Logic Analyzer Frontend With Adaptive Threshold Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oscilloscopes and mixed signal oscilloscopes (MSOs) face issues with signal distortion, threshold level adjustment, and compensation for probe-generated errors and losses when analyzing digital signals, leading to reduced measurement accuracy and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a logic analyzer frontend with a digital input port equipped with an analog-to-digital converter and a digital comparator, along with a digital correction unit that adjusts the decision threshold value and uses feedback to correct signal distortions, enhances signal analysis by reducing noise and misinterpretation, and employs a soft-decision decoder for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a digital comparator with fixed threshold is used to analyze digital signals, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to signal distortion and threshold level issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic threshold adjustment mechanism where the threshold level is automatically adapted based on the characteristics of the input signal. The system analyzes signal properties and dynamically modifies the threshold to optimize measurement accuracy for different signal conditions, resolving the contradiction between fixed simplicity and adaptive precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the threshold parameter dynamically based on signal characteristics. By monitoring signal properties and adjusting the threshold level accordingly, the system maintains high measurement precision across varying signal conditions without requiring complex manual calibration procedures.
2Measurement precision
If probe compensation mechanisms are added to correct signal errors, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the input signal and automatically adjusts compensation parameters based on detected signal characteristics. This closed-loop approach enables accurate signal correction without requiring complex manual calibration procedures or additional hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs self-calibration and self-compensation by automatically analyzing its own performance and adjusting internal parameters to correct for probe-induced errors. This self-service capability improves measurement precision without adding external calibration equipment or increasing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple devices are tested in parallel, then the productivity is improved, but the loss of information increases due to signal interference and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by providing dedicated measurement channels for each device under test. Each channel independently processes signals from individual devices, preventing signal interference and information loss even when multiple devices are tested simultaneously. This segmentation enables parallel testing while maintaining data integrity for each device.
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
This approach improves signal analysis accuracy by reducing distortion and misinterpretation, allowing for better evaluation of digital signals and reducing costs through enhanced throughput in testing multiple devices simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
a digital input signal is first sampled as an analog signal to produce multi-bit digital samples that are representative of the amplitude of the input signal over time
Implementation Method 2
The multi-bit digital samples are then processed using interpolative techniques to ascertain when the input signal crossed a hypothetical logic level threshold and when the signal is in a specific logic state
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic test apparatus, such as an oscilloscope, comprising a logic analyzer frontend, wherein the logic analyzer frontend comprises a digital input port configured to receive a digital signal from a device under test. The logic analyzer frontend further comprises at least one analog-to-digital converter that is arranged downstream of the digital input port, and a digital comparator that is arranged downstream of the analog-to-digital converter. The digital comparator is configured to generate an adjusted digital signal and to provide the adjusted digital signal to further components of the electronic test apparatus. The logic analyzer frontend further comprises a digital correction unit configured to adjust a digital decision threshold value of the comparator.