Phase Coherent Network Analyzer Remote Unit Clock Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network analyzers with separate main and remote units struggle to accurately measure phase shifts in test signals due to lack of phase coherence between the units, limiting their ability to determine phase delay in devices under test.
Innovation Solution
The network analyzer system achieves phase coherence by allowing the remote unit to access and use the same local oscillator and ADC sample clock signals as the main unit, enabling accurate measurement of both amplitude and phase shifts through reference signal data comparison and calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate main and remote units are used in a network analyzer, then the device can measure amplitude changes of test signals, but phase changes cannot be accurately determined due to separate phase detection circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase detection functionality by having the remote unit access and use the same local oscillator and ADC sample clock signals as the main unit. This shared reference allows both amplitude and phase measurements to be performed coherently across physically separated units, resolving the contradiction between physical separability and phase measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces transfer cables as intermediaries to convey the local oscillator and ADC sample clock signals from the main unit to the remote unit. These intermediaries enable phase coherent operation by providing a shared timing and frequency reference between the physically separated main and remote units, allowing accurate phase measurements while maintaining physical separation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate phase detection circuitry is used in main and remote units, then each unit can independently detect signals, but phase coherence between units is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The remote unit is designed with multi-functionality, capable of both independently detecting received signals and accessing the main unit's local oscillator and ADC sample clock signals through transfer cables. This universal design allows the remote unit to maintain independent signal detection while simultaneously achieving phase coherence by sharing reference signals with the main unit.
3Measurement precision
If phase coherent measurements are implemented between separate units, then accurate phase and amplitude measurements are achieved, but system complexity increases due to additional transfer cables and signal sharing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network analyzer into independent main and remote units that can be physically separated and configured flexibly. Each unit maintains its own signal processing capabilities while phase coherence is achieved through selective connection via transfer cables. This segmentation allows the system to achieve accurate phase and amplitude measurements without requiring a fully integrated complex design, as the units can operate independently when connected.
Data Source
AI summary
A network analyzer includes a main unit and a physically separate remote unit. In at least one configuration, the main unit generates and transmits test signals through a device under test to the remote unit. Reference circuitry in the main unit uses signals from a local oscillator and an analog-to-digital ADC sample clock to produce reference signal data representative of the test signals as transmitted to the device under test. Receive circuitry in the remote unit produces received signal data representative of the test signals as received from the device under test, using the same signals from the local oscillator and ADC sample clock as used by the reference circuitry to produce the reference signal data. Comparison of the received signal data with the reference signal data indicates parameters of the device under test, including attenuation and phase shift in the test signals as caused by the device under test.