Modular Calibration Unit With Switching and Daisy-Chain Port Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration units for measurement devices are cumbersome and error-prone, requiring manual attachment and detachment of cables and calibration devices, and cannot be easily scaled to accommodate changing measurement requirements, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modular calibration unit with a switching module that connects to multiple calibration standards, including internal power meters and impedance tuners, allowing for quick and efficient calibration without physical reconnection, and a system of daisy-chained units for scalable port expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual attachment and detachment of cables and calibration devices is performed during calibration routine, then calibration can be carried out with different measurement devices, but calibration time increases and operator errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system is segmented into modular components: a universal calibration unit with multiple ports that can be connected to different measurement devices, and separate calibration standards. This segmentation allows the calibration unit to remain connected while only the measurement device changes, eliminating repeated cable attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration unit acts as an intermediary device between the measurement device and calibration standards. It provides a stable, permanent connection point that mediates the calibration process, allowing different measurement devices to be calibrated without changing the calibration device connections.
2Device complexity
If calibration unit with fixed number of ports is acquired, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to future measurement requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration unit is designed with universal functionality through multiple ports that can serve different purposes. A 4-port unit can function as a 2-port unit for simple measurements or be expanded to support differential measurements and additional calibration standards, making it universally applicable to various measurement scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration unit employs a nested modular architecture where additional ports and calibration standards can be integrated into the existing structure. The unit can be configured with 2, 4, or more ports by adding or removing modular components, allowing scalability without replacing the entire device.
3Measurement precision
If multiple calibration devices are attached to measurement device for different measurement types, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operator error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple calibration functions are merged into a single calibration unit. Different calibration standards (SOLT, TRL, electrical length, impedance) are integrated into one device with multiple ports, eliminating the need for separate calibration devices for different measurement types and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A calibration unit (10) comprises a first port (11) which is arranged for being connected to a measurement device (16); a calibration module (12) comprising at least three different calibration standards for calibrating the measurement device (16); and a switching module (13) configured to connect the first port (11) with one of the at least three different calibration standards of the calibration module (12). A daisy chain port (31) is arranged for being connected to a further calibration unit, to an external power meter (131), or to a device-under- test, DUT (140). The first port (11) is connectable to the daisy chain port (31). An internal power meter (21) is arranged within a housing (150) of the calibration unit (10). The first port (11) is connectable to the internal power meter (21); or an internal impedance tuner (81). The first port (11) is connectable to the internal impedance tuner (81).