Signal Generation Attenuation Correction for Modular Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

In a modularized and detachable signal generation apparatus, adjusting output signal levels for multiple devices under test simultaneously is time-consuming due to the need for frequent adjustments when interface modules are replaced.

Innovation Solution

A signal generation apparatus with a signal generation unit, first and second attenuators, interface units, distributors, and storage units that allow for equal output signal levels across all ports, using a reference interface unit to correct attenuation amounts for third attenuators, ensuring synchronized signal levels across all output ports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the interface portion is modularized and detachable to accommodate multiple modules, then the adaptability and versatility of the signal generation apparatus is improved, but the output signal level adjustment becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule accommodation capabilityVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement of attenuation amounts for each interface unit and stores them in advance. When modules are accommodated, the control device retrieves pre-stored attenuation data and automatically calculates correction values, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustment after module installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device automatically identifies accommodated interface units, retrieves their attenuation characteristics, calculates correction amounts, and adjusts output signal levels without manual intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously completing the entire adjustment process based on stored attenuation data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of output signal levels is performed for each interface unit replacement, then the output signal level accuracy is maintained, but the productivity and efficiency of the test system deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput signal level accuracyVSAvoidtest execution efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system measures the actual attenuation amount of each interface unit and feeds this information back to the control device. Based on this feedback, the control device automatically calculates and applies correction amounts to maintain accurate output signal levels without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electronic control system. The control device uses electronic storage for attenuation data and electronic control signals to adjust attenuators, substituting the manual mechanical adjustment process with an automated electronic system that maintains precision while dramatically improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11609264B2Signal generation apparatus and attenuation amount correction method of signal generation apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 ANRITSU CORP

AI summary

There is provided an attenuation amount setting unit that sets, in a case where signals are simultaneously output from all output ports of a plurality of interface units at the same signal level, one of the plurality of interface units as the reference interface unit, and adds a difference between an attenuation amount of a second attenuator stored in a storage unit of the reference interface unit and an attenuation amount of another second attenuator stored in another storage unit of the other interface unit to an attenuation amount of each of a plurality of third attenuators of the other interface unit to correct the attenuation amount.