Measurement device allowing simultaneous multi-channel broadband acquisition

Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring device allowing simultaneous multi-channel broadband acquisition. A measurement device for performing measurements on a device under test is provided. The measurement device includes a plurality of measurement channels for measuring an input signal having a repetitive characteristic in at least one sub-band. In this case, the plurality of measurement channels are configured to have phase and time coherency therebetween. Furthermore, the measurement device is configured to perform simultaneous acquisition by means of a plurality of measurement channels, such that a respective sequence of simultaneous acquisition comprises at least one repeating sub-band in one of the plurality of measurement channels, where at least one further measurement channel of the plurality of measurement channels propagates in frequency and / or switches the DUT channels, such that the respective sequence of simultaneous acquisition comprises at least one repeating sub-band in one of the plurality of measurement channels. In particular, for expanding the corresponding bandwidth and / or the number of measurable DUT channels. Further, the measurement device is configured to align the simultaneous acquisitions in time and / or phase using at least one repeating sub-band and / or a repeating sub-band common between the simultaneous acquisitions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a measurement apparatus that allows for simultaneous, and particularly nearly simultaneous, multi-channel broadband acquisition. Specifically, the invention relates to a multi-channel measurement apparatus for performing measurements on a device under test (DUT) having one or more channels, wherein each channel may have a bandwidth wider than the bandwidth supported by the measurement apparatus. Furthermore, the number of channels in the measurement apparatus may be significantly less than the number of channels in the DUT. Background Technology

[0002] Generally speaking, with the increasing number of wireless communication applications and the increasing number of devices with single or multiple outputs (such as phased array antennas with front ends), there is a growing demand for measurement devices that allow simultaneous multi-channel broadband acquisition to measure these single-output or multi-output devices, thereby verifying the correct operation of the application in a highly accurate and efficient manner. In this case, not only can the output channels of multiple devices under test be measured with fewer measurement channels, but the bandwidth of each channel can also be wider than the bandwidth supported by the measurement device.

[0003] For example, prior art document US10,164,670B2 discloses methods and systems for capturing and digitizing multiple time-domain acquisitions of repetitive signals at different center frequencies using a single receiving device (such as a single vector signal analyzer (VSA)) to create a single time-domain waveform with a bandwidth greater than the acquisition bandwidth of the receiving device. Specifically, one or more signal processing paths process multiple digitized acquisitions of the repetitive signal sequentially or in parallel, such that the processed acquisitions are aggregated into one or more repetitive representations of the repetitive signal.

[0004] Disadvantages include the fact that while the methods and systems described above can create a single time-domain waveform with a bandwidth greater than the acquisition bandwidth of the receiving device using a single receiving device, they do not allow for simultaneous multi-channel broadband acquisition.

[0005] A further disadvantage is that repetitive signal components must exist in the overlapping sub-bands of all adjacent acquisition frequency bands. If the corresponding signal has gaps in one of the overlapping sub-bands, the methods and systems described in the prior art will fail. For example, the methods and systems cannot handle signals with discontinuous spectra. Summary of the Invention

[0006] There is a need to provide measurement equipment that allows simultaneous, especially near-simultaneous, multi-channel broadband acquisition, thereby enabling particularly accurate and efficient measurements, where each channel can have a bandwidth wider than that supported by the measurement equipment, and the number of channels of the measurement equipment can be significantly less than the number of channels of the device under test.

[0007] This is achieved through the embodiments provided in this application. Advantageous implementations of the invention are further defined in this application.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, a measurement apparatus is provided for performing measurements on a device under test (DUT). The measurement apparatus includes a plurality of measurement channels for measuring an input signal having repetitive characteristics in at least one sub-band of at least one DUT channel. In this configuration, the plurality of measurement channels are configured to have phase and temporal coherence among the plurality of measurement channels. Furthermore, the measurement apparatus is configured to perform simultaneous acquisition by means of the plurality of measurement channels, such that a corresponding sequence of the simultaneous acquisitions includes at least one repetitive sub-band of one of the plurality of measurement channels, wherein at least one additional measurement channel among the plurality of measurement channels propagates and / or switches the DUT channel in frequency, particularly to extend the corresponding bandwidth and / or the number of measurable DUT channels. Moreover, the measurement apparatus is configured to align the simultaneous acquisitions in time and / or phase using the at least one repetitive sub-band and / or a repetitive sub-band shared between the simultaneous acquisitions.

[0009] Advantageously, it enables particularly accurate and efficient measurements, where each channel can have a wider bandwidth than the bandwidth supported by the measuring device, and the number of channels of the measuring device can be significantly less than the number of channels of the device under test.

[0010] Furthermore, advantageously, (virtual) single-shot acquisition of one or more DUT channels can be achieved, where each channel can have a very wide or even arbitrary acquisition bandwidth. It should be noted that (virtual) multi-channel acquisition with arbitrary bandwidth for each input channel or DUT channel can be achieved. It should also be noted that the aforementioned term "arbitrary bandwidth" can be understood in particular as an infinite bandwidth or virtual infinite bandwidth.

[0011] Regarding the aforementioned multiple measurement channels, it should be noted that the multiple measurement channels can also be understood as internal measurement channels or internal acquisition channels of the measuring device. Therefore, the measuring device may include a single input or a single input channel, which may be specifically routed to connect to multiple measurement channels, preferably multiple measurement channels within the measuring device. Alternatively, the measuring device may include multiple inputs or multiple input channels, which may be specifically routed to connect to multiple measurement channels, preferably multiple measurement channels within the measuring device.

[0012] Regarding the aforementioned input signal, it should be noted that it can be particularly advantageous if the input signal has a discontinuous spectrum. Therefore, it can be particularly advantageous if the aforementioned input signal, which has repetitive characteristics in at least one sub-band of at least one DUT channel, is an input signal with both discontinuous spectrum and repetitive characteristics in at least one sub-band of at least one DUT channel. In this case, it should be noted that the discontinuous spectrum can be understood in particular as the input signal having gaps in one or more sub-bands, especially overlapping sub-bands, particularly in frequency.

[0013] According to one implementation of the first aspect of the invention, the measuring device is configured to perform inter-channel synchronization, particularly for multiple measuring channels. Alternatively, the measuring device is configured to perform inter-acquisition synchronization, particularly for simultaneous and / or subsequent acquisitions. Advantageously, for example, coherent channels can be implemented efficiently. Further advantageously, spectral bonding and / or I / Q bonding can be implemented in a particularly efficient manner.

[0014] Regarding the aforementioned inter-channel synchronization, it should be noted that it can be particularly advantageous if the inter-channel synchronization includes achieving corresponding phase coherence and / or achieving corresponding time synchronization and / or correcting corresponding levels. Additionally or alternatively, the inter-channel synchronization can be performed only once, preferably before the corresponding measurement begins.

[0015] Furthermore, regarding the aforementioned inter-acquisition synchronization, it should be noted that it is particularly advantageous if the inter-acquisition synchronization is performed only once, preferably before the start of the corresponding measurement, especially while maintaining the corresponding timing and phase coherence, or if the inter-acquisition synchronization is performed at each corresponding acquisition.

