Dynamic Oscilloscope Triggering for Waveform Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dual-trigger oscilloscopes are limited by fixed definitions and relationships between A- and B- Events, preventing simultaneous analysis of different waveform portions and requiring manual reconfiguration between triggered acquisitions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for dynamically reconfiguring trigger criteria between acquisitions, including A-Event and B-Event definitions, sequence relationships, and programmatic adjustments, allowing automatic capture of different waveform portions without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed trigger criteria are used for dual-trigger oscilloscope, then the device complexity is reduced and operation is simplified, but the adaptability to analyze different waveform portions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to analyze different waveform portionsVSAvoidtrigger criteria configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic trigger criteria that automatically adjust between triggered acquisitions. The system transitions from fixed, manual trigger definitions to dynamically reconfigurable trigger criteria that adapt based on waveform characteristics, enabling simultaneous analysis of different waveform portions without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The oscilloscope system performs self-configuration of trigger criteria by automatically analyzing captured waveforms and adjusting trigger parameters. The system scans acquired information and autonomously modifies trigger settings, eliminating the need for manual user reconfiguration and enabling adaptive waveform analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual reconfiguration of trigger criteria is required between acquisitions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and analysis efficiency are decreased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaveform analysis speedVSAvoidautomatic trigger configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically scans acquired waveform information and reconfigures trigger criteria without user intervention. This self-service capability enables rapid adaptation between acquisitions, significantly improving productivity by eliminating manual reconfiguration steps and allowing continuous automated waveform analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where acquired waveform data is scanned and analyzed, and this information feeds back into automatic trigger criteria adjustment. The trigger settings are dynamically modified based on feedback from waveform analysis, enabling rapid adaptive analysis across multiple acquisitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If fixed A- and B-Event definitions are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision for capturing different waveform portions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaveform capture accuracyVSAvoidtrigger setup simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The oscilloscope automatically determines optimal A- and B-Event definitions by scanning acquired waveform data. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation with simple initial setup while achieving high measurement precision through automatic adaptation of trigger event definitions based on actual waveform characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes trigger parameters including A- and B-Event definitions, sequence relationships, and placement positions. These parameter changes enable precise capture of different waveform portions while maintaining operational simplicity through automated parameter optimization based on waveform analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2343557B1Dynamic oscilloscope triggering
Publication Date: 2018.08.01 TEKTRONIX INC
  • EP2343557B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2343557B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2343557B1 patent drawingFigure 2C

AI summary

A test and measurement instrument includes an input terminal to receive a signal, acquisition circuitry to capture a plurality of triggered acquisitions, trigger circuitry to cause a trigger event responsive to trigger criteria, and a controller to dynamically reconfigure the trigger criteria between triggered acquisitions. The controller is configured to dynamically reconfigure the trigger criteria from the first set of trigger criteria to subsequent sets of trigger criteria between each of the triggered acquisitions. A method is disclosed for scanning information associated with an initial triggered acquisition and, depending on the nature of the scanned information, dynamically adjusting the next or any subsequent set of trigger criteria.