Separable Probe Impedance Measurement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring characteristic impedance of high-frequency electric transmission lines are limited by size constraints of connectors, require specific calibration procedures, and lack flexibility, leading to increased time and cost for accurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method using separable and independently operable probes to measure characteristic impedance by directly interconnecting probe terminals to form a first circuit, then connecting to the transmission line to form a second circuit, allowing for the extraction of the transmission line's impedance by calculating the difference between the two measured impedances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional connectors (SMA or BNC) are used for measurement, then measurement of characteristic impedance is possible, but the design is confined due to size requirements and clearance constraints between terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into separate modular components: a Vector Network Analyzer, independent probes with SMA connectors, and optional calibration carriers. This segmentation allows the probes to be used with different transmission line configurations without being constrained by fixed connector spacing, thereby improving design flexibility while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
Probes serve as intermediary elements between the VNA and the transmission line under test. The probes with SMA connectors act as adaptable interfaces that can be positioned at various locations, eliminating the direct constraint of fixed connector clearance while enabling characteristic impedance measurement through the use of calibration carriers as mediators for reference plane establishment
2Measurement precision
If calibration carriers are specifically designed for different circuit boards, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time and cost are additionally spent
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration carriers are designed with universal features that allow them to be used across different transmission line configurations and circuit board types. The standardized SMA connector interfaces and calibration structures enable a single carrier design to serve multiple measurement scenarios, reducing the need for custom carrier design while maintaining measurement accuracy through proper reference plane establishment
3Measurement precision
If conventional measuring means are used, then characteristic impedance can be measured, but the system lacks flexibility and requires specific carriers for different objects
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into independent, reusable components: the VNA, standardized probes with SMA connectors, and calibration carriers. This modular architecture eliminates the need for integrated, complex fixed measurement systems, allowing each component to be used independently across different measurement scenarios, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The probes and calibration carriers are designed with universal SMA connector interfaces that can be used with various transmission line types and configurations. This universality allows a single set of measurement tools to measure characteristic impedance across different objects and frequencies, eliminating the need for multiple specialized measurement systems and reducing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A characteristic impedance of an electric transmission line is measured by way of extraction. In the method, a first probe and a second probe are provided, wherein the first probe and the second probe are separable and independently operable probes. A first characteristic impedance of a first circuit where a first terminal of the first probe and a first terminal of the second probe are directly interconnected to each other is first measured. Then a second characteristic impedance of a second circuit where the first terminal of the first probe and the first terminal of the second probe are connected to opposite terminals of the electric transmission line, respectively, is measured. The characteristic impedance of the electric transmission line can then be obtained according to the first characteristic impedance and the second characteristic impedance.