Synchronized Spectrum Analyzer for Multi-Signal Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectrum analyzers require complex configurations and significant time and work to measure frequency characteristics of multiple signals simultaneously, and existing methods for comparing these characteristics are inaccurate and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A frequency characteristics measuring device with multiple measuring units and a trigger generation unit that allows parallel measurement of multiple signals in synchronization, along with local oscillators, mixers, intermediate frequency filters, and sweep control units to simplify the measurement process and improve analysis accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional spectrum analyzers with two input terminals are used to measure frequency characteristics of multiple signals, then measurement capability is provided, but configuration complexity increases and measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measuring units (first and second measuring units) into a single spectrum analyzer device, enabling simultaneous measurement of multiple signals without requiring separate external devices. This merging approach provides multi-signal measurement capability while keeping the configuration integrated and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The spectrum analyzer is designed with universal measuring units that can handle different input signals (first input signal and second input signal) through the same measurement architecture. Each measuring unit can independently measure frequency characteristics of different signals, providing multi-functional measurement capability within a single device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional spectrum analyzers are used to measure frequency characteristics of multiple signals, then measurement is possible, but measurement time and work increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous parallel measurement of multiple signals by operating multiple measuring units simultaneously. The trigger generation unit coordinates the measuring units to perform frequency sweeps and measurements continuously without interruption or sequential waiting, thereby reducing total measurement time while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
3Productivity
If frequency characteristics of two kinds of signals are measured using conventional methods, then measurement results are obtained, but analysis accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a trigger generation unit that provides synchronized timing signals to coordinate the measuring units. This feedback mechanism ensures that frequency sweeps and measurements are properly synchronized across multiple channels, maintaining measurement precision and analysis accuracy while enabling efficient parallel measurement operations.
4Measurement precision
If external analysis devices are used to compare frequency characteristics, then comparison is possible, but configuration complexity increases and measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement and analysis functions into a single integrated device. The spectrum analyzer internally compares frequency characteristics of multiple signals through its coordinated measuring units and trigger generation unit, eliminating the need for separate external analysis devices and reducing overall configuration complexity while maintaining comparison capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simplified measurement configurations, reduces time and work required for measurement, and enhances analysis accuracy by allowing simultaneous and synchronized measurement of multiple signals, eliminating the need for external devices and facilitating direct on-device analysis.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of measuring units include a local oscillator in which frequency sweep is performed
Implementation Method 2
a mixer which performs frequency conversion of the input signal by using a local oscillation signal output from the local oscillator
Implementation Method 3
an intermediate frequency filter which extracts a signal component of a predetermined frequency from an intermediate frequency signal output from the mixer
Data Source
AI summary
It is possible to provide a frequency characteristics measuring device which can simplify the configuration for performing a measurement and reduce the undue effort required for the measurement.A spectrum analyzer (10) includes: two sets of measuring units having mixers (110, 210), local oscillators (112, 212), and IF sections (120, 220) for separately measuring frequency characteristics of two input signals; a trigger generation section (310) which generates a trigger signal for specifying a measurement start timing in each of the two sets of measuring units; a sweep control section (300) which simultaneously sends an instruction to the two local oscillators (112, 212) when a trigger signal is inputted and performs a sweep control so that the two local oscillators (112, 212) output local oscillation signals of the same frequency at the same timing.