The LIA conditions the signal from the homodyne receiver for digitization by the
analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The LIA consists of a mixer, a low-pass filter
(LPF), and a comparator. Design of the LIA is nearly complete. Overall, the LIA progress
is on schedule except for the unexpected delay due to the defective mixer. Michael and
Bo are working together to design, test, and implement the LIA.
The mixer produces the locked-in signal with additional high-frequency
harmonics. After evaluating many standalone mixers, hybrid couplers, and phase shifters,
we found an evaluation board (AD8333) containing everything we needed in one package.
We tested the board by applying two frequencies at the inputs of the board. The measured
results we obtained were alarming as the board did not function as we expected. We
suspected that the board was defective, so we returned the board to Digi-Key for further
analysis. Digi-Key has confirmed that the board was defective. A replacement board has
now arrived so we will be able to get back on schedule.
After the mixer, the LPF removes any remaining harmonics or distortion. We
determined that it would be easier and cheaper to build our own active second order
Sallen-Key LPF. By creating our own filter, we can control circuit parameters with
greater ease than with a manufactured filter. We tested our designed filter using a
breadboard, a signal generator, and an oscilloscope. The filter worked exactly as planned
and it has been included in our preliminary PCB design.
The comparator generates a phase-locked square wave from a reference sine wave.
Initially, we tested a number of different operational amplifiers in a bi-stable
multivibrator configuration, which yielded marginally acceptable results consisting of
ringing and distortion in the output waveform. We later discovered that operating an
operational amplifier near the rail voltages typically exhibits non-ideal characteristics.
The solution to these non-ideal characteristics was to use a comparator chip, which was
designed to be driven with high current in order to provide a fast and desirable response.