Power Regulator with Non-Reciprocal Phase Shifter for RF Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power systems for electron beam accelerators cannot efficiently deliver power at varying energy levels quickly, nor effectively control reflected radio-frequency power, leading to instability in the operation of power generators and accelerators.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a power regulator apparatus with non-reciprocal phase shifters and ferrite material-based circuitry for electromagnetic biasing, allowing independent control of power delivery and reflection, using power splitters and phase shifter assemblies to manage power distribution and phase adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If existing power systems are used to deliver power to electron beam accelerators, then power can be delivered at basic power levels, but the system cannot rapidly vary energy levels between at least two different energy levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power delivery system adjustable and adaptable through variable phase shifters that can rapidly change the phase of RF signals. This enables the system to dynamically switch between different energy levels (e.g., full power and reduced power) by adjusting the phase shift amount, thereby achieving both speed of variation and adaptability to multiple energy levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the phase parameter of the RF signal using phase shifter assemblies. By varying the phase shift amount, the system can control the amount of power delivered to the accelerator, enabling rapid transitions between different energy levels. This parameter change approach allows the system to operate at multiple energy levels while maintaining fast response time.
2Reliability
If reflected radio-frequency power is not controlled, then the power generator can operate independently, but the frequency of the power generator will be pulled away from the accelerator frequency, resulting in unstable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring the reflected RF power from the accelerator and using this information to adjust the phase shift in real-time. The phase shifters are controlled to minimize reflected power by matching the impedance between the power generator and accelerator, which stabilizes the operating frequency and prevents frequency pulling. This feedback mechanism ensures stable operation while managing system complexity through automated control.
3Reliability
If reflected power is minimized through phase control, then frequency stability is improved, but the system requires complex phase shifter assemblies with ferrite materials and electromagnetic biasing circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces phase shifter assemblies as intermediary devices between the power generator and the accelerator. These phase shifters, utilizing ferrite materials and electromagnetic biasing, act as mediators that control the phase and amplitude of RF signals to minimize reflected power. By placing these intermediaries in the signal path, the system achieves frequency stability while isolating the complexity of phase control from both the power generator and accelerator.
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 rapid variation of energy levels and minimizes reflected power, ensuring stable operation of power generators and accelerators by allowing precise control of power delivery and phase adjustments, thereby maintaining the required frequency and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a phase shifter, wherein the phase shifter includes a ferrite material and circuitry for electro-magnetically biasing the ferrite material
Implementation Method 2
the phase shifter includes a ferrite material and circuitry for electro-magnetically biasing the ferrite material
Implementation Method 3
a first phase shifter assembly coupled to the first power splitter and the second power splitter, wherein the first phase shifter assembly is a non-reciprocal phase shifter
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use with a power generator includes a first power splitter having an input port, wherein the input port is configured to connect to a power generator, a second power splitter having an output port, wherein the output port is configured to connect to a device that receives power from the power generator, and a first phase shifter assembly coupled to the first power splitter and the second power splitter, wherein the first phase shifter assembly is a non-reciprocal phase shifter. An apparatus for use with a power generator includes a power attenuator having an input for receiving power from a power generator, and a phase shifter, wherein the phase shifter includes a ferrite material and circuitry for electro-magnetically biasing the ferrite material.