Test Instrument Common Axis IQ Time Domain Waveform Presentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Frequency domain test and measurement instruments are deficient in presenting and manipulating downconverted time domain data, making it difficult to analyze and compare different types of time domain signals effectively.

Innovation Solution

A test and measurement instrument that generates IQ-based time domain waveform information and presents it together with other time domain waveforms on a common axis through a user interface, allowing for adjustments of horizontal and vertical scales and positions, enabling visual comparison and manipulation of IQ-based and additional time domain waveforms independently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If frequency domain test and measurement instruments are used to present downconverted time domain data, then the instrument can process RF carrier signals, but the presentation and manipulation of different types of time domain signals becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to process RF carrier signalsVSAvoidease of presenting and manipulating time domain data

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the presentation of IQ-based time domain waveforms with other time domain waveforms on a common horizontal axis within a single channel display. This integration allows different signal types to be viewed together in one unified interface, eliminating the need for separate display systems and improving both versatility and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument channel is designed to perform multiple functions: it can process RF carrier signals, generate IQ baseband components, create time domain waveforms from IQ data, and display them alongside other time domain signals. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the instrument adaptable to different signal types while maintaining ease of use through a unified interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple time domain waveforms are displayed on separate channels, then each waveform can be independently analyzed, but the ability to compare different types of time domain signals effectively is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of individual waveform analysisVSAvoidloss of contextual comparison information

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple time domain waveforms including IQ-based waveforms and other time domain signals on a single common horizontal axis. This merging preserves individual waveform characteristics for precise analysis while simultaneously maintaining their contextual relationships for effective comparison, thus resolving the information loss problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If IQ baseband component information is converted to time domain waveform, then the signal can be visualized, but the instrument requires enhanced capability to handle and present downconverted data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation visibility of modulated signalVSAvoidcomplexity of handling downconverted data

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument channel is designed with universal capabilities to handle both traditional time domain signals and IQ-based waveforms from downconverted RF signals. The controller can process IQ baseband components, generate corresponding time domain waveforms, and integrate them into the existing display system, making the instrument multi-functional without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller automatically performs the conversion of IQ baseband component information to time domain waveforms and integrates them with other time domain signals. This self-service capability reduces the operational burden on the user and masks the underlying complexity of handling downconverted data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2482084B1Test and measurement instrument with common presentation of time domain data

Publication Date: 2018.09.12 TEKTRONIX INC

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AI summary

A test and measurement instrument and method for generating IQ-based time domain waveform information and presenting the IQ-based time domain waveform information together with other time domain waveform on a common axis through a user interface. The instrument includes one or more input terminals (110) to receive an electrical signal under test, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC,108) to digitize the signal under test, a digital downconverter (115) to produce I (in-phase) and Q (quadrature) baseband component information from the digitized signal, a memory (130) configured to store the IQ baseband component information, a user interface (150), and a controller (140). The controller comprises means (145) for generating an IQ-based time domain waveform using the IQ baseband component information, and present the IQ-based time domain waveform and a second time domain waveform on a common axis through the user interface.