Signal Chain Component Characterization by Parameter Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for characterizing components within a signal chain are time-consuming and costly, and may introduce additional nonlinearities and noise due to the extraction and reintegration of components, making precise characterization challenging.
Innovation Solution
A method involving repeated capture of measurement signals at a signal chain port while altering the setting of a component under test, allowing the component's contribution to the overall figure of merit to be enhanced, thereby characterizing it without structural changes to the chain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If components are extracted from the signal chain for precise characterization, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of components within the signal chain (e.g., gain settings, attenuation levels) to create distinct contribution patterns. By measuring the overall signal chain response at multiple parameter settings and mathematically separating the individual component contributions, precise characterization is achieved without physical extraction, thereby reducing time and cost while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If components are extracted and reintegrated into the signal chain, then individual component properties can be measured, but additional nonlinearities and noise are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the contribution of individual components from the overall signal chain response through mathematical analysis rather than physical extraction. By using parameter variation and signal processing techniques, the method isolates each component's effect without physically removing and reinserting components, thereby avoiding the introduction of additional nonlinearities and noise while still achieving precise component characterization.
3Device complexity
If components are permanently coupled in the signal chain, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation for individual component characterization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the permanent coupling structure of the signal chain while enabling individual component characterization through parameter changes. By varying operating parameters and using mathematical separation techniques, the method provides ease of operation for characterizing individual components without requiring physical disassembly or modification of the signal chain structure, thus preserving device simplicity while improving operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a method of determining a figure of merit of at least one component under test within a signal chain and a measurement instrument. The signal chain has several components and is an internal and/or external signal chain. A measurement signal is captured at a port of the signal chain. An overall figure of merit of the signal chain is determined. The measurement signal is repeatedly captured at the port of the signal chain while altering at least one setting of one of the several components of the signal chain per repetition. The overall figure of merit of the signal chain is determined for each repetition. The at least one setting is altered such that the contribution of the respective component under test to the overall figure of merit of the signal chain is increased with respect to contributions of remaining components of the signal chain.