Radar Frequency Converter Circuit for Harmonic Upconversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar-based measuring devices face challenges in processing high-frequency transmission and reception signals above 60 GHz due to increased interference and signal absorption, limiting measuring accuracy and frequency range.
Innovation Solution
A frequency converter circuit that includes a non-linear high-frequency component, resonant circuit, and antennas to generate and downconvert high-frequency radar signals, allowing operation up to 300 GHz without requiring high-frequency capable circuit boards, using low-frequency input signals to produce harmonic waves for efficient high-frequency transmission and downconvert high-frequency reception signals into low-frequency evaluation signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-frequency transmission and reception signals above 60 GHz are processed directly, then radar-based distance and velocity measurement can be performed, but interference and signal absorption increase, limiting measuring accuracy and frequency range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary frequency conversion process. A low-frequency input signal (below 60 GHz) is used to generate high-frequency harmonic waves (up to 300 GHz) through a non-linear component, and the received high-frequency signal is downconverted back to low frequency for evaluation. This intermediary frequency conversion process allows the system to operate at very high frequencies while avoiding direct processing of high-frequency signals, thereby reducing the impact of interference and signal absorption.
2Measurement precision
If radar frequency bands above 60 GHz are used, then greater absolute bandwidth and higher measuring accuracy can be achieved, but processing difficulty increases due to increased sensitivity to interference and signal absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses frequency conversion as an intermediary mechanism. The transmitting circuit generates high-frequency harmonic signals through a non-linear component excited by a low-frequency oscillator, and the receiving circuit downconverts the high-frequency received signal back to low frequency. This allows the system to benefit from high-frequency operation (greater bandwidth, higher accuracy) while maintaining low-frequency processing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex high-frequency processing mechanisms with a simpler approach based on harmonic generation and downconversion. Instead of directly processing high-frequency signals through complex high-frequency circuitry, the system uses low-frequency oscillation combined with non-linear frequency multiplication, thereby substituting a mechanically complex high-frequency processing system with a simpler frequency conversion system.
3Volume of moving object
If high-frequency signals up to 300 GHz are generated and processed, then very high radar frequencies enable smaller antennas and improved bundling effect, but direct processing requires complex waveguide technology and high-frequency capable circuit boards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs frequency conversion as an intermediary approach. The transmitting circuit uses a low-frequency oscillator and non-linear component to generate high-frequency harmonic signals, and the receiving circuit downconverts the high-frequency signal back to low frequency. This intermediary process enables the use of smaller antennas operating at high frequencies while avoiding the need for complex high-frequency circuit boards and waveguide technology, as the actual signal processing occurs at low frequencies.
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 accurate distance and velocity measurements at very high radar frequencies with improved measuring accuracy and smaller antenna geometries, suitable for applications like fill-level measurement, without complex waveguide technology or high-frequency capable circuit boards.
Implementation Method 1
a non-linear, high-frequency component with a frequency connection point and a signal connection point which serves as a signal input for a low-frequency input signal (Txl) in the frequency range below 60 GHz
Implementation Method 2
a resonant circuit connected to the frequency connection point
Implementation Method 3
at least one first non-linear semiconductor component for downconverting the high-frequency reception signal (Rxh)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a frequency converter circuit for a radar-based distance-measuring device. The core of the frequency converter circuit is a non-linear, high-frequency component, having a frequency connection point and a signal connection point, which serves as a signal input for a low-frequency input signal. On the reception side, the frequency converter circuit comprises at least one receiving antenna for receiving the high-frequency reception signal and a non-linear semiconductor component for downconverting the high-frequency reception signal. The frequency converter circuit therefore uses the effect that, by means of the low-frequency input signal, corresponding harmonic waves are induced at the non-linear, high-frequency component. Furthermore, the high-frequency reception signal is downconverted into a low-frequency evaluation signal, whereby the further determination of the distance can be performed on the basis of the low-frequency evaluation signal, which can be processed more easily.