Visual FEC Parameter Configuration for Error Rate Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing error rate measuring apparatuses lack usability in setting parameters for forward error correction (FEC) due to the need for numerical input of various parameters without visual representation, making it difficult for users to understand the configuration and correspondence of FEC symbols to codewords.
Innovation Solution
An error rate measuring apparatus that inputs a known pattern signal (NRZ or PAM4) to a device under test and measures FEC operation, featuring a setting screen with graphical displays for Codeword length, FEC Symbol length, and FEC Symbol Error, allowing users to visually set and understand the configuration and correspondence of FEC symbols to codewords.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users input FEC parameters using only numerical values without visual representation, then the setting process is simple and fast, but users cannot recognize what kinds of parameters are reflected in data, causing degradation of usability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces graphical representations (visual intermediaries) between the numerical FEC parameters and the user's understanding. The display unit presents visual models showing the relationship between codewords, FEC symbols, and error patterns, allowing users to comprehend parameter configurations without needing to interpret complex numerical settings alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual differentiation through color coding and graphical highlighting to represent different FEC parameters and their relationships. By visually distinguishing between codeword regions, FEC symbol positions, and error locations through color changes and graphical markers, the system enables users to quickly grasp the configuration without numerical complexity.
2Loss of information
If the setting screen displays detailed graphical representations of FEC configuration, then users can understand the parameter relationships, but the screen complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the FEC configuration into distinct visual segments representing different components: codeword regions, FEC symbol positions, and error patterns. Each segment can be independently displayed and manipulated, allowing the system to present detailed information in an organized manner without overwhelming the user or requiring excessive processing for the entire display at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional numerical parameter input to two-dimensional graphical representations on the display screen. By visualizing FEC configurations in spatial dimensions (showing positions, relationships, and patterns graphically), the system provides comprehensive information without increasing numerical complexity, as the graphical dimension handles the information density.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a technique for achieving improvement of usability in setting parameters. An error rate measuring apparatus includes a display unit that displays input boxes for inputting one Codeword length and one FEC Symbol length of FEC on a setting screen, and an operation unit that inputs the one Codeword length and the one FEC Symbol length to the corresponding input boxes according to a communication standard of a device under test. A graphic of one Codeword, a graphic of one FEC Symbol, and a graphic of one Codeword including an error for identifying a configuration relationship of an FEC Symbol to a Codeword of the FEC and a correspondence relationship of an FEC Symbol Error to the Codeword are displayed on the setting screen corresponding to the input box of each of the one Codeword length and the one FEC Symbol length of the FEC.