UWB Calibration via Three-Port Directive Component
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calibrating ultra-wide band (UWB) devices for time-of-flight measurements are complex, time-consuming, and expensive, leading to inaccuracies due to clock errors, which affect the precision of distance calculations.
Innovation Solution
A method and test system that utilize a directive component with three ports to measure loop time independently of signal processing times, allowing for accurate calibration of UWB devices by determining the run-time between the directive component and the device under test, excluding influences from the measurement device's signal path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods are used for UWB devices, then clock error calibration is attempted, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal processing time of the measurement device from the calibration measurement by using a directive component with three ports. One port connects to the device under test, while the other two ports are connected to the measurement device. This configuration allows the measurement device to send a signal that loops back through the directive component, enabling separate measurement of the device's internal processing time, which is then subtracted from the total loop time to obtain the pure propagation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The directive component acts as an intermediary element that facilitates the separation of measurement functions. By introducing this third-party component with three ports into the calibration setup, the patent enables independent measurement of signal propagation time without being contaminated by the measurement device's own processing delays.
2Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods are used for UWB devices, then clock error calibration is attempted, but the process becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for expensive, complex traditional calibration equipment by using a simplified setup with a directive component. This approach reduces calibration costs while maintaining the ability to achieve high precision in clock error calibration.
3Ease of operation
If loop time measurement includes signal processing time of measurement device, then measurement is simpler, but accuracy is reduced due to uncertainties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total loop time measurement into two distinct components: the signal processing time of the measurement device and the propagation time through the device under test. By using the directive component configuration, the measurement device can independently determine its own processing time and subtract it from the total loop time, yielding an accurate propagation time measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the measurement device sends a signal that loops back through the directive component to itself. This feedback loop enables the measurement device to measure its own internal processing time, which is then used to correct the overall loop time measurement for accurate calibration.
Data Source
AI summary
A test system and method of performing a run-time measurement for calibration of a device used for time-of-flight measurement are disclosed. The method comprises: providing a measurement device, a device under test and a directive component having three ports; connecting the directive component to a transmission port of the measurement device and a reception port of the measurement device; generating a signal by a signal generator; forwarding the signal to the directive component; receiving at least a response by a signal receiver; and determining a loop time indicative of the run-time between the directive component and the device under test as well as a time of internal processing of the device under test, wherein the loop time is independent of a signal processing time of a signal path between the measurement device and the directive component.