Terahertz Mixer Conversion Loss Testing Without RF Source Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for testing terahertz mixer conversion losses are inaccurate due to the influence of radio frequency sources, particularly in broadband mixers, and require high development conditions and specialized test environments.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that groups a terahertz mixer with at least two reference mixers, inputting a signal at the intermediate frequency port for up-conversion and down-conversion, allowing for the calculation of conversion losses without relying on radio frequency sources, using directional couplers to obtain output powers and solve equations for accurate loss determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional test methods using radio frequency sources are employed, then conversion loss testing can be performed, but measurement precision deteriorates due to source uncertainty and stray suppression issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion loss measurement accuracyVSAvoidtest result reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the radio frequency source from the test system, replacing it with a noise source. This eliminates the harmful influence of source uncertainty and poor stray suppression on measurement accuracy. The test method transitions from source-dependent to source-independent operation, directly addressing the measurement precision problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a noise source as an intermediary element to generate thermal noise that replaces the traditional radio frequency source. This intermediary enables the test to proceed without relying on unstable terahertz sources, thereby improving both measurement precision and result reliability through a more stable and controllable noise generation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If broadband terahertz mixers are tested using traditional methods, then conversion loss can be measured, but measurement precision worsens due to poor in-band stray suppression

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebroadband mixer testing capabilityVSAvoidconversion loss measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of poor stray suppression in broadband mixers into a benefit by using a noise-based test method. Thermal noise has random spectral distribution, which makes the measurement less sensitive to stray signals at specific frequencies. This approach transforms the weakness of broadband mixers into an advantage, enabling accurate conversion loss measurement across wide bandwidths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Measurement precision

If terahertz sources are required for mixer testing, then conversion loss testing can be performed, but device complexity increases due to high development conditions requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion loss measurement accuracyVSAvoidtest system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the complex terahertz source requirement from the test system. By using a simple noise source instead of a sophisticated terahertz signal generator, the system complexity is dramatically reduced while maintaining measurement accuracy. This simplification makes the test system more accessible and easier to implement in various development environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Accurately determines conversion losses of terahertz mixers by eliminating the influence of radio frequency sources, reducing test environment and condition requirements, and enabling simultaneous testing of multiple mixers with improved accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a first output power of the first terahertz mixer and a second output power of the second terahertz mixer in the first group are obtained through a directional coupler

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDirectional coupling:

Implementation Method 2

by adding a terahertz radio frequency source (power PRO at a radio frequency port and performing mixing with a local oscillation source of a local oscillation port of the mixer, a low-frequency intermediate frequency signal is generated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency mixing: Heterodyne

Data Source

PatentUS12601775B2Method and system for testing conversion losses of terahertz mixers capable of eliminating influence of radio frequency sources

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 CEYEAR TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A method and system for testing the conversion losses of terahertz mixers capable of eliminating the influence of radio frequency sources includes grouping a mixer to be tested and at least two reference mixers in pairs; in each group, inputting a signal of a preset frequency and a preset power at an intermediate frequency port of a first mixer, and after up-conversion, outputting same to a second mixer to be down-converted, so as to obtain an output power with the frequency same as the preset frequency, and obtain the relationship between a first output power and a first preset power and the losses of two mixers; according to the relationship between the loss of the mixer in each group and the power, obtaining the loss of the mixer to be tested.