Vector Network Analyser Signal Reproduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vector network analyzers (VNAs) face significant measurement errors at medium and high frequencies, requiring extensive calibration and hardware to achieve accurate linear and non-linear measurements, which is costly and time-consuming, especially for frequency-converting measurements.
Innovation Solution
A VNA design that stores and reproduces HF output signals in terms of amplitude and phase using a phase-locked loop and directional couplers, allowing for reduced hardware and measurement points, enabling quick and accurate measurements of linear and non-linear transmission variables without separate measurement of incoming signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If extensive calibration hardware and procedures are used to achieve accurate measurements at medium and high frequencies, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary measurement points and calibration hardware from the VNA system. By using a single measurement point per test port instead of multiple measurement points, the system removes redundant hardware components while maintaining measurement accuracy through mathematical error correction methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs error correction calculations in advance using measured error values obtained from calibration standards. The error correction data is stored and applied to subsequent measurements, allowing accurate measurements without requiring extensive real-time calibration hardware during actual measurements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement points are used to measure incoming and outgoing signals separately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for separate measurement points for incoming signals by using the known reproducible characteristics of the signal generator. Only outgoing signals need to be measured at single measurement points per test port, eliminating redundant measurement hardware and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses stored error values from calibration measurements as a model to correct subsequent measurements. The error correction data obtained during calibration is copied and applied to correct measurement data, eliminating the need for continuous complex hardware-based error measurement.
3Measurement precision
If separate measurement of incoming signals is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs error measurements and corrections in advance during calibration, storing the error values for later use. During actual measurements, the stored error correction data is applied immediately to correct measurement results, eliminating the need for time-consuming separate measurement of incoming signals during production measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the known and reproducible characteristics of the signal generator output as a reference, allowing the system to self-determine incoming signal characteristics without separate measurement. The system serves itself by using its own known signal characteristics to correct measurements, eliminating the need for additional measurement points.
4Measurement precision
If extensive calibration standards and procedures are used for system error correction, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple calibration standards (such as through-connections) by using a simplified calibration procedure that only requires connection standards. The error correction method is designed to work with minimal calibration hardware, simplifying the calibration process and improving ease of operation.
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 design reduces hardware complexity and measurement time, allowing for cost-effective and compact VNAs capable of precise vectorial and frequency-converting scattering parameter measurements, including mixers and intermodulations, while maintaining high accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A VNA design that stores and reproduces HF output signals in terms of amplitude and phase using a phase-locked loop
Implementation Method 2
each test port being assigned a HF coupler in such a way that the HF coupler decouples an HF signal b n running into the respective port from the outside
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a vectorial network analyser (VNA) having at least one signal generator (110), which generates a particular RF output signal, and having n measuring gates (114, 116, 118), where n is an integer greater than or equal to one, wherein an RF coupler (120) is assigned to each measuring gate and the RF coupler is designed in such a manner that the RF coupler couples out an RF signal bn running into the particular gate from the outside, wherein the at least one signal generator is arranged and designed in such a manner that the latter supplies a particular RF output signal to at least one measuring gate as an RF signal running out to the outside. Provision is made for an amplitude and/or a phase to be stored for the RF output signal for at least one signal generator in a retrievable manner in the VNA on the basis of at least one parameter in a parameter field (134), wherein the RF signal generator is designed in such a manner that the latter generates the amplitude and/or phase of the RF output signal in a reproducible manner on the basis of at least this one parameter.