Method and system for frequency up-conversion
DC CAFCFirst Claim
1. An apparatus for communicating, comprising:
- a first switch module that receives a first oscillating signal and a first bias signal, wherein said first oscillating signal causes said first switch module to gate said first bias signal and thereby generate a first periodic signal having a first plurality of harmonics, said first periodic signal having an amplitude that is a function of said first bias signal;
a second switch module that receives a second oscillating signal and a second bias signal, wherein said second oscillating signal causes said second switch module to gate said second bias signal and thereby generate a second periodic signal having a second plurality of harmonics, said second periodic signal having an amplitude that is a function of said second bias signal;
a summer coupled to said first switch module and to said second switch module, said summer to receive and combine said first periodic signal and said second periodic signal, and to output a combined periodic signal having a combined plurality of harmonics; and
a filter coupled to said summer, said filter to isolate at least one of said combined plurality of harmonics.
1 Assignment
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Abstract
A method and system is described wherein a signal with a lower frequency is up-converted to a higher frequency. In one embodiment, the higher frequency signal is used as a stable frequency and phase reference. In another embodiment, the invention is used as a transmitter. The up-conversion is accomplished by controlling a switch with an oscillating signal, the frequency of the oscillating signal being selected as a sub-harmonic of the desired output frequency. When the invention is being used as a frequency or phase reference, the oscillating signal is not modulated, and controls a switch that is connected to a bias signal. When the invention is being used in the frequency modulation (FM) or phase modulation (PM) implementations, the oscillating signal is modulated by an information signal before it causes the switch to gate the bias signal. In the amplitude modulation implementation (AM), the oscillating signal is not modulated, but rather causes the switch to gate a reference signal that is substantially equal to or proportional to the information signal. In the FM and PM implementations, the signal that is output from the switch is modulated substantially the same as the modulated oscillating signal. In the AM implementation, the signal that is output from the switch has an amplitude that is a function of the information signal. In both embodiments, the output of the switch is filtered, and the desired harmonic is output.
483 Citations
374 Claims
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1. An apparatus for communicating, comprising:
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a first switch module that receives a first oscillating signal and a first bias signal, wherein said first oscillating signal causes said first switch module to gate said first bias signal and thereby generate a first periodic signal having a first plurality of harmonics, said first periodic signal having an amplitude that is a function of said first bias signal; a second switch module that receives a second oscillating signal and a second bias signal, wherein said second oscillating signal causes said second switch module to gate said second bias signal and thereby generate a second periodic signal having a second plurality of harmonics, said second periodic signal having an amplitude that is a function of said second bias signal; a summer coupled to said first switch module and to said second switch module, said summer to receive and combine said first periodic signal and said second periodic signal, and to output a combined periodic signal having a combined plurality of harmonics; and a filter coupled to said summer, said filter to isolate at least one of said combined plurality of harmonics. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99)
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2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first oscillating signal and said second oscillating signal have substantially the same frequency and are out of phase with each other by substantially 90°
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3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein
said first oscillating signal is a first modulated oscillating signal and said second oscillating signal is a second modulated oscillating signal; -
said first periodic signal is modulated substantially the same as said first modulated oscillating signal, and wherein each of said first plurality of harmonics is modulated substantially the same as said first periodic signal; and said second periodic signal is modulated substantially the same as said second modulated oscillating signal, and wherein each of said second plurality of harmonics is modulated substantially the same as said second periodic signal.
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27. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
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a first pulse shaping module connected to said first switch module, said first pulse shaping module accepting said first oscillating signal and outputting a first shaped oscillating signal, wherein said first shaped oscillating signal causes said first switch module to gate said first bias signal; a second pulse shaping module connected to said second switch module, said second pulse shaping module accepting said second oscillating signal and outputting a second shaped oscillating signal, wherein said second shaped oscillating signal causes said second switch module to gate said second bias signal.
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28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein one of said first plurality of harmonics of said first periodic signal is a first desired harmonic, one of said second plurality of harmonics of said second periodic signal is a second desired harmonic, and one of said combined plurality of harmonics of said combined periodic signal is a combined desired harmonic, wherein:
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said first shaped oscillating signal has a first control pulse width, said first desired harmonic has a first desired period, the ratio of said first control pulse width to said first desired period is a first shaping ratio, and said first pulse shaping module shapes said first oscillating signal by regulating said first control pulse width so that said first shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(1)", where "m(1)" is any integer; and said second shaped oscillating signal has a second control pulse width, said second desired harmonic has a second desired period, the ratio of said second control pulse width to said second desired period is a second shaping ratio, and said second pulse shaping module shapes said second oscillating signal by regulating said second control pulse width so that said second shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(2)", where "m(2)" is any integer.
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29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said first shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
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30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said second shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
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31. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said second shaping ratio is substantially equal to said first shaping ratio.
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32. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said first shaping ratio is greater than 0.5.
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33. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said second shaping ratio is greater than 0.5.
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34. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein one of said first plurality of harmonics of said first periodic signal is a desired harmonic, wherein:
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said first shaped oscillating signal has a control pulse width, said desired harmonic has a desired period, the ratio of said control pulse width to said desired period is a shaping ratio, and said first pulse shaping module shapes said first oscillating signal by regulating said control pulse width so that said shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(1)", where "m(1)" is any integer.
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35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
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36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein one of said second plurality of harmonics of said second periodic signal is a second desired harmonic, wherein:
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said second shaped oscillating signal has a second control pulse width, said second desired harmonic has a second desired period, the ratio of said second control pulse width to said second desired period is a second shaping ratio; said second pulse shaping module shapes said second oscillating signal by regulating said second control pulse width so that said second shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(2)", where "m(2)" is any integer; and wherein said second desired period is substantially equal to said desired period.
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37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said second shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
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38. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein one of said combined plurality of harmonics of said combined periodic signal is a combined desired harmonic, wherein:
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said first shaped oscillating signal has a first control pulse width, said combined desired harmonic has a combined desired period, the ratio of said first control pulse width to said combined desired period is a first shaping ratio, and said first pulse shaping module shapes said first oscillating signal by regulating said first control pulse width so that said first shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(1)", where "m(1)" is any integer; and said second shaped oscillating signal has a second control pulse width, the ratio of said second control pulse width to said combined desired period is a second shaping ratio, and said second pulse shaping module shapes said second oscillating signal by regulating said second control pulse width so that said second shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(2)", where "m(2)" is any integer.
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39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein said first shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
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40. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein said second shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
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41. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein said second shaping ratio is substantially equal to said first shaping ratio.
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42. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein one of said first plurality of harmonics of said first periodic signal is a first desired harmonic, one of said second plurality of harmonics of said second periodic signal is a second desired harmonic, and one of said combined plurality of harmonics of said combined periodic signal is a combined desired harmonic, wherein:
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said first shaped oscillating signal has a first control frequency, a first control pulse width, and a first control period, said first control period being the inverse of said first control frequency, said first desired harmonic has a first desired frequency and a first desired period, said first desired period being the inverse of said first desired frequency;
wherein said first desired frequency is substantially equal to "n(1)" times said first control frequency, where "n(1)" is a first desired integer, the ratio of said first control pulse width to said first control period is a first control ratio, andsaid first pulse shaping module shapes said first oscillating signal by regulating said first control pulse width so that said first control ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(1)" divided by "n(1)", where "m(1)" is any integer; said second shaped oscillating signal has a second control frequency, a second control pulse width, and a second control period, said second control period being the inverse of said second control frequency, said second desired harmonic has a second desired frequency and a second desired period, said second desired period being the inverse of said second desired frequency;
wherein said second desired frequency is substantially equal to "n(2)" times said second control frequency, where "n(2)" is a second desired integer, the ratio of said second control pulse width to said second control period is a second control ratio, andsaid second pulse shaping module shapes said second oscillating signal by regulating said second control pulse width so that said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(2)" divided by "n(2)", where "m(2)" is any integer.
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43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said first control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
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44. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
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45. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said first control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.1.
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46. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.1.
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47. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said first control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.05.
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48. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.05.
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49. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said first control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.01.
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50. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.01.
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51. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to said first control ratio.
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52. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said first control ratio is greater than 0.5.
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53. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said second control ratio is greater than 0.5.
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54. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein one of said first plurality of harmonics of said first periodic signal is a desired harmonic, wherein:
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said first shaped oscillating signal has a control frequency, a control pulse width, and a control period, said control period being the inverse of said control frequency, said desired harmonic has a desired frequency and a desired period, said desired period being the inverse of said desired frequency;
wherein said desired frequency is substantially equal to "n(1)" times said control frequency, where "n(1)" is a desired integer, the ratio of said control pulse width to said control period is a control ratio, andsaid first pulse shaping module shapes said first oscillating signal by regulating said control pulse width so that said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(1)" divided by "n(1)", where "m(1)" is any integer.
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55. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
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56. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.1.
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57. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.05.
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58. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.01.
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59. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein one of said second plurality of harmonics of said second periodic signal is a second desired harmonic, wherein:
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said second shaped oscillating signal has a second control frequency, a second control pulse width, and a second control period, said second control period being the inverse of said second control frequency, said second desired harmonic has a second desired frequency and a second desired period, said second desired period being the inverse of said second desired frequency;
wherein said second desired frequency is substantially equal to "n(2)" times said second control frequency, where "n(2)" is a second desired integer, the ratio of said second control pulse width to said second control period is a second control ratio, andsaid second pulse shaping module shapes said second oscillating signal by regulating said second control pulse width so that said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(2)" divided by "n(2)", where "m(2)" is any integer; and wherein said second desired frequency is substantially equal to said desired frequency.
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60. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
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61. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.1.
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62. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.05.
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63. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.01.
