Real-time Spectrum Analyzer Patents (Class 324/76.22)
  • Patent number: 11791655
    Abstract: An electric power control system and methods are described herein in which a determined effective impedance between a first sensor and a second sensor is determined and instructions to an adjusting device based on the determined effective impedance are provided. In one example a controller is configured to determine at least one component of the supplied electric power at the plurality of sensors based on a determined effective impedance. In another example, a controller is configured to determine at least one estimated component of the supplied electric power based on the determined effective impedance. In another example, a controller is configured to compare one or more comparison variables from a first time period to one or more comparison variables of a second time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Dominion Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Abhineet H. Parchure, Stephen J. Tyler
  • Patent number: 11644505
    Abstract: In a measurement system, a signal probing circuit may provide probed signals by probing voltages and currents and/or incident and reflected waves at a port of a device under test (DUT). A multi-channel receiver structure may include receivers that receive two probed signals from the signal probing hardware circuit, each receiver having its own sample clock derived from a master clock and further having a respective digitizer for digitizing a corresponding one of the two probed signals. A synchronization block, external to the receivers and including a reference clock derived from the master clock, may enable the two probed signals to be phase coherently digitized across the receivers by synchronizing the respective sample clocks of the receivers while the reference clock is being shared with the receivers. A signal processing circuit may then process the phase coherently digitized probed signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: National Instruments Ireland Resources Limited
    Inventor: Marc Vanden Bossche
  • Patent number: 11255948
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for determining frequency spectra, as well as the polarity of frequency, of energy in quadrature signals. In Doppler detection systems, found in sonar, radar, lidar, optical velocimeters using interferometers, and ultrasonics applications, for example, this information can be used to determine target speed and direction. Embodiments obtain a quadrature signal and determine a sine transform of a cross correlation between the I and Q components of the quadrature signal, and can provide an output comprising a signed frequency spectrum. A sign of a sample of the signed frequency spectrum can correspond to a polarity of frequency. The signed frequency spectrum can be rapidly determined over a unipolar frequency span that may be only approximately half the baseband sampling frequency. The signed frequency spectrum may be impervious to imaging under severe conditions of uncorrected quadrature amplitude imbalance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventor: Robert Dickerman
  • Patent number: 10918297
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the PC-HEMT based microelectronic sensors are used in cardiovascular and pulmonary monitoring, detection and measurements of electrocardiography signals, detection of the primary heart activity signals and measurements of the central venous pressure and heart rate variability, measurements of the right and left atrium pressures, recording a phonocardiogram, detection of the S2-split phenomena, measurements of breath dynamics and lung activity diagnostics, monitoring the brain activity and measuring and monitoring electrical signals associated with an electroencephalogram, and eye pressure diagnostics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: EPITRONIC HOLDINGS PTE LTD.
    Inventor: Ayal Ram
  • Patent number: 10905346
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an open-gate pseudo-conductive high-electron mobility transistor (PC-HEMT) includes a multilayer hetero-junction structure made of III-V single-crystalline or polycrystalline semiconductor materials. This structure includes at least one buffer layer and a barrier layer, and is deposited on a substrate layer. The PC-HEMT further includes a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) or two-dimensional hole gas (2DHG) conducting channel formed at the interface between the buffer layer and the barrier layer, source and drain contacts, either ohmic or non-ohmic, connected to the 2DEG or 2DHG conducting channel, electrical metallizations for connecting the PC-HEMT to an electric circuit, and an open gate area between the source and drain contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: EPITRONIC HOLDINGS PTE LTD.
