Signal Generator Circuit Segmentation for RF Measurement Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test and measurement systems face challenges in minimizing measurement errors due to signal power spikes, which require signal attenuation, impairing signal quality and accuracy, especially in communication standards like WLAN 802.11.
Innovation Solution
A test and measurement system with a signal generator circuit that processes and generates RF signals based on critical and uncritical portions, optimizing signal levels for critical portions to enhance accuracy and reliability, while discarding or masking uncritical portions to prevent overload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If signal power level is maximized to improve measurement precision, then measurement accuracy is improved, but signal overload and clipping occur in critical portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RF signal into critical portions (data-bearing) and uncritical portions (preamble/sync). Different signal levels are applied to each segment: maximum power for critical portions to ensure measurement accuracy, and attenuated power for uncritical portions to prevent overload. This segmentation allows the system to resolve the contradiction by treating different signal segments differently based on their importance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different signal power levels to different portions of the RF signal. Critical portions receive maximum power for optimal measurement precision, while uncritical portions receive reduced power to avoid clipping and distortion. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each segment according to its specific requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If signal attenuation is applied to prevent overload in uncritical portions, then signal overload is prevented, but signal quality and measurement accuracy are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the RF signal into critical and uncritical portions, applying different power levels to each. Uncritical portions (preamble, sync) are attenuated to prevent overload, while critical portions (data) maintain maximum power to ensure measurement accuracy. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by preventing the attenuation from affecting critical measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by differentiating signal power levels based on portion importance. Uncritical portions receive attenuated power to prevent overload, while critical portions receive full power to maintain measurement precision. This localized approach ensures that attenuation only affects non-critical segments, preserving overall measurement accuracy.
3Device complexity
If uniform signal level is applied to all portions, then signal generation is simple, but critical portions may be overloaded or uncritical portions may be underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RF signal into critical and uncritical portions and applies different power levels to each. This segmentation increases complexity slightly but dramatically improves reliability by preventing overload in critical portions and optimizing utilization in uncritical portions. The system achieves reliable measurements through this differentiated approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different signal power characteristics to different portions based on their functional importance. Critical portions receive optimized power for reliability, while uncritical portions receive appropriate power for their specific functions. This differentiated local optimization ensures high measurement reliability despite increased generation complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A test and/or measurement system includes a signal generator circuit, wherein the signal generator circuit includes a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to generate and/or process a predetermined waveform, wherein the predetermined waveform includes at least one critical portion. The processing circuit is configured to control the signal generator circuit to generate a radio frequency, RF, signal, based on the predetermined waveform, wherein the generated RF signal includes the predetermined waveform. The processing circuit is configured to adapt operational parameters of the signal generator circuit such that a signal level of the at least one critical portion of the RF signal generated fulfills at least one predefined criterion.