Test Accessory Internal Calibration Signal Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration methods for test and measurement accessories require manual removal and reconnection of accessories from the device under test to apply calibration or compensation signals, which is inconvenient and limited by the capabilities of external calibration stimuli.
Innovation Solution
A test and measurement system with an accessory head that includes a calibration unit capable of applying internal calibration or compensation signals, allowing for calibration without removing the accessory from the device under test, using switches or optical sensors to toggle between measurement and calibration modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the accessory is removed from the device under test to apply calibration signal, then the calibration can be performed using external calibration stimulus, but the calibration process becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory performs self-calibration by generating its own calibration signal through an integrated calibration signal generator. The accessory switches between measurement mode and calibration mode, allowing it to calibrate itself without external intervention or removal from the device under test, thus eliminating time loss while maintaining calibration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration signal generator is merged into the accessory itself, combining the measurement function and calibration function in a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate external calibration equipment and manual connection/disconnection operations, resolving the contradiction between calibration accuracy and calibration time
2Measurement precision
If the accessory is removed from the device under test to connect to calibration stimulus, then external calibration can be applied, but the operation becomes complex requiring special adapters and fixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory generates its own calibration signal internally and applies it to itself through integrated switching circuitry. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external calibration equipment, special adapters, and complex connection procedures, making the calibration operation simple while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a measurement device and a self-calibration device. The integrated calibration signal generator and switching mechanism allow the accessory to perform both measurement and calibration functions without requiring different equipment or complex procedures, improving ease of operation while maintaining calibration precision
3Ease of operation
If the accessory remains connected to the device under test during calibration, then calibration can be performed without removal, but external calibration signal application becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory generates its own calibration signal internally and applies it to itself through integrated switching circuitry while remaining connected to the device under test. This self-service capability maintains both calibration convenience and measurement precision without requiring accessory removal or external calibration equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration signal generator is merged into the accessory, allowing the accessory to generate and apply calibration signals internally while remaining connected to the device under test. This integration maintains both ease of operation and calibration accuracy by eliminating the need for external calibration equipment
Data Source
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AI summary
An accessory (104) for use with a test and measurement instrument (100). The accessory includes an input (114, 116) to receive a signal from a device under test (106), a calibration unit (108) configured to apply a calibration or compensation signal internal to the accessory, and an output (120) to output the signal from the device under test or the calibration or compensation signal to a test and measurement instrument.