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64. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein one of said combined plurality of harmonics of said combined periodic signal is a combined desired harmonic, wherein:
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said first shaped oscillating signal has a first control frequency, a first control pulse width, and a first control period, said first control period being the inverse of said first control frequency, said combined desired harmonic has a combined desired frequency and a combined desired period, said combined desired period being the inverse of said combined desired frequency;
wherein said combined desired frequency is substantially equal to "n(1)" times said first control frequency, where "n(1)" is a first combined desired integer, the ratio of said first control pulse width to said first control period is a first control ratio, andsaid first pulse shaping module shapes said first oscillating signal by regulating said first control pulse width so that said first control ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(1)" divided by "n(1)", where "m(1)" is any integer; said second shaped oscillating signal has a second control frequency, a second control pulse width, and a second control period, said second control period being the inverse of said second control frequency;
wherein said combined desired frequency is substantially equal to "n(2)" times said second control frequency, where "n(2)" is a second combined desired integer, the ratio of said second control pulse width to said second control period is a second control ratio; andsaid second pulse shaping module shapes said second oscillating signal by regulating said second control pulse width so that said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(2)" divided by "n(2)", where "m(2)" is any integer.
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65. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein said first control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
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66. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
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67. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein said first control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.1.
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68. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.1.
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69. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein said first control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.05.
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70. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.05.
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71. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein said first control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.01.
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72. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.01.
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73. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to said first control ratio.
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74. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first oscillating signal is modulated with a digital information signal.
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75. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second oscillating signal is modulated with a digital information signal.
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76. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first oscillating signal is modulated with an analog information signal.
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77. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second oscillating signal is modulated with an analog information signal.
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78. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first oscillating signal is a phase modulated oscillating signal.
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79. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second oscillating signal is a phase modulated oscillating signal.
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80. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first switch module is a electromechanical device.
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81. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first switch module is a electronic device.
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82. The apparatus of claim 81, wherein said electronic device is a semiconductor device.
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83. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein said semiconductor device is a transistor.
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84. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said transistor is a field effect transistor.
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85. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein said field effect transistor is a gallium arsenide field effect transistor.
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86. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein said field effect transistor is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor.
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87. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second switch module is a electromechanical device.
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88. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second switch module is a electronic device.
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89. The apparatus of claim 88, wherein said electronic device is a semiconductor device.
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90. The apparatus of claim 89, wherein said semiconductor device is a transistor.
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91. The apparatus of claim 90, wherein said transistor is a field effect transistor.
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92. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein said field effect transistor is a gallium arsenide field effect transistor.
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93. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein said field effect transistor is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor.
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94. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first plurality of harmonics are harmonics of the fundamental frequency of said first periodic signal and said second plurality of harmonics are harmonics of the fundamental frequency of said second periodic signal.
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95. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
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said first switch module accepts a first control signal, said first control signal being a function of said first oscillating signal, wherein said first control signal causes said first switch module to gate said first bias signal, said first control signal having a first control frequency, "F(control);
"said second switch module accepts a second control signal, said second control signal being a function of said second oscillating signal, wherein said second control signal causes said second switch module to gate said second bias signal, said second control signal having a second control frequency substantially equal to said first control frequency, "F(control);
"wherein said combined periodic signal has a combined periodic signal pulse width, "PW(periodic signal,combined)," and a combined periodic signal amplitude, "A(periodic signal,combined);
" wherein one of said combined plurality of harmonics is a desired harmonic, said desired harmonic having a desired frequency, "F(desired)," and a desired amplitude, "A(desired);
"whereby the ratio of "A(desired)" to "A(periodic signal,combined)" is substantially equal to;
space="preserve" listing-type="equation">{[2·
F(control)]/[π
·
F(desired)]}·
{sin[π
.multidot.F(desired)·
PW(periodic signal,combined)]}.
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96. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
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said first switch module accepts a first control signal, said first control signal being a function of said first oscillating signal, wherein said first control signal causes said first switch module to gate said first bias signal, said first control signal having a first control frequency, said first control frequency being a gating frequency, "F(gating)," a first control period, said first control period being a gating period, "T(gating)," and a first control pulse width, "PW(control,
1)," said first control period being the inverse of said first control frequency;said second switch module accepts a second control signal, said second control signal being a function of said second oscillating signal, wherein said second control signal causes said second switch module to gate said second bias signal, said second control signal having a second control frequency substantially equal to said gating frequency, "F(gating)," a second control period substantially equal to said gating period, "T(gating)," and a second control pulse width, "PW(control,2)," said second control period being the inverse of said second control frequency; wherein said combined periodic signal has a combined periodic signal frequency, "F(periodic signal,combined)," a combined periodic signal period, "T(periodic signal,combined)," a combined periodic signal pulse width, "PW(periodic signal,combined)," and a combined periodic signal amplitude, "A(periodic signal,combined)," said combined periodic signal period being the inverse of said combined periodic signal frequency; wherein one of said combined plurality of harmonics is a desired harmonic, said desired harmonic having a desired frequency, "F(desired)," a desired period, "T(desired)," and a desired amplitude, "A(desired)," said desired period being the inverse of said desired frequency;
wherein said desired frequency is substantially equal to "n" times said gating frequency, where "n" is a desired integer, wherein the ratio of said desired amplitude to said combined periodic signal amplitude is an amplitude ratio, "AR;
"whereby;
space="preserve" listing-type="equation">AR=[2/(π
·
n)]·
sin{π
·
n·
[PW(periodic signal,combined)/T(gating)]}.97.
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97. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said filter is centered at a frequency other than the frequency of said first oscillating signal or said second oscillating signal.
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98. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein
said first plurality of harmonics has a first harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said first switch module determine said first harmonic content; - and
said second plurality of harmonics has a second harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said second switch module determine said second harmonic content.
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99. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein
said first oscillating signal is a first modulated oscillating signal and said second oscillating signal is a second modulated oscillating signal; -
said first plurality of harmonics has a first harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said first switch module determine said first harmonic content; said second plurality of harmonics has a second harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said second switch module determine said second harmonic content; and said filter is centered at a frequency other than the frequency of said first oscillating signal or said second oscillating signal.
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2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first oscillating signal and said second oscillating signal have substantially the same frequency and are out of phase with each other by substantially 90°
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4. An apparatus for frequency up-conversion, comprising:
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a switch module that receives an oscillating signal and a bias signal, wherein said oscillating signal causes said switch module to gate said bias signal and thereby generate a periodic signal having a plurality of harmonics, said periodic signal having an amplitude that is a function of said bias signal; and a filter coupled to said switch module to isolate at least one of said plurality of harmonics. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124)
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5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said oscillating signal is a modulated oscillating signal, wherein said periodic signal is modulated substantially the same as said modulated oscillating signal, and wherein each of said plurality of harmonics is modulated substantially the same as said periodic signal.
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6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said oscillating signal is a frequency modulated oscillating signal.
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7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said oscillating signal is a phase modulated oscillating signal.
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8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said oscillating signal is a modulated oscillating signal wherein said modulated oscillating signal is a function of a first information signal, and wherein said bias signal is a function of a second information signal.
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100. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a pulse shaping module connected to said switch module, said pulse shaping module accepting said oscillating signal and outputting a shaped oscillating signal, wherein said shaped oscillating signal causes said switch module to gate said bias signal.
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101. The apparatus of claim 100, wherein one of said plurality of harmonics of said periodic signal is a desired harmonic, wherein:
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said shaped oscillating signal has a control pulse width, said desired harmonic has a desired period, the ratio of said control pulse width to said desired period is a shaping ratio, and said pulse shaping module shapes said oscillating signal by regulating said control pulse width so that said shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m", where "m" is any integer.
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102. The apparatus of claim 101, wherein said shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
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103. The apparatus of claim 101, wherein said shaping ratio is greater than 0.5.
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104. The apparatus of claim 100, wherein one of said plurality of harmonics of said periodic signal is a desired harmonic, wherein:
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said shaped oscillating signal has a control frequency, a control pulse width, and a control period, said control period being the inverse of said control frequency, said desired harmonic has a desired frequency and a desired period, said desired period being the inverse of said desired frequency;
wherein said desired frequency is substantially equal to "n" times said control frequency, where "n" is a desired integer, the ratio of said control pulse width to said control period is a control ratio, andsaid pulse shaping module shapes said oscillating signal by regulating said control pulse width so that said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m" divided by "n", where "m" is any integer.
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105. The apparatus of claim 104, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
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106. The apparatus of claim 104, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.1.
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107. The apparatus of claim 104, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.05.
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108. The apparatus of claim 104, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.01.
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109. The apparatus of claim 104, wherein said control ratio is greater than 0.5.
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110. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said oscillating signal is a digital information signal.
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111. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said oscillating signal is a analog information signal.
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112. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said switch module is an electromechanical device.
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113. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said switch module is an electronic device.
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114. The apparatus of claim 113, wherein said electronic device is a semiconductor device.
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115. The apparatus of claim 114, wherein semiconductor device is a transistor.
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116. The apparatus of claim 115, wherein said transistor is a field effect transistor.
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117. The apparatus of claim 116, wherein said field effect transistor is a gallium arsenide field effect transistor.
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118. The apparatus of claim 116, wherein said field effect transistor is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor.
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119. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said plurality of harmonics are harmonics of the fundamental frequency of said periodic signal.
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120. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein:
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said switch module accepts a control signal, said control signal being a function of said oscillating signal, wherein said control signal causes said switch module to gate said bias signal, said control signal having a control frequency, "F(control);
" wherein said periodic signal has a periodic signal pulse width, "PW(periodic signal)," and a periodic signal amplitude, "A(periodic signal)," said periodic signal amplitude being a function of said bias signal;
wherein one of said plurality of harmonics is a desired harmonic, said desired harmonic having a desired frequency, "F(desired)," and a desired amplitude, "A(desired);
"whereby the ratio of "A(desired)" to "A(periodic signal)" is substantially equal to;
space="preserve" listing-type="equation">{[2·
F(control)]/[π
·
F(desired)]}·
{sin[π
.multidot.(desired)·
PW(periodic signal)]}.
