Test system and method for testing a device under test

Abstract

A test system (10) comprises a device under test (14) and a test device (12). The device under test (14) comprises a first initiation unit (27), wherein the first initiation unit (27) is configured to generate a first wireless initiation signal. The initiation signal consists of at least one of an electromagnetic wave and a sound wave, wherein the initiation signal comprises a first test command. The test device (12) comprises a first sensor unit (17), wherein the first sensor unit (17) is configured to receive the initiation signal via the first sensor unit (17). The test device (12) is configured to generate a first electromagnetic test signal based on the first test command.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a test system. Embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to a method for testing a device under test via a test device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the prior art, different types of measurement systems for testing radio frequency (RF) communication devices under test with respect to their over-the-air transmission characteristics are known. Such measurement systems are used to test certain characteristics of the device under test, in particular certain characteristics of signals generated by the device under test.

[0003] For testing the device under test, it is necessary to control the device under test to enter a specific operating mode to be tested. For example, it is necessary to control the device under test to enter a transmit mode and / or a receive mode. For this purpose, it is known to connect the device under test to a control device via a cable inserted into the device under test.

[0004] However, since the device under test needs to be connected to the cable, the measurement process takes more time. Furthermore, the cable to the device under test can change the electromagnetic characteristics of the environment of the device under test, thereby distorting the measurement results.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a test system and a method for testing a device under test which allows for an undisturbed testing of the device under test. SUMMARY

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a test system comprising a device under test and a test device. The device under test comprises a first initiation unit, wherein the first initiation unit is configured to generate a first wireless initiation signal. The initiation signal consists of at least one of an electromagnetic wave and a sound wave, wherein the initiation signal comprises a first test command. The test device comprises a first sensor unit, wherein the first sensor unit is configured to receive the initiation signal via the first sensor unit. The test device is configured to generate a first electromagnetic test signal based on the first test command.

[0007] The device under test can be a mobile communication device for 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G (e.g. 5G NR) and / or LTE, in particular a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, a WLAN router, an Internet of Things (IoT) device or any other type of smart device having a communication interface.

[0008] The test system according to the present disclosure is based on the idea of wirelessly transmitting a first test command from the test device to the device under test, i.e. without a cable leading from the test device to the device under test. Thus, the electromagnetic properties of the environment of the device under test and / or the electromagnetic properties of the device under test itself are not changed due to the insertion of a cable into the device under test. Also, no disturbing objects like cables are located within a test chamber (also called anechoic chamber) for testing the device under test, in particular a shielded chamber.

[0009] Also, no additional electromagnetic interference is caused by the wireless transmission of the first test command, since the first test command is transmitted to the device under test before the actual testing process.

[0010] The device under test can be provided with suitable software, so that the device under test can process and "understand" the first test command transmitted from the test device to the device under test via electromagnetic waves and / or acoustic waves.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first activation unit is established as a first loudspeaker, wherein the first loudspeaker is configured to generate acoustic waves, and wherein the first sensor unit is established as a first microphone, wherein the first microphone is configured to receive acoustic waves.

[0012] The acoustic waves can have a frequency within the audible and / or inaudible frequency range, in particular within the ultrasonic frequency range. Thus, the electromagnetic disturbance caused by the movement of the magnet in the first loudspeaker has a frequency which is essentially equal to the frequency of the audible or inaudible acoustic waves. Thus, the electromagnetic disturbance can have a frequency of less than 1 MHz.

[0013] Thus, the frequency of the electromagnetic disturbance is much smaller than the communication frequency of the device under test, which is typically in the range of 100 MHz to about 200 MHz. Thus, the testing of the device under test is not affected by the first activation signal itself and / or the generation of the first activation signal, even during an ongoing testing process of the device under test.

[0014] According to another variant of the present disclosure, the first sensor of the device under test can be configured to detect a gesture, in particular via radar. Thus, the first activation unit can be configured as a radar signal generator configured to generate a radar signal emulating a radar signature of the gesture. Thus, in this case, the first test command is contained in the emulated gesture, or rather in the generated radar signal corresponding to the gesture.

