Intermodulation test network and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides an intermodulation test network and a control method thereof. The method comprises the following steps: sending a test instruction to a plurality of intermodulation test devices through a switch; and receiving test data uploaded by the plurality of intermodulation test devices based on the switch, and generating an intermodulation test report based on the plurality of test data. According to the method, a test instruction is sent to a plurality of intermodulation test devices through a switch, so that the plurality of intermodulation test devices can work simultaneously, and a signal source is respectively controlled to generate carrier signals in a target frequency band. Compared with a traditional mode that a single device is tested one by one, the multi-device collaborative testing mode greatly shortens the testing time and improves the testing efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of mobile communication, and particularly relates to an intermodulation test network and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of mobile communication technology, wireless communication technology and product forms are constantly updated. At present, RRU (Remote Radio Unit) has gradually evolved from the original single mode (such as 700M, 800M, 900M, 1.8G, 2.1G, 2.6G, etc.) to dual mode (such as 1.8+2.1G, 700+900M, 800+900M, etc.) and triple mode (such as 700M+800M+900M and 1.8G+2.1G+2.6G). In the field of macro base stations, the mainstream FDD RRU configuration has been upgraded to 4TR (four transmit / receive channels), and correspondingly, the antenna has also evolved into a 4-port or multi-port broadband antenna. For such a multi-port broadband antenna, it is necessary to test the passive intermodulation indexes of multiple ports and multiple frequency bands. In addition, 5G Massive MIMO has also evolved from single mode to multi mode, such as 1.8G+2.1G+2.6G triple mode, and the antenna has even evolved into a three-frequency 32-port or even three-frequency 64-port. The demand for intermodulation testing of such multi-frequency multi-port antennas and multi-port passive products is increasing day by day.

[0003] However, ordinary intermodulation test equipment on the market generally only supports single-port and dual-port modes, and the operating frequency band only supports single frequency. One intermodulation test equipment can only test one frequency band. For the intermodulation testing of multi-frequency multi-port antennas and multi-port passive products, it is often necessary to increase the number of intermodulation test equipment, and one or more intermodulation equipment with different frequency bands are required. This not only increases the equipment procurement cost, but also makes the test process cumbersome and the test efficiency low. For example, when testing a three-frequency 32-port antenna, if an independent intermodulation test equipment is required for each frequency band, then at least three pieces of equipment are needed, and each piece of equipment tests one frequency band respectively. This not only increases the occupied space of the equipment, but also increases the test time and labor cost.

[0004] To improve the test efficiency, multi-port intermodulation test systems have also been proposed. However, these systems usually use multiple intermodulation devices with the same or different frequency bands to build a test system through a switch matrix. Although this system improves the test efficiency to a certain extent, its complexity and cost problems are still prominent. Specifically, this system not only has a large number of devices, complex cable connections, and high operation difficulty, but also, due to the introduction of a switch matrix and additional connection cables, etc., it not only increases the output power of a single intermodulation instrument, but also easily affects the test accuracy. For example, the switch matrix may introduce additional signal loss and reflection when switching different ports, resulting in inaccurate test results. In addition, the coordinated operation of multiple devices requires a complex control system, increasing the system's failure risk and maintenance cost.

[0005] It can be seen from this that the existing intermodulation test equipment and systems have problems such as low test efficiency, high cost, complex operation, and poor test accuracy when facing the test requirements of multi-frequency multi-port antennas and multi-port passive products. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an intermodulation test equipment that can simultaneously test multiple ports and multiple frequency bands to meet the growing test requirements of multi-frequency multi-port antennas and multi-port passive products. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The primary object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the above problems and provide an intermodulation test network and its control method.

[0007] To meet the various objects of the present invention, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] To provide an intermodulation test network control method according to one of the objects of the present invention, including the following steps:

[0009] Send test instructions to multiple intermodulation test devices through a switch;

[0010] Enable the intermodulation test device to control one or more signal sources to generate carrier signals with two different frequencies within their respective target frequency bands based on the test instructions;

[0011] Combine the two carrier signals into a mixed wave signal through the signal cross network of the intermodulation test device and distribute it into multiple test signals, so that each test signal contains a mixed wave signal of one frequency band or multiple frequency bands to access the signal ports of external passive devices;

[0012] Poll and collect the reflected signals generated by each test signal through the signal acquisition unit of the intermodulation test device, and the intermodulation test device generates test data based on the reflected signals;

[0013] Receive the test data uploaded by the multiple intermodulation test devices based on the switch, and generate an intermodulation test report based on the multiple test data.

