Abstract:
A measuring device, in particular a signal generator, comprises several functional units which may be connected to each other in various combinations, a control device which determines the connection and functions of the functional unites, and optical display device. The functional units are symbolized by function blocks which may be represented on the display device and graphically connected by connection elements. The control device controls the display device so that the functional blocks are graphically connected to each other correspondingly to the actual connection of the functional units by the connection elements.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to a measuring device, especially, a signal generator, with several functional units. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The configuration of the functional units, for example, with a base band unit, a fading unit, a noise unit, an I/Q-modulator and a high-frequency unit is variable within certain limits, and the function of functional units can be selected by the user from a predetermined range of functions. 
   The functions of measuring devices of this kind have conventionally been selected via operating keys (soft keys and hard keys). However, with this method of operation, the sequence in the signal flow according to which the individual functional units are connected to one another and influence the signal to be generated is not clearly evident. The currently active output sockets and the signals connected to them cannot be identified. 
   Regarding the technical background, reference must be made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,009. This document describes the allocation of trigger functions to the measurement channel of a digital oscilloscope by clicking on and moving icons symbolizing the trigger functions on the user interface. However, the signal flow of individual functional units and the function of these individual functional units cannot be identified from the user interface and cannot be selected on user interface. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed to providing a measuring device with variably configurable functional units, of which the functions are variable, wherein selection of the configuration of the functional units and selection of the function of the functional units is realized in a user-friendly manner. 
   The invention is based on the concept of providing a graphic display of functional blocks which symbolizes the functional units on a display device (display) also including their connections, wherein the functional blocks on the display device are graphically interconnected in a manner which corresponds with the current configuration of the functional units. 
   In this context, the function of the functional units can advantageously be selected by guiding a cursor by means of a positioning element (for example, a rotary knob or a mouse) to the graphic position of the corresponding functional block and, at the position of the functional block, selecting the required function from a function-selection list (menu) and/or a graphic function-selection window (window). 
   Examples of functional units are a base band unit, a fading unit, a noise unit, an I/Q-modulator, a high-frequency unit. These units may also be present at least as doubles, wherein the functional units of the two channels can be combined with one another in a variable manner within certain limits. 
   Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description, simply by illustrating a number of particular embodiments and implementations, including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. The present invention is also capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details can be modified in various obvious respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     One exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings are as follows: 
       FIG. 1  shows a first example of the graphical display according to the invention of the functional blocks symbolizing the functional units; 
       FIG. 2  shows a second example of the graphical display according to the invention of the functional blocks symbolizing the functional units; 
       FIG. 3  shows a third example of the graphic display according to the invention of the functional blocks symbolizing the functional units; 
       FIG. 4  shows a fourth example of the graphic display according to the invention of the functional blocks symbolizing the functional units; 
       FIG. 5  shows a fifth example of the graphic display according to the invention of the functional blocks symbolizing the functional units; 
       FIG. 6  shows a sixth example of the graphic display according to the invention of the functional blocks symbolizing the functional units; 
       FIG. 7  shows a seventh example of the graphic display according to the invention of the functional blocks symbolizing the functional units; and 
       FIG. 8  shows a block circuit diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a signal generator designed as a measuring device according to the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Before describing the various examples of the graphic display of functional blocks in detail with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 7 , a block circuit diagram for a signal generator, which is designed as a measuring device according to the invention, will first be described with reference to  FIG. 8 . 
   The signal generator  1  comprises a first base band unit  2   a  and a second base band unit  2   b . The base band units  2   a  and  2   b  generate base band signals at their I and Q outputs according to predefined standards which can be selected by the user, for example, according to the GSM standard, the GSM-EDGE standard or the Wideband-CDMA standard. The base band units  2   a ,  2   b  are supplied with clock signals at sockets  3   a ,  3   b , trigger signals at sockets  4   a  and/or  4   b  and modulation data at sockets  5   a  and/or  5   b . In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, a digital base band generator unit  6  is provided alongside these units, which generates the I and Q components of a further base band signal from digital I/Q-values supplied to socket  7 . The output signal from the digital base band generator  6  can be multiplied in a multiplication unit  8 , to which the constant frequency from an adjustable local oscillator  9  is supplied. 
