Measurement Calibration Unit with Coupled Signals for Frequency Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration techniques for measurement equipment, such as vector signal generators and analyzers, are complex and provide limited quality, failing to accurately reflect the DUT's frequency response due to interference from the measurement setup.
Innovation Solution
A measurement application device calibration unit with a coupling element and signal processing device that couples out and in predetermined calibration signals, allowing for simplified calibration by determining and correcting impedance mismatches in the signal measurement path.
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 from the main measurement path using a coupling element, allowing separate calibration measurements without interfering with the primary signal flow. This separation simplifies the calibration process while improving accuracy by isolating calibration activities from the main measurement path.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element acts as an intermediary between the measurement path and the calibration signal processing. It enables the calibration signal to be coupled out for measurement by the signal processing device, and also allows calibration signals to be coupled back into the measurement path, simplifying the overall calibration architecture.
2Measurement precision
If measurement setup interference is present, then measurements can be performed, but the frequency response accuracy is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element extracts a portion of the signal from the measurement path for separate analysis by the signal processing device. This extraction allows the measurement setup characteristics to be measured and corrected independently, removing the harmful interference from the final frequency response measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the measured calibration signal to generate correction data that is fed back to adjust the measurement system's frequency response. This feedback mechanism compensates for measurement setup interference, improving the accuracy of subsequent measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement application device calibration unit, system, and method includes at least one coupling element comprising a first and second connections for coupling the coupling element into a signal measurement path that is coupled to a measurement application device, 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 a signal processing device that is coupled to the third connection of the coupling element and that is configured to receive a 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 known calibration signal when the coupling element couples in a signal from the third connection into the signal measurement path.