RF Add-On Interface With Self-Configuration for Measurement Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 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 and providing electrical energy through a digital interface, such as IEC 61076-3-124 or RJ45 connectors, supporting communication standards like SPI, I2C, Ethernet, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration is used for each external addon device, then device compatibility is achieved, but configuration time and error rate increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The external addon device automatically transmits its device data to the measurement device through the digital interface, enabling self-configuration without manual intervention. The measurement device automatically receives and processes this data, eliminating the need for manual configuration steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device data is pre-formatted and stored in the external addon device in a structured format that includes all necessary configuration information. This preliminary preparation of data allows the measurement device to automatically interpret and apply the configuration without manual input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration is used for each external addon device, then device compatibility is achieved, but configuration accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The external addon device automatically transmits its device data to the measurement device through the digital interface, enabling self-configuration without manual intervention. The measurement device automatically receives and processes this data, eliminating the need for manual configuration steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual configuration process is replaced by an automated digital data transmission system. The structured device data format and automatic processing eliminate human errors associated with manual configuration, such as typos, missed parameters, or incorrect settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple external addon devices are managed separately, then device functionality is maintained, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement device is designed with a universal digital interface that can automatically recognize and configure multiple different types of external addon devices. The standardized device data format allows the system to handle various devices through a single unified configuration process, reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Use of energy by moving object

If electrical energy is transmitted through digital interface, then power supply efficiency is improved, but interference risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply efficiencyVSAvoidinterference risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The digital interface acts as an intermediary between the measurement device and external addon devices, providing a controlled path for both data and electrical energy transmission. This intermediary structure allows for isolated power supply channels that minimize interference while maintaining efficient power delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20230384241A1High frequency signal processing device, measurement equip-ment, measurement system
Publication Date: 2023.11.30 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • US20230384241A1 patent drawing
  • US20230384241A1 patent drawing
  • US20230384241A1 patent drawing

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.