Oscillator Calibration Device Phase Shift Deviation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional test systems for oscillators face challenges in accurately and reliably detecting interference frequencies, requiring external components that increase costs and test cycle time, and are not easily integrated into oscillator systems.

Innovation Solution

A calibration device and method that actuates phase rotation and signal mixing within the test system to minimize phase shift deviations, using filters and spectrum analysis to detect interference frequencies, allowing oscillators to self-test and reduce noise levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional test systems use external test components to detect interference frequencies, then detection capability is achieved, but device complexity and test costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference frequency detection capabilityVSAvoidexternal test components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the test system and oscillator into a single integrated system where the oscillator's output signal is directly fed into the test system's signal mixing device. This eliminates the need for external test components by merging the function of separate test equipment with the oscillator system itself, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining interference frequency detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The test system is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the oscillator system and the test device. The signal mixing device, phase rotation device, and spectrum analysis capabilities are utilized for both normal operation and self-testing, eliminating the need for dedicated external test components and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If conventional test systems use external test components, then interference frequencies can be detected, but test cycle time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference frequency detectionVSAvoidtest cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The test system performs self-testing during normal operation without requiring separate test cycles. The calibration device continuously monitors and adjusts phase shift angles while the oscillator operates, allowing interference frequency detection to occur preliminarily during normal function rather than requiring additional dedicated test time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The self-testing mechanism operates continuously during normal oscillator operation. The signal mixing device and spectrum analysis function run concurrently with the oscillator's primary function, eliminating the need to stop operation for separate testing and thereby reducing test cycle time while maintaining detection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If conventional test systems are used, then oscillators can be tested, but integration into oscillator systems is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillator testing capabilityVSAvoidintegration capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The test system is merged with the oscillator system by integrating the signal mixing device, phase rotation device, and calibration device directly into the oscillator's signal path. This allows the oscillator to test itself without requiring external equipment, greatly improving integration capability while maintaining testing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The oscillator system performs self-testing through its own internal components. The calibration device uses the oscillator's output signal to detect interference frequencies and adjust phase shift angles, eliminating the need for external test equipment and enabling easy integration into various oscillator systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If phase shift angle deviations occur, then test accuracy decreases, but calibration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest accuracyVSAvoidcalibration device
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration device implements a feedback mechanism where the spectrum analysis results are used to automatically adjust the phase rotation device's shift angle. This closed-loop feedback system continuously monitors interference frequencies and corrects phase deviations, maintaining test accuracy while automating the calibration process to reduce complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration adjustments with an automated electronic control system. The calibration device uses electronic signal processing and automatic phase adjustment based on spectrum analysis, eliminating the need for manual mechanical calibration and reducing overall system complexity while improving test accuracy.

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

The solution enables accurate and reliable detection of interference frequencies, reducing test cycle time, eliminating the need for external components, and enhancing the safety and reliability of oscillator systems by integrating self-testing capabilities, resulting in lower noise levels and improved sensitivity.

Implementation Method 1

a phase rotation device (60), which is configured/programmed to rotate a phase of the at least one first signal 54a by means of a specified target phase shift angle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase shift:

Implementation Method 2

a signal mixing device (64) of the test system, to which the at least one phase-shifted first signal 62 and the at least one second signal 54b are provided, by means of which the at least one phase-shifted first signal 62 and the at least one second signal 54b are mixed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal mixing:

Implementation Method 3

the deviation information can be ascertained by means of the calibration device on the basis of the further output signal which has been filtered out of the output signal using at least one filter device of the test system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 4

the deviation information can alternatively also be ascertained by means of the calibration device on the basis of a further output signal which is generated from the output signal using the at least one spectrum analysis device via at least one analog-to-digital conversion and a Fourier transformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFourier transformation:

Data Source

PatentUS20240094340A1Calibration device and calibration method for a test system
Publication Date: 2024.03.21 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US20240094340A1 patent drawing
  • US20240094340A1 patent drawing
  • US20240094340A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A calibration device and method for a test system. First and second oscillators are actuated in such a way that a first signal which varies with a specified target frequency and a second signal which varies in phase with the first signal are output. A phase rotation device is actuated taking into account a target phase shift angle of 90° between the phase-shifted first signal and the second signal or between the phase-shifted first signal and the phase-shifted second signal such that an actual phase shift angle is produced. The phase-shifted first signal is mixed using a signal mixing device with the second signal or phase-shifted second signal to form an output signal. Deviation information is ascertained relating to a deviation of the actual phase shift angle from the target phase shift angle, taking into account the output signal.