[0015] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the test device comprises an antenna configured to receive a first electromagnetic test signal. Thus, the first electromagnetic test signal can be received by the test device and can be analyzed by the test device in order to test and / or analyze certain properties of the device under test.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the test device comprises an analysis module, wherein the analysis module is configured to analyze the first electromagnetic test signal. The analysis module tests certain properties of the device under test by analyzing the first electromagnetic test signal. For example, the test device can test certain communication layers of the first electromagnetic signal and / or of the device under test.

[0017] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the test device is configured to simulate an RF communication partner of the device under test. In other words, the second electromagnetic test signal is generated with defined properties such that a specific communication partner of the device under test is simulated by the test device. For example, the test device can simulate a mobile communication base station, another mobile communication device, a router or any other type of RF communication device associated with the actual use case of the device under test.

[0018] In further embodiments of the present disclosure, the device under test comprises an activation unit configured to generate at least one of an electromagnetic wave and an acoustic wave, wherein the test device comprises a second sensor unit configured to receive at least one of the electromagnetic wave and the acoustic wave. Thus, commands and / or requests can also be transmitted from the device under test to the test device via electromagnetic waves and / or acoustic waves such that electromagnetic measurements are not affected as already described above with respect to the first activation signal.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device under test is configured to generate a second wireless activation signal via a second activation unit. The second activation signal comprises a second test command. The device under test is configured to receive the second activation signal via a second sensor unit. The device under test is configured to generate a second electromagnetic test signal based on the second test command. The second acoustic signal or rather the second test command can comprise a command for the test device to enter a specific operation mode, e.g. an RF transmission mode and / or an RF reception mode. Wherein the second test command is transmitted from the device under test to the test device via electromagnetic waves and / or acoustic waves such that electromagnetic measurements are not affected as already described above with respect to the first activation signal.

[0020] The device under test can comprise an antenna configured to receive the second electromagnetic test signal. Thus, the second electromagnetic test signal can be received by the test device and can be analyzed by the test device in order to test and / or analyze certain properties of the device under test.

[0021] Thus, a bidirectional communication via acoustic waves and / or via electromagnetic waves can be established between the device under test and the test device.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the test device comprises a housing, wherein the housing defines a shielded space, and wherein the device under test is placed in the shielded space. The housing is made of metal or another suitable material such that the housing prevents electromagnetic waves from the outside to propagate into the shielded space. Thus, the shielded space is free of external electromagnetic waves such that the device under test can be tested without external electromagnetic interference.

[0023] Generally, the shielded space can relate to a shielded chamber or, more precisely, a shielded box. Usually, the shielded chamber is also referred to as an anechoic chamber.

[0024] The housing can comprise an opening and closing device via which the housing can be opened and closed. In the open state of the housing, the device under test can be inserted into the housing and / or the device under test can be removed from the housing. For testing purposes, the housing is closed via the opening and closing device.

[0025] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the first activation unit is located in the shielded space. Thus, the first acoustic command signal is generated within the shielded space.

[0026] If the test device comprises a sensor unit, the microphone can also be located in the shielded space.

[0027] In particular, the housing comprises a shielded connector extending from the shielded space to the outside of the housing, wherein the shielded connector is connected to the first activation unit. The first activation unit can be contacted via a cable from the outside which is inserted into the shielded connector. In this way, the first activation unit can be contacted from the outside of the housing, wherein electromagnetic disturbances are prevented from propagating into the shielded chamber by the shielded connector. Moreover, there is no cable located within the shielded space with different positions and / or orientations during different tests.

[0028] Generally, power and / or data can be transmitted to the first sensor unit and / or the first activation unit, in particular the units associated with the device under test, via the cable.

[0029] Thus, for different tests, a comparable shielded space can be ensured. Thus, a reference test can be guaranteed since the test environment is always the same.

[0030] If the test device comprises a sensor unit, the housing can comprise a second shielded connector or the shielded connector can be a common connector for both the first activation unit and the second sensor unit.

[0031] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the test system comprises at least a second device under test. The second device under test comprises a sensor unit. The sensor unit of the second device under test is configured to receive electromagnetic and / or acoustic waves. The second device under test is configured to receive a first start signal via the sensor unit of the second device under test. The second device under test is configured to generate an electromagnetic test signal based on the first test command. Thus, the test system can be used to test several, i.e. at least two, devices under test at the same time. In this way, the total test time for each device under test is reduced.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the test device is configured to simulate a respective RF communication partner of each of the devices under test. In other words, the second electromagnetic test signal is generated to have defined characteristics such that a specific communication partner of each of the devices under test is simulated by the test device. Therein, the same electromagnetic test signal can be used for all devices under test. Alternatively, different electromagnetic signals can be generated for at least two devices under test, in particular for all devices under test.

