Signal Chain Auto-Configuration Using Figures of Merit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal chains in measurement instruments require manual tuning of numerous operational parameters, which is time-consuming and overwhelming for users due to complexity, hindering optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a control circuit that automatically determines and optimizes settings for multiple electronic components based on component-specific figures of merit and signal characteristics, such as n-th moment statistics and performance parameters, to enhance signal chain performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual tuning of operational parameters is performed to optimize signal chain performance, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and user complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-characterization by automatically determining figures of merit for each electronic component through measurement campaigns. The control circuit executes measurement routines, collects data, and stores component characteristics without user intervention, enabling the system to optimize its own performance automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit automatically adjusts operational parameters of electronic components based on stored figures of merit and current signal characteristics. By dynamically changing parameters such as gain, bandwidth, and attenuation settings, the system optimizes signal chain performance for different measurement conditions without manual tuning.
2Measurement precision
If manual tuning of operational parameters is performed to optimize signal chain performance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to numerous settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically characterizes its own components and optimizes its configuration without requiring user knowledge of the numerous operational parameters. The control circuit manages the complexity by autonomously executing measurement routines and adjusting settings based on stored figures of merit and real-time signal analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex signal chain configuration. It translates high-level measurement requirements into specific component settings by automatically selecting optimal configurations based on stored figures of merit and current signal conditions, shielding the user from parameter complexity.
3Reliability
If comprehensive measurement campaigns are conducted to characterize all electronic components, then reliability of performance optimization is improved, but loss of time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs comprehensive measurement campaigns during an initial characterization phase to determine figures of merit for all electronic components. These measurements are stored and reused for subsequent optimization operations, so the time-consuming characterization is performed only once rather than repeatedly for each measurement task.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit dynamically selects and adjusts operational parameters based on stored figures of merit and current signal characteristics. By changing parameters adaptively rather than performing full characterization campaigns for each measurement, the system achieves reliable optimization with minimal time and energy expenditure during actual operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device for improving a performance of a signal chain is described. The signal chain includes multiple electronic components. The electronic device further includes a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive a set of figures of merit, wherein the set of figures of merit includes at least one component-specific figure of merit for several different settings of several of the electronic components, respectively. The control circuit is configured to determine and/or receive at least one n-th moment characteristic of a signal of the signal chain. The control circuit is configured to determine at least one performance parameter for a plurality of different combinations of settings of the electronic components, respectively, wherein the at least one performance parameter is indicative of a performance of the signal chain. The control circuit is configured to determine the at least one performance parameter based on the set of figures of merit and based on the at least one n-th moment characteristic. The control circuit is configured to select a combination of settings of the electronic components based on the performance parameters determined for different combinations of settings of the electronic components. Further, a configuration method of configuring a signal chain is described.