    Inventor: Ayal Ram
  • Patent number: 10884046
    Abstract: A test method allows investigating the dependence of microwave gain, power and linearity behavior of transistors, in which modulated RF signal is injected, as a function of source and load impedance at the signal RF carrier frequency and its harmonics as well as at the modulation (baseband) frequency, using passive programmable tuners. A calibration method generates data allowing the test setup to simultaneous and independent tune at RF and baseband frequencies without the need of on-line vector signal measurement. This allows optimizing baseband frequency impedances for nonlinear amplifier performance with modulated signal, such as ACPR, EVM, IMD etc. Baseband tuning is done using low frequency programmable impedance tuners inserted in the DC branch of the bias networks, which operate as frequency diplexers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: Christos Tsironis
  • Patent number: 10459020
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for automatic alarm management in a radio-frequency (RF) environment are disclosed. An apparatus calculates a power distribution by frequency of the RF environment in real time or near real time, including a first derivative and a second derivative of FFT data of the RF environment. The apparatus then creates a baseline based on the power distribution by frequency of the RF environment in a period of time, identifies at least one alarm situation based on a multiplicity of alarm triggering conditions by comparing the power distribution in real time or near real time to the baseline of the RF environment, identifies at least one signal based on the first derivative and the second derivative of FFT data in the at least one alarm situation, and sends at least one alarm comprising details of the at least one signal identified in the at least one alarm situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: DGS GLOBAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald C. Dzierwa, David William Kleinbeck
  • Patent number: 10312862
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, an up-down converter includes a first mixer configured to convert an input radio frequency (RF) signal into an intermediate frequency (IF) signal using a first local signal; an IF filter configured to filter the IF signal converted by the first mixer; a second mixer configured to convert the IF signal, which has been filtered by the IF filter, into an output RF signal using a second local signal; and a local oscillator configured to control a frequency of the first local signal and the second local signal based on a frequency of the input RF signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: SOLiD, INC.
    Inventors: Jaehun Choi, Kyungeun Han
  • Patent number: 10198276
    Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium has computer-readable data portions stored thereon, the data portions including configuration data items relating to configurable parameters of a frequency converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: ROHDE & SCHWARZ GHBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Simon, Marcel Ruf
  • Patent number: 10198835
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous RF signal visualization with high resolution acquires RF signal data within a specified frequency bandwidth seamlessly to produce digitized time domain data. The digitized time domain data is processed in both the frequency and time domains to form high resolution spectral and time traces which are stored. To match human visualization abilities, the high resolution traces are combined to form low resolution traces which are displayed. With the spectral traces, spectrum bitmaps may be generated and stored so that the spectrum bitmap for any displayed spectral trace may be recalled and displayed. The high resolution traces for any specified low resolution trace may be recalled for display. Finally multiple trigger event types may be generated and displayed with the displayed traces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Bernard, Edward C. Gee, David H. Eby, Julian B. Sessions, Steven W. Stanton, Robert E. Tracy
  • Patent number: 10020005
    Abstract: A frame signal generator is configured to generate a frame signal with a predetermined first time length from an input signal. A reference signal generator is configured to generate a reference signal from a signal located more in a past than a position of the frame signal in the input signal. A correlation value calculator is configured to calculate a correlation value between the frame signal and the reference signal within a range of a predetermined phase shift amount m. A periodic noise determiner is configured to determine whether or not the frame signal includes periodic noise, and calculate a period of the periodic noise in the case where the frame signal includes the periodic noise. A correlation value calculation range generator is configured to generate the range of the predetermined phase shift amount based on the period of the periodic noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: JVC KENWOOD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keisuke Oda, Takaaki Yamabe
  • Patent number: 9651599
