Real-Time Oscilloscope Integrating TDR and TDT Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current real-time oscilloscopes lack built-in time domain reflectometry (TDR) and time-domain transmission (TDT) functions, requiring external components and complex setups that are costly and difficult to calibrate, limiting their ability to capture rare and intermittent signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
A real-time oscilloscope with a built-in generator and measurement channel that generates incident signals and captures responses directly, eliminating the need for external units and allowing for synchronized or non-synchronized signal analysis, reducing calibration complexity and cost while freeing up channels for other measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external signal generator, power splitter and cables are used for TDR/TDT measurements, then measurement functionality is achieved, but device complexity and calibration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the signal generator, power splitter, and measurement functions into a single integrated real-time oscilloscope device. The built-in generator generates incident signals, the built-in power splitter divides signals between measurement channels and the DUT, and the measurement channels capture reflected and transmitted signals, eliminating the need for external components and reducing setup complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The real-time oscilloscope is designed to perform multiple functions including TDR measurements, TDT measurements, and general signal analysis using the same integrated hardware platform. The built-in generator and measurement channels can be configured for different measurement types, making the device versatile while maintaining a simplified single-unit architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If external components are used for TDR/TDT measurements, then measurement functionality is achieved, but calibration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all TDR/TDT measurement components within the oscilloscope, the patent eliminates multiple external connections and interfaces that would require calibration. The built-in generator, power splitter, and measurement channels form a calibrated internal system, removing the calibration challenges associated with connecting and matching external cables and components
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated architecture allows the oscilloscope to perform self-calibration or factory calibration of the TDR/TDT path, as all components are pre-configured and connected within the same device. This eliminates the need for complex field calibration procedures that would be required with external components
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channels are occupied for TDR/TDT measurements, then measurement functionality is achieved, but availability for other measurements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a power splitter to divide the incident signal path, allowing one measurement channel to capture reflected signals while another captures transmitted signals. This segmentation of the measurement function enables TDR/TDT operations using fewer total channels than traditional external setups, freeing up channels for additional measurements
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a real-time oscilloscope with a built-in time domain reflectometry (TDR) and/or time-domain transmission (TDT) function for measurements of a device under test (DUT). The real-time oscilloscope comprises at least one built-in generator and at least one real-time measurement channel. The built-in generator is in communication with the real-time measurement channel and the device under test (DUT) and is configured to generate incident signals. The real-time measurement channel is configured to capture incident signals transmitted to and reflected by and/or transmitted by the device under test (DUT).