Signal Path Measurement Without Reference Clock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement systems struggle to determine transmission property differences between signal paths without a reference signal or clock signal, which is crucial for accurate information restoration and phased array configuration.
Innovation Solution
A method involving providing a test signal to multiple signal paths, modifying its phase and amplitude, and applying windows to obtain measurement data sets, allowing for the determination of response function differences between the paths without a reference signal, using a signal generating device and a signal receiving device connected via multiple signal paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reference signal or clock signal is used to determine transmission property differences, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates since many electronic devices are not configured to provide such signals
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system uses the data signals themselves as the measurement probe. The receiver determines transmission property differences by analyzing the received data signals from multiple signal paths without requiring external reference signals. The system serves its own measurement needs using its operational signals, eliminating the need for separate reference signal generation and synchronization mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If consecutive modification of phase and amplitude of signals is performed to determine response function differences, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to sequential measurement steps
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement method employs periodic switching between different signal modification states. The receiver alternates between receiving unmodified signals and signals with modified phase or amplitude, using this periodic action to gather measurement data efficiently. This approach allows systematic exploration of signal path characteristics while maintaining a structured measurement rhythm that balances precision with time efficiency.
3Productivity
If multiple signal paths are measured simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference between signals
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process segments the analysis of multiple signal paths by applying windowing functions that isolate specific time intervals for each path measurement. The receiver divides the continuous signal stream into discrete segments corresponding to different signal paths, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple paths while maintaining precision through temporal separation and selective analysis of each segment.
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement method includes providing a test signal to a first signal path and to a second signal path within a predefined time interval, thereby obtaining a first signal and a second signal, respectively; consecutively modifying at least one of a phase and an amplitude of the first signal and of the second signal, thereby obtaining a first modified signal and a second modified signal, respectively; applying a first window at least to the first signal, thereby obtaining a first set of measurement data being associated with at least the first signal; applying a second window at least to the second signal, thereby obtaining a second set of measurement data being associated with at least the second signal; and determining a response function difference between the signal paths based on the first set of measurement data and the second set of measurement data. Further, a measurement system is described.