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a measurement system for characterizing a device under test (DUT) wherein impedance is controlled or varied over a set of measurement conditions and a parameter or a set of parameters measured for each measurement condition. The measurement system comprises at least one impedance control device, signal separation hardware connected with the impedance control device, receiving means for measuring electrical quantities related to characteristics of the DUT and for converting the measured electrical quantities, a data processing unit connected to the receiving means and adapted to provide characteristics of the device under test based on the converted electrical quantities, whereby the at least one impedance control device is integrated into the signal separation hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS IRELAND RESOURCES LIMITED
    Inventor: Marc Vanden Bossche
  • Patent number: 9581630
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a vector network analyzer may include performing a first set of measurements on a first port of a plurality of ports and determining error coefficients for the first port. The error coefficients may be used to obtain a first calibrated port. For an uncalibrated port of the plurality of ports, a connection via a known through between an already calibrated port and the uncalibrated port may be established and a first signal from a first signal source may be applied to the calibrated port and a second signal form a second signal source may be applied to the uncalibrated port. A further set of measurements with respect to the uncalibrated port may be performed and error coefficients may be determined for the uncalibrated port based on the further set of measurements and relation to error coefficients of the calibrated port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frans Verbeyst, Marc Vanden Bossche
  • Patent number: 9410552
    Abstract: A current switch that can be reset when it is not powered automatically calibrates itself when the circuit monitored by the current switch is energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Veris Industries, LLC
    Inventor: David Pierson
  • Patent number: 9411039
    Abstract: A phased-array receiver comprises a plurality of analog beamforming receive channels, each comprising an antenna element arranged to receive a radio frequency signal and a channel output arranged to provide an analog channel output signal. At least one of the plurality of analog beamforming receive channels comprises an in-phase downconversion mixing circuit connected to the antenna element and a local oscillator source and arranged to provide a downconverted in-phase signal to a phase rotation circuit, and a quadrature downconversion mixing circuit connected to the antenna element and the local oscillator source and arranged to provide a downconverted quadrature signal to the phase rotation circuit. The phase rotation circuit is arranged to provide to the channel output a phase-shifted analog output signal generated from the downconverted in-phase signal and the downconverted quadrature signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernhard Dehlink, Saverio Trotta
  • Patent number: 9157943
    Abstract: A test and measurement instrument including a plurality of input ports; an acquisition system coupled to the input ports and configured to acquire frequency domain data from the input ports; a user interface configured to present frequency domain controls for at least two of the input ports; and a controller configured to adjust frequency domain acquisition parameters of the acquisition system in response to the frequency domain controls such that frequency domain acquisition parameters associated with a first input port can be different from frequency domain acquisition parameters associated with a second input port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Dobyns, Kathryn A. Engholm, Amy M. Bergsieker, Steven C. Herring, Gary J. Waldo
  • Patent number: 9049468
    Abstract: A computing device executing a server engine receives a digital fingerprint created from a segment of a work, the work being a single rendering, the segment being less than an entirety of the work, and the digital fingerprint being based on perceptual features of the segment. The computing device compares the digital fingerprint to a plurality of digital fingerprints from a plurality of known works to identify a known work of the plurality of known works that corresponds to the work. The computing device transmits content-related data associated with the known work to a client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: AUDIBLE MAGIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vance E. Ikezoye, James B. Schrempp
  • Patent number: 8981756
    Abstract: Systems and methods for an industrial I/O controller circuit for frequency input modules that measure the frequency of an electrical input signal using adaptive threshold voltage and/or adaptive hysteresis feedback are shown and described. The systems and methods provide advantages in that the I/O controller circuit can better distinguish between actual input pulses from the electrical input signal, as opposed to unwanted Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) induced input pulses. This maximizes the amount of EMI rejection, independent of the frequency of the moving machine, and results in less time to commission and adjust a sensor, fewer false frequency measurements and less system down time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph G. Vazach
  • Patent number: 8941402
