Frequency Synthesizer Using Pulse Trains for Multi-Band LO Generation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing frequency synthesis devices for transmitter-receiver systems require numerous local oscillators, leading to high costs, complexity, and large circuit sizes due to the need for multiple frequency transpositions across wide RF frequency bands, which is inefficient and impractical.

Innovation Solution

A frequency synthesis device that generates multiple frequency-stable periodic signals without using as many local oscillators by employing a system with a periodic signal generator, a pulse signal generator, and frequency recovery circuits to produce signals at integer multiples of a base frequency, using band-pass filtering to isolate desired frequencies and reduce circuit complexity and consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple local oscillators are used to generate frequency-stable signals for wide RF frequency bands, then frequency stability and coverage are improved, but device complexity, circuit size, and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency coverageVSAvoidnumber of oscillators
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single local oscillator is designed to serve multiple frequency bands through frequency multiplication techniques. The oscillator generates a base frequency that is then multiplied by integer factors (2x, 3x, 4x, etc.) to produce multiple output frequencies, allowing one oscillator to replace what would traditionally require multiple oscillators for wide RF coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The frequency output of the oscillator is dynamically changed through parameter modification - specifically by adjusting the multiplication factor applied to the base frequency. This allows the system to generate different frequency multiples (2f0, 3f0, 4f0, etc.) from the same oscillator core, providing frequency adaptability without adding hardware components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple local oscillators are used for frequency transposition, then frequency stability is improved, but electrical consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

One oscillator circuit is designed to perform the work of multiple oscillators by generating a base frequency and using frequency multiplication to create multiple stable output frequencies. This single oscillator consumes less power than multiple separate oscillators would require, while still providing the same frequency stability and coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple frequency generation functions are merged into a single oscillator system. Instead of having separate oscillator circuits for each frequency band, the invention combines them into one oscillator that produces a base frequency which is then multiplied to generate all required frequency multiples, reducing total power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple local oscillators are used across wide RF bands, then frequency coverage is improved, but circuit surface area increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidcircuit area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A single oscillator circuit is designed to provide frequency coverage across wide RF bands by generating a base frequency and using multiplication circuits to produce integer multiples (2f0, 3f0, 4f0, etc.). This approach requires significantly less circuit area than implementing separate oscillators for each frequency band, as it shares common circuitry and eliminates redundant components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3005567B1Frequency synthesis device and method
Publication Date: 2017.07.19 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP3005567B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3005567B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3005567B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a frequency synthesis device (100) comprising: first means (102-112) for generating a periodic signal at a frequency f1; second and third means (114, 116) coupled to the first means and generating, from the f1 frequency signal, a signal SG corresponding to an oscillation train having a frequency equal to N.f1, having a duration shorter than T1 = 1/f1 and repeated periodically at the f1 frequency; fourth means (118) generating, from the SG signal, m periodic signals SLO_CH1 to SLO_CHm having frequency spectra that each comprise a main frequency line fLO_CHi corresponding to an integer multiple of f1, where 1 ≤ i ≤ m, the fourth means being used as a band-pass filter applied to SG and rejecting, from the frequency spectra of each of the periodic signals SLO_CH1 to SLO_CHm, the lines other than the main frequency line fLO_CHi.