System Error Identification in Measurement Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current measurement systems face challenges in identifying and compensating for system errors due to reflections, particularly in transmission measurements, which are costly and inefficient, often requiring vector network analyzers with multiple receivers and directional elements.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a signal generator and a single signal analyzer to generate and process a test signal, determining the response function, identifying periodic components, and using a frequency selective filter to remove system errors, thereby recovering the actual response function of the device under test without the need for additional receivers or vector network analyzers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a vector network analyzer with multiple receivers and directional elements is used to identify system errors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of system error identification from the complex vector network analyzer and implements it using a simplified measurement system with a single receiver. By separating the error identification process from the full vector network analyzer functionality, the patent achieves system error detection using only a signal generator, signal analyzer with single receiver, and directional coupler, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified model of the measurement system that copies only the necessary components for system error identification. Instead of using the complete vector network analyzer, the patent implements a copied version with essential elements (signal generator, single receiver, directional coupler) that reproduces the error detection capability without the full complexity of the original system.
2Measurement precision
If a vector network analyzer is used to measure reflections directly, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive vector network analyzer with a more economical measurement system comprising a signal generator, signal analyzer with single receiver, and directional coupler. This substitution uses cheaper, more readily available components that achieve the same reflection measurement accuracy, thereby reducing the overall quantity of capital investment required while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If additional receivers and directional elements are added to identify system errors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single receiver universal by configuring it to perform multiple functions: measuring the transmission signal from the device under test, measuring the reflected signal through the directional coupler, and determining system errors through signal processing. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate receivers and directional elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining the capability to detect all types of system errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple receivers and directional elements into a single integrated measurement path. By combining the transmission measurement and reflection measurement capabilities into one receiver that processes signals through a directional coupler, the patent reduces the number of components while maintaining the ability to identify all system errors through combined signal analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for at least one of identifying and compensating for system errors in a measurement system is disclosed, wherein the measurement system comprises a signal generator and a signal analyzer. The method comprises: generating a test signal via the signal generator, the test signal having predetermined properties; forwarding the test signal to a device under test; processing the test signal via the device under test, thereby generating a transmission signal; receiving the transmission signal via the signal analyzer; determining a response function of the device under test based on the test signal and based on the transmission signal; and determining at least one periodic component of the response function. Further, a measurement system as well as a calibration system are disclosed.