Coaxial Cable Multiplexor for Precision Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current measurement setups require re-cabling for high frequency and low frequency precision measurements, increasing testing time and uncertainty.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial cable multiplexor with switch paths and characteristic impedance configurations allows for the same cables to be used for both high frequency and low frequency measurements, utilizing electromagnetic and solid-state switches to maintain impedance and guard against leakage currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate cabling is used for high frequency and low frequency measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and testing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multiplexor system where a single coaxial cable infrastructure serves dual purposes: high frequency measurements and low frequency precision measurements. The multiplexor switch matrix routes signals from common cable connections to different measurement inputs, eliminating the need for separate cabling setups while maintaining measurement precision through proper signal routing and impedance matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexor acts as an intermediary device between the common cable connections and the measurement instruments. It provides impedance matching networks and switching mechanisms that allow a single cable system to interface properly with both high frequency and low frequency measurement equipment, resolving the contradiction between cable simplicity and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If re-cabling is performed for different frequency measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-configured with a multiplexor and switch matrix that can rapidly reconfigure signal paths between different inputs and outputs. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for physical re-cabling, as the electronic switching can redirect signals between high frequency and low frequency measurement modes instantaneously, maintaining precision while eliminating time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexor system provides dynamic signal routing capability, allowing the measurement setup to adapt between different frequency ranges electronically rather than physically. The switch matrix can change connection configurations on-demand, enabling the system to transition between measurement types without manual intervention or time-consuming re-cabling operations.
3Device complexity
If a single cable system is used for both frequency ranges, then device complexity decreases, but signal integrity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexor system applies different impedance matching and signal conditioning characteristics to different signal paths within the same cable infrastructure. High frequency paths receive appropriate impedance matching networks, while low frequency paths receive guarding and leakage compensation, ensuring signal integrity is maintained for each frequency range despite using a common cable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes electrical parameters such as impedance matching values, guarding voltages, and switching configurations based on the selected measurement mode. When switching between high frequency and low frequency measurements, the multiplexor adjusts these parameters to optimize signal integrity for the current frequency range, preventing deterioration despite using a single cable system.
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
Minimizes re-cabling needs, enabling efficient and precise measurements across frequency ranges while maintaining signal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the first input conductive path being adjacent to the first switch path and being operable to provide the output characteristic impedance between the first input conductive path and the first switch path for signal frequencies that produce transmission line characteristics
Implementation Method 2
the third switch path being adjacent the second switch path and being operable to guard the second switch path when the third switch path is provided with a guard voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A multiplexor includes an output having a characteristic impedance; a first input having a characteristic impedance equal to the output characteristic impedance; a second input; a first switch path including a first switch operable to connect/disconnect the first input center conductor and the output center conductor; a first input conductive path adjacent to the first switch path and being operable to provide the output characteristic impedance; a second switch path including a second switch operable to connect/disconnect the second input first signal conductor and the output center conductor; and a third switch path including a third switch operable to connect/disconnect the second input second signal conductor and the output intermediate conductor, the third switch path being operable to guard the second switch path when the third switch path is provided with a guard voltage.