Network Extraction via Phase Localization for Fixture De-embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network extraction methods for measuring electrical responses of devices under test are limited by incomplete standards, inaccurate fixture characterization, and computational inefficiencies, particularly when dealing with complex fixtures and non-standard interfaces.
Innovation Solution
The method employs phase localization in the frequency domain to characterize fixtures by correlating measured parameters with phase kernels, allowing for accurate extraction of loss, coupling, and mismatch behavior without requiring time-domain processing, thus improving computational efficiency and handling non-point defect mismatches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If time-domain processing is used for network extraction, then fixture characterization accuracy is improved, but computational overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-domain processing (mechanical/computational transformation approach) with frequency-domain phase correlation (signal processing approach). Instead of transforming measurements to time-domain, gating the fixture responses, and transforming back, the method directly correlates phase information in the frequency domain to extract fixture parameters, achieving similar accuracy with reduced computational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the domain of processing from time-domain to frequency-domain. By working directly with phase parameters in the frequency domain rather than transforming to time-domain, the method maintains measurement precision while avoiding the computational overhead of multiple transforms and time-domain gating operations
2Device complexity
If point defect assumptions are made about fixture mismatches, then extraction complexity is reduced, but applicability to general fixtures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fixture into multiple sections and applies phase correlation independently to each section. This allows the method to handle distributed mismatches along the fixture length rather than assuming a single point defect, improving applicability to general fixtures while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local phase correlation at different positions along the fixture by segmenting the measurement bandwidth and applying appropriate correlation windows for each section. This localized approach allows accurate characterization of mismatches at different fixture locations without requiring a simplified point-defect model
3Ease of operation
If incomplete standards are used for calibration, then measurement setup simplicity is improved, but network extraction accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces phase correlation as an intermediary processing step between the incomplete calibration standards and the final network extraction. This intermediary technique extracts additional fixture information from the phase relationships in the frequency-domain measurements, compensating for the limitations of incomplete standards and improving extraction accuracy without requiring additional calibration hardware
Data Source
AI summary
A method of network extraction based on phase localization using a test setup including a standard includes measuring frequency data using a measuring instrument connected with the test setup by performing a frequency sweep across an identified bandwidth, correlating filter functions as required against the measured frequency domain data to localize phase across the test setup, removing excess phase rotation and solving for inner plane match of the test setup based on known composite measurement and previously identified components of the test setup.