   The optionally multiplied base band signal from the digital base band generating unit  6  can be supplied via a switching element  10   a  and/or a second switching element  10   b , to the digital addition unit  11   a  or digital addition unit  11   b.    
   The output signal from the base band units  2   a  and  2   b  and/or from the addition units  11   a  and  11   b  is supplied, via a switching element  12   a  and/or a switching element  12   b , to a fading unit  13   a  and/or  13   b , which applies fading (variable decrease) to the base and signal. The functions of the fading units  13   a  and  13   b , such as the number, the time delay and the attenuation of the signal delay paths implemented in the fading unit can be specified by the user. The fading units  13   a  and  13   b  are connected via an addition unit  14   a  and/or  14   b  in each case to a noise unit  15   a  and/or  15   b . The noise units  15   a ,  15   b  apply a noise signal, which can be specified by the user, to the base band signal, wherein, for example, the type and level of the noise signal generated by the noise unit  15   a ,  15   b  can be selected by the user. 
   Instead of providing a separate connection of the relevant fading units  13   a  and/or  13   b  to the allocated noise unit  15   a  and/or  15   b , the output signals from the fading units  13   a ,  13   b  can be added by means of a switching element  16  which connects the addition units  14   a  and  14   b , and supplied in each case, to one of the two noise units  15   a  and/or  15   b . The I/Q-output signals at the output of the noise units  15   a  and/or  15   b  can be tapped at socket  17   a  and  18   a  or  17   b  and  18   b.    
   The output signals from the noise units  17   a  and  17   b  can be supplied to I/Q-modulators  20   a  and/or  20   b  via addition units and switching units  19   a  and  19   b . In this context, the output signals from the noise units  15   a  and  15   b  can be added via a switching element  21  and supplied to one of the two I/Q-modulators  20   a  and/or  20   b . With reference to the function of the I/Q-modulators  20   a  and/or  20   b , several user-specific selection options are also available. For example, the I/Q-modulator  20   a ,  20   b  can be operated in such a manner that it generates a burst-sequence, wherein the active bursts and/or the level of the active bursts can be selected by the user. 
   The I/Q-modulators  20   a  and  20   b  are each connected to a high-frequency unit  22   a  and/or  22   b , and a high-frequency signal can be picked up at a socket  23   a  and/or  23   b . For example, the output frequency or several output frequencies initiated according to the sudden frequency change procedure of the high frequency unit  22   a  and  22   b  can be selected by the user. 
   Additionally, a signal display  24  is provided, which, in the exemplary embodiment, can be connected via switching elements  25   a  and/or  25   b  to the output of the noise unit  15   a  or the noise unit  15   b . Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the display device  24  to be connected directly to the outputs of the base band units  2   a  and  2   b . For example, the signal display  24  allows a display of the configuration diagram, so that the user can monitor the method of operation of the connected signal paths. 
   Furthermore, a Bit Error Rate Tester (BERT)  26  is provided in such a manner that a signal from the device under test (DUT) can be supplied to the input socket  27  of the Bit Error Rate Tester allowing the bit error rate of the signal to be picked up at the output socket  28 . 
   Further functional units and variant combinations of the functional units may also be provided. These have not been explained in greater detail for the sake of simplicity. 
   All of the functional units described above:  2   a ,  2   b ,  6 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10   a ,  10   b ,  11   a ,  11   b ,  12   a ,  12   b ,  13   a ,  13   b ,  14   a ,  14   b ,  15   a ,  15   b ,  16 ,  19   a ,  19   b ,  20   a ,  20   b ,  21 ,  22   a ,  22   b ,  24  and  26  are connected via a control bus to a control device  28  such as a CPU. The connection of the control bus to the functional units is indicated with the symbol (*). The control unit  28  controls the configuration and function of the individual functional units as required by the user. The current configuration of the functional units is displayed on the display device  29 , which, together with the operating elements  30  may be disposed on the front of the signal generator  1 . For this purpose, a graphic functional block is allocated to each functional unit, and the interconnection of the functional units is displayed on the display device  29  by corresponding connecting elements, which interconnect the functional blocks. The connections between the functional blocks and the functions of the functional blocks are selected either with a rotary knob  31  and/or corresponding operating buttons  32  or via a mobile positioning element  33  (mouse). 
   Several examples of the display of the functional blocks allocated to each of the functional units and the associated selection of functions for the relevant functional units will be explained below with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 7 . 
