RF Test Instrument Calibration Using Coarse Fine Grid Matrix Combination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calibrating radio frequency test instruments are time-consuming, complex, and prone to errors due to the interdependence of frequency responses from radio and intermediate frequency paths, leading to inaccurate calibration and the need for frequent recalibration.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two distinct frequency response measurements using different radio frequency and intermediate frequency grids, where the first measurement provides high accuracy but is coarse, and the second is fast but less accurate, with data combination and interpolation to achieve a detailed frequency response, and correction using a coarse difference matrix to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a signal generator and power meter are used to measure frequency response with high accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency response measurement is segmented into two distinct measurement campaigns: a first measurement using a coarse intermediate frequency grid to capture overall frequency response characteristics, and a second measurement using a fine intermediate frequency grid to capture detailed ripple characteristics. This segmentation allows each measurement to be optimized for its specific purpose, reducing total calibration time while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The first measurement uses a coarse grid that provides partial coverage of the frequency response, capturing the main trends but missing fine details. The second measurement then adds the necessary fine details with a fine grid. This partial action approach avoids the need for a single exhaustive fine-grid measurement, significantly reducing calibration time.
2Productivity
If an external comb generator is used for frequency response measurement, then calibration speed is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to calibration drift and void calibration issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step that combines data from both coarse and fine grid measurements. This intermediary combination process allows the system to leverage the speed advantage of coarse measurements while incorporating the accuracy benefits of fine measurements, effectively mediating between the two opposing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters (intermediate frequency grid resolution) between two measurement campaigns. By varying this parameter from coarse to fine, the system can optimize each measurement for its specific purpose and then combine the results, achieving both speed and accuracy that neither measurement alone could provide.
3Measurement precision
If multiple fine frequency response measurements are performed at different radio frequencies, then frequency response accuracy is improved, but calibration time increases and error propagation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the results of two measurements taken with different intermediate frequency grids into a single comprehensive frequency response characterization. This merging combines the advantages of both coarse (fast, accurate for main trends) and fine (detailed, accurate for ripples) measurements while avoiding the need for multiple separate measurements at different radio frequencies, thereby reducing complexity and error propagation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibrating a radio frequency test instrument is described wherein a first frequency response is measured using a radio frequency and coarse intermediate frequency grid. A first matrix is created comprising data obtained from said first frequency response measuring. A second frequency response is measured using a radio frequency and fine intermediate frequency grid. A second matrix is created comprising data obtained from said second frequency response measuring. Said first matrix and said second matrix are processed and combined in order to determine a frequency response for a radio frequency desired, said first matrix and said second matrix comprising data obtained from measurements performed with different radio frequency and intermediate frequency grids. Further, a radio frequency test instrument is described.