High-Bandwidth Vector Network Analyzer With Multi-Tone Parallel Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vector network analyzers are limited by narrow-band measurement principles, leading to slow test speeds, inability to process vector signals, and limited functional expansion, especially in scenarios requiring high testing efficiency and complex test functions.
Innovation Solution
A high-bandwidth vector network analyzer system with a multi-tone signal circuit structure and multi-channel parallel digital downconverters, enabling parallel signal processing and vector signal transmission and reception, enhancing test speed and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional narrow-band measurement principle is used, then measurement precision is maintained, but test speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single measurement channel into multiple parallel measurement channels, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple frequency points or multiple devices, thereby increasing test speed without compromising measurement precision in each channel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-tone sequential measurement to multi-tone parallel measurement by adding a frequency dimension. Multiple RF sources operate at different frequencies simultaneously, and the system measures multiple frequency points in parallel rather than sequentially, fundamentally changing the measurement paradigm from 1D (single frequency at a time) to ND (multiple frequencies simultaneously)
2Adaptability or versatility
If continuous wave signal processing is used, then measurement accuracy is ensured, but ability to process vector signals is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the measurement system to handle multiple signal types (continuous wave signals and vector signals) through a unified architecture. The multi-channel receiver and digital signal processing unit can process both traditional CW signals for S-parameter measurement and wideband vector signals for EVM, cross-talk, and response speed testing, making the system universal
3Productivity
If frequency switching is performed, then different frequency points are tested, but stabilization time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares multiple RF sources at different frequencies in advance, all stabilized and ready for measurement. Instead of switching frequencies during measurement (which requires stabilization time), the system has multiple frequencies pre-prepared and simultaneously available, eliminating the need for frequency switching and its associated stabilization delays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous parallel measurement across multiple frequency points without interruption. While traditional systems must stop and stabilize when changing frequencies, this system maintains continuous measurement action across all frequency points simultaneously through parallel channels, eliminating idle stabilization time
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional vector network analyzer architecture is used, then narrow-band measurement is achieved, but functional expansion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement platform that can perform traditional S-parameter measurement, EVM testing, cross-talk measurement, response speed testing, and other complex measurements through software configuration rather than dedicated hardware for each function. The multi-channel parallel architecture serves as a foundation for diverse measurement functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic, reconfigurable measurement system where the measurement function is determined by software control rather than fixed hardware configuration. The system can dynamically adapt to different measurement requirements by configuring the multi-channel receivers and signal processing units appropriately, enabling functional expansion without hardware changes
Data Source
AI summary
A high-bandwidth vector network analyzer system for transmitting and receiving vector signals includes a transmitting channel and a receiving channel, transmitting channel including a multi-tone signal circuit structure, an input of the multi-tone signal circuit structure being connected to a digital signal processing module, the multi-tone signal circuit structure generating a multi-tone parallel signal and outputting a multi-tone RF signal to a receiving end; receiving channel including multi-channel parallel digital downconverters group, the multi-channel parallel digital downconverters group including a plurality of multi-channel parallel digital downconverters, the inputs of the plurality of multi-channel parallel digital downconverters are respectively connected to a plurality of analogue-to-digital conversion modules, and processing the plurality of audio signals in parallel.