Hybrid RF Cable With Optical Feedback for Real-Time Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Changing ambient conditions, such as temperature and movement, affect the accuracy of RF measurements by altering the properties of electrical conductive cables, leading to degraded measurement results.
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 for real-time calibration by reflecting optical signals to determine updated calibration parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an RF electrical conductive cable is used for signal transmission, then electrical signals can be transmitted, but measurement accuracy degrades due to changes in ambient conditions affecting cable properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical conductive signal path as an intermediary element that runs alongside the RF electrical conductive signal path. This optical path serves as a mediator to sense physical parameter changes (temperature, movement, strain) that affect the RF cable, allowing these changes to be detected and compensated for, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy despite environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical conductive signal path continuously monitors physical parameter changes in the RF cable. The reflected optical signal provides real-time feedback about cable condition, enabling dynamic calibration and compensation of measurement data to maintain accuracy over time and under varying ambient conditions.
2Measurement precision
If frequent recalibrations are performed to maintain measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is maintained, but time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by establishing the relationship between optical signal variations and RF cable property changes during initial setup. This preliminary action creates a calibration model that can be applied automatically later, eliminating the need for frequent manual recalibrations and reducing time loss while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by using the optical conductive signal path to automatically detect and compensate for cable property changes. The calibration parameter determination unit automatically determines updated calibration parameters based on optical signal feedback, enabling the system to self-correct without external intervention and eliminating frequent manual recalibration requirements.
3Extent of automation
If an optical conductive signal path is added to the hybrid cable, then real-time calibration capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the RF electrical conductive signal path and the optical conductive signal path into a single hybrid cable structure. By combining these two different signal transmission paths in one integrated cable, the design achieves real-time calibration capability while managing complexity through unified construction rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical conductive signal path serves multiple functions: it acts as a sensor for detecting physical parameter changes, provides a reference for calibration, and enables real-time monitoring of cable conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing overall device complexity while achieving automated real-time calibration.
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 tracking cable property changes in real-time, reducing the need for frequent recalibrations and enhancing measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
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
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
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.