Digital IQ Triggering with Independent Detection and Acquisition

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital triggering systems for data processing are limited by their dependency on shared signal processing parameters between trigger and acquisition channels, which restricts the ability to identify and acquire data based on different signal processing parameters, such as time and frequency domains.

Innovation Solution

A digital triggering system comprising two independent digital signal processors connected via a trigger signal, where the first processor identifies trigger events using one signal processing parameter and triggers the second processor to acquire data using a different parameter, allowing for independent signal processing parameters for triggering and acquisition, including time and frequency domains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the same signal processing parameters are used for both trigger channel and acquisition channel, then the system structure is simplified and easier to implement, but the ability to identify and acquire data based on different signal processing parameters (such as time and frequency domains) is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to identify and acquire data based on different signal processing parametersVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the signal processing functionality into separate trigger channel and acquisition channel, each with independent digital signal processors that can operate with different signal processing parameters. This segmentation allows the trigger channel to process signals with one parameter (e.g., frequency) while the acquisition channel uses a different parameter (e.g., time), thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The digital signal processors are designed to be multi-functional, capable of performing various signal processing operations with different parameters. The trigger generator and acquisition channel both receive IQ data and can independently select their own signal processing parameters, making the system universally applicable to different triggering and acquisition requirements without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If real-time capable hardware is used across the entire bandwidth for data acquisition, then data acquisition capability is improved, but hardware costs and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata acquisition capabilityVSAvoidhardware requirements and costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring real-time capable hardware across the entire bandwidth, the system applies partial action by using real-time processing only where necessary (in the trigger channel for specific parameters) while allowing non-real-time processing in the acquisition channel. This selective approach maintains data acquisition capability for critical functions while reducing hardware requirements and costs for the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3605113B1Digital triggering system as well as method for processing data
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3605113B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3605113B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A digital triggering system (10) for processing data relating to a signal received is described, with an analog-to-digital converter (12), an IQ data source (14) providing IQ data, a first digital signal processor (16), and at least a second digital signal processor (22). Said first digital signal processor (16) is connected with said IQ data source (14) via a first signal path (20). Said second digital signal processor (22) is connected with said IQ data source (14) via a second signal path (24). Said first digital signal processor (16) has at least a first signal processing parameter. Said second digital signal processor (22) has at least a second signal processing parameter. Said first signal processing parameter and said second signal processing parameter are independent from each other. Said first digital signal processor (16) generates a trigger signal based upon a characteristic of the IQ data obtained from said IQ data source (14). Said first digital signal processor (16) triggers said second digital signal processor (22) via said trigger signal to acquire IQ data obtained from said IQ data source (14). Further, a method for processing data is described.