RF Measurement Device Sets With External Master Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement devices, such as vector network analyzers, have limited ports due to space, user operability, and flexibility constraints, and lack the ability for one device to control the operation of another.
Innovation Solution
A first measurement device is equipped with a central processing unit that can control a second measurement device via an external control interface, allowing for improved operability and interoperability through features like local oscillator sharing and signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of measurement ports is increased, then the measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a master measurement device and one or more slave measurement devices. Each device can independently perform measurements, but they can also be connected hierarchically where a master device controls slave devices. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high measurement capability without requiring all ports to be present in a single complex device.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement devices are designed with universal control interfaces that allow a master device to control slave devices using the same control mechanisms as for its own functions. The external control interface can receive control signals from a master device and execute them, enabling the slave device to perform multiple functions under remote control without requiring dedicated control circuits for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more measurement ports are integrated into one device, then the versatility is improved, but the user operability and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The external control interface acts as an intermediary between the user and the measurement device. Instead of requiring the user to directly operate each measurement port or function, the user can issue control signals through the external control interface, and the device executes the appropriate operations. This mediator approach simplifies user interaction while maintaining access to versatile measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement device can autonomously execute measurement tasks based on control signals received through the external control interface. Once configured, the device can perform measurements, process data, and generate results without requiring continuous user intervention for each operation, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If measurement devices are connected in daisy chains or through hubs, then the network capability is improved, but the control capability of one device over another remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control functionality is merged with the measurement functionality in the external control interface. The same interface that enables network connection and data exchange also carries control signals. This allows a master measurement device to not only communicate with slave devices but also directly control their operation, combining network capability and control capability into a unified interface.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a first measurement device for testing a device under test, DUT, by measuring at least one signal of the DUT, and a second measurement device for testing a device under test, DUT, by measuring at least one signal of the DUT, as well as a set of measurement devices comprising the first and second measurement device. The first measurement device comprising: at least one measurement port configured to output and/or receive a radio frequency, RF, signal to and/or from the DUT; a measurement unit connected to the at least one measurement port and being configured to measure the RF signal output and/or received at the at least one measurement port; a display unit; an user input unit for obtaining an user input; an external control interface; and a central processing unit. The second measurement device comprising: at least one measurement port configured to output and/or receive a radio frequency, RF, signal to and/or from the DUT; a measurement unit connected to the at least one measurement port and being configured to measure the RF signal output and/or received at the at least one measurement port; a central processing unit being configured to control the measurement unit; a first external control interface being configured to be connected to the external control interface of a first measurement device. The external control interface of the first measurement device being connected to the first external control interface of the second measurement device; and the central processing unit of the first measurement device being configured to receive a user input from the user input unit and to forward the user input to the central processing unit of the second measurement device.