Pulse Sequence Synchronization for Defined Absolute Phase

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Solution Overview

Problem

Analyzer systems face a phase ambiguity issue in the spectrum of periodic output sequences, preventing absolute phase calibration due to the lack of temporal alignment between the pulse generator and the analyzer.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a phase coherent analyzer and a pulse generator connected via a trigger line, where a marker signal synchronizes the pulse generator's output with the analyzer's measurement process, ensuring temporal alignment and eliminating phase ambiguity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If pseudo random binary sequences or frequency divider sequences are used to reduce frequency spacing and increase signal to noise ratio, then the spectrum quality is improved, but phase ambiguity occurs precluding absolute phase calibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal to noise ratioVSAvoidphase information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

A trigger signal is introduced as an intermediary between the pulse generator and the analyzer system. This trigger signal serves as a reference that carries timing information, allowing the analyzer to correctly associate received signals with their corresponding transmitted pulses without introducing phase ambiguity, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining signal quality and preserving phase information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the pulse generator operates independently without synchronization, then the device complexity is reduced, but temporal alignment with the analyzer measurement process is lost causing phase ambiguity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization systemVSAvoidphase calibration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger signal generation function is merged with the existing analyzer marker signal system. By utilizing the already-present marker signal as the trigger reference, the system achieves temporal alignment between the pulse generator and analyzer without adding a separate independent synchronization system, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3734306B1System and method of creating periodic pulse sequences with defined absolute phase
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A system to create periodic pulse sequences with defined absolute phase comprises a phase coherent analyzer (12) and a pulse generator (14). The phase coherent analyzer (12) and the pulse generator (14) are connected with each other. The pulse generator (14) has a clock input (17) connected to the analyzer (12) for receiving a clock signal from the analyzer (12). The system (10) comprises a trigger line (18) via which a marker signal is provided to at least one of the analyzer (12) and the pulse generator (14). The marker signal temporally aligns an output signal of the pulse generator (14) with a measurement process of the analyzer (12). Further, a method of creating periodic pulse sequences with defined absolute phase is described.