[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a test system comprising a device under test and a test device. The device under test comprises a first start unit, wherein the first start unit is configured to generate a first wireless start signal. The start signal consists of at least one of an electromagnetic wave and an acoustic wave, wherein the start signal comprises a first test command. The test device comprises a first sensor unit, wherein the first sensor unit is configured to receive the start signal via the first sensor unit. The test device is configured to generate a first electromagnetic test signal based on the first test command.

[0034] The test system according to the present disclosure is based on the idea that the first test command is wirelessly transmitted from the device under test to the test device, i.e. there is no cable leading from the test device to the device under test. Thus, the electromagnetic characteristics of the environment of the device under test and / or the electromagnetic characteristics of the device under test itself are not changed by plugging a cable into the device under test.

[0035] Moreover, no additional electromagnetic disturbance is caused by the wireless transmission of the first test command, since the first test command is transmitted before the actual test procedure.

[0036] The device under test can be provided with suitable software such that the device under test can process and "understand" the first test command transmitted from the test device to the device under test via acoustic waves.

[0037] The acoustic waves can have a frequency in the audible and / or inaudible frequency range, in particular in the ultrasonic frequency range. Thus, the electromagnetic disturbance caused by the movement of the magnet in the first loudspeaker, for example, has a frequency which is essentially equal to the frequency of the audible or inaudible acoustic waves. Thus, the electromagnetic disturbance has a frequency of less than 1 MHz.

[0038] Hence, the frequency of the electromagnetic disturbance is much smaller than the communication frequency of the device under test, which is typically in the range of 100 MHz to about 200 MHz. Thus, the testing of the device under test is not affected by the first start signal itself and / or the generation of the first start signal, even during an ongoing test procedure of the device under test.

[0039] With regard to the remaining advantages and features of the second embodiment of the test system, reference is made to the explanations given above with regard to the first embodiment of the test system, which also apply to the second embodiment and vice versa.

[0040] Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a test system comprising a device under test and a test device. The test system comprises a first sensor unit associated with the device under test, wherein the first sensor unit is established as at least one of a position sensor and a motion sensor. The first sensor unit is configured to determine at least one of a position of the device under test and at least one parameter associated with a motion of the device under test. The device under test is configured to generate a first electromagnetic test signal based on at least one of the position of the device under test and the at least one determined parameter.

[0041] Herein and in the following, the term "position" is understood to comprise both a location of the device under test (in the sense of a center of mass coordinate of the device under test) and an orientation of the device under test (in the sense of three rotational angles of the device under test).

[0042] The at least one parameter associated with the motion of the device under test can comprise a velocity of the device under test, an acceleration of the device under test and / or a jerk of the device under test.

[0043] Hence, the device under test is controlled to generate the first electromagnetic test signal based on the location of the device under test, the orientation of the device under test, the velocity of the device under test, the acceleration of the device under test and / or the jerk of the device under test.

[0044] The device under test can comprise the first sensor unit. Hence, the device under test can determine whether a condition for starting a test procedure has been fulfilled based on its position and / or at least one parameter associated with its motion.

[0045] An example of such a case is that the device under test has a predetermined location and orientation within the shielded space.

[0046] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the test device comprises a positioning arrangement, wherein the positioning arrangement is configured to position the device under test in a predefined manner.

[0047] Hence, the positioning arrangement can position the device under test in a manner necessary for a test procedure of the device under test.

[0048] The positioning device can comprise a first sensor unit. Thus, the positioning can determine whether a condition for starting a test procedure of the device under test has been fulfilled based on the position of the device under test and / or at least one parameter associated with its motion.

[0049] Embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a test method for testing a device under test via a test device, comprising the following steps:

[0050] - generating, via a first activation unit of the test device, a first wireless activation signal, the first activation signal comprising a first test command;

[0051] - receiving, via a first sensor unit of the device under test, the first activation signal; and

[0052] - generating a first electromagnetic test signal based on the first test command.

[0053] With regard to the advantages and characteristics of the method for testing a device under test, reference is made to the explanations given above with regard to the embodiments of the test system, which are also applicable to the method and vice versa.

