Method, system, processor and computer readable storage medium of a processor for controlling a digital attenuator in a signal source power calibration

By constructing a power cache table and a calibration record table, and dynamically adjusting the control code value of the digitally controlled attenuator, the problem of excessively long power calibration time in traditional signal sources is solved, a more efficient calibration process is achieved, and production efficiency is improved.

CN116032249BActive Publication Date: 2026-05-08TRANSCOM INSTR
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202211590889.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-12-12
Publication Date
2026-05-08
Estimated Expiration
2042-12-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The traditional method of controlling the digitally controlled attenuator in signal source power calibration results in excessively long calibration times, affecting production efficiency.

Method used

By constructing a power cache table and a calibration record table, and utilizing the communication connection between the control host and the signal source and power meter, the actual output power of the digitally controlled attenuator can be directly obtained or updated, the control code value can be dynamically adjusted, the traversal of invalid control codes can be avoided, and the calibration process can be optimized.

Benefits of technology

This significantly shortened the power calibration time and improved product manufacturing efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of methods for controlling digital attenuator in signal source power calibration, wherein the method comprises the following steps: start control host, signal source, power meter and establish communication connection between each other;Control host sends instruction to signal source, carries out parameter configuration;The power cache table of digital attenuator and power calibration record table are built;The initial code value of digital attenuator is set to obtain the actual output power of signal source;Inquire whether there is cached power record, if yes, directly use, if not, obtain actual output power from the power meter, and the test result is used to update the power cache table of the digital attenuator;The present application also relates to a corresponding device, processor and computer readable storage medium thereof.The signal source power calibration method for controlling digital attenuator, device, processor and computer readable storage medium thereof are used, and the calibration efficiency of signal source power is effectively improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of radio frequency instrumentation technology, and more particularly to the field of power calibration technology. Specifically, it relates to a method, system, processor, and computer-readable storage medium for controlling a digitally controlled attenuator in signal source power calibration. Background Technology

[0002] CNC attenuators are an essential level control tool in signal systems. The total attenuation provides the controllable range of level variation, the step size determines the accuracy of level control, and programmability provides the necessary conditions for automatic system control. In signal source power calibration, the control of the CNC attenuator is a very important factor affecting the power calibration time.

[0003] In traditional signal source power calibration, the digitally controlled attenuator (DCA) must first be calibrated. Different control codes on the DCA correspond to a specific attenuation value. To obtain the accurate attenuation power of the DCA at a specific RF channel and frequency, the control codes must be iterated while simultaneously recording the signal output amplitude, creating a record table. When using the DCA, the required signal strength is generated by looking up the table. With multiple calibration frequencies and RF channels, this DCA control method leads to excessively long signal source power calibration times, impacting production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a method, system, processor and computer-readable storage medium for controlling a digitally controlled attenuator in signal source power calibration that can effectively improve calibration efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the method, system, processor, and computer-readable storage medium for controlling a digitally controlled attenuator in signal source power calibration of the present invention are as follows:

[0006] The method for controlling the digitally controlled attenuator in signal source power calibration is characterized by the following steps:

[0007] (1) Start the control host, signal source, and power meter;

[0008] (2) Establish communication connections between the control host, signal source, and power meter;

[0009] (3) The control host sends instructions to the signal source to configure parameters;

[0010] (4) Construct the power cache table and power calibration record table of the numerically controlled attenuator;

[0011] (5) Set the initial code value of the digitally controlled attenuator to obtain the actual output power of the signal source;

[0012] (6) Check if there is a cached power record. If there is, use it directly. If not, obtain the actual output power from the power meter and use the test result to update the power cache table of the digitally controlled attenuator.

[0013] (7) Determine whether the actual output power meets the requirements. If it does, the calibration is successful and the current power point calibration is completed. If it does not meet the requirements, proceed to step (8).