     FIG. 1  shows the display surface of the display device  29  in an initial functional example. It can be seen that the functional blocks presented on the display  29  correspond to the functional units described with reference  FIG. 8 . The reference numbers for the functional blocks are greater, in each case by the value  100 , than the reference numbers for the functional units presented in  FIG. 8 . In  FIG. 1 , a first base band block  102   a  corresponding to the first base band unit  2   a , a base band generating unit  106  corresponding to the base band generating unit  6 , a first fading block  113   a  corresponding to the first fading unit  13   a  and a first noise block  115   a  corresponding to the first noise unit  15   a , a first I/Q-modulator block  120   a  corresponding to the first I/Q-modulator  20   a , a first high-frequency block  122   a  corresponding to the first high-frequency block  22   a , a display field  124  corresponding to the signal display  24  and a bit error rate test block  126  corresponding to the bit error rate tester  26 , are displayed as functional blocks. In this context, the signal inputs and outputs and the data inputs and outputs  103   a ,  104   a ,  105   a ,  107 ,  117   a ,  118   a ,  123   a ,  127  and  128  correspond to the socket  3   a ,  4   a ,  5   a ,  7 ,  17   a ,  18   a ,  23   a ,  27  and  28  as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
   By observing the display device  29 , the user can recognize at a glance, on the basis of the functional blocks displayed, which functional units have been selected and connected for the current functions of the signal generator  1 . Furthermore, the user can immediately recognize which inputs and outputs are provided with signals and in which manner. The internal signal flow and therefore also the signal conditioning are presented to the user in a very transparent manner. For example, the user can immediately see that the fading unit  13   a  is arranged in front of the noise unit  15   a , whether the bursting of the signal is implemented in the base band or in the high-frequency band, and to which sockets external signals can be applied and how these will influence the signal flow. In particular, the user can immediately identify whether a socket is acting as an input or an output. Current configurations can be identified in the functional blocks, particularly important parameters being displayed directly in the functional blocks. Moreover, the user can clearly see at which position the signal display  24  is connected into the signal path. 
     FIG. 2  shows a second example of the graphic surface of the display device  29 . 
   In this case, further functional blocks are provided alongside the functional blocks already described with reference to  FIG. 1 . Once again, the reference numbers for the functional blocks are greater by the value  100  than the reference numbers for the associated functional unit as shown in  FIG. 8 . By contrast with  FIG. 1 , a second base band block  102   b  symbolizing the second base band unit  2   b , a second fading block  113   b  symbolizing the fading unit  13   b , a second noise block  115   b  symbolizing the second noise unit  15   b , a second I/Q-modulator block  120   b  symbolizing the second I/Q-modulator  20   b  and a second high-frequency block  122   b  symbolizing the second high-frequency unit  22   b  are additionally provided. Furthermore, the signal inputs and outputs and data inputs and outputs  104   b ,  103   b  and  123   b  correspond to the sockets  4   b ,  3   b ,  23   b  shown in  FIG. 8 . The local oscillator  9  is symbolizing by a frequency value at the position  109 , while the multiplication unit  8  is symbolizing by the multiplication symbols  108 , and the addition unit  11   a  is symbolizing by the addition symbols  111   a.    
   By observing the display device  29 , the user can immediately recognize the current configuration of the signal generator  1 , namely that the two base band units  2   a ,  2   b , fading units  13   a ,  13   b , noise units  15   a ,  15   b  and I/Q-modulators  20   a ,  20   b  are not coupled to one another, but form separate signal paths, and that the digital base band generator  6  is added with a frequency offset of 10 MHz to the base band signal generated by the first base band unit  2   a.    
   Furthermore, the user can observe in the display field  124  that the input signal to the second I/Q-modulator  20   b  is displayed as a configuration diagram. 
     FIG. 3  shows a third example of the graphic display of the functional blocks. Most of the functional blocks presented in  FIG. 3  have already been described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Addition symbols  114   a  symbolizing the addition unit  14   a  are additionally provided. The user can immediately recognize that the outputs from the two fading units  13   a  and  13   b  are connected to one another via the addition unit  14   a  and therefore that the added output signals from the fading units  13   a  and  13   b  are supplied to the noise unit  15   a . By contrast, the input of the noise unit  15   b  is not used. 