[0016] According to another implementation of the first aspect of the invention, the simultaneous acquisition includes simultaneous in-phase / orthogonal (I / Q) data acquisition. Alternatively, the repetitive characteristic includes a periodic characteristic. Advantageously, for example, complexity can be reduced, thereby improving efficiency.

[0017] According to another implementation of the first aspect of the invention, the measuring device is configured to perform cross-correlation and / or averaging and / or combination operations on the simultaneous acquisitions, particularly in corresponding subsequent acquisitions. Advantageously, for example, efficiency can be further improved.

[0018] According to another implementation of the first aspect of the invention, the measuring device includes at least one filter, in particular a filter bank, for filtering the simultaneous acquisition and / or for dividing the simultaneous acquisition into corresponding sub-bands. Advantageously, for example, complexity can be reduced, thereby reducing inefficiency.

[0019] According to another implementation of the first aspect of the invention, the measuring device is connected to and / or can be connected to a branching and / or switching matrix, particularly for mapping corresponding DUT channels to the plurality of measurement channels, preferably at certain acquisition times. Advantageously, for example, by means of the branching and / or switching matrix, particularly its branching portion, simultaneous measurement of the same channel in two or more measurement channels can be efficiently achieved. Further advantageously, by means of the branching and / or switching matrix, particularly its switching portion, cyclical passage through all output channels of the DUT can be efficiently achieved.

[0020] According to another implementation of the first aspect of the invention, the measuring device includes the branching and / or switching matrix. Alternatively or in addition, the measuring device is configured to perform de-embedding of the branching and / or switching matrix. Advantageously, for example, the effects of the branching and / or switching matrix can be compensated for in a particularly effective manner.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the invention, a measurement apparatus is provided for performing measurements on a device under test (DUT). The measurement apparatus includes a plurality of measurement channels for measuring an input signal having repetitive characteristics in at least one sub-band. In this case, the plurality of measurement channels are configured to have phase and temporal coherence among the plurality of measurement channels. Furthermore, the measurement apparatus is configured to perform simultaneous acquisition by means of the plurality of measurement channels, such that a corresponding sequence of the simultaneous acquisitions includes at least one repetitive sub-band from one of the plurality of measurement channels, wherein at least one additional measurement channel among the plurality of measurement channels propagates in frequency, particularly to extend the corresponding bandwidth. Moreover, the measurement apparatus is configured to align the simultaneous acquisitions in time and / or phase using the at least one repetitive sub-band and / or a repetitive sub-band shared between the simultaneous acquisitions.

[0022] Advantageously, it enables particularly accurate and efficient measurements, where each channel can have a wider bandwidth than the bandwidth supported by the measuring device, and the number of channels of the measuring device can be significantly less than the number of channels of the device under test.

[0023] Furthermore, advantageously, (virtual) single-shot acquisition of one or more DUT channels can be achieved, where each channel can have a very wide or even arbitrary acquisition bandwidth. It should be noted that (virtual) multi-channel acquisition with arbitrary bandwidth for each input channel or DUT channel can be achieved. It should also be noted that the aforementioned term "arbitrary bandwidth" can be understood in particular as an infinite bandwidth or virtual infinite bandwidth.

[0024] Regarding the aforementioned input signal, it should be noted that it can be particularly advantageous if the input signal has a discontinuous spectrum. Therefore, it can be particularly advantageous if the aforementioned input signal, which has repetitive characteristics in at least one sub-band of at least one DUT channel, is an input signal with both discontinuous spectrum and repetitive characteristics in at least one sub-band of at least one DUT channel. In this case, it should be noted that the discontinuous spectrum can be understood in particular as the input signal having gaps in one or more sub-bands, especially overlapping sub-bands, particularly in frequency.

[0025] According to one implementation of the second aspect of the invention, the measuring device is configured to perform inter-channel synchronization, particularly for multiple measuring channels. Alternatively, the measuring device is configured to perform inter-acquisition synchronization, particularly for simultaneous and / or subsequent acquisitions. Advantageously, for example, coherent channels can be implemented efficiently. Further advantageously, spectral bonding and / or I / Q bonding can be implemented in a particularly efficient manner.

[0026] According to another implementation of the second aspect of the invention, the simultaneous acquisition includes simultaneous in-phase / orthogonal (I / Q) data acquisition. Alternatively, the repetitive characteristic includes a periodic characteristic. Advantageously, for example, complexity can be reduced, thereby improving efficiency.

[0027] According to another implementation of the second aspect of the invention, the measuring device is configured to perform cross-correlation and / or averaging and / or combination operations on the simultaneous acquisitions, particularly in corresponding subsequent acquisitions. Advantageously, for example, efficiency can be further improved.

[0028] According to another implementation of the second aspect of the invention, the measuring device includes at least one filter, in particular a filter bank, for filtering the simultaneous acquisition and / or for dividing the simultaneous acquisition into corresponding sub-bands. Advantageously, for example, complexity can be reduced, thereby reducing inefficiency.

[0029] According to another implementation of the second aspect of the invention, the measuring device is connected to and / or can be connected to a branching and / or switching matrix, particularly for mapping corresponding DUT channels to the plurality of measurement channels, preferably at certain acquisition times. Advantageously, for example, by means of the branching and / or switching matrix, particularly its branching portion, simultaneous measurement of the same channel in two measurement channels can be efficiently achieved. Further advantageously, by means of the branching and / or switching matrix, particularly its switching portion, cyclical passage through all output channels of the DUT can be efficiently achieved.

[0030] Regarding the aforementioned branching and / or switching matrix, it should be noted that the branching and / or switching matrix can be, in particular, an external branching and / or switching matrix of the measuring equipment. Therefore, the branching and / or switching matrix and the measuring equipment do not necessarily share a common housing.

[0031] According to another implementation of the second aspect of the invention, the measuring device includes the branching and / or switching matrix. Alternatively or in addition, the measuring device is configured to perform de-embedding of the branching and / or switching matrix. Advantageously, for example, the effects of the branching and / or switching matrix can be compensated for in a particularly effective manner.

[0032] Similarly, regarding the branching and / or switching matrix, it should be noted that the branching and / or switching matrix can in particular be a branching and / or switching matrix inside the measuring device. Therefore, the branching and / or switching matrix and the measuring device can share a common housing.

[0033] It should also be noted that a portion of the branching and / or switching matrix may be located outside the measuring device, while another portion may be located inside the measuring device. Therefore, a portion of the branching and / or switching matrix and the measuring device may not share a common housing, while the other portion of the branching and / or switching matrix and the measuring device may share a common housing.

[0034] According to a third aspect of the invention, a measurement apparatus is provided for performing measurements on a device under test (DUT). The measurement apparatus includes a plurality of measurement channels for measuring an input signal having repetitive characteristics in at least one sub-band. In this case, the plurality of measurement channels are configured to have phase and temporal coherence among the plurality of measurement channels. Furthermore, the measurement apparatus is configured to perform simultaneous acquisition by means of the plurality of measurement channels, such that a corresponding sequence of the simultaneous acquisitions includes at least one repetitive sub-band from one of the plurality of measurement channels, wherein at least one additional measurement channel from the plurality of measurement channels propagates in at least one DUT channel, particularly to expand the corresponding number of measurable DUT channels. Moreover, the measurement apparatus is configured to align the simultaneous acquisitions in time and / or phase using the at least one repetitive sub-band and / or a repetitive sub-band shared between the simultaneous acquisitions.

