Temperature-Controlled RF Resonator With Shared RF-LF Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature-controlled RF resonators have high power consumption, which is a concern for energy-autonomous devices with limited energy resources, such as radio communication terminals and satellites.
Innovation Solution
The RF resonator design reuses input/output ports to propagate both RF and LF signals, reducing the number of openings in the thermal enclosure and minimizing heat loss, achieved through the use of decoupling means like capacitors and trap circuits to separate RF and LF signals, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple separate input/output ports are used to propagate RF and LF signals through the thermal enclosure, then signal transmission is ensured, but the number of openings increases leading to higher thermal losses and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple input/output ports into a single integrated port that accommodates both RF and LF signal transmission. This merging reduces the total number of openings in the thermal enclosure, thereby minimizing thermal losses and power consumption while maintaining all necessary signal pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The single input/output port is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it propagates both RF signals (for resonator operation) and LF signals (for temperature control and sensing). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated ports for each signal type, reducing thermal leakage.
2Reliability
If decoupling means and trap circuits are added to separate RF and LF signals, then signal interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces decoupling means and trap circuits as intermediary elements within the single input/output port structure. These intermediaries selectively filter and separate RF and LF signals, preventing interference while allowing both signal types to coexist in the shared port. The trap circuits act as frequency-selective mediators that direct appropriate signals to their destinations.
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
This design reduces power consumption by minimizing thermal losses and maintaining effective phase noise performance, with a potential 12-33% reduction in power usage compared to traditional designs, while maintaining marginal degradation in phase noise performance.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element configured to supply thermal energy within the thermal enclosure when it is powered by a low frequency, or LF, electric power signal
Implementation Method 2
a resonant element configured to provide an RF output signal when fed with an RF input signal, the RF output signal corresponding to the RF input signal filtered around a resonant frequency of said at least one resonant element
Implementation Method 3
an insulating thermal enclosure within which are implemented
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature-controlled RF resonator. The resonator includes an insulating thermal enclosure within which are implemented: at least one resonant element configured to deliver an RF output signal when supplied with an RF input signal; at least one heating element configured to supply thermal energy within the thermal enclosure when the at least one heating element is powered by an LF electric power signal; and at least one temperature sensor configured to deliver an LF electric measurement signal as a function of the temperature inside the thermal enclosure. Such an RF resonator has at least one input/output port crossing the insulating thermal enclosure and propagating at least: one signal from among the RF signals; and another signal from among the LF electric signals.