SMA Conductor Frequency Agile Receiver

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing frequency agile receivers are expensive and complex due to their requirement for quick frequency changes in wireless protocols like spread spectrum communication and anti-jamming military applications, necessitating a low-cost alternative.

Innovation Solution

A frequency agile receiver utilizing shape memory alloy (SMA) conductors, where a tuning circuit drives SMA conductors into different states to change their electrical length, affecting distributed inductance and capacitance, thereby controlling RF frequencies, and a series connection of diodes enhances signal-to-noise ratio.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional frequency agile receivers are used to achieve quick frequency changes, then frequency agility is improved, but cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency agilityVSAvoidreceiver complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of SMA conductors through temperature control to alter their electrical length and thus the receiver's frequency response. By heating or cooling the SMA materials, the system transitions between different crystalline phases (martensite and austenite), which have different electrical properties, enabling frequency tuning without complex electronic switching circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional electronic frequency switching mechanisms with a thermally-controlled material phase transition system. Instead of using complex electronic switches, filters, or synthesizers to change frequency, the system uses temperature-induced phase changes in shape memory alloy conductors to mechanically alter the electrical path length and impedance, thereby tuning the frequency response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional frequency agile receivers are used to achieve quick frequency changes, then frequency agility is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency agilityVSAvoidreceiver cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs shape memory alloy materials and simple thermal control circuits as inexpensive alternatives to expensive frequency synthesisers, phase-locked loops, and electronic switching networks. The SMA conductors can be integrated directly into the receiver circuit board as trace patterns, eliminating the need for separate tuning components and reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

The solution provides a low-cost, frequency agile receiver capable of efficiently changing frequencies, enhancing signal-to-noise ratio through SMA conductors' temperature-induced state transitions, enabling effective reception of modulated signals.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the first, second, and third conductors comprises a shape memory alloy conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy phase transition: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

a tuning circuit adapted to drive a bias current into the shape memory alloy conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature-induced state transition: Phase Change

Implementation Method 3

a first diode having its anode coupled to ground through a first conductor; a second diode having its anode coupled to the cathode of the first diode through a second conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiode rectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS7787840B1Shape memory alloy receiver

Publication Date: 2010.08.31 OMNIPHASE RES LAB

AI summary

In one embodiment, a frequency agile receiver is provided that includes an antenna: a first diode having its anode coupled to ground through a first conductor; a second diode having its anode coupled to the cathode of the first diode through a second conductor, the antenna coupling to the second conductor, the second diode having its cathode coupled to an output node through a third conductor, wherein at least one of the first, second, and third conductors comprises a shape memory alloy conductor; and a tuning circuit adapted to drive a bias current into the shape memory alloy conductor.