UWB Pulse Generation Circuit Using Reflection and Signal Combining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UWB pulse generation methods face challenges such as complex architectures, high power consumption, and large circuit complexity, particularly in achieving programmable UWB pulse center frequency and -10 dB bandwidth while minimizing circuit complexity and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A circuit and method that generate a pulse signal by branching, reflecting, and combining pulse signals using a generating circuit, branching circuit, reflection element, and combining circuit, which includes a filter element, to produce a UWB pulse signal with programmable center frequency and bandwidth, eliminating the need for complex high-order band-pass filters and polarity control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If carrier-based pulse generation with local oscillator is used, then pulse signal can be generated, but circuit complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the local oscillator component from the pulse generation system. Instead of using a carrier-based approach with LO, the invention directly generates UWB pulses in the target frequency band using a simple pulse generator, thereby eliminating the complexity and power consumption associated with the local oscillator while avoiding LO leakage problems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex carrier-based modulation mechanism with a direct pulse generation approach. By using a simple pulse generator that directly outputs UWB pulses, the system substitutes the mechanical/electrical complexity of carrier modulation and mixing with a simpler direct synthesis method
2Manufacturing precision
If high-order band pass filter is used for pulse shaping, then pulse quality improves, but circuit area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves pulse shaping by changing the parameters of a simple band-pass filter rather than using high-order filters. By optimizing the center frequency and bandwidth parameters of a first-order or second-order BPF, the system achieves adequate pulse shaping with minimal circuit area, trading off some filtering precision for significant reduction in component count and area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial filtering action rather than excessive filtering. Instead of using high-order filters that provide excessive attenuation and shaping, the invention uses lower-order filters that provide just sufficient pulse shaping for UWB operation, thereby reducing circuit area while maintaining acceptable pulse quality
3Measurement precision
If high-speed DAC is used for waveform synthesis, then time and amplitude resolution improve, but circuit complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the high-speed DAC waveform synthesis mechanism with a direct pulse generation approach. By using a dedicated UWB pulse generator that directly synthesizes the desired pulse waveform, the system eliminates the need for high-speed digital-to-analog conversion, thereby achieving good time resolution without the associated circuit complexity and power consumption of high-speed DACs
4Adaptability or versatility
If delay edges with polarity controls are combined, then programmable center frequency and bandwidth are achieved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves programmability through a universal pulse generator that can be configured for different center frequencies and bandwidths. By using a single reconfigurable pulse generation circuit rather than multiple fixed circuits with delay edges and polarity controls, the system achieves adaptability with reduced complexity. The generator can be programmed via software or control signals to produce different UWB pulse characteristics as needed
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
The solution provides a simple and efficient UWB pulse generation circuit with reduced complexity and power consumption, allowing for programmable UWB pulse characteristics that meet various regulatory standards, such as the FCC spectrum mask, while maintaining high power added efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a reflection element coupled to the branching circuit to reflect the second pulse signal
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a circuit and a method for generating a pulse signal. The circuit includes a generating circuit configured to generate a first pulse signal, a branching circuit coupled to the generating circuit and configured to branch the first pulse signal into a second pulse signal and a third pulse signal, and a reflection element coupled to the branching circuit to reflect the second pulse signal. The circuit further includes a combining circuit, which is coupled to the reflection element and the branching circuit and is configured to combine the reflected second pulse signal and the third pulse signal to generate a fourth pulse signal.