Distributed Spectrum Analyzer with Optical Fiber Host
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrum analyzers have a fixed frequency band and single measurement port, limiting their application and convenience, especially in special circumstances due to their large size and weight.
Innovation Solution
A distributed spectrum analyzer design, comprising a host and radio frequency receivers connected via optical fibers, allowing for multi-port measurements and remote operation, with the host controlling and processing signals from multiple receivers, enabling flexible deployment and analysis across various frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single chassis design is used for the spectrum analyzer, then the instrument structure is simple and integrated, but the frequency band supported is fixed and the measurement port is limited to one
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrum analyzer is divided into separate functional modules: radio frequency receivers for signal acquisition and a host for control and processing. This segmentation allows different receiver types to be deployed at various frequency bands while sharing a common host, thereby expanding frequency band support without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The host is designed with multi-interface capability to simultaneously access and control multiple radio frequency receivers. This universal design enables a single host to handle various receiver types across different frequency bands, achieving adaptability without requiring separate dedicated systems for each frequency range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single chassis design is used for the spectrum analyzer, then the instrument is integrated, but the measurement port is fixed and generally only one measurement port is supported
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates signal acquisition functions into independent radio frequency receivers that can be deployed at different locations. Each receiver acts as an independent measurement port, and multiple receivers can be connected to the host simultaneously, enabling multi-port measurements without requiring a complex integrated chassis design.
3Ease of operation
If a single chassis design is used for the spectrum analyzer, then the instrument is self-contained, but the volume and weight are relatively large making it inconvenient for tests in special circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the radio frequency receiver from the host, allowing the receiver to be deployed at remote locations close to the equipment under test. The host can be positioned at a remote control location connected via optical fiber, eliminating the need to transport a large integrated instrument to the test site and significantly improving portability for special circumstances.
4Ease of operation
If a single chassis design is used for the spectrum analyzer, then the instrument is compact, but remote operation over long distances is not feasible
Solution Approach 1:
An optical fiber connection is introduced as an intermediary between the radio frequency receiver and the host. This optical fiber interface enables long-distance communication with minimal signal loss, allowing the receiver to be positioned tens of kilometers from the host and facilitating remote operation in special circumstances without significant performance degradation.
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
The distributed design supports simultaneous access and control of multiple receivers, allowing for flexible and convenient multi-port measurements, reducing size and weight, and enabling remote operation up to tens of kilometers, thus overcoming the limitations of fixed frequency and single-port analyzers.
Implementation Method 1
send an AD-converted digital signal to the host by a digital optical module through an optical fiber
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A distributed spectrum analyzer and a method of spectrum analysis applying same. The spectrum analyzer adopts a separate design. A radio frequency receiver receives a signal, performs frequency conversion processing and AD conversion on the received signal, and sends the converted digital signal to a host. In such a structure, by a digital optical module, the radio frequency receiver is connected to a corresponding digital optical module on the host through an optical fiber, so as to implement a bidirectional data transmission. The host performs general control of the system as well as signal processing and spectrum analysis. Therefore, a multi-interface design is applied to the host of the spectrum analyzer, so as to support simultaneous access and control for a plurality of radio frequency receivers, thereby conveniently implementing multi-port measurement extension. Also, the radio frequency receiver has low power consumption, a small volume, and a light weight, and is connected to a host by adopting a digital optical fiber. A host and a radio frequency receiver can be arranged at a distance up to tens of kilometers, so as to implement local measurement and installation and remote control and processing, thereby meeting various special demands.