Precision Delay Line Instrument Using Best-Fit Matched Delay Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delay line instruments lack precision in signal delay and phase shift, as they rely on fixed delay length design values and do not account for variations in signal path length, leading to inaccuracies in signal delay and phase shift applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of precision delay line instruments featuring a plurality of controller-activatable delay loops with different delay length design values, utilizing a controller to apply selected delay settings by activating specific combinations of delay loops, which are identified through measurement and best-fit matching to achieve accurate signal delays and phase shifts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional fixed delay length design values are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but signal delay precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The delay line is segmented into multiple discrete delay loops with different delay length design values. Each delay loop can be independently activated or deactivated to create a composite delay. This segmentation allows the system to achieve precise signal delay by selecting and combining specific delay loops, rather than relying on a single fixed delay length.
Solution Approach 2:
The delay line instrument transitions from a static fixed delay length to a dynamic configurable delay system. The controller selectively activates specific delay loops based on the desired delay setting, enabling the system to adaptively adjust the signal delay path length dynamically. This dynamic configuration allows precision delay achievement through optimal combination of available delay loops.
2Adaptability or versatility
If single delay loop configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different delay settings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The delay line is divided into multiple discrete delay loops, each with a specific delay length design value. This segmentation enables the system to achieve various delay settings by selectively activating different combinations of delay loops, providing high adaptability across a range of delay requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple delay loops are designed with universal applicability, where each loop can be independently activated to serve different delay settings. The controller manages these loops to provide a universal solution for multiple delay requirements, making the instrument versatile for various signal delay applications.
3Measurement precision
If fixed delay length design values are used without measurement, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Delay loop combinations are pre-measured and characterized during manufacturing to determine their actual signal delay values. These measurements are stored in a data structure that maps delay loop combinations to achievable delay settings. This preliminary measurement action enables the controller to select the best-matching delay loop combination for each desired delay setting, ensuring high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates measurement feedback by comparing the actual signal delay of delay loop combinations against the desired delay settings. This feedback information is used to optimize the selection of delay loop combinations, ensuring that the instrument achieves the most accurate delay possible for each setting based on actual measured performance rather than theoretical design values alone.
Data Source
AI summary
Precision delay line instruments according to this disclosure may include a plurality of controller activatable delay loops of different delay length design values, and a controller configured to apply a selected delay setting by activating delay loops corresponding to the selected delay setting. The delay length design values may comprise a first set of delay lengths according to a first set of binary step values, and a second set of delay lengths according to a second set of binary step values that is offset from the first set of binary step values. Delay loops corresponding to selected delay settings may be identified in an operating data structure comprising best-fit matched combinations of delay loops that produce more accurate signal delays than one or more other combinations of delay loops.