[0054] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the first electromagnetic test signal is received and analyzed by the test device. The test device tests certain characteristics of the device under test by analyzing the first electromagnetic test signal. For example, the test device can test certain communication layers of the first electromagnetic signal and / or of the device under test.

[0055] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method comprises the following additional steps:

[0056] - generating, via a second activation unit of the device under test, a second activation signal, wherein the second activation signal comprises a second test command;

[0057] - receiving, via a second sensor unit of the test device, the second activation signal, wherein the second activation signal comprises a second test command; and

[0058] - generating a second electromagnetic test signal based on the first test command.

[0059] Thus, commands and / or requests can also be transmitted from the device under test to the test device via electromagnetic waves and / or acoustic waves in a manner that electromagnetic measurements are not affected, as has been explained above.

[0060] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the device under test is placed in a shielded space defined by a housing of the test device. The housing is made of metal or other suitable material such that the housing prevents electromagnetic waves from the outside to propagate into the shielded space. Thus, the shielded space is free of external electromagnetic waves such that the device under test can be tested without external electromagnetic disturbances.

[0061] In further embodiments of the present disclosure, the RF communication partner of the device under test is emulated via the test device. In other words, the second electromagnetic test signal is generated with defined characteristics such that a specific communication partner of the device under test is emulated by the test device. For example, the test device can emulate a mobile communication base station, another mobile communication device, a router or any other type of RF communication device associated with the actual use case of the device under test.

[0062] In particular, at least a second device under test is provided. In particular, several additional devices under test can be provided. Thus, several, i.e. at least two, devices under test can be tested at the same time. In this way, the overall test time per device under test is reduced.

[0063] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a respective RF communication partner of each of the devices under test is emulated via the same test device. In other words, the second electromagnetic test signal is generated with defined characteristics such that a specific communication partner of each of the devices under test is emulated. Therein, the same electromagnetic test signal can be used for all devices under test. Alternatively, different electromagnetic signals can be generated for at least two devices under test, in particular for all devices under test.

[0064] Generally, a combination of acoustic signals and electromagnetic signals, in particular optical signals, can be used as a wireless activation signal. The device under test or rather the test device receives the combination of signals and processes them accordingly.

[0065] In particular, an application or rather a software runs on the device under test to process the received signals and to execute a corresponding command on the device under test appropriately.

[0066] In addition, the position and / or orientation of the device under test can be controlled by means of a positioning device in order to activate at least one respective command to be executed by the device under test. The positioning device, also referred to as actuator, is capable of starting, stopping or rather controlling the test. In fact, while adjusting / changing the position and / or orientation of the device under test during the test, the test parameters can be adjusted by means of the positioning device.

[0067] The activation of the at least one command to be executed by the device under test can involve a combination of the position of the device under test, the orientation of the device under test, the received acoustic signals and the received electromagnetic signals, in particular optical signals.

[0068] Generally, the corresponding command to be executed can involve the execution of an action like "switch on", "switch off", "mute", "enable flight mode", "establish a call", "handover", "reset", "communication interface on", "communication interface off", wherein the communication interface can involve a specific standard, e.g. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC).

[0069] A protocol ensuring robust communication between the test device and the device under test can be used.

[0070] For example, the first sensor unit is established as at least one of a position sensor and a motion sensor, wherein the first sensor unit is configured to determine at least one of a position of the device under test and at least one parameter associated with a motion of the device under test. The device under test can be configured to generate the first electromagnetic test signal based on at least one of the determined position and the at least one determined parameter of the device under test. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0071] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the claimed subject matter will become more readily apparent as the detailed description proceeds, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0072] Figure 1 A test system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated;

[0073] Figure 2 A test system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated;

[0074] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for testing a device under test according to the present disclosure is illustrated; and

[0075] Figure 4 A test system according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the disclosed subject matter can be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed subject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the disclosed subject matter. Like numbers in the drawings refer to like elements throughout. Each embodiment described in the present disclosure is provided as an example or illustration only, and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not meant to be exhaustive or limiting to the precise forms disclosed. The phrase “at least one of’ A, B, and C, for example, means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all other possible permutations when more than three elements are listed. In other words, the term “at least one of’ A and B” generally means “A and / or B,” i.e., “only A,” “only B,” or “both A and B.”

