Signal Acquisition Probe Time Delay Memory for Automatic Waveform Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current signal acquisition probe systems require deskew fixtures or software updates to align signals from various probes, limiting flexibility and convenience in signal alignment and requiring specific probe-specific deskew values.
Innovation Solution
A time shifting signal acquisition probe system where each probe has a memory for its propagation delay value, allowing the measurement test instrument to time-shift waveform records relative to the trigger signal, enabling automatic alignment without the need for deskew fixtures or software updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional deskew fixtures or software updates are used to align signals from various probes, then signal alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operational convenience deteriorate due to requiring additional hardware or software modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The probe propagation delay values are predetermined and stored in memory during probe manufacturing or initialization. When a probe is connected, the oscilloscope automatically retrieves and applies these pre-stored delay values to compensate for signal skew, eliminating the need for complex real-time calibration procedures or additional hardware fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
Each probe contains its own propagation delay characterization data in memory, allowing the probe to essentially calibrate itself when connected to the oscilloscope. The system automatically reads the probe's stored delay value and applies the appropriate time shift without requiring external intervention, deskew fixtures, or software updates.
2Measurement precision
If manual deskew adjustment procedures are used to align probe signals, then signal alignment is achieved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The probe automatically provides its propagation delay value to the oscilloscope upon connection, enabling instant automatic compensation. The oscilloscope retrieves the stored delay value and applies the time shift immediately, eliminating lengthy manual adjustment procedures and allowing users to quickly begin measurements without time-consuming calibration steps.
3Measurement precision
If probe-specific deskew values are required for each probe type, then accurate signal alignment is achieved, but adaptability and ease of operation deteriorate due to needing probe-specific configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The oscilloscope is designed to work with multiple different probe types by automatically reading and applying the propagation delay value stored in each probe's memory. This universal interface allows any probe with stored delay information to be immediately compatible with the oscilloscope, eliminating the need for probe-specific configuration procedures or limited compatibility with only certain probe types.
Data Source
AI summary
A time shifting signal acquisition probe system has a signal acquisition probe having a memory containing a time delay constant representative of the propagation time delay of an electrical signal passing through the signal acquisition probe. A measurement test instrument receives the electrical signal from the signal acquisition probe and generating digital samples of the electrical signal in an acquisition system in response to a trigger signal and producing a waveform record. A communications bus coupled between the signal acquisition probe and the measurement test instrument couples the signal acquisition probe time delay constant from the signal acquisition probe to the measurement test instrument wherein processing circuitry in the measurement test instrument time shifts the waveform record of the electrical signal relative to the trigger signal by the amount of the signal acquisition probe time delay constant.