Signal Analyzer Ring Buffer Copying for Continuous Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal analyzers face challenges in performing complex and time-consuming measurements without impairing data acquisition rates, often resulting in reduced acquisition rates and limited statistical evaluation of acquired data.
Innovation Solution
A signal analyzer with an acquisition memory using a ring buffer and a controller that extracts data for storage in an additional reserved memory section, allowing for post-processing without interrupting continuous data acquisition, using a copy write module to decouple data acquisition from non-real-time measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex and time-consuming measurements are performed on acquired data, then measurement precision is improved, but acquisition rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The memory is divided into a first memory section for continuous data acquisition and a second memory section for storing data used in complex measurements. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation of data acquisition and measurement processes without mutual interference, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high acquisition rates and performing time-consuming measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
A data selection unit is introduced as an intermediary component that selectively transfers data from the first memory section to the second memory section. This intermediary enables the decoupling of the data acquisition process from the measurement process, allowing measurements to be performed on selected data without pausing the continuous acquisition stream, thus maintaining high acquisition rates while enabling precise measurements.
2Measurement precision
If data acquisition is paused for measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Data is pre-stored in the first memory section during continuous acquisition before measurements are initiated. The data selection unit then retrieves and transfers the required data to the second memory section for measurement processing. This preliminary storage of data eliminates the need to pause acquisition for measurements, as all required data is already available in memory, thereby maintaining continuous data acquisition while enabling precise measurements.
3Device complexity
If only latest acquired data are measured, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single-dimension approach (measuring only the latest data) to a two-dimensional memory structure with first and second memory sections. This dimensional expansion allows the system to retain and access historical data for measurement purposes while maintaining a continuous acquisition stream, thereby preventing information loss without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal analyzer for analyzing an input signal comprises at least one input for receiving the input signal, at least one acquisition unit for acquiring data assigned to the input signal, an acquisition memory for storing the acquired data, the acquisition memory being adapted to store data in at least one ring buffer, and an acquisition memory controller to control at least one of writing the acquired data in the acquisition memory and reading the acquired data from the acquisition memory. The acquisition memory controller comprises a data read module for reading data of the at least one ring buffer. The acquisition memory controller comprises a copy write module which taps data read by the data read module. The acquisition memory comprises an additional memory section. The copy write module is configured to write the data tapped into the additional memory section. Further, a method of processing data from an input signal is described.