Directional Coupler Probe for Full-Duplex Signal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods require substantial computational power to decode signals in full duplex transmission systems without knowledge of individual transmitted signals, making it difficult to accurately determine and decode signals from each transceiver.
Innovation Solution
A probe using a directional coupler unit with two directional couplers in series to separate and decode forward and reverse signals, allowing direct connection to an oscilloscope for analysis, and a control and analyzing unit to determine and decode signals without knowledge of individual transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple probing of the signal on the channel is used, then the measurement device is simple and cost-efficient, but it is not possible to reveal the transmitted signal of each transceiver correctly without substantial computational power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a directional coupler unit as an intermediary device between the channel and the measurement equipment. This coupler separates the combined signal into forward and reverse directional components, enabling accurate identification of individual transceiver signals without requiring complex computational analysis. The directional coupler acts as a physical mediator that performs signal separation before measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the combined signal into separate forward and reverse directional signal components using the directional coupler unit. By dividing the composite signal into distinct directional portions, each transceiver's transmission can be independently measured and analyzed, achieving precise signal identification with simple measurement equipment.
2Measurement precision
If substantial computational power is used to decode signals, then signal decoding accuracy improves, but the complexity and cost of the measurement system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the computational approach with a physical/mechanical solution. Instead of using complex algorithms and computational power to separate and identify signals, the directional coupler unit physically separates the signals into forward and reverse directional components through its coupling structure, achieving accurate decoding without substantial computation.
3Device complexity
If a single directional coupler is used, then the device complexity is low, but the directivity is insufficient to separate multi-level signals effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two directional couplers in series to form a directional coupler unit with enhanced directivity. By merging the functionality of multiple couplers, the system achieves superior signal separation capability for multi-level signals while maintaining reasonable device complexity. The series configuration of the two couplers creates a cascaded effect that improves overall directivity.
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
Enables cost-effective decoding of full duplex multi-level signals by separating and eliminating interfering signals, improving directivity and reducing computational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a directional coupler unit (26) having finite directivity. The directional coupler unit (26) is configured to provide a first directional coupler signal (x3L(t)) indicative of a signal in forward direction as well as a second directional coupler signal (x3R(t)) indicative of a signal in reverse direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A probe (20) for testing full duplex multi-level signals between a first transceiver (12) and a second transceiver (14) is described, comprising a first probe interface (22) to be connected to the first transceiver (12), a second probe interface (24) to be connected to the second transceiver (14), and a directional coupler unit (26) having finite directivity. The directional coupler unit (26) is configured to provide a first directional coupler signal indicative of a signal in forward direction as well as a second directional coupler signal indicative of a signal in reverse direction. The first directional coupler signal is provided at a first output interface (28) and the second directional coupler signal is provided at a second output interface (30). Further, a measurement system, a method for testing as well as a method for setting a probe (20) are described.