Single-RF-Input Signal Generator with Dual Frequency Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal generator systems are either limited in frequency range or require additional hardware and connections, making them costly and complex, while also compromising spectral purity.
Innovation Solution
A signal generator system with a base device and a frequency extension device connected by a single radio frequency line, utilizing a frequency extension device with two separate paths - a low frequency path and a high frequency path - to process and combine signals, ensuring a wide frequency range and excellent spectral purity without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single radio frequency line connects the base device with the frequency extension device, then the system is cost-efficient with minimal hardware, but the frequency range of the high frequency output signal is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency extension device is segmented into multiple functional paths (first frequency path with frequency multiplier, second frequency path as alternative route) that can process signals differently. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple frequency ranges through a single input line, resolving the contradiction between cost-efficiency and frequency range versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different frequency paths based on the desired output frequency. The frequency extension device can adaptively select whether to use the frequency multiplication path or the alternative path, enabling the single radio frequency line to serve multiple frequency range requirements without additional permanent hardware connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate radio frequency lines connect the base device with the frequency extension device, then the frequency range is extended, but the system becomes more complex and cost-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple frequency paths (first frequency path and second frequency path) are merged into a single frequency extension device that receives input from one radio frequency line. This merging eliminates the need for separate physical connection lines while maintaining the capability to process different frequency ranges, thus reducing system complexity and cost while preserving frequency range versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency extension device is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both a frequency multiplication path and an alternative frequency path within a single device. This universal design allows one device to perform multiple frequency extension functions that would otherwise require separate devices and connection lines, reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate radio frequency lines are used to extend frequency range, then more frequency options are available, but spectral purity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful spectral mixing effect is extracted and eliminated by processing frequencies sequentially through different paths rather than simultaneously combining multiple input signals. The frequency extension device takes out the problematic signal combination step and replaces it with sequential processing, thereby maintaining spectral purity while still achieving extended frequency range through the alternative frequency path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic switching between the first frequency path and second frequency path rather than continuous simultaneous processing of multiple signals. This periodic action allows the frequency extension device to handle different frequency ranges at different times, avoiding the spectral purity degradation that occurs when multiple signals are processed and combined simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a signal generator system for generating a high frequency output signal. The signal generator system includes a base device and a frequency extension device. The base device has a radio frequency output port via which a radio frequency signal is outputted. The frequency extension device includes exactly one radio frequency input port. The frequency extension device includes at least one high frequency output port, a low frequency path and at least one high frequency path. The frequency extension device has a signal distribution circuit. The frequency extension device includes a switch located in the low frequency path. The frequency extension device includes a combining circuit connected with the low frequency path, the at least one high frequency path and the at least one high frequency output port of the frequency extension device.