Digital Spectrum Analyzer Parallel Band Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrum analyzers require excessively long measuring times due to sequential data-acquisition in individual frequency bands, leading to intermittent signal recording and prolonged analysis times.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for digital spectral analysis that allows cyclic, interruption-free data-acquisition and evaluation in each frequency band, using sampling units and ring memories to generate and store sampling sequences specific to each band, enabling parallel data-acquisition and evaluation, and utilizing discrete Fourier transformers for real-time spectral calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential data-acquisition is used for individual frequency bands, then frequency resolution can be adjusted for each band, but total measuring time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency range is divided into multiple frequency bands, each processed by dedicated sampling units and ring memories. This segmentation allows independent optimization of frequency resolution for each band while enabling parallel processing, thus reducing total measuring time compared to sequential analysis of the entire spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a time-domain dimension by implementing cyclic, interruption-free data acquisition that operates simultaneously across multiple frequency bands. This transforms the traditional sequential time-based measurement into a parallel multi-dimensional approach, significantly reducing total measuring time while maintaining frequency resolution.
2Measurement precision
If sequential data-acquisition for individual frequency bands is implemented, then frequency resolution can be optimized per band, but signal recording becomes intermittent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous, interruption-free data acquisition through cyclic sampling that operates simultaneously for all frequency bands. The ring memory structure enables continuous writing of sampled data without gaps, ensuring reliable and continuous signal recording while maintaining optimized frequency resolution for each band.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary sampling and storage of data in ring memories before Fourier analysis is completed. This preliminary action ensures that data is continuously available for processing, eliminating interruptions in signal recording and enabling real-time spectral analysis without gaps.
3Productivity
If parallel data-acquisition and evaluation are implemented, then total measuring time is reduced, but hardware and software complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal ring memory structures and standardized sampling units that can be reused across multiple frequency bands. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated hardware for each band, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measuring speed through parallel processing.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating entirely separate hardware systems for each frequency band, the patent uses copying strategies where identical or similar sampling units and ring memories are replicated and assigned to different bands. This approach achieves parallel processing capability while minimizing hardware complexity through shared design templates and modular architecture.
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 approach significantly reduces the total measuring time by allowing gap-free online data-evaluation and parallel data-acquisition, enabling faster analysis and earlier data display, while also reducing hardware and software costs through efficient sampling unit configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a discrete Fourier transformer (51) which calculates the spectral values (Ai(f)) associated with the respective frequency band (I) from the sampled values (Ai(n)) without interruption
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for performing spectrum analysis of a signal in a plurality of frequency bands with respective different frequency resolutions. The method includes a data acquisition step and a subsequent data evaluation step for every frequency band. The data acquisition step and the subsequent data evaluation step proceeds cyclically and continuously for every frequency band of the spectrum analysis. The corresponding device for performing spectrum analysis of a signal cyclically stores a scanning sequence of the signal for every frequency band in one circular buffer each. A discrete Fourier transformer uses the cyclically stored scanning sequences to calculate the spectral values pertaining to the respective frequency band.