[0035] Advantageously, it enables particularly accurate and efficient measurements, where each channel can have a wider bandwidth than the bandwidth supported by the measuring device, and the number of channels of the measuring device can be significantly less than the number of channels of the device under test.

[0036] Furthermore, advantageously, (virtual) single-shot acquisition of one or more DUT channels can be achieved, where each channel can have a very wide or even arbitrary acquisition bandwidth. It should be noted that (virtual) multi-channel acquisition with arbitrary bandwidth for each input channel or DUT channel can be achieved. It should also be noted that the aforementioned term "arbitrary bandwidth" can be understood in particular as an infinite or nearly infinite bandwidth.

[0037] Regarding the aforementioned input signal, it should be noted that it can be particularly advantageous if the input signal has a discontinuous spectrum. Therefore, it can be particularly advantageous if the aforementioned input signal, which has repetitive characteristics in at least one sub-band of at least one DUT channel, is an input signal with both discontinuous spectrum and repetitive characteristics in at least one sub-band of at least one DUT channel. In this case, it should be noted that the discontinuous spectrum can be understood in particular as the input signal having gaps in one or more sub-bands, especially overlapping sub-bands, particularly in frequency.

[0038] According to one implementation of the third aspect of the invention, the measuring device is configured to perform inter-channel synchronization, particularly for multiple measuring channels. Alternatively, the measuring device is configured to perform inter-acquisition synchronization, particularly for the simultaneous acquisition and / or subsequent acquisition. Advantageously, for example, coherent channels can be implemented efficiently. Further advantageously, spectral bonding and / or I / Q bonding can be implemented in a particularly efficient manner.

[0039] According to another implementation of the third aspect of the invention, the simultaneous acquisition includes, or may include, simultaneous in-phase / orthogonal (I / Q) data acquisition. Alternatively, the repetitive characteristic includes, or may include, a periodic characteristic. Advantageously, for example, complexity can be reduced, thereby improving efficiency.

[0040] According to another implementation of the third aspect of the invention, the measuring device is configured to perform cross-correlation and / or averaging and / or combination operations on the simultaneous acquisitions, particularly in corresponding subsequent acquisitions. Advantageously, for example, efficiency can be further improved.

[0041] According to another implementation of the third aspect of the invention, the measuring device includes at least one filter, in particular a filter bank, for filtering the simultaneous acquisition and / or for dividing the simultaneous acquisition into corresponding sub-bands. Advantageously, for example, complexity can be reduced, thereby reducing inefficiency.

[0042] According to another implementation of the third aspect of the invention, the measuring device is connected to and / or can be connected to a branching and / or switching matrix, particularly for mapping corresponding DUT channels to the plurality of measuring channels, preferably at certain acquisition times. Advantageously, for example, by means of the branching and / or switching matrix, particularly its branching portion, simultaneous measurement of the same channel in two measuring channels can be efficiently achieved. Further advantageously, by means of the branching and / or switching matrix, particularly its switching portion, cyclic traversal of all output channels of the DUT can be efficiently achieved.

[0043] According to another implementation of the third aspect of the invention, the measuring device includes the branching and / or switching matrix. Alternatively or in addition, the measuring device is configured to perform de-embedding of the branching and / or switching matrix. Advantageously, for example, the effects of the branching and / or switching matrix can be compensated for in a particularly effective manner.

[0044] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a measurement system, which can be particularly understood as a fourth aspect of the invention. The measurement system includes a measurement device and a DUT according to at least one of the first, second, or third aspects of the invention.

[0045] Regarding the DUT, it should be noted that the DUT may include multiple channels, preferably multiple output channels, more preferably multiple phase-synchronized output channels, and most preferably multiple phase-synchronized RF output channels, multiple phase-synchronized IF output channels, or multiple phase-synchronized baseband output channels. For example, the DUT may include or be a phased array antenna, especially a phased array antenna with a front end.

[0046] It can be particularly advantageous if the number of channels in the DUT is greater than the number of measurement channels in the measuring device. For example, the DUT may include at least four channels. As a further example, the measuring device may include at least two measurement channels, preferably two or three measurement channels.

[0047] Regarding the above-described branching and / or switching matrix according to at least one of the first, second, or third aspects of the present invention, it should be noted that, in particular, instead of measuring devices, the measuring system may include such a branching and / or switching matrix.

[0048] It should also be noted that the measurement system may include at least a portion of the elements contained in a measuring device according to at least one of the first, second, or third aspects of the invention or any implementation thereof, particularly in place of the corresponding implementation of the measuring device. Therefore, in certain cases, a measurement system can be formed by replacing the term "measuring device" with "measuring system".

[0049] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a measurement method for performing measurements on a device under test (DUT), which can be particularly understood as a fifth aspect of the invention. The measurement method includes the following steps:

[0050] - Using multiple measurement channels of a measurement device or system for performing measurements on a DUT, an input signal having repetitive characteristics in at least one sub-band is measured, wherein the multiple measurement channels are configured to have phase and temporal coherence among the multiple measurement channels.

[0051] - Simultaneous acquisition is performed using the plurality of measurement channels, such that the corresponding sequence of the simultaneous acquisition includes at least one repeating sub-band of one of the plurality of measurement channels, wherein at least one additional measurement channel of the plurality of measurement channels propagates and / or switches DUT channels in frequency, particularly to extend the corresponding bandwidth and / or the number of measurable DUT channels, and

[0052] - Using the measuring device or system, the simultaneous acquisitions are aligned in time and / or phase using the at least one repeating sub-band and / or a repeating sub-band shared between the simultaneous acquisitions.

[0053] Regarding the measuring device mentioned in the context of the measurement method, it should be noted that the measuring device can be, in particular, a measuring device according to at least one of the first, second, or third aspects of the invention. In this exemplary case, especially due to the at least one additional measuring channel among the plurality of measuring channels propagating in frequency and / or at least one DUT channel, the measuring device can be a measuring device according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0054] Similarly, regarding the measurement system mentioned in the context of the measurement method, it should be noted that the measurement system can be, in particular, a measurement system based on the above-described measurement system, which can be particularly understood as the fourth aspect of the invention.

[0055] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a computer program having program code for performing at least some or all of the steps of the above-described measurement method. If this program is loaded onto a computer, digital signal processor, measuring device, or measuring system, it can be particularly understood as the fifth aspect of the invention. The computer program can also be particularly understood as the sixth aspect of the invention.

