Signal Propagation Delay Measurement Using Pulse Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measuring signal propagation delay through devices and cables is costly and requires expensive equipment, limiting efficiency and precision, especially for long delays.
Innovation Solution
A test system comprising a controller, single shot pulse generator, pulse/edge formers, multiplexer, demultiplexer, timer, and counter, which initializes the system and calculates propagation delay by counting pulses and measuring elapsed time, reducing the need for expensive equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive equipment (signal generator, oscilloscope, signal splitter) is used to measure propagation delay, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the propagation delay measurement function from complex expensive equipment and implements it using simpler components. Specifically, it uses a single shot pulse generator, multiplexer, demultiplexer, timer, and counter to measure propagation delay, eliminating the need for expensive signal generators and oscilloscopes while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the measurement function using alternative components. Instead of using a real oscilloscope with two channels and signal splitter, it uses a virtual measurement approach with a single pulse generator, multiplexer, demultiplexer, timer, and counter that can replicate the measurement capability at lower cost and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If oscilloscope with two channels and signal splitter are used, then measurement capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex test equipment with cheaper, simpler components that can be easily manufactured and replaced. The measurement system uses inexpensive digital components (multiplexer, demultiplexer, timer, counter) instead of expensive analog equipment like oscilloscopes and signal generators, significantly reducing the cost barrier for propagation delay measurement.
3Measurement precision
If precise time base with large memory capacity is used, then measurement resolution for long delays is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic measurement techniques where the timer and counter operate in real-time to measure propagation delay. Instead of relying on static memory capacity to store waveforms for analysis, the system dynamically counts pulses and measures elapsed time during the measurement process, eliminating the need for large memory capacity while maintaining high resolution for long delays.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to measure signal propagation delay through objects. The system includes a controller, a single shot pulse generator, a first pulse/edge former, a multiplexer/demultiplexer, a second pulse/edge former, a timer, and a counter. The controller initializes the system, the clock and the counter. A pulse is sent from the single shot pulse generator to the first pulse/edge former. The pulse is propagated through the first pulse/edge former to the multiplexer, through a device under test, to the demultiplexer, and to the second pulse/edge former. The second pulse edge generator provides the pulse to the counter, which counts a predetermined number of pulses, and the clock, which measures the amount of time the counter counts the pulses. The propagation delay of the device under test is then calculated based on the counted number of pulses and the elapsed time measured by the clock.