    Abstract: An electromagnetic field measuring apparatus capable of measuring an electromagnetic field for a minuscule area in which electronic devices are densely packed with a high sensitivity is provided. In an electromagnetic field measuring apparatus according to the present invention, the amplitude level of signal light (pf) is adjusted by the analyzer (34) by adjusting its angle with respect to the plane of polarization of the signal light (pf) based on an amplitude level control signal (eb) supplied from the calculation control unit (40). An amplitude level control signal (eb) is supplied from the calculation control unit (40) to the analyzer (34) based on the spectrum (ea) of an electric signal (ed) measured by an RF spectrum analyzer (39). The amplitude level ration between the carrier and the sideband contained in the signal light (ph) incident on the optical receiver (38) is controlled to a fixed value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Mizuki Iwanami, Hiroshi Fukuda, Risato Ohhira
  • Patent number: 8907588
    Abstract: An illumination system detects a peak value of a voltage of a transformer supplying an LED module by analyzing the current value of the voltage and an on-time of the voltage. Based on the detected peak value, a property of the illumination system is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Terralux, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Brandt
  • Patent number: 8823390
    Abstract: A method for monitoring operation of a solenoid valve having an armature and a poppet coupled to the armature includes the steps of energizing a coil in the valve to generate a current signature reflecting current vs. time, detecting a first inflection point in the current signature, wherein the first inflection point occurs when the armature starts to move from one of the open and closed positions toward the other of the open and closed positions, and detecting a second inflection point in the current signature. The second inflection point occurs when the armature moves completely to the other of the open and closed positions. In one embodiment, the first inflection point indicates when the valve begins to open, making it possible to accurately determine the elapsed opening time of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Dean Keller, Steven Lee Ambrose, Eric Otis Barrows
  • Patent number: 8760147
    Abstract: The current invention relates, inter alia, to charge pulse amplitude and time detecting circuits, offering very low amplitude and temporal noise, and overcoming noise performance limits in charge pulse detection circuits according to prior art. Embodiments of the present invention may include a sensing device delivering charge pulses onto a sense node, an active buffer buffering the voltage on the sense node with a low impedance, a recharge device removing signal charge from the sense node, a noise filter connected to the output of the active buffer transmitting signal voltage pulses while attenuating noise from the recharge device. Additional and alternative embodiments are specified and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA—Recherche et Developpement
    Inventors: Christian Lotto, Peter Seitz
  • Patent number: 8744025
    Abstract: Methods, systems and other embodiments associated with pre-processing a signal for spectral analysis are presented. A system for pre-processing a digital input signal includes a digital down converter (DDC), an interpolator, and a series of down samplers. The DDC modulates the digital input signal to create a down converted signal. The interpolator re-samples the down converted signal to produce a re-sampled signal. The series of down samplers produces down sampled signals. The multiplexer selects one of the digital input signal, the down converted signal, and the down sampled signals and routes the selected signal to an output line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Lowdermilk, Dragan Vuletic, Fredric J. Harris, Michael Tammen
  • Patent number: 8582675
    Abstract: A pre-channelized spectrum analyzer utilizes a channelizer as a preprocessor for parallel-configured low-resolution spectrum analyzers so as to perform as a high resolution spectrum analyzer. The pre-channelized spectrum analyzer has a polyphase filter that channelizes a signal input and an IFFT that generates filter bank outputs derived from the channelized signal. Spectrum analyzers are in communications with the filter bank outputs so as to generate a spectral decomposition of a subset of those outputs. The spectrum analyzers each perform a window and an FFT function on a corresponding one of the filter bank subset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Fredric J. Harris
  • Patent number: 8514919
    Abstract: Systems and other embodiments associated with synthetic instrumentation are presented. A reconfigurable synthetic instrumentation unit comprises an input module, with dual input/output ports and conditioning logic to condition an input signal. An RF down converter selectively down converts the conditioned input signal. A sampled RF down converter selectively samples the conditioned input signal. A pair of narrowband A/D converters are configured to convert one of the conditioned signal, the down converted signal and the sampled signal to produce a narrowband digital signal. A pair of broadband A/D converters convert at least one of the conditioned signal, the down converted signal and the sampled signal to produce a broadband digital signal. Signal processing logic selectively performs digital signal processing on the broadband digital signal or the narrow band digital signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: BAE Systems National Security Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Estrada, Dana C. Ford, Tae S. Kim, Robert W. Lowdermilk, Dragan Vuletic
