Automatic Power Calibration for RF Probe Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current measuring systems for devices under test require manual and labor-intensive power calibration, leading to inaccurate measurements due to the need for manual detachment and reattachment of probes and power sensors, with model-based compensation being inherently inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
A measuring system comprising a probe, power sensor, and positioning unit that allows for automatic power calibration by connecting the probe to both the power sensor and the device under test, enabling precise power regulation and measurement directly at the measurement point with minimal operator effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual power calibration is performed by detaching and reattaching the probe, then power measurement accuracy can be improved, but handling effort and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs power calibration automatically without requiring manual intervention. The positioning unit self-adjusts to connect the probe to the power sensor, and the measuring device automatically regulates signal power based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for operator detaching/reattaching of components
Solution Approach 2:
The power sensor provides real-time feedback on the actual power level of the measuring signal. This feedback is used by the measuring device to automatically regulate and adjust the signal power, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures accurate power calibration without manual intervention
2Measurement precision
If manual power calibration is performed, then power measurement accuracy can be improved, but measurement time increases due to multiple manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The power calibration process is integrated into the continuous measurement workflow. The positioning unit maintains continuous positioning capability, and the power sensor is always ready to provide feedback, allowing calibration to be performed seamlessly without interrupting the measurement process or requiring system shutdown
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs power calibration automatically without requiring manual intervention. The positioning unit self-adjusts to connect the probe to the power sensor, and the measuring device automatically regulates signal power based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for operator detaching/reattaching of components
3Ease of operation
If model-based compensation is used to account for probe influence, then the calibration process can be simplified, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power sensor acts as an intermediary device that directly measures the actual power level at the probe output. Instead of relying on theoretical models to compensate for probe effects, the sensor provides direct empirical measurement, and the positioning unit enables physical connection between the sensor and probe for accurate in-situ calibration
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring system for performing measurements on a device under test is provided. The measuring system comprises a measuring device, a probe connected to the measuring device, a power sensor and a positioning unit. The positioning unit is adapted to connect the probe to the power sensor in a first configuration and to the device under test in a second configuration. The measuring device is adapted to generate a first signal. The probe is adapted to supply the first signal to the power sensor and the first configuration and to supply the first signal to the device under test and the second configuration. The power sensor is adapted to determine the power of the first signal and the first configuration. The measuring device is adapted to regulate the power of the first signal in the second configuration based upon the power determined by the power sensor.