Spectrum Analyzer Dynamic Range Indicator Using Noise Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spectrum analyzers face performance degradation due to inherent sources of signal distortion such as broadband noise, phase noise, and third-order intermodulation (TOI) distortion, which reduce measurement accuracy and sensitivity, and are costly or difficult to mitigate.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that include a measurement acquisition unit, a model module to model phase noise, broadband noise, and TOI products, and a display to show these components, allowing users to differentiate between noise from the signal under test and the spectrum analyzer, enabling improved measurement accuracy and sensitivity by isolating and compensating for noise sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the noise and TOI products of the spectrum analyzer are reduced to improve measurement accuracy and sensitivity, then measurement accuracy and sensitivity are improved, but the cost or difficulty of achieving this increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the spectrum analyzer's noise and distortion characteristics through mathematical modeling. The model module generates synthetic traces representing phase noise, broadband noise, and TOI products without requiring physical modification of the analyzer. This allows users to see and compensate for distortion effects using software rather than hardware changes, avoiding the cost and complexity of reducing actual noise sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary software layer between the spectrum analyzer and the user. The model module acts as a mediator that calculates and displays the expected noise and distortion characteristics, enabling users to understand and compensate for measurement errors without modifying the physical analyzer. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing measurement correction capabilities without requiring physical changes to the device.
2Measurement precision
If the noise and TOI products of the spectrum analyzer are reduced to improve measurement accuracy and sensitivity, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but the cost or difficulty of achieving this increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the spectrum analyzer's noise and distortion characteristics through mathematical modeling. The model module generates synthetic traces representing phase noise, broadband noise, and TOI products without requiring physical modification of the analyzer. This allows users to see and compensate for distortion effects using software rather than hardware changes, avoiding the cost and complexity of reducing actual noise sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary software layer between the spectrum analyzer and the user. The model module acts as a mediator that calculates and displays the expected noise and distortion characteristics, enabling users to understand and compensate for measurement errors without modifying the physical analyzer. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing measurement correction capabilities without requiring physical changes to the device.
3Measurement precision
If noise sources are reduced to isolate signal measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the spectrum analyzer's noise and distortion characteristics through mathematical modeling. The model module generates synthetic traces representing phase noise, broadband noise, and TOI products without requiring physical modification of the analyzer. This allows users to see and compensate for distortion effects using software rather than hardware changes, avoiding the cost and complexity of reducing actual noise sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the measurement process into distinct components: the actual signal measurement, the modeled noise contribution, and the compensation calculation. By separating these functions through software modules, the system can handle complex noise isolation without increasing physical system complexity. The segmentation allows independent optimization of each component while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring spectral components of a signal is described. The apparatus comprises a measurement acquisition unit configured to receive an input signal and to provide a measurement trace. The apparatus also comprises a model module configured to model one or more of a phase noise from the apparatus, a broadband noise from the apparatus, and a third order intermodulation (TOI) product from the apparatus. The apparatus also comprises a display configured to show one or more of the phase noise from the apparatus, the broadband noise from the apparatus, and the TOI product from the apparatus.