[0014] In one embodiment, in the step of enabling the intermodulation test device to control one or more signal sources to respectively generate carrier signals of two different frequencies within their respective target frequency bands based on the test instruction, the following steps are included:

[0015] The intermodulation test device controls two signal generators of the signal source corresponding to the target frequency band to operate, and the two signal transmitters respectively generate carrier signals of two different frequencies.

[0016] In one embodiment, in the step of enabling the intermodulation test device to control one or more signal sources to respectively generate carrier signals of two different frequencies within their respective target frequency bands based on the test instruction, the following steps are included:

[0017] The intermodulation test device receives a test instruction, and the test instruction includes one or more target frequency bands;

[0018] The intermodulation test device controls the one or more corresponding signal sources to respectively generate corresponding carrier signals based on one or more target frequency bands in the detection information.

[0019] In one embodiment, in the step of enabling the intermodulation test device to control one or more corresponding signal sources to generate corresponding carrier signals based on the one or more target frequency band information, the following steps are included:

[0020] When the test instruction includes one target frequency band information, the intermodulation test device controls one of the signal generators of the signal source corresponding to the target frequency band to fixedly operate at the same frequency point, and the other signal generator continuously changes its operating frequency point.

[0021] In one embodiment, in the step of enabling the intermodulation test device to control one of the signal generators of the signal source corresponding to the target frequency band to fixedly operate at the same frequency point, and the other signal generator continuously changes its operating frequency point, the following steps are further included:

[0022] The intermodulation test device controls the signal source to lock two different frequency points within the target frequency band and starts the test process for the device under test.

[0023] After the intermodulation test device controls one of the signal generators to complete the test of one frequency point, it automatically switches to the next frequency point until the tests of all frequency points within the predetermined frequency band are completed.

[0024] In one embodiment, in the step of polling and collecting the reflected signals generated by each test signal through the signal acquisition unit of the intermodulation test device, the following steps are included:

[0025] The intermodulation test device amplifies the power of the reflected signals uploaded by each multiplexer through a signal amplifier;

[0026] The intermodulation test device controls the polling controller through a digital receiver to perform polling switching, so as to receive the reflected signals after power amplification of each path at different times.

[0027] In one embodiment, in the step of sending test instructions to multiple intermodulation test devices through a switch, the following steps are included:

[0028] Obtain the device parameters of the external passive device, extract the corresponding target frequency band information from the calibration database based on the device parameters, and generate the test information based on the target frequency band information.

[0029] In one embodiment, the following steps are further included:

[0030] Monitor the operating status of each intermodulation test device in real time, where the operating status includes the frequency stability index of the signal source, the power distribution information of the signal cross network, and the signal acquisition efficiency of the signal acquisition unit;

[0031] When it is detected that the operating status of any intermodulation test device is abnormal, automatically adjust the test parameters of the corresponding intermodulation test device or suspend its test task.

[0032] In one embodiment, the following steps are further included:

[0033] Send calibration signals to each intermodulation test device based on a reference source to calibrate the frequency accuracy of the signal sources of each intermodulation test device.

[0034] To meet one of the purposes of the present invention, an intermodulation test network is provided, including a control device, at least one switch, and multiple intermodulation test devices. The control device communicates with the intermodulation test devices through the switch. The control device is used to execute the intermodulation test network control method described in any one of the previous purposes. The intermodulation test device includes:

[0035] Multiple signal sources operating in different frequency bands, and each signal source is used to generate two carrier signals with different frequencies within the same frequency band;

[0036] A signal cross network, which is used to combine the two carrier signals generated by each signal source in the same frequency band into a mixed wave signal, and then distribute it into multiple test signals. Each test signal contains a mixed wave signal of one or more frequency bands to access the signal port of the external passive device;

[0037] A signal acquisition unit, which is used to poll and collect the reflected signals generated by each test signal;

[0038] A controller for controlling the signal source to generate a carrier signal and generating test data based on the reflected signal.

[0039] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has multiple advantages, including but not limited to:

[0040] The method of the present invention sends test instructions to multiple intermodulation test devices through a switch, enabling the multiple intermodulation test devices to work simultaneously and respectively controlling the signal source to generate carrier signals within the target frequency band. This multi-device collaborative testing method greatly shortens the testing time and improves the testing efficiency compared with the traditional method of testing one device by one.

