Remote Measurement Module for High-Frequency Signal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vector network analyzers face challenges in accurately separating incident and reflected signals at high frequencies due to signal attenuation in long cables, limiting their precision in measuring electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A remote measurement module positioned close to the electronic device under test captures and outputs reflected signals directly, bypassing the need for directional couplers with limited directivity, allowing for higher signal integrity and measurement accuracy by utilizing shorter cables and directional elements like octave couplers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If long cables are used to connect the vector network analyzer to the electronic device under test, then the measurement range is extended, but signal attenuation increases making it difficult to separate incident and reflected signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement function into two segments: a directional coupler positioned near the electronic device under test to separate incident and reflected signals, and a vector network analyzer positioned remotely that receives only the separated reflected signals. This segmentation allows the use of long cables for the main signal path while maintaining accurate signal separation at the measurement point.
Solution Approach 2:
A directional coupler is introduced as an intermediary device between the electronic device under test and the vector network analyzer. This intermediary separates the incident and reflected signals at the source, allowing the reflected signals to be transmitted through long cables to the analyzer without the attenuation problems that would occur if separation attempted at the analyzer end.
2Ease of operation
If directional couplers with limited directivity are used to separate incident and reflected signals, then signal separation is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates at high frequencies due to cable attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The directional coupler performs the signal separation action preliminarily, close to the electronic device under test, before the reflected signals traverse long cables. By separating the signals at the source rather than at the receiver end, the system ensures that reflected signals are captured with maximum strength before cable attenuation can degrade them.
3Ease of operation
If the vector network analyzer is positioned remotely from the electronic device under test, then cable management is improved, but signal quality deteriorates due to attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into a signal separation function performed by the directional coupler near the device under test, and a signal analysis function performed by the remotely positioned vector network analyzer. This allows the analyzer to be positioned remotely for ease of operation while the directional coupler ensures signal quality is maintained at the measurement point.
Data Source
AI summary
A test device for testing an electronic device under test comprises a remote measurement module configured to capture signals originating from the electronic device under test and output the captured signals, and an analysis device configured to receive the captured signals and to calibrate the test device based on test signals provided by the analysis device and the captured signals.