Load Board Direct Path Baseband Calibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost of achieving balanced In Phase (I) and Quadrature (Q) signals in RF communication systems, particularly in automatic test equipment, are exacerbated by the need for frequent calibration across infinite possible frequencies, leading to inefficient and time-consuming processes.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a load board with direct paths between generators and devices under test, eliminating the need for multiple relays and enabling efficient calibration of I and Q signals by deriving and applying phase and magnitude calibration factors, thereby simplifying the calibration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If calibration is performed at each tone frequency to achieve balanced I and Q signals, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial calibration by performing calibration only at specific discrete frequency points rather than continuously across all frequencies. The system measures and stores calibration factors at selected tone frequencies, then interpolates or uses these discrete points for operation, achieving acceptable signal balance without the time cost of exhaustive frequency-point calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs calibration measurements in advance and stores the results as lookup tables or calibration factors in memory. During actual operation, the pre-computed calibration factors are retrieved and applied rather than performing real-time calibration, significantly reducing operational calibration time while maintaining measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple relays are used on the load board to enable flexible signal routing, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the relay components from the load board architecture. Instead of using multiple relays for signal routing, the system employs direct fixed connections or alternative routing mechanisms that achieve the necessary signal paths without the complexity of relay switches, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sufficient adaptability for calibration functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified models or representations of the signal paths that don't require physical relay components. By using direct connections or integrated routing within the load board architecture, the system achieves the functional equivalence of relay-based routing without the mechanical complexity, reducing failure points and improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes at least one of a first generator, at least two of a second generator, and a load board. The at least one of a first generator one of receives and transmits analog signals. The at least two of a second generator one of receives and transmits digital signals. The load board is disposed between the first generator and the second generators and electrically coupled therebetween to calibrate parameters relating to communications. The load board includes a direct path for each of the analog signals between the at least one of the first generator and a corresponding number of devices under test and for each of the digital signals between the at least two of the second generator and a corresponding number of devices under test.