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121. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein:
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said switch module accepts a control signal, said control signal being a function of said oscillating signal, wherein said control signal causes said switch module to gate said bias signal, said control signal having a control frequency, "F(control)," a control period, "T(control)," and a control pulse width, "PW(control)," said control period being the inverse of said control frequency;
wherein said periodic signal has a periodic signal frequency, "F(periodic signal)," a periodic signal period, "T(periodic signal)," a periodic signal pulse width, "PW(periodic signal)," and a periodic signal amplitude, "A(periodic signal)," said periodic signal period being the inverse of said periodic signal frequency and said periodic signal amplitude being a function of said bias signal;
wherein one of said plurality of harmonics is a desired harmonic, said desired harmonic having a desired frequency, "F(desired)," a desired period, "T(desired)," and a desired amplitude, "A(desired)," said desired period being the inverse of said desired frequency;
wherein said desired frequency is substantially equal to "n" times said control frequency, where "n" is a desired integer, wherein the ratio of said desired amplitude to said periodic signal amplitude is an amplitude ratio, "AR;
"whereby;
space="preserve" listing-type="equation">AR=[2/(π
·
n)]sin {π
·
n·
[PW(periodic signal)/T(control)]}.
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122. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said filter is centered at a frequency other than the frequency of said oscillating signal.
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123. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein
said plurality of harmonics has a harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said switch module determine said harmonic content. -
124. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein
said oscillating signal is a modulated oscillating signal; -
said plurality of harmonics has a harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said switch module determine said harmonic content; and said filter is centered at a frequency other than the frequency of said oscillating signal.
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5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said oscillating signal is a modulated oscillating signal, wherein said periodic signal is modulated substantially the same as said modulated oscillating signal, and wherein each of said plurality of harmonics is modulated substantially the same as said periodic signal.
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9. A method of communicating, comprising the steps of:
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(1) accepting a modulated oscillating signal; (2) gating a bias signal at a rate that is a function of said modulated oscillating signal to create a periodic signal having a plurality of harmonics, said periodic signal having an amplitude that is a function of said bias signal, said periodic signal being modulated substantially the same as said modulated oscillating signal, and each of said harmonics being modulated substantially the same as said modulated oscillating signal, at least one of said plurality of harmonics being a desired harmonic at a desired frequency. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149)
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10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of:
(3) isolating said desired harmonic.
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11. The method of claim 9, wherein step (1) further comprises:
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shaping said modulated oscillating signal to create a string of pulses; and
step (2) comprisesgating a bias signal at a rate that is a function of said string of pulses to create a periodic signal having a plurality of harmonics, at least one of said plurality of harmonics being a desired harmonic.
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-
125. The method of claim 11, wherein said string of pulses has a control pulse width, wherein said desired harmonic has a desired period, wherein the ratio of the control pulse width to the desired period is a shaping ratio, and wherein said shaping step further comprises the step of:
regulating the control pulse width so that the shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m", where "m" is any integer.
-
126. The method of claim 125, wherein the regulating step comprises:
regulating the control pulse width so that the shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
127. The method of claim 125, wherein said shaping ratio is greater than 0.5.
-
128. The method of claim 11, wherein said string of pulses has a control frequency, a control pulse width, and a control period, said control period being the inverse of said control frequency;
- wherein said desired harmonic has a desired frequency and a desired period, said desired period being the inverse of said desired frequency;
wherein said desired frequency is substantially equal to "n" times said control frequency, where "n" is a desired integer;
wherein the ratio of said control pulse width to said control period is a control ratio; and
wherein said shaping step further comprises the step of;regulating the control pulse width so that the control ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m" divided by "n", where "m" is any integer.
- wherein said desired harmonic has a desired frequency and a desired period, said desired period being the inverse of said desired frequency;
-
129. The method of claim 128, wherein the regulating step comprises:
regulating the control pulse width so that the control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
130. The method of claim 128, wherein the regulating step comprises:
regulating the control pulse width so that the control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.1.
-
131. The method of claim 128, wherein the regulating step comprises:
regulating the control pulse width so that the control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.01.
-
132. The method of claim 128, wherein said control ratio is greater than 0.5.
-
133. The method of claim 9, wherein step (1) comprises:
accepting a modulated oscillating signal, said modulated oscillating signal being a frequency modulated oscillating signal.
-
134. The method of claim 9, wherein step (1) comprises:
accepting a modulated oscillating signal, said modulated oscillating signal being a phase modulated oscillating signal.
-
135. The method of claim 9, wherein step (1) comprises:
accepting a modulated oscillating signal, wherein said modulated oscillating signal is modulated with a digital information signal.
-
136. The method of claim 9, wherein step (1) comprises:
accepting a modulated oscillating signal, wherein said modulated oscillating signal is modulated with an analog information signal.
-
137. The method of claim 9, wherein said gating step is performed by an electromechanical device.
-
138. The method of claim 9, wherein said gating step is performed by an electronic device.
-
139. The method of claim 138, wherein said electronic device is a semiconductor device.
-
140. The method of claim 139, wherein said semiconductor device is a transistor.
-
141. The method of claim 140, wherein said transistor is a field effect transistor.
-
142. The method of claim 141, wherein said field effect transistor is a gallium arsenide field effect transistor.
-
143. The method of claim 141, wherein said field effect transistor is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor.
-
144. The method of claim 9, wherein said plurality of harmonics are harmonics of the fundamental frequency of said periodic signal.
-
145. The method of claim 9, wherein:
-
said bias signal is gated at a rate that is a function of a control signal, said control signal being a function of said modulated oscillating signal, said control signal having a control frequency, "F(control);
" wherein said periodic signal has a periodic signal pulse width, "PW(periodic signal)," and a periodic signal amplitude, "A(periodic signal)," said periodic signal amplitude being a function of said bias signal;
wherein said desired harmonic has a desired frequency, "F(desired)," and a desired amplitude, "A(desired);
"whereby the ratio of "A(desired)" to "A(periodic signal)" is substantially equal to;
space="preserve" listing-type="equation">{[2·
F(control)]/[π
·
F(desired)]}·
{sin[π
.multidot.F(desired)·
PW(periodic signal)]}.
-
-
146. The method of claim 9, wherein:
-
said bias signal is gated at a rate that is a function of a control signal, said control signal being a function of said modulated oscillating signal, said control signal having a control frequency, "F(control)," a control period, "T(control)," and a control pulse width, "PW(control)," said control period being the inverse of said control frequency;
wherein said periodic signal has a periodic signal frequency, "F(periodic signal)," a periodic signal period, "T(periodic signal)," a periodic signal pulse width, "PW(periodic signal)," and a periodic signal amplitude, "A(periodic signal)," said periodic signal period being the inverse of said periodic signal frequency and said periodic signal amplitude being a function of said bias signal;
wherein said desired harmonic has a desired frequency, "F(desired)," a desired period, "T(desired)," and a desired amplitude, "A(desired)," said desired period being the inverse of said desired frequency;
wherein said desired frequency is substantially equal to "n" times said control frequency, where "n" is a desired integer, wherein the ratio of said desired amplitude to said periodic signal amplitude is an amplitude ratio, "AR;
"whereby;
space="preserve" listing-type="equation">AR=[2/(π
·
n)]·
sin{π
·
n·
[PW(periodic signal)/T(control)]}.147.
-
-
147. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of filtering said periodic signal with a filter, said filter being centered at a frequency other than the frequency of said modulated oscillating signal.
-
148. The method of claim 9, wherein
said plurality of harmonics has a harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said gating determine said harmonic content. -
149. The method of claim 9, wherein
said plurality of harmonics has a harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said gating determine said harmonic content; - and
further comprising the step of filtering said periodic signal with a filter, said filter being centered at a frequency other than the frequency of said modulated oscillating signal.
- and
-
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of:
-
-
12. A method of communicating, comprising the steps of:
-
(1) gating a reference signal at a rate that is a function of a modulated oscillating signal to create a periodic signal having a plurality of harmonics, said modulated oscillating signal being a function of a first information signal and said reference signal being a function of a second information signal, said periodic signal having an amplitude that is a function of said reference signal, and at least one of said plurality of harmonics being a desired harmonic; and (2) outputting said periodic signal. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175)
-
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of:
(3) isolating said desired harmonic from said periodic signal.
-
14. The method of claim 12, wherein step (1) comprises:
-
(a) shaping a modulated oscillating signal to create a string of pulses, and (b) gating a reference signal with said string of pulses.
-
-
150. The method of claim 14, wherein said string of pulses has a control pulse width, wherein said desired harmonic has a desired period, wherein the ratio of the control pulse width to the desired period is a shaping ratio, and wherein step (1)(a) further comprises the step of:
regulating the control pulse width so that the shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m", where "m" is any integer.
-
151. The method of claim 150, wherein the regulating step comprises:
regulating the control pulse width so that the shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
152. The method of claim 150, wherein said shaping ratio is greater than 0.5.
-
153. The method of claim 14, wherein said string of pulses has a control frequency, a control pulse width, and a control period, said control period being the inverse of said control frequency;
- wherein said desired harmonic has a desired frequency and a desired period, said desired period being the inverse of said desired frequency;
wherein said desired frequency is substantially equal to "n" times said control frequency, where "n" is a desired integer;
wherein the ratio of said control pulse width to said control period is a control ratio; and
wherein step (1)(a) further comprises the step of;regulating the control pulse width so that the control ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m" divided by "n", where "m" is any integer.
- wherein said desired harmonic has a desired frequency and a desired period, said desired period being the inverse of said desired frequency;
-
154. The method of claim 153, wherein the regulating step comprises:
regulating the control pulse width so that the control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
155. The method of claim 153, wherein the regulating step comprises:
regulating the control pulse width so that the control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.1.
