Function Generator Phase Coherence Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Function generators struggle to deliver electrical signals with known and defined phase angles, leading to time incoherence between signals, which can cause errors in devices under test.
Innovation Solution
A function generator with a calibration unit and comparison unit to generate and compare test signals, adjusting signal paths to achieve defined phase coherence between different signal units, ensuring time-coherent signal delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different signal units are used to deliver signals with different properties (frequency, modulation, amplitude), then the function generator can provide diverse signal types, but different time delays are caused resulting in unknown time coherence or phase angle between signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration before actual signal delivery. The calibration unit generates test signals and the comparison unit measures time coherence between different signal units in advance, storing the measured values for later compensation during normal operation. This ensures phase coherence is established beforehand, resolving the contradiction between signal diversity and phase precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the comparison unit that continuously measures the time coherence between signals from different signal units. The measured coherence values are fed back to the control unit, which uses this information to compensate for phase differences and maintain precise phase relationships despite the use of multiple diverse signal units.
2Productivity
If multiple signals are delivered simultaneously to a device under test, then testing efficiency is improved, but time incoherence between signals may cause faulty conditions in the device under test
Solution Approach 1:
The comparison unit provides continuous feedback on the time coherence between simultaneously delivered signals. The control unit uses this feedback to adjust and maintain precise phase relationships, ensuring that multiple signals can be delivered simultaneously for efficient testing without causing faulty conditions in the device under test due to phase incoherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical synchronization mechanisms with electronic measurement and compensation. Instead of mechanically synchronizing multiple signal units, the system uses electronic measurement of time coherence by the comparison unit and electronic compensation by the control unit to achieve precise phase relationships, enabling reliable simultaneous signal delivery.
3Device complexity
If signal paths are kept simple with one function generator, then device complexity is reduced, but time coherence between signals becomes unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the function generator self-calibrating and self-measuring. The calibration unit and comparison unit are integrated into the function generator itself, allowing it to perform both signal generation and coherence measurement functions. This multi-functionality maintains simple system architecture while achieving precise time coherence measurement and control.
Data Source
AI summary
A function generator provides a first signal unit for the delivery of a first signal at a first output. The function generator provides a second signal unit for the delivery of a second signal at a second output. The function generator provides a calibration unit for the generation of a test signal, wherein the test signal can be supplied to the first signal unit and/or to the second signal unit. A comparison unit is connected downstream of the first signal unit and/or the second signal unit. The comparison unit compares the test signal delivered at the first output and/or at the second output with a calibration signal, wherein the output signal of the comparison unit can be supplied to the calibration unit.