[0056] Regarding the measurement device mentioned in the context of a computer program, it should be noted that the measurement device can be, in particular, a measurement device according to at least one of the first, second, or third aspects of the invention. In this exemplary case, especially since the at least one additional measurement channel among the plurality of measurement channels propagates in frequency and / or at least one DUT channel, the measurement device can be a measurement device according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0057] Similarly, regarding the measurement system mentioned in the context of a computer program, it should be noted that the measurement system can be, in particular, a measurement system based on the above-described measurement system, which can be particularly understood as the fourth aspect of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0058] The above aspects and implementations of the invention will be explained in the following description of specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0059] Figure 1A An exemplary embodiment of a measuring device according to a first, second, or third aspect of the present invention is shown;

[0060] Figure 1B It shows the basis Figure 1A Another exemplary implementation;

[0061] Figure 2 Another exemplary implementation of the measuring device is shown;

[0062] Figure 3 Another exemplary implementation of the measuring device is shown;

[0063] Figure 4 Another exemplary implementation of the measuring device is shown;

[0064] Figure 5A It shows according to Figure 4 A diagram illustrating the corresponding functions of the implementation method;

[0065] Figure 5B It was shown as Figure 5A Examples of multi-channel acquisition results;

[0066] Figure 6A Another exemplary embodiment of the measuring device is shown, and the corresponding working principle of the measuring device is illustrated in conjunction with the figures;

[0067] Figure 6B It was shown as Figure 6A Examples of multi-channel acquisition results;

[0068] Figure 7 An example diagram further illustrating I / Q splicing is shown, as it can be exemplarily constructed by... Figure 6A The measuring equipment performs the operation; and

[0069] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary implementation of the measurement method is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0070] about Figure 1A An exemplary embodiment of a measuring device 10 for measuring a device under test (DUT) 11 is shown. Since each of the measuring devices according to the first, second, and third aspects of the invention has substantially the same structure, according to... Figure 1A The exemplary illustrations can be regarded as measuring devices according to the first, second, or third aspects of the present invention.

[0071] According to each of the first, second, and third aspects of the invention, the measuring device 10 includes a plurality of measuring channels, such as two measuring channels 12a and 12b, for measuring an input signal having repetitive characteristics in at least one sub-band, wherein the plurality of measuring channels or the two measuring channels 12a and 12b are configured to have phase and temporal coherence between the plurality of measuring channels or between the two measuring channels 12a and 12b.

[0072] It should be noted that it can be particularly advantageous if the measuring device 10 is configured to guide the user to complete the corresponding multiple acquisitions and / or to query the user when to connect which DUT output(s) to which measuring device input(s).

[0073] According to a first aspect of the invention, the measuring device 10 is configured to perform simultaneous acquisition by means of a plurality of measuring channels or two measuring channels 12a, 12b, such that the corresponding sequence of simultaneous acquisition includes at least one repeating sub-band of one of the plurality of measuring channels or two measuring channels 12a, 12b, wherein at least one additional measuring channel of the plurality of measuring channels or two measuring channels 12a, 12b propagates in frequency and / or in at least one DUT channel, for example, propagating in at least one of the four DUT channels 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, especially to extend the corresponding bandwidth and / or the number of measurable DUT channels or the four DUT channels 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d.

[0074] Alternatively, according to a second aspect of the invention, the measuring device 10 is configured to perform simultaneous acquisition by means of a plurality of measuring channels or two measuring channels 12a, 12b, such that the corresponding sequence of simultaneous acquisition includes at least one repeating sub-band of one of the plurality of measuring channels or two measuring channels 12a, 12b, wherein at least one additional measuring channel of the plurality of measuring channels or two measuring channels 12a, 12b propagates in frequency, in particular for extending the corresponding bandwidth.

[0075] Alternatively, according to a third aspect of the invention, the measuring device 10 is configured to perform simultaneous acquisition by means of a plurality of measuring channels or two measuring channels 12a, 12b, such that the corresponding sequence of simultaneous acquisition includes at least one repeating subband of one of the plurality of measuring channels or two measuring channels 12a, 12b, wherein at least one additional measuring channel of the plurality of measuring channels or two measuring channels 12a, 12b propagates in at least one DUT channel, exemplary propagating in at least one of four DUT channels 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, particularly to extend the corresponding number of measurable DUT channels or four DUT channels 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d.

[0076] In addition, according to each of the first, second and third aspects of the invention, the measuring device 10 is configured to align the simultaneous acquisitions in time and / or phase using the at least one repeating sub-band and / or repeating sub-bands shared between simultaneous acquisitions.

[0077] It should be noted that it is particularly advantageous if the measuring device 10 is configured to perform inter-channel synchronization, especially for multiple measuring channels or for two measuring channels 12a, 12b. Alternatively, the measuring device 10 can be configured to perform inter-acquisition synchronization, especially for simultaneous and / or subsequent acquisitions.

[0078] It should also be noted that simultaneous acquisition, including or simultaneously acquiring in-phase / quadrature (I / Q) data, can be particularly advantageous. Additionally, or alternatively, repeatability characteristics may include periodicity characteristics.

[0079] Furthermore, it should be noted that it can be particularly advantageous if the measuring device 10 is configured to perform cross-correlation and / or averaging and / or combination operations on simultaneous acquisitions, especially in the corresponding subsequent acquisitions.

[0080] Especially from the perspective of showing based Figure 1A The exemplary measuring device 60 of the measuring device 10 Figure 1B As can be seen, it can be particularly advantageous if the measuring device 60 includes at least one filter 66, in particular a filter bank, for filtering the simultaneous acquisition and / or dividing the simultaneous acquisition into corresponding sub-bands.

[0081] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that Figure 1A and Figure 1B Exemplary embodiments of the measurement system 20 or 70 are also shown. This measurement system 20 or 70 can be particularly understood as the fourth aspect of the invention described above. Figure 1A and Figure 1B Measurement system 20 includes measurement device 10 and DUT 11, while measurement system 70 includes measurement device 60 and DUT 11.

[0082] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the measuring device 10 or 60 is connected to and / or can be connected to a branch and / or switching matrix, especially for mapping the corresponding DUT channels to multiple measuring channels, preferably at certain acquisition times.

[0083] In this case, it should be noted that it may be particularly advantageous if measuring device 10 or measuring device 60 is configured to perform de-embedding operations of the branch and / or switching matrix.

[0084] From another exemplary embodiment of the measuring device 30 for measuring the DUT 31, it is shown that... Figure 2 As can be seen by example, it can be particularly advantageous if the measuring device 30 includes such a branching and / or switching matrix.

[0085] In particular, according to Figure 2 In this exemplary case, the measuring device 30 or the branch and / or switch matrix includes a branch 34 and a switch 35. For example, as shown in the figure, the branch 34 is configured to provide an input signal at two outputs. Furthermore, the switch 35 is exemplary configured to switch the corresponding signals at the four inputs to one output.

[0086] like Figure 2 Furthermore, the measuring device 30 exemplarily includes two measuring channels, labeled "A" and "B", such as the two measuring channels 12a and 12b of the measuring device 10 or measuring device 60 described above. Additionally, the DUT 31 exemplarily includes four DUT channels, labeled "V", "W", "X", and "Y", for example... Figure 1A or Figure 1B The above-mentioned DUT 11 has four DUT channels 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d.

[0087] Regarding measuring device 30, it should be noted that its corresponding functions are the same as or substantially the same as those of measuring devices 10 or 60 mentioned above.

[0088] Similarly, regarding the measuring device 30 or the splitter 34 and switch 35 of the splitting and / or switching matrix, it should be noted that the splitter 34 provides one DUT channel (e.g., DUT channel "V") to one measuring channel (e.g., measuring channel "A") and one input of the switch 35. Furthermore, the remaining DUT channels (e.g., DUT channels "W", "X", "Y") are provided to the remaining inputs of the switch 35. The output of the switch 35 is exemplarily provided to the remaining measuring channels (e.g., measuring channel "B").