[0077] Figure 1 A test system 10 including a test device 12 and a device under test 14 is schematically illustrated.

[0078] Generally, the device under test 14 is a user equipment type device which is configured to wirelessly communicate with other devices via electromagnetic waves, in particular in the radio frequency range.

[0079] Therefore, the device under test 14 comprises an antenna 16 for receiving and transmitting electromagnetic waves.

[0080] The device under test 14 further comprises a first sensor unit 17 which is configured to receive electromagnetic waves and / or acoustic waves.

[0081] In the following, exemplary embodiments are described in which the first sensor unit 17 is established as a first microphone 18 which is configured to receive acoustic waves in the audible and / or inaudible frequency range, in particular ultrasonic waves.

[0082] For example, the device under test 14 is a mobile communication device for 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G and / or LTE, in particular a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, a WLAN router, an Internet of Things (loT) device or any other kind of smart device.

[0083] The test device 12 comprises a housing 20, a control module 22, an analysis module 24 and at least one antenna 26.

[0084] The test device 12 further comprises a first activation unit 27 and a second sensor unit 29.

[0085] In the following, exemplary embodiments are described in which the first activation unit 27 is established as a first loudspeaker 28 and in which the second sensor unit 29 is established as a second microphone 30.

[0086] In particular, the test device 12 can comprise several antennas 26.

[0087] In the following and hereinafter, the term "module" is understood to mean a component comprising suitable hardware and / or software, in particular a suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0088] The housing 20 comprises opening and closing means 32 via which the housing 20 can be opened and closed. In the open state of the housing 20, the device under test 14 can be inserted into the housing 20 and / or the device under test can be removed from the housing 20.

[0089] In the closed state of the housing 20, the housing 20 defines a shielded space 34 inside the housing 20. The housing 20 is made of metal or other suitable material such that the housing 20 prevents electromagnetic waves from the outside from propagating into the shielded space 34.

[0090] Therefore, if the housing 20 is closed, the shielded space 34 is free from external electromagnetic waves, allowing the device under test 14 to be tested without external electromagnetic disturbances.

[0091] The housing 20 also includes a shielded connector 36 that extends from the outside of the housing 20 through the housing 20 into the shielded space 34.

[0092] The first speaker 28 is mounted into the housing 20 within the shielded space 34 and connected to the shielded connector 36.

[0093] The antenna 26, the first speaker 28, and the second microphone 30 of the test device 12 are each connected to the analysis module 24 via signal transmission.

[0094] Furthermore, the antenna 26, the first speaker 28, and the second microphone 30 of the test device 12 can each be connected to the control module 22 via signal transmission.

[0095] The control module 22 is configured to control the antenna 26, the first speaker 28 and / or the second microphone 30 of the test equipment 12, as will be described in more detail below.

[0096] Figure 2 Another embodiment of the test system 10 is illustrated schematically. In the following description, only embodiments relative to... Figure 1 The differences in the embodiments, wherein the same reference numerals are used for components having the same function.

[0097] The test system 10 includes several (i.e., at least two) devices under test 14 placed in a shielded space 34. In other words, the housing 20 of the test equipment 12 defines a common shielded space 34 for the several devices under test 14.

[0098] The devices under test 14 can be constructed identically. Alternatively, at least two of the devices under test 14 can be constructed as different devices.

[0099] Specifically, one or more antennas 26 of the test device 12 can be associated with each of the devices under test 14.

[0100] The explanations given below apply to both embodiments of the test system 10 described above.

[0101] Test system 10 is configured to perform tests on device under test 14 or as described below. Figure 3 The test method for the device under test 14 is described below. Figure 1 The method of an embodiment of the test system 10. However, it should be understood that these interpretations also apply to... Figure 2 An embodiment of the test system 10 is shown in the figure.

[0102] The test device 12 generates a first acoustic command signal via the first loudspeaker 28 (step S1). More precisely, the control module 22 controls the first loudspeaker 28 to generate the first acoustic command signal.

[0103] Alternatively or additionally, the first loudspeaker 28 can be controlled by an external control device via a cable that is plugged into the shielded connector 36. In this case, the external control device can control the first loudspeaker 28 to generate the first acoustic command signal.

[0104] The first acoustic command signal comprises a first test command. The first test command contains an instruction for the device under test 14 to enter a specific operational mode, e.g. a transmission mode and / or a reception mode.

