Non-linear Compression Probe for Oscilloscope Dynamic Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oscilloscopes and high-speed data acquisition systems face limitations in accurately measuring high-frequency and rapid amplitude changes due to insufficient bandwidth and voltage resolution, leading to distorted signals and loss of low-level details, especially for non-repetitive or transient signals, and are often cost-prohibitive for high-performance models.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a transfer function component to compress electrical signal waveforms, which are then restored using an algorithmic inverse transfer function, allowing for accurate measurement of signals beyond the conventional device's capabilities, utilizing a probe to obtain the signal and a data acquisition device to process it, thereby enhancing dynamic range and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the oscilloscope's bandwidth is increased to measure high-frequency signals, then the frequency measurement capability is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a probe with a transfer function component as an intermediary device between the signal source and the oscilloscope. This probe compresses high-frequency signals before they reach the oscilloscope, allowing the oscilloscope to measure frequencies beyond its native bandwidth capability while using lower-cost equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the signal through non-linear compression in the probe. By applying a transfer function that compresses the frequency spectrum, high-frequency components are transformed into lower frequencies that can be accurately measured by the oscilloscope, then restored through inverse compression
2Measurement precision
If the oscilloscope's voltage resolution is increased to capture low-level signal details, then the amplitude measurement precision is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The probe acts as an intermediary that applies a non-linear transfer function to compress the amplitude dynamic range of the signal. This allows the oscilloscope's limited voltage resolution to effectively capture both high and low amplitude details that would otherwise require a much more expensive high-resolution instrument
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the amplitude parameter through non-linear compression. By applying a transfer function that compresses the voltage range, the probe enables the oscilloscope to resolve low-level signal details that would be lost in the noise floor of conventional linear measurement systems
3Strength
If the probe's voltage tolerance is increased to measure high-voltage signals, then the voltage measurement range is improved, but the bandwidth decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes both voltage and frequency parameters simultaneously through the probe's transfer function. High-voltage signals are compressed in amplitude while their frequency content is preserved through the non-linear transformation, allowing the probe to handle high voltages without sacrificing bandwidth
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for high-speed compression of dynamic electrical signal waveforms to extend the measuring capabilities of conventional measuring devices such as oscilloscopes and high-speed data acquisition systems are discussed. Transfer function components and algorithmic transfer functions can be used to accurately measure signals that are within the frequency bandwidth but beyond the voltage range and voltage resolution capabilities of the measuring device.