Waveform Trigger Setup for Complex Oscilloscope Signal Search

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measurement application devices, such as oscilloscopes, require complex and time-intensive trigger definitions, lacking flexibility in capturing signal conditions of interest in complex electronic systems.

Innovation Solution

A measurement application setup with a signal processor that allows users to define trigger conditions by painting or drawing a search waveform, utilizing algorithms like neural networks, Markov models, and dynamic time warping to identify similar data sections in measurement waveform data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional trigger condition definition methods are used, then measurement devices can detect specific signal levels, but the operation becomes complex and time-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal detection capabilityVSAvoidtrigger condition definition
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent allows users to copy a desired waveform pattern from the displayed signal and use it as a template for trigger condition definition. This copying approach eliminates the need for complex parameter configuration, as the waveform shape is directly captured and used for matching, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining detection precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary waveform capture and template creation before the actual measurement process. By pre-defining the trigger pattern through waveform copying and storing it for later matching, the system prepares the trigger conditions in advance, reducing the operational complexity during actual signal analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If simple trigger conditions are used, then the operation is easy, but the flexibility for inspecting complex signal conditions is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrigger definition simplicityVSAvoidsignal condition inspection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic trigger condition definition where users can interactively draw or copy waveforms directly on the display. This dynamic approach allows the trigger pattern to adapt to any signal shape or condition, providing unlimited flexibility while maintaining ease of operation through graphical interaction rather than fixed parameter sets

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The waveform copying and matching mechanism serves multiple functions: it can detect simple level crossings, complex multi-level patterns, transient events, and periodic signals. This universal approach allows a single simple operation (waveform copying) to handle diverse signal inspection needs, thereby achieving both ease of operation and high adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If detailed parameters are required for trigger definition, then measurement precision is high, but the time required for setup increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrigger condition accuracyVSAvoidtrigger setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By copying the actual waveform shape directly from the display, the system captures all necessary trigger condition information in a single action. This eliminates the need for multiple parameter adjustments and iterations, achieving high measurement precision immediately while minimizing setup time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary waveform capture and template creation before the actual measurement process. By pre-defining the trigger pattern through waveform copying and storing it for later matching, the system prepares the trigger conditions in advance, reducing the operational complexity during actual signal analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4336190B1Measurement application setup and method
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4336190B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4336190B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4336190B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a measurement application setup comprising a signal processor configured to process measurement waveform data, a display that is coupled to the signal processor and that is configured to display at least part of the measurement waveform data, a user input device that is coupled to the signal processor, wherein the signal processor is configured to acquire a user input via the user input device, the user input resembling a search waveform that is to be searched by the signal processor in the measurement waveform data. Further, the present disclosure provides a respective method.