-
156. The method of claim 153, wherein the regulating step comprises:
regulating the control pulse width so that the control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.05.
-
157. The method of claim 153, wherein the regulating step comprises:
regulating the control pulse width so that the control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.01.
-
158. The method of claim 153, wherein said control ratio is greater than 0.5.
-
159. The method of claim 12, wherein step (1) comprises:
gating a reference signal at a rate that is a function of a frequency modulated oscillating signal to create a periodic signal having a plurality of harmonics, said frequency modulated oscillating signal being a function of a first information signal and said reference signal being a function of a second information signal, and at least one of said plurality of harmonics being a desired harmonic.
-
160. The method of claim 12, wherein step (1) comprises:
gating a reference signal at a rate that is a function of a phase modulated oscillating signal to create a periodic signal having a plurality of harmonics, said phase modulated oscillating signal being a function of a first information signal and said reference signal being a function of a second information signal, and at least one of said plurality of harmonics being a desired harmonic.
-
161. The method of claim 12, wherein step (1) comprises:
gating a reference signal at a rate that is a function of a modulated oscillating signal to create a periodic signal having a plurality of harmonics, said modulated oscillating signal being a function of a first information signal, said first information signal being a digital information signal and said reference signal being a function of a second information signal, and at least one of said plurality of harmonics being a desired harmonic.
-
162. The method of claim 12, wherein step (1) comprises:
gating a reference signal at a rate that is a function of a modulated oscillating signal to create a periodic signal having a plurality of harmonics, said modulated oscillating signal being a function of a first information signal, said first information signal being an analog information signal and said reference signal being a function of a second information signal, and at least one of said plurality of harmonics being a desired harmonic.
-
163. The method of claim 12, wherein said gating step is performed by an electromechanical device.
-
164. The method of claim 12, wherein said gating step is performed by an electronic device.
-
165. The method of claim 164, wherein said electronic device is a semiconductor device.
-
166. The method of claim 165, wherein said semiconductor device is a transistor.
-
167. The method of claim 166, wherein said transistor is a field effect transistor.
-
168. The method of claim 167, wherein said field effect transistor is a gallium arsenide field effect transistor.
-
169. The method of claim 167, wherein said field effect transistor is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor.
-
170. The method of claim 12, wherein said plurality of harmonics are harmonics of the fundamental frequency of said periodic signal.
-
171. The method of claim 12, wherein:
-
said reference signal is gated at a rate that is a function of a control signal, said control signal being a function of said modulated oscillating signal, said control signal having a control frequency, "F(control);
" wherein said periodic signal has a periodic signal pulse width, "PW(periodic signal)," and a periodic signal amplitude, "A(periodic signal)," said periodic signal amplitude being a function of said reference signal;
wherein said desired harmonic has a desired frequency, "F(desired)," and a desired amplitude, "A(desired);
"whereby the ratio of "A(desired)" to "A(periodic signal)" is substantially equal to; {[2·
F(control)]/[π
·
F(desired)]}·
{sin[π
.multidot.F(desired)·
PW(periodic signal)]}.
-
-
172. The method of claim 12, wherein:
-
said reference signal is gated at a rate that is a function of a control signal, said control signal being a function of said modulated oscillating signal, said control signal having a control frequency, "F(control)," a control period, "T(control)," and a control pulse width, "PW(control)," said control period being the inverse of said control frequency;
wherein said periodic signal has a periodic signal frequency, "F(periodic signal)," a periodic signal period, "T(periodic signal)," a periodic signal pulse width, "PW(periodic signal)," and a periodic signal amplitude, "A(periodic signal)," said periodic signal period being the inverse of said periodic signal frequency and said periodic signal amplitude being a function of said reference signal;
wherein said desired harmonic has a desired frequency, "F(desired)," a desired period, "T(desired)," and a desired amplitude, "A(desired)," said desired period being the inverse of said desired frequency;
wherein said desired frequency is substantially equal to "n" times said control frequency, where "n" is a desired integer, wherein the ratio of said desired amplitude to said periodic signal amplitude is an amplitude ratio, "AR;
"whereby;
space="preserve" listing-type="equation">AR=[2/(π
·
n)]·
sin{π
·
n·
[PW(periodic signal)/T(control)]}.
-
-
173. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of filtering said periodic signal with a filter, said filter being centered at a frequency other than the frequency of said modulated oscillating signal.
-
174. The method of claim 12, wherein
said plurality of harmonics has a harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said gating determine said harmonic content. -
175. The method of claim 12, wherein
said plurality of harmonics has a harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said gating determine said harmonic content; - and
further comprising the step of filtering said periodic signal with a filter, said filter being centered at a frequency other than the frequency of said modulated oscillating signal.
- and
-
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of:
-
-
15. An apparatus for communicating comprising:
-
a transmitting subsystem comprising a modulator to accept an information signal and to output a modulated oscillating signal, a switch to output a harmonically rich signal comprised of a plurality of harmonics, said switch controlled by a control signal, said signal being said modulated oscillating signal, said switch having a first input connected to a bias signal at a first potential and a second input connected to a second potential, said harmonically rich signal having an amplitude that is a function of said bias signal, a filter to accept said harmonically rich signal and to output one or more desired harmonics from said plurality of harmonics; and a receiving subsystem. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202)
-
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said receiving subsystem is a universal frequency down-converter.
-
17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said transmitting subsystem further comprises:
-
a pulse shaper to accept said modulated oscillating signal and to output a string of modulated pulses, and wherein said string of modulated pulses is said control signal.
-
-
176. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein one of said one or more desired harmonics is a preferred harmonic, wherein:
-
said string of modulated pulses has a control pulse width, said preferred harmonic has a preferred period, the ratio of said control pulse width to said preferred period is a shaping ratio, and said pulse shaper shapes said string of modulated pulses by regulating said control pulse width so that said shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m", where "m" is any integer.
-
-
177. The apparatus of claim 176, wherein said shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
178. The apparatus of claim 176, wherein said shaping ratio is greater than 0.5.
-
179. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein one of said one or more desired harmonics is a preferred harmonic, wherein:
-
said string of modulated pulses has a control frequency, a control pulse width, and a control period, said control period being the inverse of said control frequency, said preferred harmonic has a preferred frequency and a preferred period, said preferred period being the inverse of said preferred frequency;
wherein said preferred frequency is substantially equal to "n" times said control frequency, where "n" is a desired integer, the ratio of said control pulse width to said control period is a control ratio, andsaid pulse shaper shapes said string of modulated pulses by regulating said control pulse width so that said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m" divided by "n", where "m" is any integer.
-
-
180. The apparatus of claim 179, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
181. The apparatus of claim 179, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.1.
-
182. The apparatus of claim 179, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.05.
-
183. The apparatus of claim 179, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.01.
-
184. The apparatus of claim 179, wherein said control ratio is greater than 0.5.
-
185. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said modulated oscillating signal is a modulated digital information signal.
-
186. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said modulated oscillating signal is a modulated analog information signal.
-
187. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said modulator is a frequency modulator.
-
188. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said modulator is a phase modulator.
-
189. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said switch module is an electromechanical device.
-
190. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said switch module is an electronic device.
-
191. The apparatus of claim 190, wherein said electronic device is a semiconductor device.
-
192. The apparatus of claim 191, wherein semiconductor device is a transistor.
-
193. The apparatus of claim 192, wherein said transistor is a field effect transistor.
-
194. The apparatus of claim 193, wherein said field effect transistor is a gallium arsenide field effect transistor.
-
195. The apparatus of claim 193, wherein said field effect transistor is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor.
-
196. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said plurality of harmonics are harmonics of the fundamental frequency of said harmonically rich signal.
-
197. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein:
-
said switch accepts a control signal, said control signal being a function of said modulated oscillating signal, wherein said control signal causes said switch to gate said bias signal, said control signal having a control frequency, "F(control);
" wherein said harmonically rich (HR) signal has an HR signal pulse width, "PW(HR signal)," and an HR signal amplitude, "A(HR signal)," said HR signal amplitude being a function of said bias signal;
wherein one of said one or more harmonics is a preferred harmonic, said preferred harmonic having a preferred frequency, "F(preferred)," and a preferred amplitude, "A(preferred);
"whereby the ratio of "A(preferred)" to "A(HR signal)" is substantially equal to;
space="preserve" listing-type="equation">{[2·
F(control)]/[π
·
F(preferred)]}·
{sin[π
.multidot.F(preferred)·
PW(HR signal)]}.
-
-
198. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein:
-
said switch accepts a control signal, said control signal being a function of said modulated oscillating signal, wherein said control signal causes said switch to gate said bias signal, said control signal having a control frequency, "F(control)," a control period, "T(control)," and a control pulse width, "PW(control)," said control period being the inverse of said control frequency;
wherein said harmonically rich (HR) signal has an HR signal frequency, "F(HR signal)," an HR signal period, "T(HR signal)," an HR signal pulse width, "PW(HR signal)," and an HR signal amplitude, "A(HR signal)," said HR signal period being the inverse of said HR signal frequency and said HR signal amplitude being a function of said bias signal;
wherein one of said one or more harmonics is a preferred harmonic, said preferred harmonic having a preferred frequency, "F(preferred)," a preferred period, "T(preferred)," and a preferred amplitude, "A(preferred)," said preferred period being the inverse of said preferred frequency;
wherein said preferred frequency is substantially equal to "n" times said control frequency, where "n" is a preferred integer, wherein the ratio of said preferred amplitude to said HR signal amplitude is an amplitude ratio, "AR;
"whereby;
space="preserve" listing-type="equation">AR=[2/(π
·
n)]·
sin{π
·
n·
[PW(HR signal)/T(control)]}.
-
-
199. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said filter is centered at a frequency other than the frequency of said modulated oscillating signal.
