Vector Network Analyzer Terahertz Signal Phase Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vector network analyzers face challenges in generating and supplying high-frequency electrical signals efficiently, particularly at frequencies up to the terahertz range, due to significant electrical losses in flexible lines and the high cost and inflexibility of mixer stages required for high-frequency measurements, which limits the comprehensive characterization of electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A vector network analyzer is designed with terahertz transmitters and receivers, an optical beat source, and a phase changing unit, utilizing waveguides and opto-electronic probes to generate and measure terahertz signals, allowing for flexible and cost-effective characterization of electronic components by dividing and phase-shifting optical beat signals to determine transmission and reflection characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electrical mixer stages are used to generate frequencies above 100 GHz, then high-frequency measurement capability is achieved, but cost and device volume increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical mixer stages with opto-electronic probes that use optical fields to generate and detect terahertz signals. This substitution eliminates the need for complex electrical mixing hardware, significantly reducing cost and device volume while extending the frequency range into the terahertz domain.
Solution Approach 2:
The opto-electronic probe serves multiple functions: it generates terahertz signals, transmits them through waveguides, and detects reflected or transmitted signals. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require separate mixer stages, signal generators, and detectors, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Speed
If electrical signals are transmitted through flexible lines at high frequencies, then signal delivery is achieved, but electrical losses increase disproportionately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses waveguides to transmit terahertz signals instead of flexible electrical lines. Waveguides provide lower loss transmission at high frequencies by confining the electromagnetic field within a rigid structure, eliminating the exponential loss characteristic of flexible cables at terahertz frequencies.
3Speed
If mixer stages are used for high-frequency measurements, then frequency generation is achieved, but measurement setup becomes inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible optical waveguides that can be easily routed and positioned, providing measurement flexibility that rigid waveguide-based mixer systems cannot achieve. These flexible waveguides maintain low loss while allowing adaptable connection to various measurement objects.
4Speed
If individual electronic components are manufactured for each waveguide standard, then frequency-specific measurement is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The opto-electronic probe with integrated waveguide can be designed to support multiple waveguide standards (WR8-WR1) and frequency ranges (90 GHz to 1.1 THz) without requiring separate electronic mixer components for each standard. This universal design simplifies manufacturing and reduces the number of specialized components 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
This solution enables comprehensive characterization of electronic components across a wide frequency range, including the terahertz range, with a flexible and cost-effective setup, replacing expensive electrical mixer stages with compact opto-electronic probes and allowing for phase determination of measurement signals.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transmission device which divides the optical beat signal into at least a first and a second partial signal
Implementation Method 2
a phase changing unit (a phase influencing element) for varying the phase of the first and/or the second partial signal of the optical beat signal
Implementation Method 3
a terahertz transmitter for applying a terahertz signal to an input of a device under test
Implementation Method 4
a terahertz receiver for receiving a terahertz signal emitted via the input of the device under test
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a vector network analyzer comprising: an input- and output measuring device (10, 20); a beat source (40) for generating an optical beat signal; an optical transmission device (50) that divides the optical beat signal into at least one first and one second partial signal (TS1, TS2), wherein the transmission device (50) conducts the first partial signal (TS1) to at least one terahertz transmitter (11, 21) and the second partial signal (TS2) to at least one terahertz receiver (12, 22) and/or to at least one terahertz reference receiver (13, 23); and a phase changing unit (60) for varying the phase of the first and/or the second partial signal (TS1, TS2) of the optical beat signal.