[0089] Therefore, it can be particularly advantageous to provide one of the DUT channels (e.g., DUT channel "V") to a measurement channel (e.g., measurement channel "A"). Furthermore, it can be particularly advantageous in this case to provide all DUT channels (e.g., DUT channels "V", "W", "X", "Y") to at least one other measurement channel (e.g., measurement channel "B") in a switching manner, and / or to provide the remaining DUT channels (e.g., DUT channels "W", "X", "Y") to at least one other measurement channel in a switching manner.

[0090] In other words, it can be particularly advantageous if the aforementioned branching and / or switching matrix is ​​configured to provide one of the DUT channels to the measurement channel. Additionally or alternatively, it can be particularly advantageous if the aforementioned branching and / or switching matrix is ​​configured to provide all DUT channels to at least one remaining measurement channel, especially in a switching and / or cyclic manner, and / or to provide the remaining DUT channels to at least one remaining measurement channel, especially in a switching or cyclic manner.

[0091] Regarding the aforementioned switch 35, it should also be noted that it can be particularly advantageous if the switch 35 is configured to cycle through all DUT channels, such as DUT channels “V”, “W”, “X”, and “Y”.

[0092] Now, about Figure 3 This describes another exemplary embodiment of the measuring device 40. The measuring device 40 is similar to that described above. Figure 2 The difference of the measuring device 30 is particularly that the measuring device 40 or the branch and / or switching matrix includes four branch circuit breakers 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d and two switches 45a, 45b, instead of the aforementioned branch circuit 34 and switch 35.

[0093] For example, each of the four splitters 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d is configured in the same manner as splitter 34 described above. Therefore, one input of such a splitter is provided to both outputs, or the input is transmitted to each of the two outputs, particularly simultaneously. Figure 3 As can be seen, one splitter is provided for each DUT channel. In other words, in this exemplary case, the number of splitters is equal to the number of DUT channels.

[0094] Further exemplarily, each of the two switches 45a and 45b is configured in the same manner as the switch 35 described above. Therefore, the corresponding signals from the four input terminals of such a switch are provided to or transmitted to one output terminal of such a switch in a switching and / or cyclical manner. Regarding the aforementioned term "provided to," it should be noted that throughout the invention, the term "provided to" can be particularly understood as "transmitted to." Therefore, corresponding parts (where one part's signal is provided to or transmitted to another part) can particularly include connections between them.

[0095] from Figure 3 It can also be seen that the first output terminal of each of the splitters 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d is exemplarily connected to the corresponding input terminal of the first switch 45a, while the second output terminal of each of the splitters 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d is exemplarily connected to the corresponding input terminal of the second switch 45b.

[0096] Therefore, it can be particularly advantageous if the above-mentioned branching and / or switching matrix is ​​configured to provide each DUT channel to each measurement channel, or to transmit each DUT channel to each measurement channel, especially in a switching and / or cyclic manner.

[0097] Generally speaking, regarding the basis Figure 3 In implementing the measurement device 40, it should be noted that for each DUT channel, especially in the case of corresponding phase drift of the DUT channel, it may be particularly advantageous if the measurement device includes a splitter or a split portion of a splitting and / or switching matrix.

[0098] Generally speaking, regarding the basis Figure 2In implementing the measuring device 30, it should be noted that for a single DUT channel, especially for DUT channels with phase coherent signals having the same repeatability and / or periodicity, it may be particularly advantageous if the measuring device includes a splitter or a splitting portion of a splitting and / or switching matrix.

[0099] Now, about Figure 4 This illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the measuring device 50. The measuring device 50 is similar to the one described above. Figure 3 The difference between the measuring device 40 and the measuring device 50 is particularly that the measuring device 50 also includes a third measuring channel marked "C". Furthermore, the second switch 45b of the measuring device 40 has been replaced by a switch 55. The switch 55 is configured such that corresponding signals from its three input terminals are provided to or transmitted to its output terminal, particularly in a switching and / or cyclic manner.

[0100] From the above Figure 4 It can also be seen that one DUT channel (e.g., DUT channel "V") is provided to one measurement channel (e.g., measurement channel "A") in the measurement channels, especially by means of one of the splitters (e.g., splitter 44a). Furthermore, all DUT channels (e.g., DUT channels "V", "W", "X", "Y") are provided to another measurement channel (e.g., measurement channel "B") in the measurement channels, especially in a switching and / or cyclic manner, preferably by means of all the splitters (e.g., splitters 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d) and one of the switches (e.g., switch 45a). In addition, the remaining DUT channels, especially those other than the one DUT channel that is only provided to one measurement channel (e.g., DUT channels “W”, “X”, “Y”), are provided to another measurement channel (e.g., measurement channel “C”) in the measurement channels, especially in a switching and / or cyclic manner, preferably by means of the remaining splitters (e.g., splitters 44b, 44c, 44d) and another switch (e.g., switch 55) in the switches.

[0101] Therefore, it is particularly advantageous if the aforementioned branching and / or switching matrix is ​​configured to provide / transmit one DUT channel to a measurement channel. Additionally or alternatively, it is particularly advantageous if the aforementioned branching and / or switching matrix is ​​configured to provide / transmit all DUT channels to at least one remaining measurement channel, preferably to another measurement channel, especially in a switching and / or cyclic manner, and / or to provide / transmit the remaining DUT channels, especially those other than the one provided / transmitted to a measurement channel, to at least one remaining measurement channel, preferably to yet another measurement channel, especially in a switching and / or cyclic manner.

[0102] In addition, according to Figure 4 The corresponding functions of the measuring device 50 are achieved by means of Figure 5A The diagram shown (especially) Figure 5A One possible switching mode of the measuring device 50 shown) and according to Figure 5B (Exemplary multi-channel acquisition results generated by one possible switching mode of the diagram or measuring device 50) are illustrated by way of example.

[0103] As described above, the measuring device 50 includes three measuring channels, such as measuring channels "A", "B", and "C". According to... Figure 5A Defining three measurement frequency bands can be particularly advantageous: a first measurement frequency band, especially a global reference frequency band, which preferably always uses one of the measurement channels, such as measurement channel "A"; a second measurement frequency band, especially a local reference band and / or a current channel reference frequency band, which preferably always uses another measurement channel, such as measurement channel "B"; and a third measurement frequency band, especially a stepped and / or switched measurement frequency band, which preferably uses the other measurement channel and / or yet another measurement channel, such as measurement channels "B" and / or "C".

[0104] In addition, according to Figure 5A and Figure 5B It should be noted that, especially in order to obtain more multi-channel acquisition data, acquisition modes ACQ#1 to #8 can preferably be repeated.

[0105] For the sake of completeness, it should also be noted that, according to Figure 5A or Figure 5B The diagram can be adjusted accordingly to be similarly applicable to measuring devices with two or more measuring channels.

[0106] Similarly, regarding Figure 4Regarding the measuring device 50, it should also be noted that it can be particularly advantageous if the measuring device 50 is configured to compare and measure the non-ideal phases of at least two measuring channels, such as the non-ideal phases of measuring channel "W" and measuring channel "V". In this case, it can be particularly advantageous if the measuring device 50 is configured to display the non-ideal phases as measurement results.