  • Patent number: 8509296
    Abstract: There is provided a spectrum analyzer and a spectrum analysis method capable of promptly performing measurement while preventing the spectrum waveform caused by the fractional spurious components from being displayed. When the width of a designated span (analysis target frequency range) is larger than a boundary value, a reference signal frequency is set to a predetermined reference value, and a loop filter band narrower than a RBW (resolution bandwidth) is selected to thereby make the fractional spurious components be within the RBW and prevent it from being displayed as a spectrum waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Anritsu Corporation
    Inventors: Momoko Inadomaru, Toru Otani, Yuji Kishi
  • Patent number: 8378693
    Abstract: A front end of a vector network analyzer (VNA) on an integrated circuit includes a clock generator and two ports. The VNA couples to a device under test (DUT) using the two ports. Each port may include a plurality of receivers and a VSWR bridge, and can be configured as either an input or an output. The clock generator can generate a stimulus signal, an in-phase I clock signal, and a quadrature-phase Q clock signal. The output port provides the stimulus signal to the DUT and measures both reference and reflected power from the DUT, such as by utilizing two receivers by using direct conversion and the I and Q clock signals. The input port measures transmitted power through the DUT using a second VSWR bridge and one of its receivers by using direct conversion along with the I and Q clock signals. The VNA IC can provide S-parameter measurements to a processing unit for further processing and/or analysis to compute the DUT S-parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Michel M. Azarian
  • Patent number: 8179118
    Abstract: A system and method for performing wide-band spectral analysis of transient signals using a real-time spectrum analyzer (RTSA). A frequency window is selected for RTSA acquisition, the frequency window being narrower in bandwidth than the frequency spectrum of interest. An RTSA is successively tuned to a plurality of different frequencies within the frequency spectrum of interest, where such successive tuning is controlled based on a characteristic of the signal. The RF signal is received, and, for each of the plurality of different frequencies, power data is acquired for the signal in a band centered on the frequency and having a bandwidth equal to that of the frequency window. A representation of the frequency spectrum of interest is then constructed from the power data acquired during the successive tunings of the RTSA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle L. Bernard
  • Patent number: 8159208
    Abstract: A spectrum analyzer is provided that includes components to achieve from below 9 kHz to above 20 GHz operation range while remaining hand-held. Components of the spectrum analyzer include an integrated precision stand-alone step attenuator that does not rely on printed circuit board (PCB) mounted circuit elements within the signal path. Further, a PIN diplexing switch separates signals into different base-band and highband paths. The baseband path includes a pre-amplifier for low frequency signals, while the higher frequency bands may not necessarily include a pre-amplifier. The baseband path further provides improved broadband termination of its 1st mixer IF port by incorporating a new quadrature-coupled directional (QCD) filter that includes a ring resonator. An inexpensive air dielectric multi-cavity baseband filter is also used to suppress 2nd mixer IF images. The highband path incorporates multi-throw MMIC PIN diode switches to selectively filter different bands of input signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Anritsu Company
    Inventors: Russell A. Brown, Cindy Robinson
  • Patent number: 8125213
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a system for extracting and analyzing radioelectric signals of interest. It includes an integer number N of channels. Each channel Vi includes a receiver linked to an analog signals digital acquisition device delivering a digital signal SNi. Each channel Vi includes a bank of polyphase filters, extracting digital signals SEi from the digital signal SNi. The digital signals SEi each have a smaller frequency bandwidth than that of the digital signal SNi. The system includes at least one extracted digital signals distribution device suitable for receiving the digital signals SEi and distributing SEi to one or more processing and storage units. The processing and storage units are suitable for the analysis, characterization and storage of the digital signals received. Embodiments of the invention apply to the system for the radio-monitoring of radioelectric emissions in real time or in deferred time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Patrick Goguillon, Philippe Viravau, Bruno Cazeneuve, Dominique Lamelot, Thierry Lebourg
  • Patent number: 8115474
