Parallel Signal Paths for Real-Time Zoomed Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal analyzers cannot simultaneously update and display both the initial and zoomed-in analysis ranges of a signal under test, leading to limited frequency resolution and inability to observe real-time changes in the signal.
Innovation Solution
A signal analyzer with two parallel signal paths that produce data for different analysis ranges, allowing for parallel updating and display of first and second analysis ranges with adjustable data production rates and decimation filters to compensate for speed differences, enabling higher frequency resolution in the zoomed-in range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single signal path is used to produce data for analysis range, then device complexity is reduced, but frequency resolution and real-time observation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal processing into multiple parallel signal paths, where each path is responsible for a specific analysis range. This segmentation allows each path to operate independently with optimized parameters, achieving high frequency resolution in the zoomed-in range while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of parallel processing by implementing multiple signal paths that operate simultaneously at different data production rates. This dimensional change from sequential to parallel processing enables both high resolution and real-time observation without sacrificing either aspect.
2Productivity
If data production rate is increased for real-time observation, then real-time observation capability is improved, but frequency resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data processing into multiple paths with different data production rates. The first signal path produces data at a higher rate for real-time observation, while the second signal path produces data at a lower rate for high frequency resolution, eliminating the trade-off between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Each signal path is configured with local quality characteristics optimized for its specific function. The first path uses higher data production rate for real-time display, while the second path uses lower data production rate with longer acquisition time for high frequency resolution, allowing each to excel at its intended purpose.
3Measurement precision
If zoomed-in analysis range is displayed with high resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but real-time updating capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analysis into two parallel paths: one for the overall analysis range and another for the zoomed-in range. This allows the zoomed-in path to accumulate data longer for high resolution without delaying the real-time update of the overall view, as both paths operate simultaneously and independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Both signal paths continuously process data in parallel, ensuring that the zoomed-in analysis is continuously updated with high resolution without interrupting the real-time observation of the overall range. The continuous operation of both paths maintains real-time updating capability while achieving high measurement precision in the zoomed-in view.
Data Source
AI summary
A first frequency analysis range and a second frequency analysis range narrower than the first one are set with an operation panel 34, etc. A first signal path 171 produces first time domain data of a frequency converted signal under test by a first data production rate depending on the first frequency analysis range. A second signal path 172 produces second time domain data of frequency converted signal under test by a second data production rate depending on the second frequency analysis range and slower than the first data production rate. A CPU receives the first and second time domain data in parallel and produces first and second frequency domain data by FFT wherein frequency shift amounts in the frequency conversions in the first and second signal paths are different depending on the difference between the center frequencies of the first and second frequency analysis ranges.