Multicarrier Reflectometry for EMC-Compliant Cable Diagnostics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing on-line diagnosis methods for transmission lines lack flexibility in parameter setting, particularly in terms of spectral occupancy, making it difficult to comply with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards and minimize interference with operational systems, especially in complex and non-uniform cable networks.

Innovation Solution

A multicarrier reflectometry device and method that uses a test signal with multiple frequency components, synthesized by inverse discrete Fourier transform, and a deconvolution module for post-processing, allowing for adaptive spectral modulation to meet EMC constraints and diagnose complex cable networks with arbitrary topologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional reflectometry methods are used for on-line diagnosis, then the diagnostic capability is provided, but the flexibility in parameter setting is insufficient and EMC standards cannot be complied with

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in parameter settingVSAvoidcompliance with EMC standards
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptability by making the reflectometry device programmable and reconfigurable. The spectral occupancy parameters can be dynamically adjusted through software control to comply with different EMC standards and operational conditions, transforming a static conventional system into a dynamic adaptive one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes key parameters of the reflectometry method, particularly the spectral occupancy of the test signal. By modifying the frequency domain characteristics and time-domain windowing parameters, the system achieves both diagnostic accuracy and EMC compliance, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the test signal spectrum is modulated to comply with EMC standards, then interference with operational systems is reduced, but the diagnostic precision may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference with operational systemsVSAvoiddiagnostic precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the constraint of limited spectral occupancy into a benefit by using optimized windowing functions and frequency domain shaping. These techniques concentrate the available spectral energy in a way that maintains diagnostic precision while inherently reducing out-of-band emissions and interference with operational systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary spectral shaping and windowing of the test signal before transmission. By pre-conditioning the signal in the frequency domain to match EMC requirements, the system ensures both compliance and diagnostic accuracy without needing post-processing corrections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multicarrier signals are used to adapt to EMC constraints, then spectral flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex hardware modifications with software-based signal processing techniques. Instead of physically reconfiguring the device architecture to achieve spectral flexibility, the invention uses digital signal processing, Fourier transforms, and algorithmic control to provide the same adaptability with minimal additional hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 precise on-line diagnosis of complex cable networks by modulating the test signal spectrum to comply with EMC standards, reducing interference and improving measurement accuracy, while maintaining low computational complexity for easy integration into digital systems.

Implementation Method 1

a module for synthesizing this test signal by inverse discrete Fourier transform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInverse Discrete Fourier Transform:

Implementation Method 2

The principle of reflectometry is based on the propagation of voltage waves in these lines

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation:

Implementation Method 3

The role of the electrical coupling is to perform the interfacing between the reflectometry device (transmission, reception of the signal) and the line 13 by providing functions such as impedance matching

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance matching:

Implementation Method 4

a module analysis unit containing a deconvolution module, which carries out post-processing of the measured signal thus transformed by using the test signal S F and which makes it possible to estimate the transmission response h(t)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeconvolution:

Data Source

PatentEP2277271B1Multicarrier reflectometry device and method for the on-line diagnostic testing of at least one transmission line
Publication Date: 2017.07.05 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP2277271B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2277271B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5B
  • EP2277271B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to a multicarrier reflectometry device and method for the on-line diagnostic testing of at least one transmission line. The device comprises: a transmission part which comprises successively: - a module (20) for parameterizing a test signal SF, such that SF=[0,C1ej?1, C2ej?2,..., CN/2-1ej?N/2-1, CN/2, CN/2-1ej?N/2-1, CN/2-2ej?N/2-2,..., C1ej?1]T, - a module (21) for synthesizing this test signal by inverse discrete Fourier transform and - a digital-analogue converter (22) connected to the line (23); and a detection part which comprises successively: - an analogue-digital converter (24) connected to the line, - a discrete Fourier transform module (26), - an analysis module (27) containing a deconvolution module, which also receives the test signal SF.