Source Impedance Determination Without Physical Tuners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining optimal source impedance in electronic components, such as transistors, face limitations due to signal losses between measurement couplers and the device under test, restricting the range of impedances that can be synthesized and leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A method that theoretically defines source impedance, allowing for the calculation of available power without physical tuners, assuming a perfectly unilateral device under test, and iteratively adjusts source impedance to minimize mismatches and maximize transducer power gain, eliminating the need for physical tuners and reducing signal losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical tuners and measurement couplers are used to determine optimal source impedance, then impedance matching can be achieved, but signal losses occur between the couplers and device under test, restricting the range of synthesizable impedances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical tuners and measurement couplers with a theoretical calculation model. Instead of using physical components to synthesize and measure impedance, the invention calculates the optimal source impedance theoretically based on measured S-parameters of the device under test, thereby eliminating signal losses through physical components while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a theoretical model that copies the function of physical tuners. By calculating the optimal source impedance based on S-parameter measurements and theoretical formulas, the invention replicates the impedance matching function without requiring physical tuner components, thus avoiding the energy losses inherent in physical systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical tuners are used to synthesize source impedance, then impedance matching can be performed, but the range of impedances that can be synthesized is restricted due to signal losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tuner system with a theoretical calculation approach. By using S-parameter measurements and theoretical impedance calculations, the system can determine optimal source impedance across a wider range without being constrained by the physical limitations and signal losses of mechanical tuners
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from physically adjusting tuner parameters to calculating impedance parameters theoretically. By measuring S-parameters and using theoretical formulas to calculate optimal source impedance, the system expands the synthesizable impedance range beyond what physical tuners can achieve
3Measurement precision
If conventional measurement methods with physical tuners are used, then optimal impedance can be determined, but additional measurements are required for each new source impedance value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary S-parameter measurements of the device under test, which then enable theoretical calculation of optimal source impedance for various conditions. This preliminary characterization allows subsequent impedance optimizations to be calculated rather than measured, significantly reducing measurement time while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a theoretical model that copies the measurement function. Once S-parameters are measured, the system can calculate optimal source impedance theoretically for different operating conditions without requiring additional physical measurements, thus replicating the measurement capability through calculation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for determining the optimal input source impedance of a device under test (DST) in a measurement bench, setting a load impedance and continuous biasing of the DST, generating a power electrical signal from the source and injected into the DST, acquiring input impedances of the DST and corresponding gain performance.