Hewlett-Packard Company

Lee D Cosart, Iii

David C Chu

Luiz Peregrino

Atul Tambe

Nancy W Nelson

Eric M Ingman

Method and apparatus for determining a generalized harmonic number in a harominic heterodyne converter wherein the frequency of an input signal is determined from a local oscillator frequency, an intermediate frequency obtained by mixing the local oscillator frequency with the input signal, and a harmonic number. The likelihood of error in determining harmonic number is reduced by providing a large separation between local oscillator frequencies that are used in determining harmonic number. The method involves the steps of determining an estimated harmonic number utilizing closely-spaced local oscillator frequencies and then utilizing the estimated harmonic number to compute widely-spaced local oscillator frequencies which are utilized for determining a corrected generalized harmonic number. One variation of the technique is utilized for high harmonic numbers, and another variation of the technique is utilized for low harmonic numbers.

Method for harmonic number determination in a microwave frequency counter

A method of digitally controlling the gate for a timing counter, to open and close the gate based on the occurrence of signal events, rather than on the envelope of the pulse. In a particular embodiment, a digital divider controls the gate, so that, when a pulse burst of RF is encountered, the gate opens on the second signal event. The divider can be programmed to close the gate any number of signal events later. Measurements are taken for an integral number of signal events, while counting time events from a precision clock. A series of measurements can be taken with various integral numbers of signal events for frequency profiling. By incrementing the digital divider from n to n+1 signal events for successive measurements, and subtracting the results, very narrow gates are effectively generated which move through the pulse cycle by cycle for frequency profiling. Because the opening of the gate is triggered by the IF events themselves, the gate is reliably and accurately positioned with respect to the pulse, and is unaffected by jitter in the pulse repetition interval.

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Palo Alto, CA, United States of America

Lee D Cosart, Iii