-
200. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein
said plurality of harmonics has a harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said switch determine said harmonic content. -
201. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein
said harmonically rich signal has an amplitude that is a function of said bias signal. -
202. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein
said harmonically rich signal has an amplitude that is a function of said bias signal; -
said plurality of harmonics has a harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said switch determine said harmonic content; and said filter is centered at a frequency other than the frequency of said modulated oscillating signal.
-
-
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said receiving subsystem is a universal frequency down-converter.
-
-
18. An apparatus for communicating, comprising:
-
a first switch module to receive a first oscillating signal and a first bias signal, wherein said first oscillating signal causes said first switch module to gate said first bias signal and thereby generate a first periodic signal having a first plurality of harmonics, said first periodic signal having an amplitude that is a function of said first bias signal, said first bias signal being a function of a first information signal; a second switch module to receive a second oscillating signal and a second bias signal, wherein said second oscillating signal causes said second switch module to gate said second bias signal and thereby generate a second periodic signal having a second plurality of harmonics, said second periodic signal having an amplitude that is a function of said second bias signal, said second bias signal being a function of a second information signal; a summer coupled to said first switch module and to said second switch module, said summer to receive and combine said first periodic signal and said second periodic signal, and to output a combined periodic signal having a combined plurality of harmonics; and a filter coupled to said summer, said filter to isolate at least one of said combined plurality of harmonics. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270)
-
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said first information signal is a first digital information signal, and said second information signal is a second digital information signal, said first digital information signal being comprised of a plurality of discrete states, and said second digital information signal being comprised of a plurality of discrete states.
-
20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said first oscillating signal is a first modulated oscillating signal and said second oscillating signal is a second modulated oscillating signal.
-
203. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising:
-
a first pulse shaping module connected to said first switch module, said first pulse shaping module accepting said first oscillating signal and outputting a first shaped oscillating signal; a second pulse shaping module connected to said second switch module, said second pulse shaping module accepting said second oscillating signal and outputting a second shaped oscillating signal.
-
-
204. The apparatus of claim 203, wherein one of said first plurality of harmonics of said first periodic signal is a first desired harmonic, one of said second plurality of harmonics of said second periodic signal is a second desired harmonic, and one of said combined plurality of harmonics of said combined periodic signal is a combined desired harmonic, wherein:
-
said first shaped oscillating signal has a first control pulse width, said first desired harmonic has a first desired period, the ratio of said first control pulse width to said first desired period is a first shaping ratio, and said first pulse shaping module shapes said first oscillating signal by regulating said first control pulse width so that said first shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(1)", where "m(1)" is any integer; and said second shaped oscillating signal has a second control pulse width, said second desired harmonic has a second desired period, the ratio of said second control pulse width to said second desired period is a second shaping ratio, and said second pulse shaping module shapes said second oscillating signal by regulating said second control pulse width so that said second shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(2)", where "m(2)" is any integer.
-
-
205. The apparatus of claim 204, wherein said first shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
206. The apparatus of claim 204, wherein said second shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
207. The apparatus of claim 204, wherein said second shaping ratio is substantially equal to said first shaping ratio.
-
208. The apparatus of claim 204, wherein said first shaping ratio is greater than 0.5.
-
209. The apparatus of claim 204, wherein said second shaping ratio is greater than 0.5.
-
210. The apparatus of claim 203, wherein one of said first plurality of harmonics of said first periodic signal is a desired harmonic, wherein:
-
said first shaped oscillating signal has a control pulse width, said desired harmonic has a desired period, the ratio of said control pulse width to said desired period is a shaping ratio, and said first pulse shaping module shapes said first oscillating signal by regulating said control pulse width so that said shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(1)", where "m(1)" is any integer.
-
-
211. The apparatus of claim 210, wherein said shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
212. The apparatus of claim 210, wherein one of said second plurality of harmonics of said second periodic signal is a second desired harmonic, wherein:
-
said second shaped oscillating signal has a second control pulse width, said second desired harmonic has a second desired period, the ratio of said second control pulse width to said second desired period is a second shaping ratio; said second pulse shaping module shapes said second oscillating signal by regulating said second control pulse width so that said second shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(2)", where "m(2)" is any integer; and wherein said second desired period is substantially equal to said desired period.
-
-
213. The apparatus of claim 212, wherein said second shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
214. The apparatus of claim 203, wherein one of said combined plurality of harmonics of said combined periodic signal is a combined desired harmonic, wherein:
-
said first shaped oscillating signal has a first control pulse width, said combined desired harmonic has a combined desired period, the ratio of said first control pulse width to said combined desired period is a first shaping ratio, and said first pulse shaping module shapes said first oscillating signal by regulating said first control pulse width so that said first shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(1)", where "m(1)" is any integer; and said second shaped oscillating signal has a second control pulse width, the ratio of said second control pulse width to said combined desired period is a second shaping ratio, and said second pulse shaping module shapes said second oscillating signal by regulating said second control pulse width so that said second shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(2)", where "m(2)" is any integer.
-
-
215. The apparatus of claim 214, wherein said first shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
216. The apparatus of claim 214, wherein said second shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
217. The apparatus of claim 214, wherein said second shaping ratio is substantially equal to said first shaping ratio.
-
218. The apparatus of claim 203, wherein one of said first plurality of harmonics of said first periodic signal is a first desired harmonic, one of said second plurality of harmonics of said second periodic signal is a second desired harmonic, and one of said combined plurality of harmonics of said combined periodic signal is a combined desired harmonic, wherein:
-
said first shaped oscillating signal has a first control frequency, a first control pulse width, and a first control period, said first control period being the inverse of said first control frequency, said first desired harmonic has a first desired frequency and a first desired period, said first desired period being the inverse of said first desired frequency;
wherein said first desired frequency is substantially equal to "n(1)" times said first control frequency, where "n(1)" is a first desired integer, the ratio of said first control pulse width to said first control period is a first control ratio, andsaid first pulse shaping module shapes said first oscillating signal by regulating said first control pulse width so that said first control ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(1)" divided by "n(1)", where "m(1)" is any integer; said second shaped oscillating signal has a second control frequency, a second control pulse width, and a second control period, said second control period being the inverse of said second control frequency, said second desired harmonic has a second desired frequency and a second desired period, said second desired period being the inverse of said second desired frequency;
wherein said second desired frequency is substantially equal to "n(2)" times said second control frequency, where "n(2)" is a second desired integer, the ratio of said second control pulse width to said second control period is a second control ratio, andsaid second pulse shaping module shapes said second oscillating signal by regulating said second control pulse width so that said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(2)" divided by "n(2)", where "m(2)" is any integer.
-
-
219. The apparatus of claim 218, wherein said first control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
220. The apparatus of claim 218, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
221. The apparatus of claim 218, wherein said first control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.1.
-
222. The apparatus of claim 218, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.1.
-
223. The apparatus of claim 218, wherein said first control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.05.
-
224. The apparatus of claim 218, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.05.
-
225. The apparatus of claim 218, wherein said first control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.01.
-
226. The apparatus of claim 218, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.01.
-
227. The apparatus of claim 218, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to said first control ratio.
-
228. The apparatus of claim 218, wherein said first control ratio is greater than 0.5.
-
229. The apparatus of claim 218, wherein said second control ratio is greater than 0.5.
-
230. The apparatus of claim 203, wherein one of said first plurality of harmonics of said first periodic signal is a desired harmonic, wherein:
-
said first shaped oscillating signal has a control frequency, a control pulse width, and a control period, said control period being the inverse of said control frequency, said desired harmonic has a desired frequency and a desired period, said desired period being the inverse of said desired frequency;
wherein said desired frequency is substantially equal to "n(1)" times said control frequency, where "n(1)" is a desired integer, the ratio of said control pulse width to said control period is a control ratio, andsaid first pulse shaping module shapes said first oscillating signal by regulating said control pulse width so that said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(1)" divided by "n(1)", where "m(1)" is any integer.
-
-
231. The apparatus of claim 230, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
232. The apparatus of claim 230, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.1.
-
233. The apparatus of claim 230, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.05.
-
234. The apparatus of claim 230, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.01.
-
235. The apparatus of claim 230, wherein one of said second plurality of harmonics of said second periodic signal is a second desired harmonic, wherein:
-
said second shaped oscillating signal has a second control frequency, a second control pulse width, and a second control period, said second control period being the inverse of said second control frequency, said second desired harmonic has a second desired frequency and a second desired period, said second desired period being the inverse of said second desired frequency;
wherein said second desired frequency is substantially equal to "n(2)" times said second control frequency, where "n(2)" is a second desired integer, the ratio of said second control pulse width to said second control period is a second control ratio, andsaid second pulse shaping module shapes said second oscillating signal by regulating said second control pulse width so that said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(2)" divided by "n(2)", where "m(2)" is any integer; and wherein said second desired frequency is substantially equal to said desired frequency.
-
-
236. The apparatus of claim 235, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
237. The apparatus of claim 235, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.1.
-
238. The apparatus of claim 235, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.05.
-
239. The apparatus of claim 235, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.01.
-
240. The apparatus of claim 203, wherein one of said combined plurality of harmonics of said combined periodic signal is a combined desired harmonic, wherein:
-
said first shaped oscillating signal has a first control frequency, a first control pulse width, and a first control period, said first control period being the inverse of said first control frequency, said combined desired harmonic has a combined desired frequency and a combined desired period, said combined desired period being the inverse of said combined desired frequency;
wherein said combined desired frequency is substantially equal to "n(1)" times said first control frequency, where "n(1)" is a first combined desired integer, the ratio of said first control pulse width to said first control period is a first control ratio, andsaid first pulse shaping module shapes said first oscillating signal by regulating said first control pulse width so that said first control ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(1)" divided by "n(1)", where "m(1)" is any integer; said second shaped oscillating signal has a second control frequency, a second control pulse width, and a second control period, said second control period being the inverse of said second control frequency;
wherein said combined desired frequency is substantially equal to "n(2)" times said second control frequency, where "n(2)" is a second combined desired integer, the ratio of said second control pulse width to said second control period is a second control ratio; andsaid second pulse shaping module shapes said second oscillating signal by regulating said second control pulse width so that said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m(2)" divided by "n(2)", where "m(2)" is any integer.