[0107] Furthermore, it should be noted that it can be particularly advantageous if the measuring device 50 is configured to perform I / Q splicing and / or spectral bonding and / or I / Q bonding, especially in cases where the corresponding components overlap. Figure 5A or Figure 5B It can be seen that components "A1", "B1", and "B2" overlap. Therefore, measuring device 50 exemplarily performs I / Q stitching on said components "A1", "B1", and "B2". By analogy, from Figure 5A or Figure 5B It can also be seen that the measuring device 50 performs I / Q splicing on components “B3”, “C3”, “C4”, “B5”, “C5”, “C6”, and “B7”, “C7”, “C8”, by way of example.

[0108] also, Figure 5A or Figure 5B This indicates that, according to Figure 4 The measurement device 50 allows for (almost) simultaneous multi-channel unlimited acquisition bandwidth, where each channel can have a wider bandwidth than the bandwidth supported by the corresponding measurement hardware or measurement device 50.

[0109] Advantageously, it should be noted that this can be achieved regardless of the presence or absence of an external trigger signal (e.g., at the start of the corresponding signal period). It should also be noted that if an external trigger signal is available or provided, it can be particularly advantageous, especially for accelerating measurements, preferably by reducing the corresponding acquisition time and / or making the corresponding alignment or cutting operations of the acquisition cheaper and / or simpler.

[0110] Now, about Figure 6A This paper illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a measurement device 80 for performing measurements, particularly I / Q data acquisition, on a device under test (DUT) 61, and explains the corresponding operating principle of the measurement device 80 in conjunction with the figures. It should be noted that the figures particularly illustrate simultaneous multi-channel acquisition. Therefore, the measurement device 80 is specifically configured to perform simultaneous multi-channel acquisition.

[0111] From the above Figure 6AAs can be seen, the measurement device 80 can be exemplarily a signal analyzer, including two RF input channels, namely channel A and channel B. Furthermore, the DUT 61 exemplarily includes four output channels, specifically four RF output channels, namely channel V, channel W, channel X, and channel Y.

[0112] Regarding the measurement device 80 or signal analyzer, it should be noted that the measurement device 80 or the signal analyzer may include more than two exemplary RF input channels A and B. Furthermore, the DUT 61 may include more than four exemplary output channels V, W, X, and Y. Advantageously, the measurement device 80 or signal analyzer can measure such a multi-output channel DUT with more output channels almost synchronously. Further advantageously, especially by means of input signals with repetitive, e.g., periodic characteristics, a series of phase-coherent 2-channel I / Q data acquisitions can be reassembled into (virtual) multi-channel I / Q data acquisitions. Further multi-channel analysis can then be performed. As another advantage, it should be noted that the measurement device 80 or signal analyzer can even be used to perform measurements on machine learning air interfaces, especially end-to-end machine learning air interfaces, or DUTs including such interfaces.

[0113] For example, using switches, outputs and inputs can be routed according to I / Q data acquisition. The measuring device 80 is capable of simultaneous two-channel acquisition. It should be noted that it is particularly advantageous if the measuring device 80 is configured to perform time- and / or phase-coherent measurements, preferably time- and / or phase-coherent data acquisition, more preferably time- and / or phase-coherent I / Q data acquisition, and most preferably time- and phase-coherent I / Q data acquisition. Especially in this case, the local oscillator and / or analog-to-digital converter of the measuring device can preferably be synchronized. Advantageously, the measuring device 80 can operate with or without external triggering (e.g., external triggering at the start of the corresponding signal cycle).

[0114] from Figure 6A It can also be seen from the above that the Figure 6A The above diagram illustrates the sequence of two-channel acquisitions and how to route them accordingly, particularly routing the corresponding DUT output channels to the corresponding measurement device input channels. Based on... Figure 6A In the exemplary case, after the third and sixth acquisitions, all channels were acquired once, thus allowing for reconstruction into a multi-channel acquisition, as shown in the corresponding reconstruction results. Figure 6B As shown in the example.

[0115] Furthermore, it should be noted that repetitive signals, especially periodic signals, are exemplarily present at DUT 61, particularly at least at DUT output channel V. It should also be noted that it can be particularly advantageous if the measurement device 80 is configured to perform inter-channel synchronization. Therefore, especially if simultaneous multi-channel acquisition is performed, such as simultaneous two-channel acquisition, the corresponding local oscillators and / or analog-to-digital converters of the measurement paths (e.g., two measurement paths) can preferably be synchronized, particularly in terms of phase and time coherence.

[0116] Regarding the inter-channel synchronization, according to Figure 6A and Figure 6B It should be noted that inter-channel synchronization can be understood, in particular, as synchronization at time t. i Simultaneous phase coherent acquisition of channels A and B. Therefore, as... Figure 6A As can be seen from the example, each A i and B i They are synchronized in the sense of synchronization between these channels.

[0117] Furthermore, it can be particularly advantageous if the measuring device 80 is configured to perform inter-acquisition synchronization. Therefore, the measuring device 80 can preferably be configured to perform correlation analysis and / or alignment operations on corresponding acquisitions that differ in time, especially by utilizing the repeatability or periodicity of the signal or input signal.

[0118] Regarding the aforementioned inter-acquisition synchronization, according to Figure 6A and Figure 6B It should be noted that synchronization between acquisitions can be understood in particular in the following way, for example, A i and A i+1 Synchronization is preferably achieved in terms of time and phase, for example, through correlation analysis, especially by using the aforementioned repetitive or periodic signal characteristics.

[0119] about Figure 6B Especially in its first row (result #1), it should be noted that B1 is, for example, synchronized with A1, B2 is, for example, synchronized with A2, A1 is synchronized with A2 through correlation analysis, and B2 is, for example, synchronized with both A1 and B1. For completeness, it should also be noted that in this case, Figure 6B It is not explicitly shown that the corresponding individual acquisitions were cut and synchronized before being combined.

[0120] It should also be noted that using an external trigger signal, especially at the beginning of repetitive or periodic signals, can be particularly advantageous. Advantageously, less data needs to be collected, and the overall measurement time can be faster.

[0121] Regarding the aforementioned repetitive, such as periodic, signals or input signals, it should be noted that, according to Figure 6AIn an exemplary implementation, the signal or input signal must be present at least at the output channel V of the DUT 61.

[0122] Furthermore, as mentioned above, Figure 6A This basically shows how to route the corresponding DUT output channels to the corresponding measurement device input channels. However, Figure 6A Switches or switching matrices are not explicitly depicted separately. It should be noted that the measuring device 80 can be connected to the DUT 61 via a two-to-four port switching matrix. For example, the measuring device 80 may include this two-to-four port switching matrix. Therefore, the two-to-four port switching matrix can be external or internal relative to the housing of the measuring device 80.

[0123] To further illustrate, by adding more levels of external and / or internal switches or switching matrices, it can be expanded to measure a large number of DUT output channels. Advantageously, through the cascading operation of switches or switching matrices, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) DUTs or large-scale MIMO DUTs can be measured.