[0105] The first acoustic command signal is received by the device under test 14 via the first microphone 18 (step S2). The first acoustic command signal is processed by the device under test 14 and the operational mode of the device under test 14 is adjusted based on the first acoustic command signal, more precisely based on the first test command.

[0106] The device under test 14 can be provided with suitable software so that the device under test 14 can process and“understand” the first test command that is transmitted from the test device 12 to the device under test 14 via acoustic waves.

[0107] Thus, the first test command is transmitted from the test device 12 to the device under test 14 via acoustic waves so that no electromagnetic disturbance is generated in the shielded space when the first test command is transmitted to the device under test 14.

[0108] The device under test 14 generates a first electromagnetic test signal based on the first acoustic command signal or more precisely based on the first test command (step S3).

[0109] The test device 12 receives the test signal via the antenna 26, wherein the received test signal is forwarded to the analysis module 24 for further analysis (step S4).

[0110] The analysis module 24 analyzes the received test signal in order to test certain properties of the device under test 14.

[0111] The test device 12 can generate a second electromagnetic test signal based on the analysis of the first test signal (step S5).

[0112] Wherein, the test device 12 can simulate a communication partner of the device under test 14. In other words, the second electromagnetic test signal is generated to have defined properties so that a specific communication partner of the device under test 14 is simulated by the test device 12.

[0113] For example, the test device 12 can simulate a mobile communication base station, another mobile communication device, a router or any other type of RF communication device associated with the actual use case of the device under test 14.

[0114] The device under test 14 receives the second electromagnetic test signal via the antenna 16 of the device under test 14. In addition, the device under test 14 can generate another electromagnetic signal which is received by the test device 12. In other words, an RF communication is established between the device under test 14 and the test device 12.

[0115] It is noted that in the embodiment of the test system 10 shown in Figure 2 the test device 12 can simulate the respective RF communication partner of each of several devices under test 14.

[0116] As an alternative or in addition to the above-described steps, the following steps can be performed by the test system 10.

[0117] The device under test 14 can comprise a second activation unit 37.

[0118] In the exemplary embodiment described below, the second activation unit 37 is established as a second loudspeaker 38 and can generate a second acoustic signal via the second loudspeaker 38.

[0119] The second acoustic signal comprises a second test command which contains an instruction for the test device 12 to enter a specific operating mode, for example a receiving mode and / or a transmitting mode.

[0120] The second acoustic signal is received by the test device 12 via the second microphone 30 and forwarded to the analysis module 24.

[0121] The analysis module 24 analyzes the second acoustic signal or rather the second test command.

[0122] The control module 22 controls the antenna 26 of the test device 12 to generate the electromagnetic test signal.

[0123] Similar to the above-described method, the test device 12 can simulate an RF communication partner of the device under test 14 such that an RF communication is established between the device under test 14 and the test device 12.

[0124] In both embodiments described above, the first test command and the second test command are transmitted to the device under test 14 via acoustic waves, respectively.

[0125] However, there are more possibilities to activate the test procedure of the device under test 14 without a cable connection to the device under test 14 dedicated for this purpose.

[0126] According to a third embodiment of the test system 10, the first activation unit 27 of the test device 12 is established as a Li-Fi light source 28', wherein the Li-Fi light source 28' is configured to generate a Li-Fi signal. In other words, the first loudspeaker 28 described in the above embodiments is replaced by the Li-Fi light source 28', in particular by an LED.

[0127] Accordingly, the first microphone 18 of the device under test 14 is replaced by a light sensor, in particular the light sensor 18' of the device under test 14 is used as a sensor unit in order to receive the Li-Fi signal. In other words, the first sensor unit 17 is established as a light sensor 18'.

[0128] Accordingly, the first command signal is transmitted to the device under test 14 via light in the infrared spectrum, in the visible spectrum and / or in the ultraviolet spectrum in the form of a Li-Fi signal.

[0129] Similarly, the second activation unit 37 of the device under test 14 can be established as a Li-Fi light source 38', while the second sensor unit 29 of the test device 12 can be established as a light sensor 30'.

[0130] The remaining explanations given above with regard to the first two embodiments of the test system 10 apply mutatis mutandis to the third embodiment.

[0131] According to a fourth embodiment of the test system 10, the first activation unit 27 of the test device 12 is established as a first display 28", wherein the first display 28" is configured to generate an image associated with the first test command.