[0014] (8) Calculate the new numerically controlled attenuator code value and determine whether the new numerically controlled attenuator code value exceeds the range of the numerically controlled attenuator. If it exceeds the range of the numerically controlled attenuator, the current power point calibration is completed and the calibration result fails. If it does not exceed the range of the numerically controlled attenuator, reset the code value of the numerically controlled attenuator and return to step (6).

[0015] (9) Repeat steps (5) to (8) until all power points are calibrated.

[0016] Preferably, step (2) specifically includes:

[0017] Establish an application-layer communication connection between the control host and the signal source;

[0018] Establish an application layer communication connection between the control host and the power meter.

[0019] Preferably, step (3) specifically includes:

[0020] The control host sends instructions to the signal source to configure the data for frequency, channel, and RF link switch.

[0021] The system for controlling the digitally controlled attenuator in the above-described signal source power calibration is characterized in that the system comprises:

[0022] The control host is used to execute a method for controlling a digitally controlled attenuator, including: issuing instructions to a signal source, accessing a power meter to read measured power, and recording power calibration data;

[0023] A power meter, connected to the control host, is used to obtain the output power of the signal source;

[0024] The signal source is connected to the control host and the power meter respectively, and the signal source is a device whose output power is to be calibrated, including a digitally controlled attenuator.

[0025] The device used to control the digitally controlled attenuator in the power calibration of this signal source is characterized by the following:

[0026] A processor is configured to execute computer-executable instructions;

[0027] The memory stores one or more computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, implement the various steps of the method for controlling the numerically controlled attenuator in the signal source power calibration described above.

[0028] The processor used to control the digitally controlled attenuator in the signal source power calibration is characterized in that the processor is configured to execute computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by the processor, implement the various steps of the method for controlling the digitally controlled attenuator in the signal source power calibration described above.

[0029] The computer-readable storage medium is characterized in that it stores a computer program that can be executed by a processor to implement the various steps of the method for controlling the digitally controlled attenuator in the above-described signal source power calibration.

[0030] The method, system, processor, and computer-readable storage medium for controlling the numerically controlled attenuator in the signal source power calibration of this invention, compared with the traditional signal source power calibration method, obtains the actual numerically controlled attenuator control code to be used based on the power point to be calibrated, thereby avoiding the need to measure the output amplitude of some unused control codes due to traversal, thus greatly shortening the power calibration time and effectively improving the production efficiency of the product. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the numerically controlled attenuator control for a single power point according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the system for controlling the digitally controlled attenuator in signal source power calibration according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To more clearly describe the technical content of the present invention, the following description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0034] Before describing the embodiments of the present invention in detail, it should be noted that, in the following, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0035] Please see Figure 1As shown, the method for controlling the digitally controlled attenuator in the power calibration of the signal source includes the following steps:

[0036] (1) Start the control host, signal source, and power meter;

[0037] (2) Establish communication connections between the control host, signal source, and power meter;

[0038] (3) The control host sends instructions to the signal source to configure parameters;

[0039] (4) Construct the power cache table and power calibration record table of the numerically controlled attenuator;

[0040] (5) Set the initial code value of the digitally controlled attenuator to obtain the actual output power of the signal source;

[0041] (6) Check if there is a cached power record. If there is, use it directly. If not, obtain the actual output power from the power meter and use the test result to update the power cache table of the digitally controlled attenuator.

[0042] (7) Determine whether the actual output power meets the requirements. If it does, the calibration is successful and the current power point calibration is completed. If it does not meet the requirements, proceed to step (8).

[0043] (8) Calculate the new numerically controlled attenuator code value and determine whether the new numerically controlled attenuator code value exceeds the range of the numerically controlled attenuator. If it exceeds the range of the numerically controlled attenuator, the current power point calibration is completed and the calibration result fails. If it does not exceed the range of the numerically controlled attenuator, reset the code value of the numerically controlled attenuator and return to step (6).

