Intermodulation Measurement via Spatial Filtering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring intermodulation products produced by non-linear objects near electromagnetic devices are limited in frequency range, costly due to demultiplexer quality, and unable to accurately measure powers outside the reception band or between fundamental components, leading to significant noise in telecommunications systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that use a combination of rotating the non-linear object and reflector, and moving the receiver to change measurement configurations, allowing for precise measurement of intermodulation power across any frequency component by spatially filtering and varying the composition of the electromagnetic wave, enabling reliable measurement of intermodulation components without electronic filtering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a demultiplexer is used to measure intermodulation products, then measurement can be performed within its bandwidth, but measurement is impossible outside the demultiplexer's receiving band and between fundamental components
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system dynamically changes spatial configuration by rotating the reflector or translating the receiver to different positions. This allows the system to selectively receive different frequency components (fundamental components and intermodulation products) at different measurement positions, enabling measurement across the entire spectrum rather than being limited to a fixed bandwidth range.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a spatial dimension to the measurement process. Instead of relying solely on frequency-domain filtering (demultiplexer bandwidth), the system uses spatial positioning (angular position of reflector or receiver location) as an additional dimension to separate and measure different frequency components. This transforms a 1D frequency measurement problem into a 2D problem involving both frequency and spatial position.
2Measurement precision
If high-quality demultiplexers are used to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the electronic demultiplexer system with a mechanical/spatial filtering approach. Instead of using complex electronic demultiplexers to separate and measure frequency components, the system uses the spatial distribution of electromagnetic waves and mechanical positioning (rotating reflector or moving receiver) to achieve separation and measurement. This substitution reduces dependence on expensive electronic filtering components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from purely frequency-domain (relying on demultiplexer filtering) to include spatial-domain parameters (angular position, receiver location). By measuring power as a function of both frequency and spatial position, the system can extract intermodulation product information without requiring high-performance electronic demultiplexers.
3Device complexity
If the receiver remains stationary to simplify the device, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement versatility across different frequency components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The movable element (reflector or receiver) serves multiple functions: it acts as a spatial filter to separate different frequency components, it positions the receiver to capture specific intermodulation products, and it enables measurement at multiple measurement positions. This single mechanical component provides both the filtering function traditionally requiring electronic demultiplexers and the positioning function needed for comprehensive frequency measurement.
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
Enables reliable and precise measurement of intermodulation power across all frequency components, reducing noise and cost by spatially filtering out higher power components, allowing for accurate characterization of intermodulation products and their spatial distribution.
Implementation Method 1
Intermodulation results from distortions generated by these nonlinear objects in an incident electromagnetic wave
Implementation Method 2
a reflector adapted to reflect an electromagnetic wave without enriching it in components
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and device for measuring intermodulation products by wave reflection on a nonlinear object (20), comprising two electromagnetic sources (24, 25) with distinct foci emitting fundamental components, and a receiver (28). The method comprises a step in which the measuring device is configured so that said receiver (28) produces a signal for a first composition of the enriched wave (23), and a second step in which the measuring device is configured so that said receiver (28) produces a measurement signal for a second composition of the enriched wave (23).