    Abstract: An electrical current measurement system. A first low-range current gauge receives a current to be measured and provides a first intermediate value indicative of the amplitude of the current up to a first maximum current. A second low-range current gauge receives any portion of the current having a magnitude that exceeds the first maximum current and provides a second preliminary value indicative of the amplitude of the portion of the current having a magnitude that exceeds the first maximum current up to a second maximum current. An arithmetic unit or a digital processor receives the first intermediate value and the second preliminary value and provides a second intermediate value indicative of the amplitude of the current. A full-range current gauge may also be provided. A selector or the digital processor selects one of the values for display or other output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marko Vulovic, Peyman Safa, Daniel R. Schwartz, Benjamin D. Hoover
  • Patent number: 8006195
    Abstract: A computationally implemented method comprises providing a plurality of spectral data display and manipulation options on a display displaying spectral data, the plurality of data display and manipulation options including providing a region further including a plurality of selectable tabs, and displaying a pictorial representation of the spectral data display and manipulation options, further including displaying the region further including a plurality of selectable tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Meta Greek, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Woodings, Brian Tuttle, Don Valate Harrison
  • Patent number: 7915884
    Abstract: Electronic component validation testing is facilitated by a method, system and program product which allows the importation of virtual signals derived from simulation verification testing of the electronic component design into electronic test equipment employed during validation testing of the actual electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Parag Birmiwal, Robert C. Dixon, Hien M. Le, Kirk E. Morrow
  • Patent number: 7890062
    Abstract: Power measurements of a signal having a changing frequency are corrected by acquiring samples of the signal, matching the samples of the signal to a sequence of frequencies indexed to correction transforms, and applying the correction transforms to the samples of the signal. Additionally, an apparatus corrects power measurements of a signal having a changing frequency and includes an acquisition block for acquiring samples of the signal, a sequence controller for matching the samples of the signal to a sequence of frequencies indexed to correction transforms and a correction block for applying the correction transforms to the samples of the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Fook Shian Toong, Eric Breakenridge
  • Patent number: 7877698
    Abstract: A system comprising user interface software configured to provide a plurality of spectral data display and manipulation options on a display displaying spectral data, a user interface processor configured to display a pictorial representation of the spectral data display and manipulation options, and a user interface instruction engine configured to provide a plurality of data display and manipulation instructions to the user interface processor to provide display and manipulation of the displayed spectral data. The plurality of data display and manipulation instructions are received from a control device connected to a computing system and the manipulation of the displayed spectral data is based on a user response to the displayed spectral data manipulation options or a pre-determined selection of the displayed spectral data display manipulation options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Meta Geek, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Woodings, Christian Harrison, Brian Tuttle
  • Publication number: 20100225301
    Abstract: An error factor determination device includes an error factor recording unit which records error factors Eija in a signal generation system which includes a signal generation unit for generating a signal and an output terminal for outputting the signal, a reflection coefficient deriving unit which derives a reflection coefficient Xm of the output terminal based on measurement results R1 and R2 of the signal while the signal is being output from the output terminal and the error factors Eija recorded in the error factor recording unit, and a true/false determination unit which determines whether the recorded error factors Eija are true or false based on the derived reflection coefficient Xm, and a true value of the reflection coefficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: ADVANTEST CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Nakayama, Masato Haruta, Hiroyuki Sekine
  • Patent number: 7679358
    Abstract: Time-resolved emission can be used to measure loop-synchronous, small-signal voltage perturbation in integrated circuits. In this technique the measurements are completely non-invasive and so reflect the true device behavior. The time-dependant propagation delay caused by Vdd modulation also shows the expected qualitative signature. This technique should find applications in circuits with relatively fast clock-like circuits where loop-synchronous voltage pickup is limiting circuit behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: DCG Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Kasapi, Gary Leonard Woods
  • Patent number: 7671605