     FIG. 4  shows a further example of the graphic surface of the display device  29 . The configuration presented is identical with that shown in  FIG. 3 . The selection of the function for the fading units  13   a  and  13   b  is shown as an example for the functional selection of the functional units. The user guides a cursor to the graphic position of one of the two fading blocks  113   a  or  113   b . As already described, the functional blocks  113   a  and  113   b  symbolize the fading units  13   a  and  13   b . The cursor is positioned either with a rotary knob  31  provided at the front of the signal generator  1  or via an externally connected, mobile positioning element  33  (mouse). When the cursor is inside the fading block  113   a  and  113   b  on the “configure→” button and when an appropriate key is pressed in this position, the graphic function-selection window “fading routing”  130 , displayed at bottom right in  FIG. 4 , will open. 
   In this function-selection window  130 , the user can again select one of the graphic selection elements  131   a  to  131   g  using the positioning element  33  (mouse or rotary knob  31 ). “Dual mode” is switched on, that is to say, both fading units  13   a  and  13   b  are activated, by means of an appropriate key stroke at the position of the selection element  131   b . In “dual mode”, the user can choose between the three variants “discrete”, “add” and “split”. With the operating mode “discrete”, the fading units  13   a  and  13   b  are not connected to one another, but are supplied separately to the relevant noise unit  15   a  and/or  15   b . In the operating mode “add”, which is selected in  FIG. 4 , the outputs from the fading units  13   a  and  13   b  are combined in the addition unit  14   a . Conversely, in the operating mode “split”, one of the base band units  2   a  or  2   b  is divided between the two fading units  13   a  and  13   b . The fading blocks  130   a  and  130   b  directly indicate how many signal paths are active in the relevant fading unit  13   a  and/or  13   b  (6 paths). 
     FIG. 5  shows a further example of the graphic display of the functional blocks on the display device  29 . The configuration of the functional blocks corresponds largely to that from  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the difference being that the input to the second noise unit  15   b  is additionally connected to the output from the second fading unit  13   b .  FIG. 5  illustrates the functional selection of the base band unit  2   a . When the cursor is positioned over the base band block  102   a , which, as a functional block symbolizes the functional unit corresponding to the base band unit  2   a , the function-selection list (menu)  131  can be opened. For this purpose, the user activates a key, when the cursor is positioned on the “configure→” button. In the function-selection list  131 , the user will find a list of all the base band signals which can be generated by the base band unit  2   a . The list shows abbreviations for the relevant standards. For example, it is possible to choose between the standards “PHS”, “IS95”, “NADC”, “PDC”, “GSM/EDGE”, “DECT”, “CDMA 2000”. Furthermore, under the menu item “user modulation”, the user himself can supply modulation data to the base band unit  2   a  via the socket  5   a , thereby determining the modulation in a user-defined manner. The selected standard “GSM/EDGE” appears in the functional block  102   a , so that the user can recognize the selected operating mode for the base band unit  2   a  at a glance, even after the function-selection list  131  has been closed. 
   If the user selects the standard “GSM/EDGE” in the function-selection list  131 , the graphic function-selection window “GSM settings”  133 , shown in  FIG. 6 , will open. In this function-selection window  133 , the user can carry out various adjustments to the parameters of the GSM standard. Further function-selection windows may optionally be opened when the appropriate buttons are activated. 
     FIG. 7  shows another example of the graphic surface of the display device  29 . The configuration of the functional blocks is identical to that shown in  FIG. 5 . However, several buttons  135   a  to  135   f  are additionally shown in a window defined as “window bar”  134 . The corresponding function-selection windows are called up by activating these buttons  135   a  to  135   f . For example, if the button  135   c  is activated, the function-selection window “fading routing”  130  will open, as shown in FIG.  4 . If the button  135   a  is activated, the function-selection window “GSM settings”  133 , which is shown in  FIG. 6 , will open. In this manner, user-friendly management of the active function-selection windows is ensured. 
   Operation of the device is considerably simplified in the above manner. The currently set functions of the functional units can be read off either directly from the allocated functional blocks or by activating the “configure→” button in the corresponding function-selection windows. By contrast with the previously conventional method of operation via soft keys or hard keys, operation is largely self explanatory, and it is not necessary to consult a user manual. 
   While the present invention has been described in connection with a number of embodiments and implementations, the present invention is not so limited but covers various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of the appended claims.