TORP Modulator Architecture for Combined Phase and Amplitude Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase and amplitude modulation technologies, such as those using Injection-Locked Oscillators, face limitations in generating complex modulations resistant to RF imperfections and require complex control signals and calibration due to temperature variations and internal component production methods, while also being limited to only phase or amplitude modulation.
Innovation Solution
A phase and/or amplitude modulation device utilizing multiple TORP signal generators with synchronized oscillators and a thermometric code signal to control power supply, allowing direct digital baseband signal modulation without the need for analog-to-digital converters or IQ mixers, enabling simpler and more robust phase and amplitude modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Injection-Locked Oscillators are used for phase modulation, then phase modulation capability is achieved, but the device is limited to only phase modulation and cannot perform amplitude modulation
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator is divided into multiple independent oscillating elements (first and second oscillating elements) that can be independently controlled. Each element can be selectively activated or deactivated based on modulation requirements, enabling both phase and amplitude modulation capabilities through combinatorial control of the segmented elements.
2Measurement precision
If auto-oscillation frequency of ILO is changed to generate phase shift, then phase modulation is achieved, but temperature variations and component production methods require calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating elements are designed to naturally oscillate at the same frequency without requiring external frequency tuning or calibration. The frequency matching is built into the circuit design from the beginning, eliminating the need for subsequent calibration procedures to compensate for temperature variations or component tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating elements automatically maintain frequency synchronization through their inherent circuit design and coupling mechanism. The system self-regulates to maintain accurate phase relationships without requiring external calibration or adjustment, making the device immune to temperature drift and component variations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple oscillating elements are used to enable both phase and amplitude modulation, then modulation versatility is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating elements are activated in a periodic and selective manner rather than continuously. The control circuit enables or disables specific oscillating elements based on the modulation requirements, allowing the system to consume power only when and where needed, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining full modulation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A phase and/or amplitude modulation device includes a TORP signal generator and, during a phase modulation or a phase and amplitude modulation, a generator of a phase-modulated periodic signal of frequency FPRP applied to a control input of the power supply circuit of the TORP signal generator. The device may also include, during an amplitude modulation or a phase and amplitude modulation, 2P TORP generators, a thermometric code generator on 2P bits coding an amplitude modulation, a TORP generator control circuit, applying or not, to the control input of the TORP generator power supply, the periodic signal of frequency FPRP depending on the bits of the thermometric code signal, and a processing circuit coupled to the outputs of the TORP generators, and configured to produce a linear combination of signals outputted by the TORP generators.