    Abstract: The invention measures the X-parameters (or large-signal S and T scattering functions, sometimes called linearized scattering functions, which are the correct way to define “large-signal S-parameters”) with only two distinct phases for small-signals on a frequency grid established by intermodulation frequencies and harmonics of the large-tones, with guaranteed well-conditioned data from which the X-parameter functions can be solved explicitly, without the need for regression, and not limited by performance limits of the reference generator or phase-noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B Gunyan, David E Root, Loren C Betts, Jason M Horn
  • Publication number: 20100039098
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a system for extracting and analyzing radioelectric signals of interest. It includes an integer number N of channels. Each channel Vi includes a receiver linked to an analog signals digital acquisition device delivering a digital signal SNi. Each channel Vi includes a bank of polyphase filters, extracting digital signals SEi from the digital signal SNi. The digital signals SEi each have a smaller frequency bandwidth than that of the digital signal SNi. The system includes at least one extracted digital signals distribution device suitable for receiving the digital signals SEi and distributing SEi to one or more processing and storage units. The processing and storage units are suitable for the analysis, characterization and storage of the digital signals received. Embodiments of the invention apply to the system for the radio-monitoring of radioelectric emissions in real time or in deferred time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: Thales
    Inventors: Patrick Goguillon, Philippe Viravau, Bruno Cazeneuve, Dominique Lamelot, Thierry Lebourg
  • Patent number: 7496480
    Abstract: System and method for specifying a signal analysis function. First user input is received, e.g., to a graphical user interface (GUI), indicating a parameter for a first operation implementing at least a portion of the function. The first operation is programmatically included in a sweep loop. Second user input is received specifying a sweep configuration for a sweep on the parameter. The signal includes signal data, e.g., signal plot data or tabular data. The sweep configuration includes: a range of values for the indicated parameter, a number of iterations for the sweep, an interpolation type, step size for the sweep on the indicated parameter, specific values in the range of values for the parameter, source for at least some of the sweep configuration, and/or resultant data. The sweep is performed on the parameter per the sweep configuration, generating resultant data which is stored, and optionally displayed, e.g., in the GUI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Philippe G. Joffrain, Christopher G. Cifra, Alain G. Moriat, Christohpe A. Restat, John A. Pasquarette, J. Clinton Fletcher
  • Patent number: 7486067
    Abstract: A measurement system for determining at least one characteristic of a device under test (DUT) at at least one frequency is described. The measurement system includes a network analyzer being in connection at least with a first source via a first connector and a second source via a second connector. Each source generates a signal. The network analyzer further includes signal paths arranged for applying the generated signals to the DUT and arranged for receiving signals output by the DUT. The frequency content of the signal generated by the second source includes at least a frequency component offset from the at least one frequency at which the DUT is characterized, the at least one frequency being included in the frequency content of the signal generated by the first source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: NMDG NV
    Inventor: Marc Vanden Bossche
  • Patent number: 7456626
    Abstract: A measurement device is provided for measuring a predetermined physical quantity which is contained in the measurement signal over a predetermined measurement range which relates to a specific property for the physical quantity according to the measurement signal which is obtained from an object for measurement so as to display the measurement result as an image in a measurement display which comprises a display range setting section which sets the measurement range, a measurement display generating section which generates the measurement display by using the measurement result in a display range which is set by the measurement range setting section among the measurement result which is measured over the measurement range which is set by the measurement range setting section, and a display section which displays the measurement display which is generated by the measurement display generating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Gentaro Ishihara, Tohru Mori
  • Publication number: 20080258706
    Abstract: A system and method for performing wide-band spectral analysis of transient signals using a real-time spectrum analyzer (RTSA). A frequency window is selected for RTSA acquisition, the frequency window being narrower in bandwidth than the frequency spectrum of interest. An RTSA is successively tuned to a plurality of different frequencies within the frequency spectrum of interest, where such successive tuning is controlled based on a characteristic of the signal. The RF signal is received, and, for each of the plurality of different frequencies, power data is acquired for the signal in a band centered on the frequency and having a bandwidth equal to that of the frequency window. A representation of the frequency spectrum of interest is then constructed from the power data acquired during the successive tunings of the RTSA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: TEKTRONIX, INC.
