RF Measurement Clock Synchronization for Spectral Stitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement systems face challenges in relating successive measurements at different center frequencies due to unknown time differences, making it difficult to calibrate and assess the performance of devices under test.
Innovation Solution
A test and/or measurement system that ties the reference signal generation to a clock signal, allowing for the determination of known starting points for measurements, enabling accurate prediction and comparison of signal parameters across captures, and facilitating calibration and performance assessment of devices under test.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If successive measurements are performed at different center frequencies without clock synchronization, then measurement versatility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to unknown time differences between captures
Solution Approach 1:
A clock signal serves as an intermediary between the reference signal generator and the measurement circuit, providing a common time reference that enables precise correlation of measurements taken at different center frequencies. The clock signal generator coordinates the timing of reference signal generation and measurement captures, eliminating unknown time differences.
2Productivity
If measurements are performed without known starting points, then measurement speed is improved by allowing flexible captures, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to predict signal parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by generating a clock signal that pre-establishes known starting points for both reference signal generation and measurement captures. This preliminary timing coordination enables subsequent precise prediction of signal parameters while maintaining measurement flexibility and speed.
3Measurement precision
If clock synchronization is implemented between reference signal generator and measurement circuit, then measurement precision is improved through known time relationships, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clock signal generator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides timing reference for the reference signal generator, synchronizes the measurement circuit captures, and enables group delay calculation. This multi-functionality achieves precise time relationship measurement without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a clock generator circuit configured to generate a clock signal and a capture start circuit configured to generate a capture start signal based on the clock signal. A measurement circuit is configured to receive the capture start signal from the capture start circuit and to digitize an RF signal based on the capture start signal, thereby obtaining a digitized RF signal. The system further includes a signal analysis circuit that is configured to determine at least one signal parameter of the digitized RF signal. The system further includes a signal prediction circuit that is configured to generate at least one predicted signal parameter based on a first starting point and based on a second starting point. The system further includes a signal comparison circuit configured to compare the at least one signal parameter of the digitized RF signal with the at least one predicted signal parameter.