[0124] For example, to measure a large-scale MIMO DUT with 16 channels, the first stage may include a two-to-four-port switching matrix, wherein the measurement device may preferably include the first stage or the two-to-four-port switching array, and the second stage may include three one-to-five-port switching arrays, wherein the second stage or the three one-to-five-port switching matrices may preferably be located outside the housing of the measurement device. In this case, one of the 16 DUT channels may be connected to the two-to-four-port switching matrix (on the four-port side), while the remaining 15 DUT channels may be connected to the three one-to-five-port switching matrices (each on the five-port side). Furthermore, each of the three one-to-five-port switching matrices (on the corresponding one-port side) may be connected to the two-to-four-port switching matrix (on the four-port side). It should be noted that it may be particularly advantageous if the measurement device includes a switch controller configured to control the first stage or the two-to-four-port switching matrix, and each of the second stage or the three one-to-five-port switching matrices.

[0125] Similarly, regarding the measuring device 80, it should be noted that it can be particularly advantageous if the measuring device 80 is configured to perform continuous measurements. It should also be noted that it can be particularly advantageous if the measuring device 80 is configured preferably to perform averaging, especially exponential averaging or rolling averaging, based on the performance of continuous measurements. Advantageously, multi-channel acquisitions can be output after each acquisition or sub-acquisition, which enables continuous tracking of the corresponding signal or signal changes.

[0126] In view of the above Figure 6A The diagram in particular illustrates simultaneous multi-channel acquisition. Figure 7 The illustration specifically shows (almost) unlimited acquisition, which can be exemplarily demonstrated by... Figure 6A The measuring device 80 is used for execution. (According to...) Figure 4 The measuring equipment 50 is similar, according to Figure 6A The measurement device 80 can perform I / Q splicing and / or spectral bonding and / or I / Q bonding, especially for achieving this unlimited acquisition. Figure 7 The diagrams described above particularly illustrate this I / Q splicing. Advantageously, the measurement device 80 uses the same measurement hardware to support (almost) unlimited acquisition bandwidth without requiring the development of new hardware. In other words, the measurement device 80 can (almost) infinitely expand its I / Q acquisition bandwidth, thereby overcoming the limited bandwidth of the corresponding acquisition hardware.

[0127] Similarly, regarding signals or input signals with repetitive, such as periodic, characteristics, it should be noted that these signals or input signals can include continuous or discontinuous spectrum, such as frequency-hopping radar signals, signals in carrier aggregation cases (e.g., signals in 5G or satellite applications), or multi-carrier signals. Advantageously, the repetitive or periodic signal characteristics need only exist in a single (even narrow) sub-band.

[0128] Similarly, regarding the measuring device 80, it should be noted that the measuring device 80 is particularly capable of performing phase and time synchronization acquisition in two channels A and B. Exemplarily, especially according to... Figure 7 The first channel A collects the corresponding first frequency band, that is, the frequency band where the signal has repetitive or periodic characteristics. The second channel B is used to gradually traverse the remaining bandwidth until the required wide acquisition bandwidth is covered.

[0129] As described above, the Figure 7 An example of two parallel channels, A and B, operating in continuous measurement mode is shown. Once all sub-bands have been acquired once, they can be stitched together to obtain the first recombined broadband acquisition. Then, the next round begins with acquisitions of A4, B4, etc., until B6 becomes available, at which point the second recombined broadband acquisition can be obtained, and so on.

[0130] As also mentioned above, especially in the case of (almost) unlimited acquisition, it should be noted that it can be particularly advantageous to perform the corresponding measurements by synchronous acquisition in two (or more) channels, especially radio frequency channels, and especially by phase and / or time synchronous acquisition. The first channel can preferably acquire a first frequency band in which the signal has repetitive or periodicity. The second channel (or at least one additional channel) can preferably be used to progressively traverse the remaining bandwidth until the desired wide acquisition bandwidth is covered.

[0131] It should also be noted that it is particularly advantageous if the duration of the corresponding acquisition, especially in the untriggered case, is at least twice the signal period and / or no more than three times the signal period, preferably no more than 2.5 times, more preferably no more than 2.2 times, and most preferably no more than 2.1 times. If multiple periods of the signal are required, the total acquisition time can preferably be longer than one period. Advantageously, this additional acquisition period can be used for corresponding correlation analysis and / or alignment operations for subsequent acquisitions, especially in terms of time and / or phase. For example, the synchronicity (coherence) between channels A and B of the measuring device 80 can be exemplarily achieved by a synchronized local oscillator and pre-calibration, which advantageously allows the omission of an external trigger signal.

[0132] However, external triggering, power triggering, correlation triggering, or cross-correlation triggering, especially triggering based on known waveforms, can be used to accelerate the corresponding measurements. Advantageously, if desired, using such external triggering, only fine synchronization, especially time and / or phase alignment, can be performed before splicing occurs. Further advantageously, with external triggering, the duration of a single acquisition can also be reduced, for example, to one cycle plus a few samples at the beginning and end. Therefore, triggering can improve the overall measurement time.

[0133] Regarding the corresponding measuring device that performs (almost) unlimited acquisition as described above, it should be noted that it can be particularly advantageous if the corresponding input mixer of the measuring device is configured to suppress the corresponding image frequency band of the input mixer.

[0134] Furthermore, especially in the case of repetitive and / or non-periodic signals, it should be noted that it can be particularly advantageous if the corresponding measuring device is configured to average and / or combine multiple acquisitions, especially multiple recombinant acquisitions, such that at least one non-repetitive portion or each non-repetitive portion of the signal disappears and / or decays, and / or the repetitive portion of the signal remains.

[0135] Regarding the aforementioned non-triggered or non-triggered situations, it should be noted that, especially as an alternative to such non-triggered situations, it can be particularly advantageous to use a heartbeat trigger, wherein the corresponding period of the heartbeat trigger is continuously adjusted, particularly by means of the corresponding detected period start point.

[0136] Similarly, regarding the basis Figure 6A 80 measuring devices, especially according to Figure 7The first channel A can be understood as a reference frequency band. This reference frequency band can be a specific portion having the same bandwidth as required for I / Q stitching, or a sub-band with a smaller bandwidth, particularly useful for faster measurements. Therefore, channel A could even be a sub-band of a single acquisition of channel B, which can advantageously accelerate inter-acquisition synchronization.

[0137] Regarding the reference frequency band, it should be noted that the corresponding position (center frequency) and / or bandwidth of the reference frequency band can be defined by the user or automatically detected by the measuring device 80. Therefore, it can be particularly advantageous if the measuring device 80 is configured to automatically detect the position or center frequency and / or bandwidth of the reference frequency band or the first channel A.

[0138] It should also be noted that the corresponding acquisition bandwidth can be a trade-off between the corresponding maximum possible acquisition bandwidth (especially the acquisition bandwidth of the second channel B, preferably for achieving maximum measurement speed) and a smaller acquisition bandwidth that avoids the corresponding spurious signals of the measuring device 80, preferably for better dynamic performance. Therefore, it can be particularly advantageous if the measuring device 80 is configured to automatically set the corresponding acquisition bandwidth based on the trade-off between the corresponding maximum possible acquisition bandwidth and the smaller acquisition bandwidth that avoids the corresponding spurious signals of the measuring device 80.

[0139] from Figure 7 It can also be seen that the corresponding overlap of the acquisition bands can be used, for example, for corresponding reconstruction. Advantageously, the overlap is not necessary, nor is it used for corresponding synchronization and / or correlation analysis. However, especially in the case of measurement device 80, it can be particularly advantageous if overlapping bands or additional overlapping bands are provided for corresponding synchronization.