-
-
241. The apparatus of claim 240, wherein said first control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
242. The apparatus of claim 240, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
243. The apparatus of claim 240, wherein said first control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.1.
-
244. The apparatus of claim 240, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.1.
-
245. The apparatus of claim 240, wherein said first control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.05.
-
246. The apparatus of claim 240, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.05.
-
247. The apparatus of claim 240, wherein said first control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.01.
-
248. The apparatus of claim 240, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.01.
-
249. The apparatus of claim 240, wherein said second control ratio is substantially equal to said first control ratio.
-
250. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said first switch module is an electromechanical device.
-
251. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said first switch module is an electronic device.
-
252. The apparatus of claim 251, wherein said electronic device is a semiconductor device.
-
253. The apparatus of claim 252, wherein said semiconductor device is a transistor.
-
254. The apparatus of claim 253, wherein said transistor is a field effect transistor.
-
255. The apparatus of claim 254, wherein said field effect transistor is a gallium arsenide field effect transistor.
-
256. The apparatus of claim 254, wherein said field effect transistor is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor.
-
257. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said second switch module is an electromechanical device.
-
258. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said second switch module is an electronic device.
-
259. The apparatus of claim 258, wherein said electronic device is a semiconductor device.
-
260. The apparatus of claim 259, wherein said semiconductor device is a transistor.
-
261. The apparatus of claim 260, wherein said transistor is a field effect transistor.
-
262. The apparatus of claim 261, wherein said field effect transistor is a gallium arsenide field effect transistor.
-
263. The apparatus of claim 261, wherein said field effect transistor is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor.
-
264. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said first plurality of harmonics are harmonics of the fundamental frequency of said first periodic signal and said second plurality of harmonics are harmonics of the fundamental frequency of said second periodic signal.
-
265. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein:
-
said first switch module accepts a first control signal, said first control signal being a function of said first oscillating signal, wherein said first control signal causes said first switch module to gate said first bias signal, said first control signal having a first control frequency, "F(control);
"said second switch module accepts a second control signal, said second control signal being a function of said second oscillating signal, wherein said second control signal causes said second switch module to gate said second bias signal, said second control signal having a second control frequency substantially equal to said first control frequency, "F(control);
"wherein said combined periodic signal has a combined periodic signal pulse width, "PW(periodic signal,combined)," and a combined periodic signal amplitude, "A(periodic signal,combined);
" wherein one of said combined plurality of harmonics is a desired harmonic, said desired harmonic having a desired frequency, "F(desired)," and a desired amplitude, "A(desired);
"whereby the ratio of "A(desired)" to "A(periodic signal,combined)" is substantially equal to;
space="preserve" listing-type="equation">{[2·
F(control)]/[π
·
F(desired)]}·
{sin[π
.multidot.F(desired)·
PW(periodic signal,combined)]}.
-
-
266. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein:
-
said first switch module accepts a first control signal, said first control signal being a function of said first oscillating signal, wherein said first control signal causes said first switch module to gate said first bias signal, said first control signal having a first control frequency, said first control frequency being a gating frequency, "F(gating)," a first control period, said first control period being a gating period, "T(gating)," and a first control pulse width, "PW(control,1)," said first control period being the inverse of said first control frequency; said second switch module accepts a second control signal, said second control signal being a function of said second oscillating signal, wherein said second control signal causes said second switch module to gate said second bias signal, said second control signal having a second control frequency substantially equal to said gating frequency, "F(gating)," a second control period substantially equal to said gating period, "T(gating)," and a second control pulse width, "PW(control,2)," said second control period being the inverse of said second control frequency; wherein said combined periodic signal has a combined periodic signal frequency, "F(periodic signal,combined)," a combined periodic signal period, "T(periodic signal,combined)," a combined periodic signal pulse width, "PW(periodic signal,combined)," and a combined periodic signal amplitude, "A(periodic signal,combined)," said combined periodic signal period being the inverse of said combined periodic signal frequency; wherein one of said combined plurality of harmonics is a desired harmonic, said desired harmonic having a desired frequency, "F(desired)," a desired period, "T(desired)," and a desired amplitude, "A(desired)," said desired period being the inverse of said desired frequency;
wherein said desired frequency is substantially equal to "n" times said gating frequency, where "n" is a desired integer, wherein the ratio of said desired amplitude to said combined periodic signal amplitude is an amplitude ratio, "AR;
"whereby;
space="preserve" listing-type="equation">AR=[2/(π
·
n)]·
sin{π
·
n·
[PW(periodic signal,combined)/T(gating)]}.267.
-
-
267. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said filter is centered at a frequency other than the frequency of said first oscillating signal or said second oscillating signal.
-
268. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein
said first plurality of harmonics has a first harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said first switch module determine said first harmonic content; - and
said second plurality of harmonics has a second harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said second switch module determine said second harmonic content.
- and
-
269. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein
said first oscillating signal is a first modulated oscillating signal and said second oscillating signal is a second modulated oscillating signal; -
said first plurality of harmonics has a first harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said first switch module determine said first harmonic content; said second plurality of harmonics has a second harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said second switch module determine said second harmonic content; and said filter is centered at a frequency other than the frequency of said first oscillating signal or said second oscillating signal.
-
-
270. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein
said first information signal is a first digital information signal, and said second information signal is a second digital information signal, said first digital information signal being comprised of a plurality of discrete states, and said second digital information signal being comprised of a plurality of discrete states; -
said first plurality of harmonics has a first harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said first switch module determine said first harmonic content; said second plurality of harmonics has a second harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said second switch module determine said second harmonic content; and said filter is centered at a frequency other than the frequency of said first oscillating signal or said second oscillating signal.
-
-
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said first information signal is a first digital information signal, and said second information signal is a second digital information signal, said first digital information signal being comprised of a plurality of discrete states, and said second digital information signal being comprised of a plurality of discrete states.
-
-
21. An apparatus for frequency up-conversion, comprising:
-
a pulse shaping module to receive an oscillating signal and to output a shaped string of pulses that is a function of said oscillating signal; a switch module to receive said shaped string of pulses and a bias signal, wherein said shaped string of pulses causes said switch module to gate said bias signal and thereby generate a periodic signal having a plurality of harmonics, said bias signal being a function of an information signal, said periodic signal having an amplitude that is a function of said bias signal; and a filter coupled to said switch module to isolate one or more desired harmonics of said plurality of harmonics. - View Dependent Claims (271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294)
-
271. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein one of said one or more desired harmonics is a preferred harmonic, wherein:
-
said shaped string of pulses has a control pulse width, said preferred harmonic has a preferred period, the ratio of said control pulse width to said preferred period is a shaping ratio, and said pulse shaping module shapes said shaped string of pulses by regulating said control pulse width so that said shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m", where "m" is any integer.
-
-
272. The apparatus of claim 271 herein said shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
273. The apparatus of claim 271 herein said shaping ratio is greater than 0.5.
-
274. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein one of said one or more desired harmonics is a preferred harmonic, wherein:
-
said shaped string of pulses has a control frequency, a control pulse width, and a control period, said control period being the inverse of said control frequency, said preferred harmonic has a preferred frequency and a preferred period, said preferred period being the inverse of said preferred frequency;
wherein said preferred frequency is substantially equal to "n" times said control frequency, where "n" is a desired integer, the ratio of said control pulse width to said control period is a control ratio, andsaid pulse shaping module shapes said shaped string of pulses by regulating said control pulse width so that said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m" divided by "n", where "m" is any integer.
-
-
275. The apparatus of claim 274, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
276. The apparatus of claim 274, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.1.
-
277. The apparatus of claim 274, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.05.
-
278. The apparatus of claim 274, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.01.
-
279. The apparatus of claim 274, wherein said control ratio is greater than 0.5.
-
280. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said information signal is a digital information signal.
-
281. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said information signal is an analog information signal.
-
282. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said switch module is an electromechanical device.
-
283. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said switch module is an electronic device.
-
284. The apparatus of claim 283, wherein said electronic device is a semiconductor device.
-
285. The apparatus of claim 284, wherein said semiconductor device is a transistor.
-
286. The apparatus of claim 285, wherein said transistor is a field effect transistor.
-
287. The apparatus of claim 286, wherein said field effect transistor is a gallium arsenide field effect transistor.
-
288. The apparatus of claim 286, wherein said field effect transistor is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor.
-
289. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said plurality of harmonics are harmonics of the fundamental frequency of said periodic signal.
-
290. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein:
-
said shaped string of pulses has a control frequency, "F(control);
" wherein said periodic signal has a periodic signal pulse width, "PW(periodic signal)," and a periodic signal amplitude, "A(periodic signal)," said periodic signal amplitude being a function of said bias signal;
wherein one of said one or more desired harmonics is a preferred harmonic, said preferred harmonic having a preferred frequency, "F(preferred)," and a preferred amplitude, "A(preferred);
"whereby the ratio of "A(preferred)" to "A(periodic signal)" is substantially equal to;
space="preserve" listing-type="equation">{[2·
F(control)]/[π
·
F(preferred)]}·
{sin[π
.multidot.F(preferred)·
PW(periodic signal)]}.
