Inline Calibration of Multiple RF Signals for Continuous Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring radio frequency signals in devices are interrupted by the need for recalibration due to temperature fluctuations, leading to inefficiencies and loss of time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for inline calibration of multiple radio frequency signals that monitor and adjust phase and amplitude during ongoing supply to the device under test, allowing for continuous measurements without interruption, using monitoring and inline adjusting units to correct amplitude and phase differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If recalibration is performed due to temperature fluctuations, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but measurement continuity is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration actions by storing reference measurement data before temperature fluctuations occur. This stored reference data is then used for inline calibration during measurements, eliminating the need to interrupt measurements for recalibration while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring temperature variations and comparing current measurements against stored reference data. Based on this feedback, the system automatically performs inline calibration adjustments to maintain measurement accuracy without interrupting the measurement process.
2Productivity
If multiple radio frequency signals are supplied to the device under test, then measurement efficiency is improved, but signal parameter stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors phase and amplitude of each radio frequency signal during ongoing supply to the device under test. Based on this monitoring, a monitoring signal indicating relative phase and amplitude is produced, which is then used for inline adjusting the signal parameters while they are supplied to the device under test, thereby maintaining signal parameter stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical mechanical calibration adjustments with electronic/digital signal processing methods. By using monitoring signals and inline adjusting units, the system electronically corrects phase and amplitude variations without requiring physical intervention or interruption of the measurement process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for inline calibration of multiple radio frequency signals fed to the same device under test is provided. Said method comprises the steps of supplying multiple radio frequency signals to the device under test and measuring at least one characteristic of the device under test based on said multiple radio frequency signals, monitoring at least phase and/or amplitude of each of the multiple radio frequency signals during the ongoing supplying to the device under test, producing, based on the monitoring, a monitoring signal indicating the relative phase and/or amplitude of the multiple radio frequency signals, and inline adjusting, based on the thus produced monitoring signal, the corresponding phase and/or the corresponding amplitude of one, more or all of the multiple radio frequency signals while they are supplied to the device under test.