[0044] (9) Repeat steps (5) to (8) until all power points are calibrated.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, step (2) specifically comprises:

[0046] Establish an application-layer communication connection between the control host and the signal source;

[0047] Establish an application layer communication connection between the control host and the power meter.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, step (3) specifically comprises:

[0049] The control host sends instructions to the signal source to configure the data for frequency, channel, and RF link switch.

[0050] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, a flowchart of the control process for a digitally controlled attenuator at a single power point is provided. For example, the frequency to be calibrated is 1 GHz, the RF system channel is at medium power, the power range to be calibrated is 0 dBm to -30 dBm, each 1 dB represents a power calibration point, the total attenuation of the digitally controlled attenuator is 31.75 dB, the step size is 0.25 dB, the corresponding digitally controlled attenuator code value range is 0 to 127, the power accuracy requirement is ±0.5 dB, and the control method for the digitally controlled attenuator is as follows:

[0051] Step 1: Start the control host, signal source, and power meter;

[0052] Step 2: Establish an application layer communication connection between the control host and the signal source;

[0053] Step 3: Establish an application layer communication connection between the control host and the power meter;

[0054] Step 4: The host computer sends commands to the signal source, sets the frequency to 1GHz, sets the channel to medium power, and turns on the RF link switch, etc.

[0055] Step 5: Construct a power buffer table for the digitally controlled attenuator with a frequency of 1 GHz and a channel of medium power, in the following format:

[0056] CNC attenuator control code (C) <![CDATA[Power (P read )]]>

[0057] Step 6: Construct a power calibration record table with a frequency of 1 GHz and a channel of medium power, in the following format;

[0058]

[0059] Step 7: Begin power calibration sequentially according to the numbers in the power calibration record table; starting from n=0 and continuing until n=30; record the power point P to be calibrated. n ;

[0060] Step 8: Set the initial code value of the digitally controlled attenuator to C. start C start =0; if n>0 and R n-1 If it is True, then C start =C n-1 ;

[0061] Step 9: Obtain the actual output power P of the signal source. read If the power can be found based on the control code of the digitally controlled attenuator, then the value in the table can be used directly as P. read Otherwise, the power is read through a power meter, and the read power value is used as P. read And update the power value read into the power cache table of the digitally controlled attenuator;

[0062] Step 10: Determine if the actual output power meets the requirements; if P read ≥P n -0.5 and P read ≤P n If the value is +0.5, the actual output power meets the requirements. Record the control code of the current digitally controlled attenuator as C. n R n If True, the power point calibration is complete;

[0063] Step 11: If the requirements are not met, calculate the new numerically controlled attenuator code value C. nwe If P read >P n +0.5, then C new =C start +(P read -P n )÷0.25, the result here needs to be rounded down; if P read <P n -0.5, then C new =C start -1; if C new If the code exceeds the range of the digitally controlled attenuator, then R n If the value is False, the power point calibration is complete.

[0064] Step 12: Set the code value of the digitally controlled attenuator to C. new ;

[0065] Step 13: Repeat steps 9, 10, 11, and 12 until the power point calibration is complete;

[0066] Step 14: Repeat steps 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 until all power points are calibrated.

[0067] The system for controlling the digitally controlled attenuator in the above-described signal source power calibration is characterized in that the system comprises:

[0068] The control host is used to execute a method for controlling a digitally controlled attenuator, including: issuing instructions to a signal source, accessing a power meter to read measured power, and recording power calibration data;

[0069] A power meter, connected to the control host, is used to obtain the output power of the signal source;

[0070] The signal source is connected to the control host and the power meter respectively, and the signal source is a device whose output power is to be calibrated, including a digitally controlled attenuator.

[0071] The device used to control the digitally controlled attenuator in the power calibration of this signal source is characterized by the following:

[0072] A processor is configured to execute computer-executable instructions;

[0073] The memory stores one or more computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, implement the various steps of the method for controlling the numerically controlled attenuator in the signal source power calibration described above.