-
-
291. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein:
-
said switch module accepts a control signal, said control signal being a function of said oscillating signal, wherein said control signal causes said switch module to gate said bias signal, said control signal having a control frequency, "F(control)," a control period, "T(control)," and a control pulse width, "PW(control)," said control period being the inverse of said control frequency;
wherein said periodic signal has a periodic signal frequency, "F(periodic signal)," a periodic signal period, "T(periodic signal)," a periodic signal pulse width, "PW(periodic signal)," and a periodic signal amplitude, "A(periodic signal)," said periodic signal period being the inverse of said periodic signal frequency and said periodic signal amplitude being a function of said bias signal;
wherein one of said one or more desired harmonics is a preferred harmonic, said preferred harmonic having a preferred frequency, "F(preferred)," a preferred period, "T(preferred)," and a preferred amplitude, "A(preferred)," said preferred period being the inverse of said preferred frequency;
wherein said preferred frequency is substantially equal to "n" times said control frequency, where "n" is a preferred integer, wherein the ratio of said preferred amplitude to said periodic signal amplitude is an amplitude ratio, "AR;
"whereby;
space="preserve" listing-type="equation">AR=[2/(π
·
n)]·
sin{π
·
n·
[PW(periodic signal)/T(control)]}.
-
-
292. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said filter is centered at a frequency other than the frequency of said oscillating signal.
-
293. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein
said plurality of harmonics has a harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said switch module determine said harmonic content. -
294. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein
said plurality of harmonics has a harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said switch module determine said harmonic content; -
said filter is centered at a frequency other than the frequency of said oscillating signal; and
whereinsaid shaped string of pulses has a control frequency, "F(control);
" wherein said periodic signal has a periodic signal pulse width, "PW(periodic signal)," and a periodic signal amplitude, "A(periodic signal)," said periodic signal amplitude being a function of said bias signal;
wherein one of said one or more desired harmonics is a preferred harmonic, said preferred harmonic having a preferred frequency, "F(preferred)," and a preferred amplitude, "A(preferred);
"whereby the ratio of "A(preferred)" to "A(periodic signal)" is substantially equal to;
space="preserve" listing-type="equation">{[2·
F(control)]/[π
·
F(preferred)]·
{sin[n.multidot.F(preferred)·
PW(periodic signal)]}.295.
-
-
271. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein one of said one or more desired harmonics is a preferred harmonic, wherein:
-
-
22. An apparatus for communicating comprising:
-
(a) a transmitting subsystem comprising; (1) a switch module having a first input connected to a bias signal, a control input connected to a control signal, and an output generating a periodic signal, wherein said control signal is an oscillating signal, said control signal causing said switch module to gate said bias signal, said periodic signal having an amplitude that is a function of said bias signal, and said periodic signal being a harmonically rich signal comprised of a plurality of harmonics, and (2) a filter to accept said harmonically rich signal and to output one or more desired harmonics from said plurality of harmonics; and (b) a receiving subsystem. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348)
-
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said transmitting subsystem further comprises:
a pulse shaper to accept said oscillating signal and to output a string of pulses, and wherein said string of pulses causes said switch module to gate said bias signal.
-
24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said receiving subsystem comprises:
an aliasing module, further comprising; (1) a universal frequency translation (UFT) module, said UFT module aliasing an electromagnetic signal according to an aliasing signal having an aliasing rate to down-convert said electromagnetic signal, and transferring energy from said electromagnetic signal at said aliasing rate; (2) a signal generator generating said aliasing signal, said aliasing signal comprising a plurality of pulses having non-negligible apertures; and (3) a storage device storing energy from said UFT module.
-
295. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein one of said one or more desired harmonics is a preferred harmonic, wherein:
-
said string of pulses has a control pulse width, said preferred harmonic has a preferred period, the ratio of said control pulse width to said preferred period is a shaping ratio, and said pulse shaper shapes said string of pulses by regulating said control pulse width so that said shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m", where "m" is any integer.
-
-
296. The apparatus of claim 295, wherein said shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
297. The apparatus of claim 295, wherein said shaping ratio is greater than 0.5.
-
298. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein one of said one or more desired harmonics is a preferred harmonic, wherein:
-
said string of pulses has a control frequency, a control pulse width, and a control period, said control period being the inverse of said control frequency, said preferred harmonic has a preferred frequency and a preferred period, said preferred period being the inverse of said preferred frequency;
wherein said preferred frequency is substantially equal to "n" times said control frequency, where "n" is a desired integer, the ratio of said control pulse width to said control period is a control ratio, andsaid pulse shaper shapes said string of pulses by regulating said control pulse width so that said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m" divided by "n", where "m" is any integer.
-
-
299. The apparatus of claim 298, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
-
300. The apparatus of claim 298, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.1.
-
301. The apparatus of claim 298, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.05.
-
302. The apparatus of claim 298, wherein said control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.01.
-
303. The apparatus of claim 298, wherein said control ratio is greater than 0.5.
-
304. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said oscillating signal is a modulated digital information signal.
-
305. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said oscillating signal is a modulated analog information signal.
-
306. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a frequency modulator.
-
307. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a phase modulator.
-
308. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said switch module is an electromechanical device.
-
309. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said switch module is an electronic device.
-
310. The apparatus of claim 309, wherein said electronic device is a semiconductor device.
-
311. The apparatus of claim 310, wherein said semiconductor device is a transistor.
-
312. The apparatus of claim 311, wherein said transistor is a field effect transistor.
-
313. The apparatus of claim 312, wherein said field effect transistor is a gallium arsenide field effect transistor.
-
314. The apparatus of claim 312, wherein said field effect transistor is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor.
-
315. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said plurality of harmonics are harmonics of the fundamental frequency of said periodic signal.
-
316. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein:
-
said control signal has a control frequency, "F(control);
" wherein said periodic signal has a periodic signal pulse width, "PW(periodic signal)," and a periodic signal amplitude, "A(periodic signal)," said periodic signal amplitude being a function of said bias signal;
wherein one of said one or more desired harmonics is a preferred harmonic, said preferred harmonic having a preferred frequency, "F(preferred)," and a preferred amplitude, "A(preferred);
"whereby the ratio of "A(preferred)" to "A(periodic signal)" is substantially equal to;
space="preserve" listing-type="equation">{[2·
F(control)]/[π
·
F(preferred)]}·
{sin[π
.multidot.F(preferred)·
PW(periodic signal)]}.
-
-
317. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein:
-
said control signal has a control frequency, "F(control)," a control period, "T(control)," and a control pulse width, "PW(control)," said control period being the inverse of said control frequency;
wherein said periodic signal has a periodic signal frequency, "F(periodic signal)," a periodic signal period, "T(periodic signal)," a periodic signal pulse width, "PW(periodic signal)," and a periodic signal amplitude, "A(periodic signal)," said periodic signal period being the inverse of said periodic signal frequency and said periodic signal amplitude being a function of said bias signal;
wherein one of said one or more desired harmonics is a preferred harmonic, said preferred harmonic having a preferred frequency, "F(preferred)," a preferred period, "T(preferred)," and a preferred amplitude, "A(preferred)," said preferred period being the inverse of said preferred frequency;
wherein said preferred frequency is substantially equal to "n" times said control frequency, where "n" is a preferred integer, wherein the ratio of said preferred amplitude to said periodic signal amplitude is an amplitude ratio, "AR;
"whereby;
space="preserve" listing-type="equation">AR=[2/(π
·
n)]·
sin{π
·
n·
[PW(periodic signal)/T(control)]}.
-
-
318. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said filter is centered on a frequency other than the frequency of said oscillating signal.
-
319. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein
said plurality of harmonics has a harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said switch module determine said harmonic content. -
320. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein
said plurality of harmonics has a harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said switch module determine said harmonic content; - and
said filter is centered on a frequency other than the frequency of said oscillating signal.
- and
-
321. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said storage device is a capacitor.
-
322. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said storage device is an inductor.
-
323. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said receiving subsystem receives said electromagnetic signal via a communication medium.
-
324. The apparatus of claim 323, wherein said communication medium comprises a wired medium.
-
325. The apparatus of claim 323, wherein said communication medium comprises a wireless medium.
-
326. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said electromagnetic signal is an unmodulated signal.
-
327. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said electromagnetic signal is a modulated signal.
-
328. The apparatus of claim 327, wherein said electromagnetic signal is an amplitude modulated signal.
-
329. The apparatus of claim 327, wherein said electromagnetic signal is a frequency modulated signal.
-
330. The apparatus of claim 327, wherein said electromagnetic signal is a phase modulated signal.
-
331. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein:
said signal generator generates an energy transfer signal comprising a string of pulses, said string of pulses controlling opening and closing of a switch to transfer energy from said electromagnetic signal.
-
332. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein each pulse in said string of pulses has an aperture that increases the time that said switch is closed thereby reducing an impedance of said switch.
-
333. The apparatus of claim 331, wherein each pulse in said string of pulses has an aperture that is widened by a non-negligible amount that tends away from zero time in duration to extend the time that said switch is closed thereby of increasing energy transferred from said electromagnetic signal.
-
334. The apparatus of claim 331, wherein said apertures of said pulses are a non-zero fraction of a period of said electromagnetic signal.
-
335. The apparatus of claim 333, wherein said apertures of said pulses are one or more periods of said electromagnetic signal plus or minus a non-zero fraction of a period of said electromagnetic signal.
-
336. The apparatus of claim 313, wherein energy transferred from said electromagnetic signal is sufficient to drive loads without additional buffering or amplification, including high impedance loads and low impedance loads.
-
337. The apparatus of claim 333, wherein widening of said apertures of said pulses by a non-negligible amount that tends away from zero time in duration to extend the time that said switch is closed to increase energy transferred from said electromagnetic signal prevents substantial voltage reproduction of said electromagnetic signal during said apertures.
-
338. The apparatus of claim 331, wherein an impedance of said switch is matched to a source impedance to increase energy transferred from said electromagnetic signal.
-
339. The apparatus of claim 331, wherein an impedance of said switch is matched to a load impedance to increase energy transferred from said electromagnetic signal.
-
340. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said electromagnetic signal is connected to said switch via a resonant circuit, said resonant circuit storing energy from components of said electromagnetic signal while said switch is open, and wherein energy stored in said resonant circuit is discharged via said switch while said switch is closed, to thereby increase energy transfer from said electromagnetic signal.
