Kevin M McNab

Title: Kevin M McNab: Innovator in Frequency Tracking Technology

Introduction

Kevin M McNab is a notable inventor based in Hawthorne, CA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of frequency tracking technology, holding a total of 5 patents. His work primarily focuses on phase-locked loop systems, which are essential in various communication and signal processing applications.

Latest Patents

One of McNab's latest patents is a phase-locked loop frequency tracking device that includes a direct digital synthesizer. This invention provides tuning over a very large bandwidth, making it suitable for wideband carrier tracking and clock recovery systems. In the first embodiment, a DC signal is formed to represent the phase difference between an input signal and a return signal. This DC signal is then applied to a narrow band voltage-controlled oscillator, which converts it back to an AC signal. The AC signal is level shifted to create a clocking pulse for an accumulator of a direct digital synthesizer. Additionally, a digital command word is applied to the accumulator to represent a coarse tuning of the input frequency, while the clocking pulse supplies fine tuning. In a second embodiment, the DC representative phase signal is applied to an analog-to-digital converter, producing an N-bit word that represents the phase difference. This innovation allows for very wideband tracking with a single phase-locked loop, thus reducing hardware and cost.

Career Highlights

Kevin M McNab has had a distinguished career at Hughes Aircraft Company, where he has been instrumental in developing advanced technologies. His expertise in frequency tracking systems has positioned him as a key figure in the field.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, McNab has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Iradj Shahriary and Victor S Reinhardt. These collaborations have contributed to the advancement of technology in their respective fields.

Conclusion

Kevin M McNab's innovative work in frequency tracking technology has made a significant impact on the industry. His patents reflect his dedication to advancing communication systems and signal processing.