion, leading to high costs, complex circuitry, and non-compliance with regulatory standards.
Innovation Solution
A transmit signal generator using phase-lock-loop (PLL) circuitry to generate and shape signals at antenna frequency, reducing the need for multiple up-conversions and filtering, and incorporating amplitude modulation to minimize unwanted emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional frequency conversion and up-conversion methods are used to generate radar transmit signals, then signal generation is achieved, but unwanted cross-talk, leakage, and out-of-band emissions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the frequency conversion and filtering stages from the traditional radar signal generation architecture. By directly generating the transmit signal at the final frequency using a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and phase-lock loop (PLL), the harmful mixing products and leakage are eliminated at the source, rather than attempting to filter them out later.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical frequency conversion system (mixers, modulators, filters) with a direct digital synthesis approach using PLL circuitry. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple frequency conversion stages and associated filtering, thereby removing the source of unwanted emissions while maintaining signal generation capability.
2Reliability
If traditional pulse compression marine radar systems are used, then radar functionality is achieved, but costs become exorbitantly expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive solid-state components, particularly the VCO and PLL circuitry, to replace expensive traditional radar signal generation hardware. This approach uses cost-effective electronic components rather than expensive waveguide filters and multiple frequency conversion stages, significantly reducing the overall system cost while maintaining radar performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal signal generation platform using PLL circuitry that can generate various radar waveforms and frequencies through software or configuration changes, rather than requiring dedicated hardware for each frequency or waveform type. This multi-functionality reduces costs by eliminating the need for multiple specialized components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency conversion stages are used in radar signal generation, then signal flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal PLL-based signal generation system that can produce multiple frequencies and waveforms through software control or configuration changes, rather than requiring separate hardware paths for each frequency. This single versatile platform replaces multiple dedicated frequency conversion chains, reducing complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the intermediate frequency conversion stages and filtering components from the signal generation path. By directly generating the final transmit frequency using VCO and PLL, the system eliminates the complex cascade of mixers, local oscillators, and filters, achieving frequency flexibility through the programmable nature of the PLL rather than through multiple conversion stages.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional radar systems with multiple filtering stages are used, then out-of-band emissions are reduced, but physical space for circuitry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the multiple filtering stages (including waveguide filters) from the traditional radar system architecture. By generating clean signals directly at the transmit frequency using PLL circuitry, the system eliminates the need for extensive filtering hardware, thereby reducing the physical space required for circuitry while maintaining compliance with emission standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical waveguide filter system with an electronic PLL-based signal generation approach. This substitution eliminates the need for large physical filtering components, achieving emission control through electronic signal synthesis rather than physical filtering, thereby dramatically reducing the space required for the radar circuitry.
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 effectively mitigates radar interference, reduces costs, and ensures compliance with radio spectrum standards by generating clean, coherent radar signals with improved performance and reduced power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The transmit signal generator may include a frequency modulation stage with phase-lock-loop (PLL) circuitry configured to generate a transmit signal at antenna frequency
Implementation Method 2
The transmit signal generator may include an amplitude modulation stage configured to shape an amplitude of the generated transmit signal
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations described herein are directed to an apparatus having a transmit signal generator for a pulse compression radar. The transmit signal generator may include a frequency modulation stage with phase-lock-loop (PLL) circuitry configured to generate a transmit signal at antenna frequency. The transmit signal generator may include an amplitude modulation stage configured to shape an amplitude of the generated transmit signal.