Test Instrument Trigger Decoders for Complex Signal Sequences
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern test and measurement instruments, such as oscilloscopes, face limitations in triggering on complex circuit events, as existing systems cannot effectively capture compound events in today's complex circuitry, and sequential triggering methods often require additional resources and slower re-arm times.
Innovation Solution
A test and measurement instrument with a user-configurable input system that accepts and decodes multiple trigger events, allowing for advanced trigger sequences, including validation or invalidation of initial trigger events based on subsequent events, using a combination of hardware and existing Pinpoint™ trigger technology to enhance acquisition efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sequential triggering is used to capture compound events, then the ability to trigger on complex circuit events is improved, but the re-arm time increases and additional resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger system is segmented into multiple independent trigger decoders (first trigger decoder, second trigger decoder, etc.), each capable of detecting specific trigger events autonomously. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different trigger conditions without requiring sequential evaluation, thereby reducing re-arm time while maintaining the ability to capture compound events.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple trigger decoders are pre-configured with their respective trigger conditions and are actively monitoring signals simultaneously before a trigger event occurs. This preliminary action eliminates the need to sequentially evaluate trigger conditions after an event starts, enabling faster response and reduced re-arm time for capturing compound events.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple trigger decoders are used to detect different trigger events, then the triggering capability on compound events is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each trigger decoder is designed with multi-functionality to handle various types of trigger events (analog triggers, digital triggers, pattern triggers, etc.). This universal design allows a single decoder to perform multiple trigger detection functions, reducing the total number of decoders needed while maintaining comprehensive triggering capability on compound events.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple trigger decoding functions are merged into integrated decoder units that can simultaneously process multiple trigger conditions. By combining related trigger detection capabilities into single decoder modules, the overall device complexity is reduced while preserving the ability to capture complex compound events through coordinated operation of the merged decoders.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A test and measurement instrument, including an input configured to receive a signal-under-test, a user input configured to accept a first trigger event and a second trigger event from a user, a first trigger decoder configured to trigger on an occurrence of the first trigger event and generate a first trigger signal, a second trigger decoder configured to trigger on an occurrence of the second trigger event occurring after the first trigger event and generate a second trigger signal, and an acquisition system configured to acquire the signal-under-test in response to the first trigger signal and store the acquired signal-under-test based on whether the second trigger signal validates or invalidates the first trigger signal.