Vector generator using octant symmetry

摘要

In various embodiments, an active vector generator may comprise a vector component switch and a first amplitude adjustment component in parallel with a second amplitude adjustment component. The first and second amplitude adjustment components may operate with different ranges of amplitude. For example, the first amplitude adjustment component may have a full range of amplitude and the second amplitude adjustment component may have a partial range of amplitude. The vector component switch may operate to receive two signals and route the signals to the various amplitude adjustment components based on the relative magnitudes of the two signals. A benefit of having two amplitude adjustment components with selectable signal pathways is that the all the phase states may be obtained but using less robust and expensive amplitude adjustment components.

主权项

1. A vector generator circuit comprising:
a splitter to divide an input signal into a first signal and a second signal; a vector switching module to adjust the first signal and to adjust the second signal, the vector switching module comprising a vector component switch to selectively form a first signal path through the vector switching module for the first signal, and to selectively form a second signal path through the vector switching module for the second signal, wherein:
the first signal path includes a first switchable phase shift component to adjust phase of the first signal, and a first amplitude adjustment component to adjust amplitude of the first signal over a first range of amplitudes;the second signal path includes a second switchable phase shift component to adjust phase of the second signal, and a second amplitude adjustment component to adjust amplitude of the second signal over a second range of amplitudes; andthe first range of amplitudes is different than the second range of amplitudes; and a combiner to combine the adjusted first signal and the adjusted second signal to form a composite output signal, wherein the first range of amplitudes and the second range of amplitudes are each less than a full range of amplitudes to separately form the same phase states of the composite output signal from the first signal and the second signal.