[0041] Moreover, by controlling one or more signal sources to generate carrier signals at two different frequency points within their respective target frequency bands, and using a signal cross network to combine and distribute these carrier signals into multiple test signals. This method avoids the cumbersome process of testing each frequency band and port one by one in the traditional testing method, and greatly improves the testing efficiency. Especially when facing complex passive devices with multiple ports and multiple frequency bands to be tested, the intermodulation testing efficiency can be greatly improved.

[0042] In addition, the method combines the carrier signals into a mixed wave signal through a signal cross network and distributes it into multiple test signals, so that each test signal contains a mixed wave signal of one frequency band or multiple frequency bands, and can be simultaneously connected to multiple signal ports of an external passive device or multiple signal ports of multiple external passive devices. This avoids the cumbersome process of testing each port one by one in the traditional method, greatly shortens the testing time, and improves the testing efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and easy to understand from the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the drawings, where:

[0044] Figure 1 is a circuit principle block diagram of an intermodulation test device according to a typical embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 2 is a schematic flow chart of an intermodulation test method according to a typical embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart of the step of controlling one or more signal sources to respectively generate carrier signals at two different frequency points within their respective target frequency bands according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic flow chart of the step of controlling one of the signal generators of the signal source corresponding to the target frequency band to fixedly operate at the same frequency point and the other signal generator to continuously change its operating frequency band according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of the step of polling and collecting the reflected signals generated by each test signal through the signal acquisition unit in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a structural principle block diagram of the intermodulation test network in a typical embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of the method for controlling the intermodulation test network in a typical embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart of the post - steps of the method for controlling the intermodulation test network in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart of the step of enabling the intermodulation test device to control one or more signal sources to respectively generate carrier signals with two different frequencies within their respective target frequency bands based on the test instruction in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 10 This is a schematic flowchart of the step of controlling one signal generator of the signal source corresponding to the target frequency band to fixedly operate at the same frequency point and the other signal generator to continuously change its operating frequency point in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart of the step of polling and collecting the reflected signals generated by each test signal through the signal acquisition unit of the intermodulation test device in one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0055] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. The examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements or elements with the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described by referring to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention and cannot be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0056] Those skilled in the art of the present technology can understand that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", "the", and "said" used herein may also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the term "comprising" used in the specification of the present invention means the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should be understood that when we say that an element is "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to other elements, or there may also be intermediate elements. In addition, the "connection" or "coupling" used herein may include wireless connection or wireless coupling. The phrase "and / or" used herein includes all or any unit and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0057] Those skilled in the art of the present technology can understand that, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical terms and scientific terms) have the same meaning as the general understanding of those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in a general dictionary should be understood to have a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the prior art, and will not be interpreted with an idealized or overly formal meaning unless specifically defined as here.

[0058] The present invention provides a multi-port multi-band intermodulation test device 100, which has multiple test ports. Each test port can perform intermodulation tests for multiple frequency bands, so that the intermodulation test device 100 can simultaneously perform multi-band intermodulation tests on multiple test specimens, or the intermodulation test device 100 can perform multi-band intermodulation tests on multiple ports of a test specimen to improve the intermodulation detection efficiency. The test specimen is an external passive device, such as a multi-frequency and / or multi-port antenna, a combiner, a multiplexer, and a coupler.

[0059] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, in combination with Figure 1 , the intermodulation test device 100 includes a controller (not shown), a signal acquisition unit, a signal cross network, and a plurality of signal sources 120. The controller is electrically connected to the signal acquisition unit, the signal sources 120, and the signal cross network respectively, so as to facilitate the controller to control the operation of the intermodulation test device 100.

[0060] The plurality of signal sources 120 operate in different frequency bands respectively, so that the intermodulation test device 100 can perform multi-band intermodulation tests on a test specimen. The signal source 120 is used to generate two carrier signals with different frequencies within the same frequency band.

[0061] Specifically, the signal source 120 includes two signal generators 124, and the two signal generators 124 operate within the same frequency band. The controller is electrically connected to the two signal generators 124. The controller controls one of the two signal generators 124 to operate at a first frequency point and controls the other signal generator 124 to operate at a second frequency point, and the first frequency point is different from the second frequency point. For example, the signal source 120 operates in the frequency band of 1800 - 1900 MHz, the first frequency point is 1805 MHz, and the second frequency point is 1879 MHz.

