Impairment Compensation via Coded Pulse Transfer Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for power meter leveling, such as using swept-frequency vector network analyzers, are non-insitu and do not account for time-varying distortions caused by cable/connector impairments, requiring separate equipment and being time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method involving measuring impaired electrical signals using a coded pulse sequence to estimate an impairment transfer function, allowing for real-time correction of amplitude and phase distortions in both output and input signals from a device under test (DUT) via an impairment network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If swept-frequency vector network analyzer is used to measure impairment, then correction data for phase and amplitude distortion can be obtained, but separate measurement equipment is required and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the impairment measurement function with the electronic spectrum analyzer or signal generator by integrating a power meter and processing system directly into the measurement instrument. This allows the same device to both measure impairments and perform corrections without requiring separate vector network analyzer equipment, thereby improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement instrument performs self-calibration by automatically measuring its own impairments through the integrated power meter and processing system. The instrument generates test signals, measures the impaired responses through the cable/connector under test, and automatically computes correction data without requiring external measurement equipment or manual calibration procedures.
2Measurement precision
If conventional power meter leveling is used, then frequency-dependent transmission losses can be corrected, but phase dispersive and mismatch effects that distort time waveforms are not corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the power meter to measure the actual impaired signal response and automatically adjusts the correction data generation process. The processing system receives the impaired signal measurements, computes the transfer function, and generates correction data that accounts for both amplitude and phase effects, thereby improving both power accuracy and waveform fidelity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from scalar power-only correction to complex correction by measuring both magnitude and phase parameters. The system measures the complex transfer function of the impairment network, capturing both amplitude attenuation and phase shift across the frequency spectrum, enabling comprehensive correction of both power levels and waveform distortions.
3Measurement precision
If swept-frequency measurement approach is used, then impairment correction data can be determined, but time-varying nature of distortions caused by cable/connector impairment is not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs periodic re-measurement of impairments using the integrated power meter and processing system. By repeatedly measuring the transfer function at different time points, the system captures time-varying changes in cable/connector impairments and updates correction data accordingly, enabling adaptation to changing conditions while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for compensating for impairment of an electrical signal output from a device under test (DUT), the impairment resulting from an impairment network. The method includes measuring an impaired electrical signal received at an electronic analyzer via the impairment network; applying a coded pulse sequence to the impairment network; estimating an impairment transfer function corresponding to the impairment based on the applied pulse sequence; and correcting the measured electrical signal using the impairment transfer function to determine the electrical signal output from the DUT.