Wireless-Referenced Multi-Octave Oscillator for Low Phase Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Systems with low phase noise oscillators degrade in mechanically noisy environments due to external vibrations, necessitating a solution for generating signals with low phase noise in such conditions.
Innovation Solution
A signal source with a wireless frequency reference, utilizing a self-oscillating loop and a coupler for phase stabilization, where a reference oscillator is connected via a wireless link, and the loop includes an amplifier, nonlinear transmission line, and band-pass filter to maintain phase coherence across harmonics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high quality reference oscillator using a mechanical resonator is used, then phase noise performance is improved, but performance degrades in mechanically noisy environments with vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection between the reference oscillator and signal loop with an electromagnetic wireless link. The reference oscillator generates a reference signal that is transmitted via antenna through electromagnetic radiation to the signal loop, eliminating mechanical vibrations and acoustic noise transmission paths while maintaining phase reference functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic radiation as an intermediary medium to transfer the reference signal from the reference oscillator to the signal loop. This intermediary allows the reference signal to be transmitted without direct mechanical contact, thereby isolating the mechanical resonator from environmental vibrations while maintaining signal integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a wireless link is used to connect the reference oscillator, then isolation from mechanical vibrations is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a signal loop with multi-octave bandwidth that can operate across a wide frequency range, making the system versatile for different applications. The same wireless reference architecture can serve multiple frequency bands and signal generation needs, reducing overall system complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal loop functions as a self-oscillating system that automatically maintains phase lock with the reference oscillator through its inherent feedback mechanism. The loop gain is designed to be substantially equal to 1 at the steady-state amplitude, enabling the system to self-regulate and maintain stability without requiring complex external control circuitry.
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 effectively stabilizes phase noise in the signal source, even in mechanically noisy environments, by using a wireless link to isolate the reference oscillator from vibrations, ensuring phase stability and spectral purity.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting antenna, connected to the reference oscillator output; and a receiving antenna connected to the coupler, and configured to receive electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the transmitting antenna
Implementation Method 2
The loop may include a nonlinear transmission line, to generate a comb output spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
A signal source with a wireless frequency reference. A signal loop includes an amplifier and a coupler. The magnitude of the loop gain in the signal loop is substantially equal to 1 at a steady-state amplitude of a signal at a fundamental frequency. A reference oscillator is coupled to the loop through the coupler, via a wireless link, and provides phase stabilization. The loop may include a nonlinear transmission line, to generate a comb output spectrum.