Envelope Generation Algorithm for Burst Signal Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional signal acquisition and display apparatuses, such as oscilloscopes, generate envelopes based on multiple signal acquisitions, which can be inconsistent due to anomalies, leading to loss of information about errors or anomalies in the signal.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that generate a signal envelope from a single burst signal, allowing users to select the type of envelope and interpolation mode, determining local maxima and minima to create a consistent envelope for accurate timing information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple signal acquisitions are used to generate envelopes, then the envelope provides statistical information about signal variations, but anomalies in individual samples cause inconsistent envelopes and loss of timing information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the envelope generation process into two distinct modes: traditional multi-acquisition mode for statistical analysis, and new single-burst mode for precise timing information. This segmentation allows users to select the appropriate mode based on whether they need statistical reliability or timing accuracy, resolving the contradiction by providing separate solutions for each requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple acquisitions to filter out anomalies (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using a single anomaly-free burst signal to generate the envelope. This inversion eliminates the problem of anomaly-induced inconsistency while preserving timing information, as the single acquisition is processed without being averaged with other potentially anomalous samples.
2Measurement precision
If multiple signal samples are averaged to generate envelopes, then random noise is reduced, but timing information about specific events is lost due to phase variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting and flagging anomalies in the signal before envelope generation. This preliminary anomaly detection allows the system to identify and exclude corrupted samples from the averaging process, or to use only the clean portion of the signal, thereby maintaining both noise reduction benefits and timing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through continuous monitoring of signal quality metrics during the acquisition process. When anomalies are detected, the system provides feedback to adjust the envelope generation process, such as weighting certain samples more heavily or excluding others, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving timing information from anomaly-free portions of the signal.
3Reliability
If a predetermined number of signal samples are used to generate envelopes, then the envelope reflects overall signal characteristics, but the system requires complex multi-acquisition processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of sample usage from requiring multiple predetermined samples to utilizing a single burst signal with sufficient time-resolution samples. This parameter change simplifies the acquisition process while maintaining reliable signal characterization, as the single high-resolution burst contains all necessary information without requiring complex multi-acquisition averaging.
Data Source
AI summary
A time domain measurement method and apparatus are provided. The method comprises the steps of acquiring a burst signal and determining a plurality of min/max values of the burst signal. The determined min values are connected to generate a lower floor outline. The determined max values are connected to generate an upper roof outline. The burst signal is displayed along with the lower and upper outlines.