[0132] Accordingly, the first sensor unit 17 is established as a first camera 18", wherein the first camera 18" is configured to capture the image generated by the first display 28".

[0133] The relevant information about the first test command is contained in the image. For example, the image can be established as an optical code, such as a barcode or a QR code, which is captured via the camera and "converted" by the device under test 14 into the appropriate test command.

[0134] Accordingly, the first command signal is transmitted to the device under test 14 via an optical code associated with a specific test mode and / or a specific operating mode of the device under test 14.

[0135] Similarly, the second activation unit 37 of the device under test 14 can be established as a second display 38", while the second sensor unit 29 of the test device 12 can be established as a camera 30".

[0136] According to a further variant of the test system 10, the first sensor unit 17 of the device under test 14 can be configured to detect gestures, in particular via radar.

[0137] Thus, the first activation unit 27 can be configured as a (radar) signal generator configured to generate a radar signal of a radar signature of the simulated gesture.

[0138] Thus, in this case, the first test command is contained in the simulated gesture, or rather in the generated radar signal corresponding to the gesture.

[0139] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the test system 10 is shown, wherein in the following only the differences to the above-described embodiments are explained.

[0140] The test system 10 comprises a positioning device 40 configured to adjustably hold the device under test 14 in a predetermined position within the shielded space 34.

[0141] Furthermore, the positioning device 40 is configured to adjust the position of the device under test 14 within the shielded space 34.

[0142] At least one of the device under test 14 and the positioning device 40 comprises a first sensor unit 17, which is established as a position sensor 42 and / or a motion sensor 44.

[0143] The positioning device 40 is located in a radiation neutral position within the shielded space 34 provided by the housing 20.

[0144] The first sensor unit 17 is configured to determine at least one of a position of the device under test 14 and at least one parameter associated with a motion of the device under test 14.

[0145] The at least one parameter associated with the motion of the device under test 14 can comprise a velocity of the device under test 14, an acceleration of the device under test 14 and / or a jerk of the device under test 14.

[0146] In this embodiment of the test system 10, the device under test 14 generates the first electromagnetic test signal based on the position of the device under test 14 and the at least one determined parameter.

[0147] Generally, the sensor unit 17 determines whether a condition for starting a test procedure has been met based on the position and / or the at least one parameter associated with the motion of the device under test 14.

[0148] Thus, the device under test 14 is controlled to generate the first electromagnetic test signal based on a location of the device under test 14, an orientation of the device under test 14, a velocity of the device under test 14, an acceleration of the device under test 14 and / or a jerk of the device under test 14.

Claims

1. A test system comprising a device under test (14) and a test device (12), wherein the device under test (14) is a user equipment type device configured to wirelessly communicate with other devices via electromagnetic waves in a radio frequency range, the test device (12) comprises a first activation unit (27), wherein the first activation unit (27) is configured to generate a first wireless activation signal, wherein the first wireless activation signal consists of at least one of an electromagnetic wave and a sound wave, and wherein the first wireless activation signal comprises a first test command, the device under test (14) comprises a first sensor unit (17), wherein the first sensor unit (17) is configured to receive the first wireless activation signal, and the device under test (14) is configured to generate a first electromagnetic test signal based on the first test command, wherein the test device (12) comprises a housing (20), wherein the housing (20) defines a shielded space (34), and wherein the device under test (14) is placed in the shielded space (34), wherein the first activation unit (27) is located in the shielded space (34), wherein the housing (20) comprises a shielded connector (36) extending from the shielded space (34) to the outside of the housing (20), wherein the shielded connector (36) is connected to the first activation unit (27).

2. The test system according to claim 1, wherein the first activation unit (27) is established as a first loudspeaker (28), wherein the first loudspeaker (28) is configured to generate sound waves, and wherein the first sensor unit (17) is established as a first microphone (18), wherein the first microphone (18) is configured to receive sound waves.

3. The test system according to claim 1, wherein the first activation unit (27) is established as a Li-Fi light source (28’), wherein the Li-Fi light source (28’) is configured to generate a Li-Fi signal, wherein the first sensor unit (17) is established as a first light sensor (18’), and wherein the first light sensor (18’) is configured to detect light at least in a frequency range of the Li-Fi signal.

