Calibration Module High-Frequency Signal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing calibration methods for network analyzers require a separate control line for connecting calibration standards, which complicates the process and increases effort, especially when the device under test and calibration module are far from the network analyzer, necessitating frequent reconnection of the control line.
Innovation Solution
A method that transmits information about the calibration standard to be used without a separate control line by modulating a high-frequency signal through an existing line, using techniques like binary amplitude-shift keying, and detecting this information at the calibration module to control the connection of reflecting or non-reflecting standards, thereby reducing complexity and effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a separate control line is used to connect calibration standards to the network analyser, then the calibration process can be controlled, but the device complexity and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control signal transmission and calibration standard connection functions into a single existing high-frequency line. The control unit modulates calibration standard identification information onto the high-frequency signal that already traverses this line, eliminating the need for a separate control line and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automated calibration control.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing high-frequency line, originally used only for calibration signal transmission, is given a dual function by superimposing control information onto it. This allows the same physical line to serve both as the calibration signal carrier and as the control communication channel, thereby reducing the number of required connections and simplifying the calibration module architecture.
2Extent of automation
If a separate control line is used for calibration, then control information can be transmitted, but the effort and time for reconnection increase when devices are positioned at large distances
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the control information transmission onto the existing high-frequency line, the patent eliminates the need for separate control line connections. This means that when the calibration module is positioned at a distance from the network analyser, the control information can be transmitted through the already-established high-frequency connection without requiring additional reconnection operations, thereby saving time and effort.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple calibration standards are connected sequentially, then comprehensive calibration can be performed, but the calibration process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is pre-programmed with the sequence of calibration standards to be connected. Instead of manually selecting and connecting multiple standards, the control unit automatically executes the predetermined sequence by modulating the appropriate calibration standard identification information onto the high-frequency signal, thereby achieving comprehensive calibration with reduced process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration module performs self-controlled calibration by using the high-frequency line to communicate calibration standard selection information back to the network analyser. The control unit automatically manages the sequential connection of multiple calibration standards based on pre-stored calibration sequences, eliminating the need for external manual intervention and simplifying the overall calibration process.
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
This approach simplifies the calibration process by eliminating the need for an additional control line, reducing effort, and allowing for controlled connection of calibration standards without the need for reconnection, enhancing the efficiency of the calibration module.
Implementation Method 1
the high-frequency signal with this information is linked in the network analyser
Implementation Method 2
this information is detected from the high-frequency signal received at the high-frequency port of the calibration module
Data Source
AI summary
A method according to the present disclosure for the controlled connection of a calibration standard in an associated calibration module to a port to be calibrated of a network analyzer connects the port to be calibrated of the network analyzer to a high-frequency port of the calibration module. It transmits a high-frequency signal generated in the network analyzer with an information signalling the calibration standard to be used to the high-frequency port of the calibration module. Within the calibration module, the information signalling the calibration standard to be used is detected from the high-frequency signal received in the calibration module, and the calibration standard to be used is connected to the high-frequency port of the calibration module by a control unit integrated in the calibration module.