Measurement Calibration Unit Using Signal-Path Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration techniques for measurement equipment, such as vector signal generators and analyzers, are complex and provide limited calibration quality, failing to accurately reflect the frequency response of devices under test (DUT) due to interference from measurement setup components.
Innovation Solution
A measurement application device calibration unit with a coupling element and signal processing device that allows for the generation and reception of calibration signals within the measurement path, enabling simultaneous calibration of both input and output sides of the DUT, using known reference receivers and generators to minimize interference and determine impedance mismatches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing calibration techniques are used, then calibration can be performed, but the calibration quality is limited and the process is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration signal path from the main measurement path by using a coupling element that couples out calibration signals to a separate signal processing device. This separation allows for simplified calibration procedures while maintaining high calibration quality, as the calibration process can be performed independently without interfering with the main measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element serves multiple functions: it couples out calibration signals during calibration mode and couples in measurement signals during normal operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated calibration equipment, thereby simplifying the overall calibration process while maintaining calibration quality.
2Measurement precision
If additional receivers or transmitters are used for calibration, then calibration accuracy may improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing device connected to the coupling element serves dual purposes: it processes calibration signals during calibration and can process measurement signals during normal operation. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated calibration receivers or transmitters, maintaining frequency response accuracy while avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement application device performs its own calibration by generating or receiving calibration signals through the coupling element and processing them internally. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external calibration equipment, thereby maintaining calibration accuracy without adding additional receivers or transmitters to the system.
3Measurement precision
If calibration signals are coupled out to a separate device, then interference from measurement setup is reduced, but the calibration setup becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element extracts calibration signals from the main measurement path and directs them to a signal processing device. This extraction reduces interference from the measurement setup components (cables, connectors, etc.) on the calibration process, improving frequency response accuracy. The complexity is managed by using a simple coupling mechanism rather than a completely separate calibration system.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element acts as an intermediary between the measurement path and the signal processing device. It enables the calibration signals to be separated from the main measurement path without requiring complex isolation mechanisms, thereby reducing interference while keeping the calibration setup relatively simple through this mediating component.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a measurement application device calibration unit, comprising a coupling element comprising a first connection and a second connection for coupling the coupling element into a signal measurement path, and a third connection, wherein the coupling element is configured to at least one of couple out a signal from the signal measurement path into the third connection, and couple in a signal from the third connection into the signal measurement path, and comprising a signal processing device that is coupled to the third connection of the coupling element and that is configured to receive the predetermined calibration signal when the coupling element couples out a signal from the signal measurement path into the third connection, and to generate a predetermined calibration signal when the coupling element couples in a signal from the third connection into the signal measurement path.