[0140] at last, Figure 8A flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a measurement method for performing measurements on a device under test (DUT) (such as one of DUTs 11, 31, and 61 described above) is shown. The first step 101 includes measuring an input signal having repetitive characteristics in at least one sub-band using multiple measurement channels of a measurement device (e.g., one of measurement devices 10, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 80 described above) or a measurement system (e.g., one of measurement systems 20 and 70 described above) for performing measurements on the DUT. These multiple measurement channels are configured to have phase and temporal coherence among themselves. The second step 102 includes performing simultaneous acquisition using the multiple measurement channels, such that the corresponding sequence of simultaneous acquisitions includes at least one repetitive sub-band from one of the multiple measurement channels, wherein at least one additional measurement channel among the multiple measurement channels propagates in frequency and / or in at least one DUT channel, particularly to extend the corresponding bandwidth and / or the number of measurable DUT channels. Furthermore, the third step 103 includes: using a measuring device or measuring system to align the simultaneous acquisitions in time and / or phase using the at least one repeating sub-band and / or a repeating sub-band shared between the simultaneous acquisitions.

[0141] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only and not limitation. Many modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention, based on the disclosure herein. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the invention should be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0142] Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, that feature may be combined with one or more other features of other implementations where desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

1. A measuring device (10) for performing measurements on a device under test (DUT) (11), the measuring device comprising: Multiple measurement channels are used to measure input signals with repetitive characteristics in at least one sub-band of at least one channel of the DUT (11). The plurality of measurement channels are configured to have phase and temporal coherence among them. The measuring device (10) is configured to perform simultaneous acquisition via the plurality of measuring channels, such that the corresponding sequence of the simultaneous acquisition includes at least one repeating sub-band of one of the plurality of measuring channels, wherein at least one additional measuring channel of the plurality of measuring channels propagates and / or switches the DUT (11) channel in frequency, particularly to extend the corresponding bandwidth and / or the number of measurable DUT channels, and The measuring device (10) is configured to align the simultaneous acquisitions in time and / or phase using the at least one repeating sub-band and / or repeating sub-bands shared between the simultaneous acquisitions.

2. The measuring device according to claim 1, in, The measuring device (10) is configured to perform inter-channel synchronization, particularly for the plurality of measuring channels, and / or The measuring device (10) is configured to perform inter-acquisition synchronization, particularly for the simultaneous acquisition and / or subsequent acquisition.

3. The measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, in, The simultaneous acquisition includes, or simultaneously acquires in-phase / orthogonal data, and / or The repeatability characteristic includes or is a periodic characteristic.

4. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The measuring device (10) is configured to perform cross-correlation and / or averaging and / or combination operations on the simultaneous acquisitions, especially in the corresponding subsequent acquisitions.

5. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, The measuring device (10) includes at least one filter, in particular a filter bank, for filtering the simultaneous acquisition and / or for dividing the simultaneous acquisition into a plurality of corresponding sub-bands.

6. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in, The measuring device (10) is connected to and / or can be connected to a branch and / or switching matrix, particularly for mapping corresponding DUT (11) channels to the plurality of measuring channels, preferably at certain acquisition times. Preferably, the measuring device includes the branch and / or switching matrix, and / or Preferably, the measuring device is configured to perform de-embedding of the branching and / or switching matrix.

7. A measurement method for performing measurements on a device under test (DUT) (11), comprising the following steps: - Using multiple measurement channels of a measurement device or measurement system for performing measurements on the DUT(11), an input signal having repetitive characteristics in at least one sub-band is measured, the multiple measurement channels being configured to have phase and temporal coherence among the multiple measurement channels. - Simultaneous acquisition is performed using the plurality of measurement channels, such that the corresponding sequence of the simultaneous acquisition includes at least one repeating sub-band of one of the plurality of measurement channels, wherein at least one additional measurement channel of the plurality of measurement channels propagates and / or switches DUT channels in frequency, particularly to extend the corresponding bandwidth and / or the number of measurable DUT channels, and - By means of the measuring device or the measuring system, the simultaneous acquisitions are aligned in time and / or phase using the at least one repeating sub-band and / or a repeating sub-band shared between the simultaneous acquisitions.

8. A measuring device (10) for performing measurements on a device under test (DUT) (11), the measuring device comprising: Multiple measurement channels are used to measure input signals that have repetitive characteristics in at least one sub-band. The plurality of measurement channels are configured to have phase and temporal coherence among them. The measuring device (10) is configured to perform simultaneous acquisition via the plurality of measuring channels, such that the corresponding sequence of the simultaneous acquisition includes at least one repeating sub-band of one of the plurality of measuring channels, wherein at least one other measuring channel of the plurality of measuring channels propagates in frequency, particularly to extend the corresponding bandwidth, and The measuring device (10) is configured to align the simultaneous acquisitions in time and / or phase using the at least one repeating sub-band and / or a repeating sub-band shared between the simultaneous acquisitions. Preferably, the measuring device (10) is configured to perform inter-channel synchronization, particularly for the plurality of measuring channels, and / or Preferably, the measuring device (10) is configured to perform inter-acquisition synchronization, particularly for the simultaneous acquisition and / or subsequent acquisition.

9. The measuring device according to claim 8, in, The simultaneous acquisition includes, or simultaneously acquires in-phase / orthogonal data, and / or The repeatability characteristic includes or is a periodic characteristic.

10. The measuring device according to claim 8 or 9, in, The measuring device is configured to perform cross-correlation and / or averaging and / or combination operations on the simultaneous acquisitions, especially in the corresponding subsequent acquisitions.

11. The measuring device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, in, The measuring device includes at least one filter, particularly a filter bank, for filtering the simultaneous acquisition and / or for dividing the simultaneous acquisition into multiple corresponding sub-bands.

12. The measuring device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, in, The measuring device is connected to and / or can be connected to a branch and / or switching matrix, particularly for mapping corresponding DUT channels to the plurality of measuring channels, preferably mapping is performed at certain acquisition times. Preferably, the measuring device includes the branch and / or switching matrix, and / or Preferably, the measuring device is configured to perform de-embedding of the branching and / or switching matrix.

13. A measuring apparatus for performing measurements on a device under test (DUT), the measuring apparatus comprising: Multiple measurement channels are used to measure input signals that have repetitive characteristics in at least one sub-band. The plurality of measurement channels are configured to have phase and temporal coherence among them. The measuring device is configured to perform simultaneous acquisition using the plurality of measuring channels, such that the corresponding sequence of the simultaneous acquisition includes at least one repeating sub-band of one of the plurality of measuring channels, wherein at least one additional measuring channel of the plurality of measuring channels propagates in at least one DUT channel, particularly to extend the corresponding number of measurable DUT channels, and The measuring device is configured to align the simultaneous acquisitions in time and / or phase using the at least one repeating sub-band and / or a repeating sub-band shared between the simultaneous acquisitions.

14. The measuring device according to claim 13, in, The measuring device is configured to perform inter-channel synchronization, particularly for the plurality of measuring channels, and / or The measuring device is configured to perform inter-acquisition synchronization, particularly for simultaneous acquisition and / or subsequent acquisition.

15. The measuring device according to claim 13 or 14, in, The simultaneous acquisition includes, or simultaneously acquires in-phase / orthogonal data, and / or The repeatability characteristic includes or is a periodic characteristic.

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