Configurable RF System Modular Frontend Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement setups for characterizing devices-under-test (DUTs) require frequent changes of frontends and additional devices, leading to cumbersome and time-consuming processes, as well as repeated calibration efforts.
Innovation Solution
A configurable RF system with a modular design, featuring RF modules with auxiliary ports and bridging elements or extension modules, allowing for reconfiguration and extension of the system to accommodate different measurement requirements without physical changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different frontends and additional devices are used for different measurement types, then measurement capability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal frontend system with a standardized interface that can perform multiple measurement types (S-parameters, noise, linearity, EVM, IQ charts, RF spectra, modulated signals) without requiring different dedicated frontends. The single frontend unit with configurable capabilities replaces multiple specialized devices, reducing setup complexity while maintaining measurement versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The frontend system is divided into modular components including the main frontend unit, optional extension modules, and standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows the system to be configured for different measurement types by connecting appropriate modules rather than using entirely different frontends, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external frontends are swapped or additional devices are connected for new measurements, then measurement versatility is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frontend system incorporates dynamic reconfiguration capabilities through automated module detection and configuration. When extension modules are connected, the system automatically detects them and configures the measurement setup without requiring manual intervention or time-consuming reconfiguration procedures, thus maintaining versatility while reducing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-detection and self-configuration of connected extension modules. The frontend automatically identifies the type of module connected and configures the appropriate measurement parameters and signal paths without user intervention, eliminating the time loss associated with manual setup changes while maintaining measurement versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the measurement setup is changed for new measurements, then adaptability is improved, but calibration effort and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frontend system performs preliminary calibration routines automatically when extension modules are detected and connected. The system pre-configures calibration parameters and executes calibration sequences before measurements begin, eliminating the need for manual calibration efforts when changing measurement setups while maintaining adaptability to different measurement types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated feedback mechanisms that monitor the connected configuration and trigger appropriate calibration routines. When the system detects a change in the measurement setup through feedback from connected modules, it automatically initiates the necessary calibration procedures, reducing calibration effort while maintaining measurement accuracy and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to configurable radio frequency, RF, system. The RF system comprises: a first RF module which comprises a signal path and an RF port; wherein the RF port is arranged for being connected to a further RF module or to a device-under-test, DUT; wherein the first RF module further comprises at least a first and a second auxiliary port which are accessible from outside the first RF module; wherein the first and the second auxiliary port are arranged for being connected to each other via: a first bridging element or a first extension module of the configurable RF system; and wherein the signal path is connected to the RF port and passes through: the first auxiliary port, the first bridging element or the first extension module, and the second auxiliary port.