Line Testing Signal Generation for Accurate Parameter Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional line testing methods fail to accurately determine line parameters in various implementations of communication systems, especially when high ohmic resistance is involved, and struggle to assess lines affected by small resistances or shortcuts without impacting DSL data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for generating test signals between two wires of a transmission line, where the potential at one test signal output changes while the other remains constant, allowing for the measurement of line parameters during the change, and using differential AC signals to assess line conditions, enabling accurate line testing independent of system implementation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional line testing methods are used, then line parameters can be measured, but measurement precision deteriorates when high ohmic resistance or small resistances are involved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline parameter measurement accuracyVSAvoidtesting reliability under high ohmic resistance conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The testing process is divided into multiple time sections: a first time section where the first potential changes while the second potential remains constant, and a second time section where the opposite occurs. This segmentation allows separate measurement of different line parameters under controlled conditions, improving precision in challenging resistance scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The testing method employs periodic switching between different potential configurations in alternating time sections. This periodic action enables the system to collect measurement data under varying but controlled conditions, enhancing the reliability of parameter determination when high ohmic resistance or small resistances are present

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Loss of information

If test signals are applied to measure line parameters, then line condition information is obtained, but DSL data transmission is impacted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline condition informationVSAvoidDSL data transmission rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by rapidly switching potentials in the first and second time sections to establish measurement conditions before actual data transmission. This allows line parameter measurement to be completed in advance or during idle periods, minimizing impact on DSL productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The testing method enables continuous operation by overlapping measurement activities with idle transmission periods. The periodic potential switching continues without interruption, maintaining both line monitoring capability and DSL transmission continuity, thus preserving productivity while obtaining line condition information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the potential at both test signal outputs changes simultaneously, then testing coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting coverageVSAvoidsignal generation control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The simultaneous potential change is segmented into sequential operations: first potential changes in the first time section while second potential is held constant, then second potential changes in the second time section while first potential is held constant. This segmentation reduces control complexity while maintaining comprehensive testing coverage through the alternating measurement approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2460341B1Line testing
Publication Date: 2019.01.16 LANTIQ BET GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2460341B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2460341B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2460341B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The described embodiments are directed to the line testing of signals applied to the outputs of a line test signal generating device and used for determining one or more subscriber line parameters.