    Inventor: Kyle L. Bernard
  • Patent number: 7439748
    Abstract: A signal conductor whose first end is an open end, and a ground conductor are connected to associated measurement ports of a network analyzer. A short standard is connected between the signal conductor and the ground conductor at least three points in the longitudinal direction of the signal conductor, and electrical characteristics are measured, thereby calculating error factors of a measurement system including a transmission line. An electronic device to be measured is connected between the signal conductor and the ground conductor, and an electrical characteristic is measured. The error factors of the measurement system are removed from the measured value of the electronic device to be measured, thereby obtaining a true value of the electrical characteristic of the electronic device. Accordingly, a highly accurate high-frequency electrical characteristic measuring method, using a reflection method, that is not affected by connection variations can be implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gaku Kamitani
  • Publication number: 20080211481
    Abstract: A handheld spectrum scanner has a radio module, a central processing unit (CPU), a display module, a power module for supplying power, and a switch setting module acting as controlling interfaces for inputting scan conductions. The radio module comprises an antenna, a filter amplifier, a transducer and a demodulator. The antenna receives frequency signals of wireless electric waves. The filter amplifier amplifies the frequency signals. The transducer and the demodulator analyze energy of the frequency signals and output scanned result to the CPU. The CPU compares variation of voltage level of the scanned result from the radio module based on scan conductions inputted by the switch setting module, and outputs determined result. The display module has a display for displaying the determined result from the CPU.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Chih-Feng Chen
  • Patent number: 7414411
    Abstract: A method and apparatus adapted to calibrate signal path of a signal analysis system such that loading effects of additional probes are substantially removed from the measurement. A signal under test from a device under test is coupled to a test probe and used with selectable impedance loads in the test probe to acquires sets of samples for characterizing transfer parameters of the device under test and compute open circuit voltages at the test probe. Other probes are coupled to the device under test and a set of measurement samples are acquired via the test probe. An equalization filter in either the frequency or time domain is computed from the open circuit voltage and measurement samples for reducing signal errors attributable to the measurement loading of the device under test by the test probe and other probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kan Tan, John J. Pickerd
  • Patent number: 7408336
    Abstract: Electronic component validation testing is facilitated by a method, system and program product which allows the importation of virtual signals derived from simulation verification testing of the electronic component design into electronic test equipment employed during validation testing of the actual electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Parag Birmiwal, Robert C. Dixon, Hien M. Le, Kirk E. Morrow
  • Patent number: 7348784
    Abstract: A measurement system for circuit parameters of a device under test (DUT) that reduces the number of attachments and detachments of calibration kits. An error factor acquisition device includes a first calibrator connected to ports of a network analyzer that has a first state realization unit that determines open-circuit, short-circuit, and standard load states for the ports. Second calibrators connected to the first calibrator and the DUT have a second state realization unit that determines open-circuit, short-circuit, and standard load states for the ports. The first calibrator includes first connection units that connect the ports to the first state realization unit or to the respective second calibrators, while the second calibrators respectively include a second connection unit that connects the ports to the second state realization unit or the DUT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: ADVANTEST Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Haruta, Hiroyuki Sato, Takeshi Tanabe, Yoshikazu Nakayama
  • Patent number: 7304469
    Abstract: Selectable attenuators are used in the reference and test paths of a VNA, with attenuation automatically inserted or deleted when the Device Under Test (DUT) attenuation reaches predetermined thresholds. Attenuation in the reference channel is removed when the signal in the test channel is sufficient to overcome the leakage of the reference channel. Additionally, attenuation is removed from the test channel when the reference channel has a high attenuation inserted to further increase the difference between the leakage reference signal and the reduced test channel signal thus allowing lower isolation requirements on the two (or more) receiving channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Anritsu Company
    Inventor: Donald Anthony Bradley
  • Patent number: 7298129
    Abstract: A measurement instrument is provided with an FFT module providing a frequency domain output; and a power calculator connected to the frequency domain output to measure power statistics for a test signal of arbitrary length. In some embodiments, a spectrum integration module is provided to calculate the power contained within a frequency band. In an embodiment, a filter/averaging module is provided to compute signal power statistics over an arbitrary time period. Accumulators may be provided to store data related to maximum power, minimum power, average power, or peak to average power. A CCDF module may be provided in some embodiments to calculate CCDF related measurements. Also provided are methods of making power statistic measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle L. Bernard