Spectrum Analyzer IQ Compression for Wider Real-Time Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrum analyzers face limitations in real-time bandwidth due to the high amount of data generated, particularly with USB 3.0 connections, leading to constraints in the continuous output of IQ-data.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a digital processing circuit that compresses IQ-data by comparing it with threshold values, replacing values below the threshold with constants, and generating compressed data that includes only relevant frequency ranges and carrier types, allowing for increased real-time bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If IQ-data is continuously output from the spectrum analyzer, then the real-time bandwidth is increased, but the data transmission capacity of the connection is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary data components from the IQ-data stream, specifically eliminating background noise and redundant phase information while retaining essential amplitude and power spectrum data. This extraction process reduces the overall data volume that needs to be transmitted, allowing real-time bandwidth to increase without overwhelming the connection capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the data representation format and applying compression algorithms that modify how spectral data is encoded. By changing the parameter representation of spectral information and using threshold-based compression, the data amount is reduced while preserving critical measurement information, enabling higher real-time bandwidth utilization
2Measurement precision
If all IQ-data is transmitted, then measurement precision is maintained, but transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential spectral information needed for accurate measurements, removing redundant data such as phase information and background noise that do not contribute significantly to measurement precision. This selective extraction reduces transmission time while maintaining the accuracy required for spectral analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only the necessary portion of the spectral data rather than all IQ-data. By using threshold-based compression and selective data transmission, the patent achieves sufficient measurement precision with reduced data volume, thereby decreasing transmission time without sacrificing essential measurement accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A spectrum analyzer (10) comprises a signal input or receiver (11) for receiving a signal, an A/D converter (12) configured to sample the received signal and generate a data stream of IQ-data, a digital processing circuit (13) for generating compressed data from the data stream of IQ-data, and a data interface (19) for outputting the compressed data from the spectrum analyzer (10).