[0074] The processor used to control the digitally controlled attenuator in the signal source power calibration is characterized in that the processor is configured to execute computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by the processor, implement the various steps of the method for controlling the digitally controlled attenuator in the signal source power calibration described above.

[0075] The computer-readable storage medium is characterized in that it stores a computer program that can be executed by a processor to implement the various steps of the method for controlling the digitally controlled attenuator in the above-described signal source power calibration.

[0076] Any process or method description in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing a particular logical function or process, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of the invention includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as will be understood by those skilled in the art to which embodiments of the invention pertain.

[0077] It should be understood that various parts of the present invention can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented using software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution device.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the methods in the above embodiments can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, the program includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiments.

[0079] The storage media mentioned above can be read-only memory, disk, or optical disk, etc.

[0080] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "embodiment," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0081] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

[0082] The method, system, processor, and computer-readable storage medium for controlling the numerically controlled attenuator in the signal source power calibration of this invention, compared with the traditional signal source power calibration method, obtains the actual numerically controlled attenuator control code to be used based on the power point to be calibrated, thereby avoiding the need to measure the output amplitude of some unused control codes due to traversal, thus greatly shortening the power calibration time and effectively improving the production efficiency of the product.

[0083] In this specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the specification and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a digitally controlled attenuator in signal source power calibration, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: (1) Start the control host, signal source, and power meter; (2) Establish communication connections between the control host, signal source, and power meter; (3) The control host sends instructions to the signal source to configure parameters; (4) Construct the power cache table and power calibration record table of the numerically controlled attenuator; (5) Set the initial code value of the digitally controlled attenuator to obtain the actual output power of the signal source; (6) Check if there is a cached power record. If there is, use it directly. If not, obtain the actual output power from the power meter and use the test result to update the power cache table of the digitally controlled attenuator. (7) Determine whether the actual output power meets the requirements. If it does, the calibration is successful and the current power point calibration is completed. If it does not meet the requirements, proceed to step (8). (8) Calculate the new numerically controlled attenuator code value and determine whether the new numerically controlled attenuator code value exceeds the range of the numerically controlled attenuator. If it exceeds the range of the numerically controlled attenuator, the current power point calibration is completed and the calibration result fails. If it does not exceed the range of the numerically controlled attenuator, reset the code value of the numerically controlled attenuator and return to step (6). (9) Repeat steps (5) to (8) until all power points are calibrated.

2. The method for controlling a digitally controlled attenuator in signal source power calibration according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step (2) specifically refers to: Establish an application-layer communication connection between the control host and the signal source; Establish an application layer communication connection between the control host and the power meter.

3. The method for controlling a digitally controlled attenuator in signal source power calibration according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific steps (3) are as follows: The control host sends instructions to the signal source to configure the data for frequency, channel, and RF link switch.

4. A system for controlling a digitally controlled attenuator in the signal source power calibration according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The system includes: The control host is used to execute a method for controlling a digitally controlled attenuator, including: issuing instructions to a signal source, accessing a power meter to read measured power, and recording power calibration data; A power meter, connected to the control host, is used to obtain the output power of the signal source; The signal source is connected to the control host and the power meter respectively, and the signal source is a device whose output power is to be calibrated, including a digitally controlled attenuator.

5. A device for controlling a digitally controlled attenuator in signal source power calibration, characterized in that, The device includes: A processor is configured to execute computer-executable instructions; The memory stores one or more computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the method for controlling a digitally controlled attenuator in the signal source power calibration according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. A processor for controlling a digitally controlled attenuator in signal source power calibration, characterized in that, The processor is configured to execute computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the method for controlling the numerically controlled attenuator in the signal source power calibration according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a computer program that can be executed by a processor to implement the steps of the method for controlling the numerically controlled attenuator in the signal source power calibration of any one of claims 1 to 3.

Citation Information

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