Two-Tone RF Signal Generator With Intermodulation Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal generators for two-tone radio frequency signals suffer from nonlinearities, requiring complex hardware setups and manual adjustments to achieve accurate third-order intercept point measurements.
Innovation Solution
A signal generator with integrated measurement and signal processing circuits to automatically adjust signal levels and phases, reducing or eliminating intermodulation products, thereby generating high-quality two-tone signals efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a signal generator uses amplifiers and mixers to generate two-tone radio frequency signals, then the signal generation process is simplified, but nonlinearities are introduced that degrade measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measurement circuit continuously monitors intermodulation products and the signal processing circuit adjusts signal parameters accordingly. The measurement circuit detects the presence and level of intermodulation products, and the signal processing circuit modifies the generated signals to reduce these nonlinearities, creating a closed-loop system that maintains measurement accuracy while using a simplified signal generation structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal generator performs self-calibration and self-correction by automatically measuring its own intermodulation products and adjusting its output signals to minimize nonlinearities. The measurement circuit evaluates the quality of the generated two-tone signal, and the signal processing circuit autonomously makes corrections without external intervention, enabling the device to self-optimize its performance.
2Measurement precision
If two separate signal generators are used to generate two-tone signals with reduced nonlinearities, then measurement accuracy is improved, but hardware complexity and setup effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two separate signal generators into a single integrated device. The signal generator circuit generates both tones, the measurement circuit monitors intermodulation products, and the signal processing circuit coordinates the signals, combining what would traditionally require two separate generators and external power splitters into one unified system that maintains measurement accuracy while reducing hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single signal generator device performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate devices: generating the two-tone signal, measuring intermodulation products, and adjusting signal parameters. The integrated design allows one device to simultaneously serve as both signal sources and measurement instrument, eliminating the need for multiple specialized components.
3Measurement precision
If manual measurement and adjustment of intermodulation products is performed, then measurement accuracy can be verified, but time efficiency and user-friendliness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The signal generator automatically performs measurement and adjustment operations without requiring user intervention. The measurement circuit continuously monitors intermodulation products, and the signal processing circuit autonomously adjusts signal parameters to reduce nonlinearities, eliminating the need for manual verification and adjustment while maintaining measurement accuracy and significantly improving testing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback control where measurement results are automatically fed back to the signal processing circuit for real-time adjustment. This closed-loop automation eliminates manual measurement and adjustment steps, allowing the system to self-verify and self-optimize measurement accuracy while dramatically increasing productivity and user-friendliness.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal generator includes a signal generator circuit configured to generate a two-tone radio frequency signal. First signal and second signals of the two-tone radio frequency signal are continuous wave signals spaced apart by a predetermined frequency. Each of the first signal and the second signal has a predetermined signal level. A measurement circuit is connected to an output path that starts at the signal generator circuit and ends at an output port of the signal generator. The measurement circuit is configured to measure a signal level of at least one intermodulation product of the two-tone radio frequency signal and to generate a measurement result. The signal generator further comprises a signal processing circuit configured to receive the measurement result from the measurement circuit and to control the signal generator circuit based on the measurement result such that a level of the at least one intermodulation product is reduced.