Vector S-Parameter Measurement Using Phase Shifting and Single Receiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for vector s-parameter measurements are complex and costly, requiring specialized hardware like six-port couplers and multiple receivers, which are not commonly available, and involve intricate signal processing algorithms.
Innovation Solution
A simple and cost-effective apparatus and method using power dividers, isolators, directional couplers, phase shifters, switches, and broadband detectors to obtain s-parameter measurements by sweeping phase shifter values and mapping them to scalar magnitude measurements, eliminating the need for complex hardware and software processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a phase detector with local oscillator sources, mixers, and filters is used to down-convert reference and test channels, then vector s-parameter measurements can be obtained, but the hardware complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex down-conversion hardware (local oscillators, mixers, filters) from the measurement system. Instead of using a phase detector that requires these components, the invention uses a simplified architecture where a single receiver directly measures the combined signal after phase shifting, eliminating the need for signal down-conversion hardware while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single receiver in the patent performs multiple functions that traditionally required separate components: it directly detects both magnitude and phase information by receiving the combined signal from the phase-shifting network, eliminating the need for dedicated down-conversion and processing hardware for each measurement parameter
2Measurement precision
If complex software algorithms are used to calibrate the system for magnitude and phase measurements, then accurate vector s-parameter measurements are achieved, but the software complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex calibration algorithms from the software. By using a single receiver to directly measure the combined signal with known phase shifts, the system eliminates the need for intricate software-based calibration procedures that were required to separate magnitude and phase information from complex down-converted signals
3Measurement precision
If a six-port coupler with at least three receivers is used to calculate phase measurements, then accurate phase measurements close to zero and one-hundred eighty degrees are achieved, but the hardware availability and system complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the specialized six-port coupler from the system architecture. Instead of requiring this special-purpose hardware component that is not commonly available off-the-shelf, the invention uses readily available components (phase shifters, combiners, and a single receiver) to achieve the same phase measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a functional equivalent of the six-port coupler system using common, off-the-shelf components. The phase-shifting network combined with a single receiver replicates the phase measurement functionality of the six-port coupler without requiring the specialized hardware, making the system easier to manufacture and more accessible
4Measurement precision
If an extra receiver is added for accurate phase measurements, then phase measurements close to zero and one-hundred eighty degrees improve, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single receiver in the patent is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously. By receiving the combined signal from the phase-shifting network, it extracts both magnitude and phase information without requiring additional receivers, achieving multi-functionality with a single component
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides accurate vector s-parameter measurements with only one receiver, using inexpensive detectors and reducing complexity, making it a more accessible and efficient solution for characterizing linear networks.
Implementation Method 1
a phase shifter which shifts the reference signal by a first phase and outputs a phase shifted signal
Implementation Method 2
a device under test (DUT) which shifts the testing signal by a second phase and outputs a DUT shifted signal
Implementation Method 3
a combiner which combines the phase shifted signal and the DUT shifted signal into a combined signal
Implementation Method 4
a detector which detects a product of the phase shifted signal and the DUT shifted signal
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for vector scattering parameter (s-parameter) measurements, and more particularly, to an apparatus and a method for providing a simple, low cost solution for tests requiring vector s-parameter measurements. The apparatus includes a source which provides an input signal, a divider which splits the input signal to a reference signal and a testing signal, a phase shifter which shifts the reference signal by a first phase and outputs a phase shifted signal, a device under test (DUT) which shifts the testing signal by a second phase and outputs a DUT shifted signal, a combiner which combines the phase shifted signal and the DUT shifted signal into a combined signal, and a detector which detects a product of the phase shifted signal and the DUT shifted signal.