Oscilloscope Signal Processing and Waveform Generation Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscilloscope setups lack flexibility in signal measurement and generation, limiting their ability to effectively acquire, process, and generate electronic signals for devices under test.
Innovation Solution
An oscilloscope with analog-to-digital converters and a signal processor that converts analog input signals into digital signals, allowing for signal processing and generation of digital output signals, which can be used as input signals for electronic devices, incorporating features like filters, demodulators, and arbitrary waveform generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional oscilloscope setups are used for signal measurement, then signal acquisition is achieved, but signal generation and modification capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The oscilloscope is designed to perform multiple functions including signal acquisition, signal generation, and signal modification within a single device. The signal processor can generate arbitrary waveforms and modify acquired signals, eliminating the need for separate function generators and signal processing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the signal acquisition functionality of the oscilloscope with signal generation and modification capabilities in one integrated system. The analog-to-digital converters and signal processor are merged into the oscilloscope architecture, allowing seamless transition between measurement and generation modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate function generators are used for signal generation, then predetermined waveforms are available, but system flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The oscilloscope integrates arbitrary waveform generation capability directly into its signal processor, allowing it to function both as a measurement device and as a flexible signal source. This eliminates the need for separate function generators while providing greater waveform flexibility through programmable signal generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveform generation capability is made dynamic and programmable rather than static with predetermined waveforms only. The signal processor can generate arbitrary waveforms based on digital data, allowing real-time modification and adaptation of signal characteristics without changing physical hardware configurations.
3Productivity
If analog signals are acquired only for display, then measurement function is fulfilled, but signal processing and output capabilities are underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by processing acquired signals through the signal processor immediately after acquisition. Rather than merely displaying raw signals, the system continuously performs digital signal processing operations and can output processed signals, maximizing the utility of each acquired signal throughout the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscilloscope performs signal processing functions independently using its own signal processor and digital signal processing capabilities. The acquired signals are processed within the device itself without requiring external processing equipment, allowing the system to serve its own signal processing needs and output processed signals directly.
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
Enhances flexibility by enabling not only signal acquisition but also modification and generation of digital output signals, allowing for real-time processing and efficient use in testing scenarios without causing errors in devices under test.
Implementation Method 1
an analog-to-digital converter, ADC, for every analog signal input, each ADC comprising an analog input and a digital output
Implementation Method 2
a signal processor coupled to the digital outputs of the ADCs that performs predetermined signal processing functions based on at least one of the digital signals
Data Source
AI summary
An oscilloscope comprises a number of analog signal inputs for receiving respective analog input signals, an analog-to-digital converter, ADC, for every analog signal input, each ADC comprising an analog input and a digital output, the analog inputs being coupled to the respective one of the analog signal inputs for receiving the respective analog input signal, and the digital outputs outputting respective digital signals, and a signal processor coupled to the digital outputs of the ADCs that performs predetermined signal processing functions based on at least one of the digital signals and outputs a number of respective digital output signals.