Measuring Phase Coherence of Modulated RF Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring phase coherence between radio frequency signals are limited to continuous waves and are costly, as they require expensive equipment like vector network analyzers or oscilloscopes, which are not suitable for modulated RF signals and have restricted applications due to high power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising at least two measurement receivers and a processing module that acquires, converts, and processes RF signals into digital samples, performing Fourier transforms to calculate phase differences over frequency, eliminating the need for expensive hardware and enabling measurements at low signal powers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a (vector) network analyzer is used to measure phase coherence, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses measurement receivers that replicate the essential functionality of a network analyzer but with simplified architecture. Instead of using a full-fledged expensive network analyzer, the system employs multiple measurement receivers that capture RF signals and convert them to digital samples, which are then processed to extract phase coherence information. This copying approach maintains measurement capability while reducing device cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional hardware-based network analyzer with a software-defined approach. The measurement receivers convert RF signals to digital samples, and the phase coherence measurement is performed through digital signal processing algorithms rather than dedicated hardware circuits. This substitution of mechanical/electrical measurement systems with software-based processing reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If an oscilloscope is used to measure phase coherence, then device cost is reduced, but the field of application is limited to high power signals only
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement receivers in the patent are designed with multi-functionality to handle various types of RF signals including both high and low power signals, continuous waves, and modulated signals. The receivers can adapt their measurement capabilities based on the input signal characteristics, making the system universally applicable across different power levels and signal types, thus expanding the field of application beyond what a standard oscilloscope can handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement parameters such as gain, bandwidth, and sampling rate based on the power level and type of RF signal being measured. This parameter adaptation allows the same measurement receiver to effectively measure both high power signals (where an oscilloscope would work) and low power signals (where an oscilloscope would fail), thereby expanding the field of application without requiring multiple different devices.
3Reliability
If traditional measurement systems are used, then measurement capability is maintained, but adaptability to modulated RF signals is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system employs dynamic signal processing capabilities that can adapt to different modulation schemes. The measurement receivers and processing module can dynamically adjust their measurement parameters and algorithms based on the detected signal type, whether it be QPSK, QAM, OFDM, or other modulated formats. This dynamic adaptability maintains reliable measurement capability across diverse signal types while expanding versatility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a cost-effective method to measure phase coherence and power of modulated RF signals simultaneously, supporting a wider range of applications, including 5G-NR/LTE/MCCW/CW signals with bandwidths up to 100 MHz, without the need for additional measurement equipment.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the at least two measurement receivers is configured to acquire a radio frequency signal and to convert the respective radio frequency signal acquired into digital samples
Implementation Method 2
The processing module is configured to receive the digital samples and to transform the digital samples into a frequency domain to obtain a respective transformed dataset assigned to each measurement receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring phase coherence between two modulated radio frequency signals comprises at least two measurement receivers coupled with each other and a processing module assigned to the at least two measurement receivers. Each of the at least two measurement receivers is configured to acquire a radio frequency signal and to convert the respective radio frequency signal acquired into digital samples. The processing module is configured to receive the digital samples and to transform the digital samples into a frequency domain to obtain a respective transformed dataset assigned to each measurement receiver. The processing module is also configured to calculate a phase in dependency of the frequency from the respective transformed dataset. Moreover, the processing module is configured to determine a phase difference over frequency based on the transformed datasets. Further, a method of measuring phase coherence between two modulated radio frequency signals is described.