Cable Interference Detection via Wireless Noise Floor Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting poorly constructed or damaged cables in computer-based systems are either destructive, require specialized equipment, or are not suitable for use at the point of use, leading to interference with wireless communications channels.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that determines the noise floor and noise power associated with a wired communications channel to classify the cable, allowing for non-destructive testing at the point of use without specialized equipment, using a wireless test application to measure and compare noise levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If disassembly technique is used to identify poorly constructed or damaged cables, then cable integrity can be determined, but the cable is destroyed and rendered unfit for use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical disassembly approach with an electromagnetic field-based measurement system. A measurement device emits electromagnetic signals through the cable and analyzes the reflected or transmitted signals to detect cable defects, eliminating the need for physical disassembly while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement device that acts as a mediator between the cable and the detection process. This device sends test signals through the cable and analyzes the response, allowing indirect assessment of cable integrity without direct physical inspection or disassembly.
2Measurement precision
If test equipment such as TDR or spectrum analyzer is used to test cables, then cable quality can be determined, but expensive specialized equipment and trained technicians are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, specialized test equipment with a simple, inexpensive measurement device that can be easily deployed. The device uses basic electromagnetic signal transmission and reception principles that do not require complex instrumentation, making it accessible for routine cable testing without needing laboratory-grade equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement device is designed to be self-contained and easy to operate, eliminating the need for trained technicians or complex setup procedures. The device automatically performs measurements and provides results, making cable testing accessible to ordinary users without specialized knowledge.
3Measurement precision
If traditional cable testing methods are used, then cable defects can be identified, but the testing cannot be performed at the point of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions cable testing from a laboratory or workshop setting to the actual point of use by deploying a portable measurement device. This spatial dimensionality change allows testing to occur in the field, at installation sites, or wherever the cable is being used, rather than requiring transport to a specialized testing facility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables unsophisticated users to identify and address cable interference effectively, ensuring wireless communications channels are not compromised by radiated emissions from low-quality or damaged cables, without destroying the cable or needing expensive test equipment.
Implementation Method 1
data transmitted over the wired communications channel may generate radiated emissions in the form of radio frequency (RF) noise that interferes with data transmitted over the wireless communications channel
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include techniques for detecting a poor-quality cable associated with a wired communications channel that is causing noise that interferes with a wireless communications channel. The techniques are directed towards a test that a processor performs when the cable is installed in a user system. A wireless test application, executing on one or more processors of the system, determines a noise floor for the wireless communications channel when the wired communications channel is disabled. The wireless test application determines the noise power for the wireless communications channel when the wired communications channel is enabled, thereby causing interference in the wireless communications channel. The wireless test application compares the noise power to the noise floor in order to determine whether the cable is a high-quality cable or a low-quality cable.