17987077. SPUR AND IMAGE SUPPRESSION IN A RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNAL GENERATOR simplified abstract (INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION)

SPUR AND IMAGE SUPPRESSION IN A RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNAL GENERATOR

Organization Name

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION

Inventor(s)

Sudipto Chakraborty of Plano TX (US)

Pat Rosno of Rochester MN (US)

John Francis Bulzacchelli of Somers NY (US)

Daniel Ramirez of Rochester MN (US)

SPUR AND IMAGE SUPPRESSION IN A RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNAL GENERATOR - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17987077 titled 'SPUR AND IMAGE SUPPRESSION IN A RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNAL GENERATOR

Simplified Explanation

The device described in the patent application includes a radio frequency signal generator and a calibration system. The RF signal generator is able to convert a baseband signal into an RF signal using two LO signals, with two signal paths for processing differential signals. The calibration system consists of control circuitry and actuator circuitry, which work together to adjust offsets and balance amplitudes of the differential signals, as well as modify duty cycles and phase differences of the local oscillator signals.

• The device comprises a radio frequency signal generator and a calibration system.
• The RF signal generator upconverts a baseband signal to an RF signal using first and second LO signals.
• The RF signal generator has first and second signal paths for processing first and second differential signals.
• The calibration system includes calibration control circuitry and actuator circuitry.
• The actuator circuitry adjusts offsets and balances amplitudes of the differential signals.
• The actuator circuitry also modifies duty cycles and phase differences of the local oscillator signals.

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in wireless communication systems, radar systems, and satellite communication systems.

Problems Solved

This technology helps in improving the accuracy and stability of RF signal generation, ensuring better performance in communication systems.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include enhanced signal quality, increased reliability, and improved overall system performance.

Potential Commercial Applications

Potential commercial applications of this technology could include telecommunications equipment, test and measurement devices, and military communication systems.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be the use of calibration systems in RF signal generators to adjust signal parameters for optimal performance.

Unanswered Questions

How does the actuator circuitry precisely adjust the offsets and balance the amplitudes of the differential signals?

The exact mechanism by which the actuator circuitry achieves these adjustments is not detailed in the abstract. Further information on the specific techniques or algorithms used would provide a clearer understanding of the calibration process.

What is the impact of adjusting the duty cycles and phase differences of the local oscillator signals on the overall performance of the RF signal generator?

While the abstract mentions that these adjustments are made, it does not elaborate on how they affect the generated RF signal. Exploring the implications of these modifications on signal quality and system stability would be beneficial for a more comprehensive understanding of the technology.

Original Abstract Submitted

A device comprises a radio frequency (RF) signal generator and a calibration system. The RF signal generator is configured to upconvert a baseband signal to an RF signal using first and second LO signals. The RF signal generator comprises first and second signal paths to process first and second differential signals. The calibration system comprises calibration control circuitry and actuator circuitry. In response to digital control signals generated by the calibration control circuitry, the actuator circuitry is configured to: inject currents into the first and second signal paths to adjust offsets of the first and second differential signals, and to balance amplitudes of the first and second differential signals; and adjust at least one of respective duty cycles of the first and second local oscillator signals, and a phase difference between the first and second local oscillator signals.