Hybrid Cable With Optical Feedback for RF Measurement Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
RF measurement accuracy is degraded due to changes in ambient conditions affecting cable properties, such as temperature and movement, which are not accounted for in current calibration methods.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid cable combining an RF electrical conductive signal path with an optical conductive signal path, where changes in the RF path affect the optical path, allowing real-time calibration by reflecting optical signals to determine updated calibration parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional RF electrical conductive cables are used for signal transmission, then the cable structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the measurement accuracy is degraded due to changes in ambient conditions affecting cable properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an RF electrical conductive signal path with an optical conductive signal path into a single hybrid cable structure. The optical signal path is arranged along the RF electrical signal path, allowing both signals to share the same physical cable infrastructure. This merging enables the system to use optical signals for accurate environmental monitoring while maintaining the RF signal transmission function, thereby improving measurement accuracy without completely redesigning the cable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical conductive signal path acts as an intermediary sensor that indirectly measures changes in cable physical parameters (such as temperature, strain, or position) by detecting changes in optical signal characteristics. This intermediary approach allows the system to monitor environmental effects on the RF cable without directly measuring the RF signal changes, providing accurate compensation data while keeping the RF transmission path intact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RF cables are exposed to ambient condition changes, then the cable remains simple and accessible, but the signal transmission characteristics vary due to temperature and movement effects
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid cable implements a feedback mechanism where the optical conductive signal path continuously monitors changes in the cable's physical state (temperature, strain, position) and provides this information back to the measurement system. This feedback enables real-time compensation for environmental effects on the RF signal transmission, allowing the system to adapt to ambient condition changes while maintaining reliable and stable signal transmission characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical signal parameters (such as wavelength, intensity, or phase) in response to environmental changes as a means to track and compensate for RF signal degradation. By monitoring how optical signal parameters change with temperature, strain, or position, the system can derive compensation factors that maintain RF signal transmission stability despite ambient condition variations.
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
Maintains measurement accuracy by continuously tracking and adjusting for cable property changes, reducing the need for frequent recalibration and improving accuracy in high-frequency measurements.
Implementation Method 1
changes of at least one physical parameter of the RF electrical conductive signal path also affect the optical conductive signal path
Implementation Method 2
the optical conductive signal path is coupled to the reflector and to the signal port that is opposite to the signal port that comprises the reflector
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a hybrid cable comprising a first signal port, a second signal port, an RF electrical conductive signal path coupled to the first signal port, and the second signal port, an optical conductive signal path arranged along the RF electrical conductive signal path such that changes of at least one physical parameter of the RF electrical conductive signal path also affect the optical conductive signal path, and a reflector arranged in the first signal port or the second signal port, wherein the optical conductive signal path is coupled to the reflector and to the signal port that is opposite to the signal port that comprises the reflector. Further, the present disclosure provides a respective measurement application device.