4. The test system according to claim 1, wherein the first activation unit (27) is established as a first display (28”), wherein the first display (28”) is configured to generate an image associated with the first test command, wherein the first sensor unit (17) is established as a first camera (18”), wherein the first camera (18”) is configured to capture the image.

5. The test system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the test device (12) comprises an antenna (26) configured to receive the first electromagnetic test signal.

6. The test system according to claim 5, wherein the test device (12) comprises an analysis module (24), wherein the analysis module (24) is configured to analyze the first electromagnetic test signal.

7. The test system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the test device (12) is configured to emulate an RF communication partner of the device under test (14).

8. The test system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the device under test (14) comprises a second activation unit (37) configured to generate at least one of an electromagnetic wave and an acoustic wave, and wherein the test device (12) comprises a second sensor unit (29) configured to receive at least one of an electromagnetic wave and an acoustic wave.

9. The test system of claim 8, wherein the device under test (14) is configured to generate a second wireless activation signal via the second activation unit (37), the second wireless activation signal comprising a second test command, the test device (12) is configured to receive the second wireless activation signal via the second sensor unit (29), and the test device (12) is configured to generate a second electromagnetic test signal based on the second test command.

10. The test system of claim 9, wherein the device under test (14) comprises an antenna (16) configured to receive the second electromagnetic test signal.

11. The test system of claim 1 or 2, comprising at least a second device under test (14), the second device under test (14) comprising a sensor unit (29), wherein the sensor unit (29) of the second device under test (14) is configured to receive at least one of an electromagnetic wave and an acoustic wave, wherein the second device under test (14) is configured to receive the first wireless activation signal via the sensor unit (29) of the second device under test (14), and wherein the second device under test (14) is configured to generate an electromagnetic test signal based on the first test command.

12. The test system of claim 11, wherein the test device (12) is configured to emulate a respective RF communication partner of each of the devices under test (14).

13. A test system, the test system comprising a device under test (14) and a test device (12), wherein the device under test (14) is a user equipment type device configured to wirelessly communicate with other devices via electromagnetic waves in a radio frequency range, wherein the test system (10) comprises a first sensor unit (17) associated with the device under test (14), wherein the first sensor unit (17) is established as at least one of a position sensor (42) and a motion sensor (44), wherein the first sensor unit (17) is configured to determine at least one of a position of the device under test (14) and at least one parameter associated with a motion of the device under test (14), wherein the first sensor unit (17) is configured to determine whether a condition for starting a test procedure has been fulfilled based on the position and / or the at least one parameter associated with the motion of the device under test (14), and wherein the device under test (14) is configured to generate a first electromagnetic test signal based on at least one of the position of the device under test (14) and the at least one determined parameter.

14. The test system according to claim 13, wherein the test device (12) comprises a positioning arrangement (40), wherein the positioning arrangement (40) is configured to position the device under test (14) in a predefined manner.

15. A test method for testing a device under test (14) via a test device (12), wherein the device under test (14) is a user equipment type device configured to wirelessly communicate with other devices via electromagnetic waves in the radio frequency range, the test method comprising the following steps: - generating a first wireless initiation signal via a first initiation unit (27) of the test device (12), the first wireless initiation signal comprising a first test command; - receiving the first wireless initiation signal via a first sensor unit (17) of the device under test (14); and - generating a first electromagnetic test signal by the device under test (14) based on the first test command, wherein the test device (12) comprises a housing (20), wherein the housing (20) defines a shielded space (34), and wherein the device under test (14) is placed in the shielded space (34), wherein the first initiation unit (27) is located in the shielded space (34), wherein the housing (20) comprises a shielded connector (36) extending from the shielded space (34) to the outside of the housing (20), wherein the shielded connector (36) is connected to the first initiation unit (27).

16. The test method according to claim 15, wherein the first electromagnetic test signal is received and analyzed by the test device (12).

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, comprising the following additional steps: - generating a second wireless initiation signal via a second initiation unit (37) of the device under test (14), the second wireless initiation signal comprising a second test command; - receiving the second wireless initiation signal via a second sensor unit (29) of the test device (12); and - generating a second electromagnetic test signal based on the first test command.

18. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein RF communication partners of the device under test (14) are emulated via the test device (12).

19. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein at least a second device under test (14) is provided.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein respective RF communication partners of each of the devices under test (14) are emulated via the same test device (12).

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