[0062] In one embodiment, the signal source 120 further includes a frequency controller (not shown), and the frequency controller is electrically connected to the controller and the two signal generators 124 of the signal source 120 respectively. The controller sends a frequency point control instruction to the frequency controller, and the frequency controller controls the operating frequency point of the signal generator 124 based on the frequency point control instruction, so that the signal generator 124 can correspondingly change the operating frequency point to adapt to different intermodulation test requirements.

[0063] In a typical implementation of the present invention, the signal cross network includes a plurality of combiners 131, a plurality of power splitting modules 132, and a plurality of multiplexers 133. The signal cross network is configured with one combiner 131 and one power splitting module 132 corresponding to one signal source 120.

[0064] Specifically, the two signal generators 124 of the signal source 120 are simultaneously electrically connected to the combiner 131, and the two signal generators 124 respectively generate a carrier signal, that is to say, the two signal generators 124 correspondingly generate two carrier signals. The two carrier signals are input into the combiner 131, and the combiner 131 combines the two carrier signals to generate a mixed wave signal.

[0065] In one embodiment, the combiner 131 can be replaced by a hybrid (not shown), and the hybrid can play the role of the combiner 131. The hybrid is suitable for combining signals in the same frequency band, that is to say, the hybrid can well combine the two carrier signals output by the two signal generators 124 of the same signal source 120. In this embodiment, it is recommended that the hybrid be a 3 dB hybrid, but it should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0066] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, a power amplifier module 134 is further provided between the signal generator 124 and the combiner 131. The power amplifier module 134 is electrically connected to the signal generator 124 and the combiner 131 respectively. The power amplifier module 134 amplifies the power of the carrier signal output from the signal generator 124 to facilitate the use of the carrier signal for subsequent intermodulation tests.

[0067] The signal cross network is provided with a power splitting module 132 corresponding to the combiner 131. The power splitting module 132 is electrically connected to the corresponding combiner 131. The combiner 131 outputs the mixed wave signal to the power splitting module 132. The power splitting module 132 divides the mixed wave signal into multiple paths of signals. To distinguish it from the mixed wave signal, the signal generated by the power splitting of the power splitting module 132 is called a mixed signal. That is to say, the power splitting module 132 splits the mixed wave signal output by the combiner 131 into multiple paths of mixed signals. For example, the power splitting module 132 splits the mixed wave signal into two paths of mixed signals, or three paths of mixed signals, or four paths of mixed signals, and so on. In one embodiment, the power splitting module 132 can be a power splitter. For example, the power splitting module 132 is a one-to-three power splitter or a one-to-four power splitter, etc., but it should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0068] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, the power splitting module 132 includes a plurality of power splitters 135. In this embodiment, the power splitter 135 is taken as an example of a one-to-two power splitter 135 to describe the present invention, but it should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. The combiner 131 divides the mixed wave signal generated by combining into multiple paths. The number of the multiple paths of mixed wave signals corresponds to the number of the corresponding power splitters 135. The combiner 131 respectively outputs the multiple paths of mixed wave signals to the multiple power splitters 135.

[0069] After receiving a corresponding path of mixed wave signal, the power splitter 135 splits the path of mixed wave signal into two paths of mixed signals. In this embodiment, the power splitting module 132 can increase the number of power splitters 135 to increase the number of paths of mixed signals generated by power splitting the mixed wave signal. For example, the power splitting module 132 can set two power splitters 135 to generate four paths of mixed signals, or set three power splitters 135 to generate six paths of mixed signals, or four power splitters 135 to generate eight paths of mixed signals... and so on.

[0070] In this embodiment, the present invention is described by taking the power splitting module 132 provided with two power splitters 135 as an example, but it should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. It can be understood that the combiner 131 respectively outputs a path of mixed wave signal to each of the two power splitters 135 of the power splitting module 132. Each of the two power splitters 135 splits the input mixed wave signal. Each power splitter 135 splits the mixed wave signal into two paths of mixed signals. The two power splitters 135 correspondingly split the two paths of mixed wave signals into four paths of mixed signals.

[0071] The signal cross-network is provided with a plurality of multiplexers 133. The number of the multiplexers 133 corresponds to the number of paths of the mixed signals generated by power splitting of a power splitting module 132. The multiple paths of mixed signals generated by power splitting of the power splitting module 132 are respectively output to the plurality of multiplexers 133. That is to say, the plurality of signal sources 120 respectively output one path of mixed signal to each multiplexer 133, so that each multiplexer 133 can receive one path of mixed signal output by a plurality of signal sources 120 operating in different frequency bands. Thus, the multiplexer 133 can mix multiple mixed signals in different frequency bands to form a test signal. The multiplexer 133 is electrically connected to the signal port of the device under test. The multiplexer 133 inputs the test signal into the device under test through the signal port of the device under test to perform an intermodulation test on the device under test.

