Continuous Multi-Channel Spectrogram Visualization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional test and measurement instruments, such as oscilloscopes, generate discontinuous spectrograms due to time gaps between acquisitions and limited representation of overall signal activity, and they can only display spectrograms for a single input channel, making it difficult to view signal activity over time and multiple channels simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

The development of a test and measurement instrument that produces continuous spectrograms from a single, continuous waveform acquisition, allowing for the visualization of signal activity over time without gaps, and the ability to display multiple channels' spectrograms simultaneously, using techniques like Fast Fourier Transform and Chirp-Z Transform to generate spectrum traces that are then assembled into a single image, with user-controlled display options for relative sizes and channel selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional acquisition methods are used to generate spectrograms, then the instrument can display spectral content, but time gaps between acquisitions create discontinuities and blind periods where signal activity is missed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal activity informationVSAvoidtime gaps between acquisitions

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous waveform acquisition that captures signal activity without interruption, eliminating the time gaps and blind periods inherent in traditional segmented acquisition methods. The spectrogram is generated from this continuous acquisition data, ensuring no signal activity is missed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The continuous waveform acquisition is divided into multiple time slices, with each slice processed to generate a spectrum trace. These traces are then assembled in temporal sequence to form the complete spectrogram, maintaining continuity while enabling processed display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If traditional spectrogram assembly methods are used, then individual spectral traces can be displayed, but the actual time represented is only a small percentage of overall signal activity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral content accuracyVSAvoidoverall signal activity coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument performs continuous waveform acquisition and processes the entire acquired signal to generate all spectrum traces before assembling them into the final spectrogram display. This preliminary processing of all acquired data ensures complete representation of signal activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple spectrum traces generated from different time slices of the continuous acquisition are merged and assembled in temporal sequence to form a comprehensive spectrogram that represents the entire acquired signal duration, not just isolated portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If single-channel acquisition is used, then the instrument can process input signals, but it cannot display spectrograms for multiple input signals simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing simplicityVSAvoidmulti-channel spectrogram capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the spectrogram generation capability to handle multiple input channels simultaneously. Each channel's acquired waveform is processed independently to generate its own spectrogram, allowing the instrument to display multiple channel spectrograms on the same display device without requiring separate instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a channel dimension to the traditional spectrogram display by arranging spectrograms from multiple channels in a two-dimensional grid layout on the display. This spatial arrangement allows simultaneous visualization of multiple channels while maintaining the time-frequency representation of each.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution provides a seamless and comprehensive view of signal activity over time, eliminating gaps in representation and enabling the simultaneous visualization of multiple channels, thereby improving debugging processes by accurately representing signal behavior across all acquired data.

Implementation Method 1

using techniques like Fast Fourier Transform and Chirp-Z Transform to generate spectrum traces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFast Fourier Transform:

Implementation Method 2

using techniques like Fast Fourier Transform and Chirp-Z Transform to generate spectrum traces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChirp-Z Transform:

Data Source

PatentUS20230258692A1Seamless spectrograms in a multi-channel test and measurement instrument

Publication Date: 2023.08.17 TEKTRONIX INC

AI summary

A test and measurement instrument includes a first channel input for accepting a first input signal, a second channel input for accepting a second input signal, a spectrogram processor for producing a first spectrogram from the first input signal and for producing a second spectrogram from the second input signal, and a display for simultaneously showing the first spectrogram and the second spectrogram. Methods are also described.