Modulation Signature Trigger for Signal Pattern Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test and measurement instruments struggle to effectively identify complex signals and signal anomalies, particularly those that occur infrequently over long periods, due to the limitations of simple level triggers and frequency mask triggers in time and frequency domains.
Innovation Solution
A modulation signature trigger system that compares input signals against user-provided magnitude or phase signatures, using detectors and shift registers to align and compare sampled data points, with error computation and threshold-based triggering to identify matches, and optionally applying scaling, shifting, and weighting factors to minimize estimation errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If simple level triggers or frequency mask triggers are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and ability to detect complex signal patterns deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger system is segmented into multiple independent components: a signature input interface for storing reference patterns, a signal processing unit for extracting features, a pattern matching engine for comparison, and a trigger output unit. This modular segmentation allows complex detection capabilities while maintaining manageable system complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional single-dimensional threshold triggering to multi-dimensional pattern matching by incorporating temporal sequences, spectral characteristics, and modulation patterns. This dimensional expansion enables precise identification of complex signal patterns that cannot be detected by simple level or frequency masks alone.
2Measurement precision
If long data records are examined to find infrequent events, then the measurement precision improves, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reference signal patterns are pre-loaded and stored in the system memory before actual signal analysis begins. The pattern matching engine is pre-configured with detection criteria, enabling immediate real-time comparison with incoming signals. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need to retrospectively analyze long data records, as events can be detected and identified instantly when they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual or post-processing examination of long data records is replaced by an automated real-time pattern recognition system using digital signal processing and algorithmic comparison. This substitution transforms a time-consuming mechanical review process into an instantaneous electronic detection system that continuously monitors signals without time loss.
3Reliability
If traditional triggers are used, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability of detecting complex or intermittent signals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger system is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse signal types and detection requirements through a unified interface. It can detect amplitude modulated signals, frequency modulated signals, phase modulated signals, and custom patterns all through the same pattern matching mechanism. This universality maintains ease of operation while significantly improving reliability for complex and intermittent signal detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of detection parameters including pattern templates, tolerance thresholds, time windows, and sensitivity levels. These parameter changes enable the trigger to adapt to different signal characteristics and detection requirements, improving reliability for various signal types while maintaining user-friendly operation through standardized controls.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A trigger generator and trigger method are provided for determining whether or not a signal under test matches a modulation signature. The modulation signature may be provided as a magnitude signature, a phase signature or both. When the magnitude values, phase values, or both of a signal under test are the same as their respective modulation signature, an error computation will be close to zero. If this value is within a threshold value, a trigger signal or other indication of a match is produced.