Radio frequency (rf) signal generator and method for providing test signals for testing multiple RF signal receivers

Abstract

A test signal interface and method for allowing sharing of multiple test signal generators among multiple devices under test (DUTs). Digital baseband test signals generated by the multiple test signal generators are combined and converted to a baseband analog signal for conversion to a radio frequency (RF) signal for testing the multiple DUTs.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for testing multiple radio frequency (RF) signal receivers, and more particularly, to testing multiple RF signal receivers using a shared RF signal generator. Background technique [0002] Manufacturing testing of RF-only systems, such as global positioning satellite (GPS) signal receivers, is typically accomplished by using a single RF signal source that is shared among multiple devices under test (DUTs). Generally, this is easy to accomplish, since the signal source typically only needs to provide a continuous signal, which also has the advantage of reducing costs. [0003] Referring to Figure 1, this test implementation uses a common RF signal source 12 that receives one or more control signals 11 depending on which input signal 13 is provided. Such a signal 13 is supplied to a 1:N (eg 1:4) power splitter 14 which divides the signal 13 (in terms of signal power) between its multiple output signal...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, conventional multi-channel GPS signal generators are more expensive than single channel generators, thereby limiting their use for more expensive manufacturing requirements where repeatable locks of GPS signals must be tested

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