Combining AC Signals Through an Inductor/Resistor Network

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of combining two AC signals that are slightly out of phase using an inductor and resistor series network. Participants explore the implications of phase alignment, voltage output, and potential applications of such a configuration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that it is possible to combine two AC signals without additional circuitry, but caution that the output may not be a pure sine wave.
  • Others argue that using an L-R network for phase correction may result in a loss of voltage, potentially leading to signals that do not maintain the same voltage levels.
  • A participant questions whether inductors and resistors in series can effectively align the phases of two AC signals to allow for voltage addition, noting that there are limits to this approach.
  • One participant provides a specific example involving two 10-volt, 200 MHz signals and suggests using a power splitter/combiner to achieve the desired outcome, including a delay to manage phase differences.
  • Another participant emphasizes that while phase alignment is possible, the output will be phase shifted and that passing signals through such a network generally reduces voltage output.
  • Participants inquire about the characteristics of the signals, including their voltage, frequency, and source, to better understand the context of the discussion.
  • One participant asks about the possibility of adding outputs from two inverters that are in phase and share the same voltage and current characteristics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the effectiveness of using an inductor and resistor network to combine AC signals, as participants express differing views on the outcomes and implications of such configurations. Questions remain regarding the specifics of the signals involved and the methods for achieving desired results.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the assumptions regarding the phase differences and the specific applications for combining the signals. The discussion includes varying frequencies and voltages, which may influence the proposed methods.

Idea04
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Is it possible to combine two AC signals that are slightly out of phase, but have the same frequency, voltage and current through an inductor, resistor series network.
 
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You can combine them anyway, without doing anything. You just might not get a sinewave output.

If you do a phase correction with an L-R network, you will lose some voltage so you may not have signals with the same voltage any more.

If you are thinking about doing this with power generators in parallel, it would be better to get the generators in phase before you connect them in parallel.
 
So can inductors and resistors in series align the phases of two AC signals so they add voltages.
 
If you have two 10-volt, 200 MHz signals on RG-8 cables, and their phase difference is 90 degrees, put them into a power splitter/combiner like this:
http://www.miteq.com/products/viewmodel.php?model=PD2-120/240-200S
See outline at
http://www.miteq.com/products/viewmodel.php?model=PD2-120/240-200S
Put a 1.25 ns delay in one leg. The power output will be the sum power of the two inputs minus 0.35 dB.
Here is some background theory on power combiners:
http://www.highfrequencyelectronics.com/Archives/Jan08/HFE0108_GrebennikovPart2.pdf
Bob S
 
Last edited:
So can inductors and resistors in series align the phases of two AC signals so they add voltages.

Within limits. The output of one such stage will be phase shifted from the input and you could bring it into phase with another signal that is not phase shifted.

However just passing the signal through such a network reduces the voltage output.

Do you have some application in mind? Are these signals sinewaves and at what voltage and frequency?
 
The signals are sine waves at 2 volts and 60 Hz.
 
Is there a constant phase difference between them? How is it caused?
 
Where do the 2 signals come from, and what do you want to do with them?
 
Can i add two inverters's output. so that i could get combined value of both.

The output AC from both is exactly at same phase difference, same voltage, same current etc.

Please reply soon.

Thanks
 

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