Single Oscillator Signal Distribution for Multi-Signal RF Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic resonance tomography systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting multiple high-frequency signals via a common high-frequency line due to complex cabling requirements and the need for multiple oscillator frequencies, which increases costs and noise coupling.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize a single common oscillator signal to generate different mixer oscillator signals for frequency mixing, allowing multiple high-frequency transmission signals to be transmitted via a common high-frequency line, reducing cabling work and eliminating the need for complex frequency separation equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple oscillator signals are provided for frequency mixers to transmit multiple magnetic resonance signals via a common high-frequency line, then the transmission capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to complex frequency crossovers for separation of different LO frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission capabilityVSAvoidfrequency crossover complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple oscillator signals into a single common oscillator signal that is distributed to multiple frequency mixers. This merging approach eliminates the need for complex frequency crossovers while maintaining the ability to transmit multiple magnetic resonance signals through frequency modulation, directly resolving the contradiction between transmission capability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single common oscillator signal serves multiple functions by being fed to different frequency mixers that process different magnetic resonance signals. This multi-functionality allows one oscillator signal to support multiple transmission channels, improving adaptability while reducing the number of separate oscillator signals needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple oscillator signals are provided for frequency mixers, then the transmission capability is improved, but the cost increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple oscillator signal sources into a single common oscillator signal that is distributed to multiple frequency mixers. This reduces the number of expensive oscillator components and frequency crossover networks needed, thereby lowering overall system cost while maintaining multi-signal transmission capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple oscillator signals are provided for frequency mixers, then the transmission capability is improved, but noise coupling increases due to incomplete separation of different oscillator signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission capabilityVSAvoidnoise coupling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple oscillator signals into a single common oscillator signal that is distributed to multiple frequency mixers. This eliminates the noise coupling problems associated with multiple separate oscillator signals, as there is only one oscillator source that can potentially couple noise, rather than multiple independent oscillators that would create inter-modulation noise and coupling artifacts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach significantly reduces cabling complexity, minimizes noise coupling, and maintains a high signal-to-noise ratio by using a single oscillator signal to transmit multiple signals, thereby enhancing the efficiency of magnetic resonance tomography systems.

Implementation Method 1

mixing the input signals using one frequency mixer each. The frequency mixers are supplied with respective mixer oscillator signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency mixing: Heterodyne

Data Source

PatentUS9778330B2Method for simultaneous transmission of high-frequency transmission signals via a common high-frequency line

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A method for simultaneous transmission of at least two high-frequency transmission signals via a common high-frequency line includes providing at least two input signals at respective inlet ports. The input signals are signals of a same carrier frequency. From the input signals, respective transmission signals are provided with different transmission frequencies from each other and from the carrier frequency by mixing the input signals using one frequency mixer each. The frequency mixers are supplied with respective mixer oscillator signals. The transmission signals are transmitted via the common high-frequency line. The mixer oscillator signals are provided from a same oscillator signal.