Phased-Array RF Pulse Generator Using TDC Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased-array RF pulse generators face challenges in efficiently controlling the phase and frequency of large arrays due to the complexity and cost of analog-to-digital converter-based systems, which are limited in sampling rate and suitable only for small numbers of RF sources.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a phased-array RF pulse generator that uses time-to-digital converters (TDCs) to monitor and adjust the timing of video pulses in nonlinear and dispersive transmission lines, allowing for precise phase synchronization and frequency control across a large array by measuring pulse propagation delays and adjusting the nonlinearity and dispersion characteristics of the transmission lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If analog-to-digital converter-based systems are used to control phase and frequency of RF pulse generators, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly for large arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex analog-to-digital converter-based control systems with a time-to-digital converter (TDC) based system. The TDC directly measures the timing of video pulses at the input and output of each transmission line, converting time measurements directly into phase control information without requiring complex ADC-based frequency analysis. This substitution dramatically reduces system complexity while maintaining measurement precision for phase and frequency control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential timing information from video pulses using TDCs, rather than processing the full frequency spectrum with ADCs. By measuring only the pulse arrival times at key points in the transmission line, the system extracts the necessary phase and frequency control data with minimal processing complexity, eliminating the need for complex spectral analysis.
2Measurement precision
If ADC-based systems are used for frequency control, then measurement precision is improved, but sampling rate limitations restrict applicability to small arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes ADC-based frequency measurement with TDC-based timing measurement. Instead of sampling and digitally analyzing frequency content at limited rates, the TDC directly measures pulse propagation times through the transmission line. This time-domain approach eliminates sampling rate limitations entirely, as TDCs can measure time intervals with high precision regardless of the RF frequency being generated.
3Adaptability or versatility
If DC current is applied to tune nonlinear inductance components, then frequency control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where TDCs measure the actual timing of video pulses through each transmission line, and this measured timing information is fed back to control circuits that adjust the nonlinear inductance components. The feedback loop automatically tunes the frequency and phase of each element based on real-time measurements, eliminating the need for complex manual tuning procedures while achieving precise frequency control across the array.
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 enables efficient phase synchronization and frequency control of large arrays of RF pulse generators, reducing costs and complexity by using TDCs to manage timing and frequency across multiple transmission lines, making it feasible for large transmitter arrays.
Implementation Method 1
the nonlinear and dispersive characteristics of the line act to form a high-frequency signal as the pulse propagates along the transmission line
Implementation Method 2
the nonlinear and dispersive characteristics of the line act to form a high-frequency signal as the pulse propagates along the transmission line
Implementation Method 3
an array of time-to-digital converters, each converter being associated with a corresponding transmission line, the converters monitoring the timing of video pulses travelling along the transmission lines
Implementation Method 4
A phased-array RF pulse generator includes a plurality of radio frequency pulse generator units. Each radio frequency pulse generator unit includes a non-linear dispersive electrical circuit incorporating at least one non-linear element including a material sensitive to low power signals and a means for producing a variable power control signal and applying it to the at least one non-linear element to modify the extent of the non-linearity of the element and thereby vary the timing of the radio frequency electrical output signal generated
Implementation Method 5
The sensor is a leading-edge sensor, and the timing information corresponds to the leading-edge timing of video pulses in the transmission lines
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A phased-array RF pulse generator(90), comprises a video-pulse generator(20)arranged to generate video pulses (60) each having a leading edge. An array of nonlinear and dispersive transmission lines(130a-c), are arranged to generate RF pulses from the video pulses(60). At least one sensor (165a-c) is arranged to detect the leading edge of the video pulses (60) after they have passed along the transmission lines(130a-c). A phase controller (160) is arranged to set the velocity of the video pulses (60) in each transmission line (130a-c) to put the detected leading edges, and hence the generated RF pulses, into a desired phase relationship.