Signal Analyzer Self-Synchronization Without External Trigger

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional signal analyzers struggle to achieve synchronization of input signals in environments where external trigger signals are unavailable, such as in mobile communication base stations, leading to inaccurate signal analysis and prolonged synchronization acquisition times.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method for synchronizing a signal analyzer that internally generates a trigger signal for each predetermined period, allowing for synchronization and tracking based on this trigger signal, which includes an ADC for digital signal conversion, a signal storage unit, a trigger signal generation unit, a signal acquisition control unit, a signal analysis unit for frame start position calculation, and a time error control unit for adjusting signal acquisition time points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If external trigger signals are used for synchronization, then signal analysis accuracy is improved, but the signal analyzer cannot operate in environments where external trigger signals are unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal analysis accuracyVSAvoidoperational environment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The signal analyzer generates its own internal trigger signals based on received synchronization signals, eliminating dependency on external trigger signals. The synchronization signal reception unit receives sync signals from the external device, and the internal trigger signal generation unit creates corresponding internal trigger signals, allowing the system to self-synchronize and operate independently in environments without external trigger availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Synchronization signals serve as an intermediary between the external device and the internal signal analysis process. Instead of requiring direct external trigger signals, the system uses synchronization signals as a medium to establish timing reference, which then generates internal trigger signals for precise signal acquisition and analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If synchronization acquisition calculation interval is set to one frame, then synchronization acquisition speed is improved, but calculation complexity and processing load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization acquisition speedVSAvoidcalculation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary synchronization signal processing to extract timing information in advance. By receiving and processing synchronization signals separately before main signal analysis, the system establishes timing reference points that simplify subsequent signal acquisition and reduce the computational burden during actual signal processing intervals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The signal processing is divided into distinct segments: synchronization signal reception, internal trigger signal generation, and main signal analysis. This segmentation allows synchronization operations to be performed independently at specific intervals without increasing the complexity of the entire processing system, as each segment handles specific tasks with dedicated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If internal trigger signal generation is implemented, then operational independence is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational independenceVSAvoidinternal structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization signal reception unit serves multiple functions: it receives synchronization signals from external devices, extracts timing information, and provides reference for internal trigger signal generation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving operational independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger signal generation function is merged with the existing signal analysis architecture. Internal trigger signals are generated based on synchronization signals within the existing processing framework, combining synchronization and analysis functions into a unified system rather than adding completely separate subsystems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8130884B2Apparatus and method for synchronizing signal analyzer

Publication Date: 2012.03.06 INNOWIRELESS

AI summary

Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for synchronizing a signal analyzer. The apparatus includes an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), a signal storage unit, a trigger signal generation unit, a signal acquisition control unit, a signal analysis unit, and a time error control unit. The ADC converts the input signal into a corresponding digital signal. The signal storage unit stores therein the digital signal received from the ADC. The trigger signal generation unit generates a trigger signal for each predetermined period. the signal acquisition control unit acquires the digital signal from a signal acquisition time point. The signal analysis unit calculates the start position of a frame from the digital signal. The time error control unit calculates a time error between the time point at which each trigger signal is generated and the start position of the digital signal, and sets a subsequent signal acquisition time point based on the calculated time errors.