Combinatorial Mask Triggering for Oscilloscope Signal Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional test and measurement instruments lack the ability to combine spatial and time-related aspects for sophisticated triggering modes, particularly in multiple region mask triggering and density triggering in both time and frequency domains.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of combinatorial mask triggering logic that processes input signals in real-time to generate trigger signals based on predefined criteria involving multiple trigger mask regions, spatial relationships, and timing considerations, allowing for complex triggering modes by determining whether pixels or components intersect or dwell within mask regions in both space and time domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional triggering methods are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the ability to combine spatial and time-related aspects for sophisticated triggering modes is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mask is divided into multiple discrete regions, each independently configurable with its own trigger criteria. This segmentation allows complex triggering scenarios to be built from simpler regional components, enhancing versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to traditional spatial mask triggering by implementing time-based criteria such as dwell time requirements and sequential region triggering. This transforms the triggering system from purely spatial evaluation to spatio-temporal evaluation, enabling sophisticated triggering modes that capture transient and sequential events
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mask regions are used, then more sophisticated triggering modes are supported, but the complexity of trigger logic increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple mask regions are defined as separate, independently configurable entities with individual trigger criteria. This segmentation allows the system to evaluate different spatial zones separately and combine results through logical operations, enabling sophisticated triggering without requiring monolithic complex logic
Solution Approach 2:
The system evaluates trigger criteria for each mask region independently and partially, then combines results through logical operations (AND, OR, XOR). This partial evaluation approach allows sophisticated multi-region triggering while maintaining computational efficiency by not requiring full system re-evaluation
3Productivity
If conventional frequency mask triggering is used, then acquisition is continuous, but the ability to trigger based on time-related criteria is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous free-running acquisition while implementing periodic evaluation of time-based trigger criteria across multiple mask regions. This allows the acquisition system to operate continuously for productivity while the trigger logic applies temporal filtering to select relevant events, achieving both continuous operation and time-based triggering capability
Data Source
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AI summary
One or more mask triggers can be configured. Combinatorial mask triggering logic (170) can make various determinations about the relationship between a digitized signal and the one or more mask triggers. The various determinations about the relationship can include considerations of both space and time. When the combinatorial trigger criteria have been satisfied, a trigger signal (150) is generated, and the digital data associated with an incoming signal is stored to memory (115). The combinatorial mask triggering logic can operate on signals in the frequency domain, the time domain, or both.