Phase-Coherent Frequency-Hopping Signal Analysis with Common Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring devices for frequency-hopping signals, such as radar signals, often suffer from inaccuracies due to the lack of a common reference frequency, leading to malfunctions in devices under test.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device and method that acquire and analyze In-phase/Quadrature-phase signals to detect hop occurrences and specify a common reference frequency and phase, allowing for phase-coherent analysis, which reduces inaccuracies and enables efficient verification of correct device functioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If no common reference frequency is specified in frequency-hopping signals, then the signal can be transmitted in abruptly changing frequency segments, but measurement inaccuracies occur leading to device malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a common reference frequency as an intermediary element that mediates between the frequency-hopping signal segments and the measurement device. This reference frequency serves as a stable benchmark that enables accurate measurement of abruptly changing frequency segments without compromising transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter by introducing a reference frequency that allows the measurement device to track and accurately measure frequency hops. By establishing this reference parameter, the system can handle abrupt frequency changes while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If phase-coherent analysis is implemented with common reference frequency, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the common reference frequency and reference phase before actual measurements are taken. This preparation work is done in advance, allowing the analyzing unit to perform phase-coherent measurements more efficiently without excessive complexity during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the measurement process into distinct components: detecting hop occurrences, specifying reference frequency, specifying reference phase, and calculating phase trajectories. This segmentation allows each function to be handled by dedicated modules, managing overall device complexity while achieving high measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device for phase-coherent analysis of frequency-hopping signals is provided. The measuring device comprises a signal acquisition unit and an analyzing unit. Whereas the signal acquisition unit is configured to obtain an In-phase/Quadrature-phase-signal (I/Q-signal) and to provide said I/Q-signal for the analyzing unit, the analyzing unit is configured to detect hop occurrences at nominal hop frequencies based on the provided I/Q-signal. In addition to this, the analyzing unit is further configured to specify at least one common reference frequency with respect to the hop occurrences.