-
341. The apparatus of claim 340, wherein said resonant circuit is configured to appear as high impedance to a first range of frequencies including a frequency of said electromagnetic signal, and configured to appear as a low impedance to a second range of frequencies including a frequency of said output signal, such that passage of components of said electromagnetic signal in said first range of frequencies is impeded through said resonant circuit, and such that passage of components of said electromagnetic signal in said second range of frequencies is not so impeded through said resonant circuit.
-
342. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein:
-
said signal generator generates an energy transfer signal comprising a string of pulses, said string of pulses controlling opening and closing of a switch to transfer energy from said electromagnetic signal; each pulse in said string of pulses has an aperture that increases the time that said switch is closed for a purpose of reducing an impedance of said switch; each pulse in said string of pulses has an aperture that is widened by a non-negligible amount that tends away from zero time in duration to extend the time that said switch is closed for a purpose of increasing energy transferred from said electromagnetic signal; said apertures of said pulses are one of (a) or (b) (a) a non-zero fraction of a period of said electromagnetic signal; (b) one or more periods of said electromagnetic signal plus or minus a non-zero fraction of a period of said electromagnetic signal; energy transferred from said electromagnetic signal is sufficient to drive loads without additional buffering or amplification, including high impedance loads and low impedance loads; widening of said apertures of said pulses by a non-negligible amount that tends away from zero time in duration to extend the time that said switch is closed to increase energy transferred from said electromagnetic signal prevents substantial voltage reproduction of said electromagnetic signal during said apertures.
-
-
343. The apparatus of claim 342, wherein an impedance of said switch is matched to a to a source impedance to increase energy transferred from said electromagnetic signal.
-
344. The apparatus of claim 342, wherein an impedance of said switch is matched to a load impedance to increase energy transferred from said electromagnetic signal.
-
345. The apparatus of claim 342, wherein said electromagnetic signal is connected to said switch via a resonant circuit, said resonant circuit storing energy from components of said electromagnetic signal while said switch is open, and wherein energy stored in said resonant circuit is discharged via said switch while said switch is closed, to thereby increase energy transfer from said electromagnetic signal.
-
346. The apparatus of claim 342, wherein said resonant circuit is configured to appear as high impedance to a first range of frequencies including a frequency of said electromagnetic signal, and configured to appear as a low impedance to a second range of frequencies including a frequency of said output signal, such that passage of components of said electromagnetic signal in said first range of frequencies is impeded through said resonant circuit, and such that passage of components of said electromagnetic signal in said second range of frequencies is not so impeded through said resonant circuit.
-
347. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said storage device is a capacitive device, wherein:
-
said capacitive device has a capacitance, a first charged state, a second charged state, and a discharge rate; said first charged state corresponds to a charge on said capacitive device at the end of each pulse in said plurality of pulses; said second charged state corresponds to a charge on said capacitive device at the beginning of a subsequent pulse in said plurality of pulses; said discharge rate is a function of said capacitance of said capacitive device, said discharge rate being a rate at which said first charged state changes to said second charged state; and a ratio of said second charged state to said first charged state is a charged ratio.
-
-
348. The apparatus of claim 347, wherein said capacitance of said capacitive device is such that said discharge rate results in said charged ratio being small.
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23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said transmitting subsystem further comprises:
-
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25. A method of communicating, comprising the steps of:
-
(1) shaping an oscillating signal to create a string of pulses that is a function of said oscillating signal; (2) gating a reference signal at a rate that is a function of said string of pulses to create a periodic signal having a plurality of harmonics, said reference signal being a function of an information signal, and at least one of said plurality of harmonics being a desired harmonic; and (3) outputting said periodic signal, said periodic signal having an amplitude that is a function of said reference signal. - View Dependent Claims (26, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374)
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26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of:
(4) isolating said desired harmonic from said periodic signal.
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349. The method of claim 25, wherein said string of pulses has a control pulse width, wherein said desired harmonic has a desired period, wherein the ratio of the control pulse width to the desired period is a shaping ratio, and wherein step (1) further comprises the step of:
regulating the control pulse width so that the shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m", where "m" is any integer.
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350. The method of claim 349, wherein the regulating step comprises:
regulating the control pulse width so that the shaping ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
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351. The method of claim 349, wherein said shaping ratio is greater than 0.5.
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352. The method of claim 349, wherein "m" is any odd integer.
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353. The method of claim 25, wherein said string of pulses has a control frequency, a control pulse width, and a control period, said control period being the inverse of said control frequency;
- wherein said desired harmonic has a desired frequency and a desired period, said desired period being the inverse of said desired frequency;
wherein said desired frequency is substantially equal to "n" times said control frequency, where "n" is a desired integer;
wherein the ratio of said control pulse width to said control period is a control ratio; and
wherein step (1) further comprises the step of;regulating the control pulse width so that the control ratio is substantially equal to or less than one-half of "m" divided by "n", where "m" is any integer.
- wherein said desired harmonic has a desired frequency and a desired period, said desired period being the inverse of said desired frequency;
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354. The method of claim 353, wherein the regulating step comprises:
regulating the control pulse width so that the control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.5.
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355. The method of claim 353, wherein the regulating step comprises:
regulating the control pulse width so that the control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.1.
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356. The method of claim 353, wherein the regulating step comprises:
regulating the control pulse width so that the control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.05.
-
357. The method of claim 353, wherein the regulating step comprises:
regulating the control pulse width so that the control ratio is substantially equal to or less than 0.01.
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358. The method of claim 353, wherein said control ratio is greater than 0.5.
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359. The method of claim 353, wherein "m" is any odd integer.
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360. The method of claim 25, wherein step (2) comprises:
gating a reference signal at a rate that is a function of said string of pulses to create a periodic signal having a plurality of harmonics, said reference signal being a function of an analog information signal, and at least one of said plurality of harmonics being a desired harmonic.
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361. The method of claim 25, wherein step (2) comprises:
gating a reference signal at a rate that is a function of said string of pulses to create a periodic signal having a plurality of harmonics, said reference signal being a function of a digital information signal, and at least one of said plurality of harmonics being a desired harmonic.
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362. The method of claim 25, wherein said gating step is performed by an electromechanical device.
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363. The method of claim 25, wherein said gating step is performed by an electronic device.
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364. The method of claim 363, wherein said electronic device is a semiconductor device.
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365. The method of claim 364, wherein said semiconductor device is a transistor.
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366. The method of claim 365, wherein said transistor is a field effect transistor.
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367. The method of claim 366, wherein said field effect transistor is a gallium arsenide field effect transistor.
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368. The method of claim 366, wherein said field effect transistor is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor.
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369. The method of claim 25, wherein said plurality of harmonics are harmonics of the fundamental frequency of said periodic signal.
-
370. The method of claim 25, wherein:
-
said reference signal is gated at a rate that is a function of a control signal, said control signal having a control frequency, wherein said periodic signal has a periodic signal pulse width, "PW(periodic signal)," and a periodic signal amplitude, "A(periodic signal)," said periodic signal amplitude being a function of said reference signal;
wherein said desired harmonic has a desired frequency, "F(desired)," and a desired amplitude, "A(desired);
"whereby the ratio of "A(desired)" to "A(periodic signal)" is substantially equal to;
space="preserve" listing-type="equation">{[2·
F(control)]/[π
·
F(desired)]}·
{sin[π
.multidot.F(desired)·
PW(periodic signal)]}.
-
-
371. The method of claim 25, wherein:
-
said reference signal is gated at a rate that is a function of a control signal, said control signal having a control frequency, "F(control)," a control period, "T(control)," and a control pulse width, "PW(control)," said control period being the inverse of said control frequency;
wherein said periodic signal has a periodic signal frequency, "F(periodic signal)," a periodic signal period, "T(periodic signal)," a periodic signal pulse width, "PW(periodic signal)," and a periodic signal amplitude, "A(periodic signal)," said periodic signal period being the inverse of said periodic signal frequency and said periodic signal amplitude being a function of said reference signal;
wherein said desired harmonic has a desired frequency, "F(desired)," a desired period, "T(desired)," and a desired amplitude, "A(desired)," said desired period being the inverse of said desired frequency;
wherein said desired frequency is substantially equal to "n" times said control frequency, where "n" is a desired integer, wherein the ratio of said desired amplitude to said periodic signal amplitude is an amplitude ratio, "AR;
"whereby;
space="preserve" listing-type="equation">AR=[2/(π
·
n)]·
sin{π
·
n·
[PW(periodic signal)/T(control)]}.
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372. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of filtering said periodic signal with a filter, said filter being centered at a frequency other than the frequency of said oscillating signal.
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373. The method of claim 25, wherein
said plurality of harmonics has a harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said gating determine said harmonic content. -
374. The method of claim 26, wherein
said plurality of harmonics has a harmonic content, and wherein the characteristics of said gating determine said harmonic content; - and
further comprising the step of filtering said periodic signal with a filter, said filter being centered at a frequency other than the frequency of said oscillating signal.
- and
-
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of:
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Specification
- Resources
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Current AssigneeParkerVision, Inc.
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Original AssigneeParkerVision, Inc.
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InventorsCook, Robert W., Bultman, Michael J., Sorrells, David F., Moses, Charley D. Jr., Looke, Richard C.
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Primary Examiner(s)Eisenzopf, Reinhard J.
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Assistant Examiner(s)Bhattacharya, Sam
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Application NumberUS09/176,154Time in Patent Office636 DaysField of Search455/115, 455/103, 455/102, 455/118, 455/126, 455/127, 455/129, 455/295, 375/285, 375/346, 375/350, 327/103, 327/124, 327/143US Class Current455/118CPC Class CodesH03C 1/62 Modulators in which amplitu...H03D 7/00 Transference of modulation ...H04B 7/12 Frequency diversity