Multi-Output Instrument Calibrator with Active Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional calibration instruments for oscilloscopes are limited to calibrating only one channel at a time, making the calibration of multi-channel oscilloscopes a lengthy process and resulting in reduced signal quality due to idle channels not receiving calibration signals.
Innovation Solution
A calibration unit that simultaneously generates individually controllable calibration signals, allowing multiple channels of an oscilloscope to be calibrated simultaneously. This is achieved through a signal splitter and active heads with Digital to Analog Converters (DACs) and switched attenuators, enabling independent control of each output channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional calibration instrument calibrates only a single channel at a time, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration instrument is divided into multiple independent output channels, each capable of generating and controlling calibration signals separately. This segmentation allows simultaneous calibration of multiple oscilloscope channels, directly resolving the contradiction by enabling parallel operation without requiring a completely new instrument architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration instrument is designed with multiple output channels that can simultaneously provide calibration signals to multiple oscilloscope channels. This multi-functionality allows a single instrument to perform what previously required multiple sequential operations, improving productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized channel design
2Productivity
If the same calibration signal is applied simultaneously to several different channels, then the productivity improves, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to individually sense and control signals
Solution Approach 1:
Each output channel of the calibration instrument is equipped with independent control mechanisms including individual DACs and switched attenuators. This local quality control ensures that while multiple channels operate simultaneously (improving productivity), each channel maintains precise signal level accuracy (preserving measurement precision) through independent adjustment capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration instrument employs Digital to Analog Converters (DACs) and switched attenuators in each channel to dynamically adjust signal parameters such as amplitude and level. This parameter control capability allows simultaneous calibration of multiple channels while maintaining individual signal precision, resolving the contradiction between throughput and accuracy
3Productivity
If signal splitting is used to apply calibration signals to multiple channels, then the productivity improves, but the manufacturing precision worsens due to signal level differences and overall reduction
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using passive signal splitting that causes level variations, the invention implements active control in each channel with individual DACs and switched attenuators. This local quality approach compensates for any signal level differences introduced by splitting, maintaining consistent signal levels across all channels while enabling simultaneous calibration (improving productivity without sacrificing precision)
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration instrument incorporates feedback mechanisms through switched attenuators and control amplifiers that monitor and adjust signal levels in each channel. This feedback control ensures that signal level consistency is maintained across all output channels, resolving the contradiction by automatically compensating for variations while enabling parallel calibration operations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and accurate calibration of multiple channels of an oscilloscope simultaneously, maintaining signal quality by allowing individual control of each channel's calibration signal amplitude, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional calibrators.
Implementation Method 1
a head interposed between the instrument and the calibration device in each channel includes a combination of a controllable Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) and a switched attenuator
Implementation Method 2
a head interposed between the instrument and the calibration device in each channel includes a combination of a controllable Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) and a switched attenuator
Data Source
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AI summary
A calibration instrument includes a user interface for receiving an input of a waveform type, a waveform generator coupled to the user interface and structured to generate a calibration waveform based on the waveform type, and a plurality of output channels each structured to receive the calibration waveform and to generate a calibration signal independent from other output channels, each of the plurality of output channels including an output amplifier for generating the calibration signal having an output amplitude level and an active head structured to specify the output amplitude level of the calibration signal to its respective output amplifier. Methods of operation are also described.