RF Add-On Self-Configuration for High-Frequency Measurement Equipment

Solution Overview

Problem

In modern high-frequency measurement applications, managing a large number of external addon devices is cumbersome and error-prone due to the lack of switchable devices within measurement equipment, requiring manual configuration which can lead to errors.

Innovation Solution

A high-frequency signal processing device with a digital data storage and digital interface that allows self-configuration of measurement equipment, eliminating the need for manual setup by exchanging device data via the interface, and using a shielded housing to separate RF and digital sections for signal integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration is used for each external addon device, then device compatibility and functionality are achieved, but the complexity of operation increases and errors occur more frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The addon device automatically transmits its own device data (identification, parameters, characteristics) to the measurement device via the digital interface, enabling self-configuration without manual intervention. The measurement device automatically receives and processes this data, eliminating manual configuration steps and reducing human error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical configuration process is replaced by an automated digital data transmission system. The digital interface substitutes the manual configuration mechanism, allowing automatic exchange of device data between the addon device and measurement device, thereby improving reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If multiple external addon devices are managed manually, then device functionality is maintained, but the time required for configuration and management increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration speedVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The addon device prepares and stores its device data (identification, parameters, characteristics) in advance in its digital data storage. When connected to the measurement device, this pre-prepared data is automatically transmitted via the digital interface, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration and significantly reducing setup time for multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If device data is not automatically transmitted, then device compatibility is achieved through manual setup, but the potential for human error increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The addon device automatically transmits its own device data (identification, parameters, characteristics) to the measurement device via the digital interface, enabling self-configuration without manual intervention. The measurement device automatically receives and processes this data, eliminating manual configuration steps and reducing human error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical configuration process is replaced by an automated digital data transmission system. The digital interface substitutes the manual configuration mechanism, allowing automatic exchange of device data between the addon device and measurement device, thereby improving reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4283865A1High frequency signal rocessing device, measurement equipment, measurement system

Publication Date: 2023.11.29 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a high frequency signal processing device comprising an RF signal path with a respective RF coupling, a digital data storage configured to store device data referring to the high frequency signal processing device, and a digital interface coupled to the digital data storage and configured to couple the high frequency signal processing device with an external communication partner. Further, the present disclosure provides a respective measurement equipment, and a respective measurement system.