Multi-Port RF Measurement Units for Extended Frequency Range

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-frequency measurement devices require additional, complex, and costly external components like spread spectrum modules, increasing efforts and costs.

Innovation Solution

A measurement device with multiple ports and integrated additional measurement units that can be connected to extend frequency range, allowing flexible and cost-efficient measurement of high frequencies by using a subset of additional measurement units that are frequency-selective and operated in parallel with existing units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If external receiver components like spread spectrum modules are added to extend frequency range, then measurement capability at high frequencies is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency measurement capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver is designed to handle multiple frequency ranges through a single unified structure. The receiver can process both fundamental frequencies and harmonic frequencies by utilizing the same reception path, mixing stage, and signal processing chain, thereby eliminating the need for separate external receiver components for different frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement device combines the transmitter and receiver into an integrated system where the receiver is directly coupled with the transmission line. The receiver processes signals from multiple frequency ranges including harmonics by using a single reception path that handles all frequency components, merging what would traditionally require separate external devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If external receiver components like spread spectrum modules are added to extend frequency range, then measurement capability at high frequencies is improved, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency measurement capabilityVSAvoidcosts

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver is designed to handle multiple frequency ranges through a single unified structure. The receiver can process both fundamental frequencies and harmonic frequencies by utilizing the same reception path, mixing stage, and signal processing chain, thereby eliminating the need for separate external receiver components for different frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement device combines the transmitter and receiver into an integrated system where the receiver is directly coupled with the transmission line. The receiver processes signals from multiple frequency ranges including harmonics by using a single reception path that handles all frequency components, merging what would traditionally require separate external devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dedicated measurement units are provided for each port, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver is designed to handle multiple frequency ranges through a single unified structure. The receiver can process both fundamental frequencies and harmonic frequencies by utilizing the same reception path, mixing stage, and signal processing chain, thereby eliminating the need for separate external receiver components for different frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects which frequency components to measure by using a single receiver that can process multiple frequency ranges. The receiver adapts its operation to measure fundamental frequencies, harmonic frequencies, or combinations thereof, providing versatile measurement coverage without requiring dedicated measurement units for each frequency band.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12445217B2Measurement device and method for operating a measurement device

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A measurement device is provided. Said measurement device comprises a plurality of ports for receiving and/or transmitting radio frequency signals, a plurality of measurement units with one measurement unit for each of the plurality of ports, each measurement unit being configured to measure the corresponding forward and/or reverse radio frequency signal, and a subset of additional measurement units, preferably one additional measurement unit, configured to be connected to a subset, preferably one, of the ports in addition to or instead of the respective at least one of the plurality of measurement units.