RF Phase Modulator with Quadrature Paths for Faster Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase modulators for radiofrequency signals, such as vector modulators and systems combining phase shifters and attenuators, are either expensive or require time-consuming calibration, especially for wide bandwidth applications.
Innovation Solution
A phase and amplitude modulator comprising a splitter, individual phase shifters and attenuators to achieve in-phase quadrature signals, a combiner, and a global phase shifter, allowing independent control of signal amplitudes and phases, reducing calibration time and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vector modulator is used for phase modulation, then independent control of phase and amplitude is achieved, but the cost is very high for wide bandwidth applications
Solution Approach 1:
The modulator is divided into two independent signal paths (first and second paths), each with its own phase shifter and attenuator. This segmentation allows independent control of phase and amplitude while using lower-cost components compared to a single integrated vector modulator, resolving the contradiction between operational independence and manufacturing cost.
2Ease of manufacture
If a system combining phase shifter and variable attenuator is used, then cost is reduced, but phase and gain are tied requiring time-consuming calibration
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control into independent phase shifters and attenuators in separate paths, the system maintains low cost while eliminating the need for complex calibration. The independent control architecture allows phase and gain to be adjusted separately without being tied together, significantly reducing calibration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically adjustable phase shifters and attenuators that can be independently controlled in real-time. This dynamic independence allows the phase and amplitude to be adjusted separately during operation, eliminating the static coupling that causes calibration issues in traditional systems.
3Ease of operation
If a standard vector modulator is used, then phase and amplitude are independently controlled, but bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The modulator uses two parallel signal paths with independent phase shifters and attenuators, allowing the system to handle a wider bandwidth by processing signals through multiple independent channels. This segmented architecture removes the bandwidth limitations of a single vector modulator while preserving independent phase and amplitude control.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a modulator (100) for modulating the phase and the amplitude of a radiofrequency signal (Sin), called input signal, said modulator (100) comprising: - a splitter (102) for splitting the input signal (Sin) into a first signal (S1) and a second signal (S2); - an assembly (104) comprising: ▪ at least one individual phase shifter (110;114) for individually shifting the phase of at least one of the first and second signals (S1,S2) in order to obtain in phase quadrature first and second signals, and ▪ at least one individual attenuator (112,116) for individually adjusting the amplitude of at least one of the first and second signals (S1,S2); - a combiner (118) for combining said in phase quadrature first and second signals (S1,S2) output by said assembly (104), and delivering a combined signal (Sc); and - a global phase shifter (120) for applying a phase shift to said combined signal (Sc) and delivering an output signal (Sout). The invention further relates to a method and a computer program for modulating the phase of a radiofrequency signal (Sin).