Calibration Unit With Switchable Standards and Internal Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration units for measurement devices are cumbersome and error-prone, requiring manual attachment and detachment of cables and additional calibration devices, and cannot be scaled to accommodate changing measurement requirements without increasing complexity or cost.
Innovation Solution
A modular calibration unit with a switching module that connects to multiple calibration standards, including internal power meters and impedance tuners, allowing for various calibration measurements without physical reconnection, and a system of stacked units with daisy chain ports for seamless expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual attaching and detaching of cables and calibration devices is performed during calibration routines, then different calibration measurements can be performed, but the process becomes time consuming and error prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple calibration devices (power meter, impedance tuner, calibration standards) into a single integrated calibration unit that remains permanently connected to the measurement device. This merging eliminates the need for manual attachment and detachment of separate devices, reducing calibration time while maintaining the ability to perform various calibration measurements through internal switching between integrated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration unit is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple calibration functions (power calibration, impedance calibration, S-parameter calibration) through a single integrated unit. The switching module enables the unit to select between different calibration standards and functions, providing versatility without requiring separate external devices for each calibration type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a calibration unit with a larger number of ports is acquired to cover all possible measurement scenarios, then future measurement requirements can be met, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration unit employs a dynamic switching module that can electronically connect the measurement device to different calibration standards and functions as needed. This dynamic switching capability allows a single-port calibration unit to provide the functionality of multiple ports, maintaining versatility while minimizing physical complexity. The switching occurs electronically rather than requiring physical reconfiguration of multiple permanent connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration unit is designed as a universal multi-functional device where a single integrated unit can perform various calibration tasks (S-parameter, power, impedance, noise figure) that would traditionally require different specialized devices. The switching module enables this universality by routing signals to appropriate internal components, eliminating the need for multiple separate calibration devices or a high-port-count unit.
3Reliability
If multiple separate calibration devices are attached to the measurement device, then comprehensive calibration can be performed, but the number of components and wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power meters, impedance tuners, calibration standards, and switching functionality into a single integrated calibration unit. This consolidation maintains comprehensive calibration capability while reducing the number of separate components and wiring connections. The integrated design ensures reliable connections without the complexity of managing multiple separate devices and their interconnections.
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration unit comprises a first port which is arranged for being connected to a measurement device; a calibration module comprising at least three different calibration standards for calibrating the measurement device; and a switching module configured to connect the first port with one of the at least three different calibration standards of the calibration module. A daisy chain port is arranged for being connected to a further calibration unit, to an external power meter, or to a device-under-test, DUT. The first port is connectable to the daisy chain port. An internal power meter is arranged within a housing of the calibration unit. The first port is connectable to the internal power meter; or an internal impedance tuner. The first port is connectable to the internal impedance tuner.