The University of Arizona

Other

Ben K Sternberg

Steven Louis Dvorak

Oleg Gennadyevich Krichenko

The present invention features a unique system of interdependent methods to greatly improve data acquired via the Differential Target Antenna Coupling ('DTAC') method, which transmits electromagnetic ('EM') fields and measures the primary EM field and the secondary EM fields generated in subsurface targets. These new data correction techniques provide improvements, in orders of magnitude, to the measured DTAC response accuracy. This improvement allows for greater depth of investigation, improved target location, and enhanced target characteristics.

Differential target antenna coupling (DTAC) data corrections

A target is sensed by an antenna array having a transmitter antenna and a receiver antenna, both of which are caused to be electromagnetically coupled to the target. The antenna array is rotated, and as the array rotates, a change in at least one of the coupling between the transmitter antenna and the target and the coupling between the receiver antenna and the target is detected at multiple rotational orientations of the antenna array.

High-sensitivity subsurface sensing system

Differential target antenna coupling ('DTAC') data corrections

Sub-surface detection systems include a transmitter antenna and a receiver antenna that is coupled to a receiver circuit. The receiver antenna is rotated to three different orientations, and a reference null field direction is determined. Based on variations in the null field direction at other frequencies or variations in a magnitude of a field component in the reference null field direction, the presence, location, depth, size, and electrical properties of a target can be determined.

Differential target antenna coupling (DTAC)

A new measurement system, with two receiver channels per measurement port, has been developed that provides absolute magnitude and absolute phase relationship measurements over wide bandwidths. Gain ranging is used at RF to provide optimum noise performance and a swept YIG preselector filter is used to avoid spurious signals. A new absolute vector error correction method is used to calibrate the measurement system in order to allow for absolute vector measurements, and it also removes the time-varying responses caused by the swept YIG preselector filters. A quasi-reciprocal mixer with a characterized non-reciprocal ratio is used to provide the absolute calibration standard. The two receiver channels can be adapted to a wide variety of applications, including wide bandwidth vector signal analyzer measurements, mixer measurements, and harmonic measurements. The two-channels can also be used as an absolute calibrated transmitter/reflectometer.

Method for measuring absolute magnitudes and absolute phase relationships over a wide bandwidth

Vector signal measuring system, featuring wide bandwidth, large dynamic range, and high accuracy

A thorough error suppression signal measurement system () having a transmitter () for propagating a transmission signal to a first probe, through a device under test (), and into a second probe (), and for propagating reference signals to the probes (). The probes () extract normalization signals from the reference signals, exchange specific ones of the normalization signals, and combine the normalization signals with data signals derived from the transmission signal to form receiver signals. The probes () propagate the receiver signals to a receiver (), where the signals are gain-ranged, digitized, normalized, and compensated for phase-noise.

Real-time noise-suppression method and apparatus therefor

An error-suppression signal measurement system and method therefor is provided. The system transmits a test signal from a first probe, through a device under test, and into a second probe. The probes extract normalization signals from reference signals therein, exchange specific ones of the normalization signals, and combine the normalization signals with data signals derived from the test signal to form receiver signals. The probes propagate the receiver signals to a receiver, where the signals are gain-ranged, digitized, normalized, and compensated for phase-noise.

Vector signal analysis method and apparatus therefor

A thorough error suppression signal measurement system (20) having a transmitter (300) for propagating a transmission signal to a first probe 100, through a device under test (26), and into a second probe (200), and for propagating reference signals to the probes (100,200). The probes (100,200) extract normalization signals from the reference signals, exchange specific ones of the normalization signals, and combine the normalization signals with data signals derived from the transmission signal to form receiver signals. The probes (100,200) propagate the receiver signals to a receiver (400), where the signals are gain-ranged, digitized, normalized, and compensated for phase-noise.

Growing community of inventors

Tucson, AZ, United States of America

Ben K Sternberg