[0072] The multiplexer 133 is provided with a plurality of TX ports (transmission ports). The number of TX ports of the multiplexer 133 corresponds to the number of power splitting modules 132 of the signal cross-network, so that the multiplexer 133 can be electrically connected to a plurality of power splitting modules 132 through a plurality of TX ports respectively, facilitating the multiplexer 133 to receive multiple mixed signals in different frequency bands. Since the plurality of signal sources 120 respectively operate at different frequency points, the frequency bands of the mixed signals generated by the plurality of signal sources 120 respectively through the corresponding combiners 131 and the power splitting modules 132 are different, so that the frequency bands of the one path of mixed signal respectively output by the plurality of power splitting modules 132 to the same multiplexer 133 are different.

[0073] In this embodiment, taking the intermodulation test device 100 having three signal sources 120 operating in different frequency bands as an example, the present invention is described, but it should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention. Since the intermodulation test device 100 has three signals operating in different frequency bands, the intermodulation test device 100 can perform third-order and higher-order intermodulation tests, expanding the intermodulation range of the intermodulation test device 100.

[0074] In this embodiment, for the convenience of description, taking the power splitting module 132 including two power splitters 135 and being capable of power splitting to generate four paths of mixed signals as an example, the present invention is described, but it should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention. The signal cross-network is provided with four multiplexers 133. The four paths of mixed signals generated by power splitting of the power splitting module 132 are respectively output to the four multiplexers 133.

[0075] In this embodiment, the intermodulation test device 100 is provided with three signal sources 120. The signal cross-network separately configures components such as power amplifier modules 134, combiners 131, and power splitting modules 132 for each signal source 120. Each power splitting module 132 outputs four paths of mixed signals. The three power splitting modules 132 corresponding to the three signal sources 120 altogether output twelve paths of mixed signals.

[0076] The multiplexer 133 is provided with three TX ports corresponding to three signal sources 120, and these three TX ports are respectively referred to as the first TX port, the second TX port, and the third TX port. The signal cross network is provided with three power splitting modules 132 for the three signal sources 120. These three power splitting modules 132 respectively correspond to the three signal sources 120, and the three signal sources 120 are respectively referred to as the first signal source 121, the second signal source 122, and the third signal source 123. Among them, the power splitting module corresponding to the first signal source 121 is the first power splitting module 1321, the power splitting module corresponding to the second signal source 122 is the second power splitting module 1322, and the power splitting module corresponding to the third signal source 123 is the third power splitting module 1323.

[0077] Among them, one of the mixed signals output by the first power splitting module 1321 (this mixed signal is referred to as the first mixed signal) is output to the first TX port of the multiplexer 133, one of the mixed signals output by the second power splitting module 1322 (this mixed signal is referred to as the second mixed signal) is output to the second TX port of the multiplexer 133, and one of the mixed signals output by the third power splitting module 1323 (this mixed signal is referred to as the third mixed signal) is output to the third TX port of the multiplexer 133, so that the multiplexer 133 can receive these three mixed signals with different frequency bands.

[0078] When it is necessary to perform a third-order intermodulation test on the device under test, the controller controls one of the three signal sources 120 to work. Taking the controller controlling the first signal source 121 to work and the second signal source 122 and the third signal source 123 not working as an example, the present invention is described, but it should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention. The controller controls the first signal source 121 to work. The two carrier signals output by the first signal source 121 pass through the power amplifier module 134, the combiner 131, and the first power splitting module 1321 in sequence to generate a first mixed signal. The first mixed signal is output to the multiplexer 133, and the multiplexer 133 outputs this first mixed signal as a test signal to the signal port of the device under test to perform an intermodulation test on the device under test.

[0079] Specifically, since the two signal generators 124 of the first signal source 121 can generate two carrier signals with different frequencies in the same frequency band, when performing an intermodulation test on the device under test, the first signal source 121 controls one of the signal generators 124 (referred to as the first signal generator 1241) to generate a carrier signal with a fixed frequency (referred to as the first carrier signal), and the first signal source 121 controls the other signal generator 124 (referred to as the second signal generator 1242) to generate a second carrier signal with a continuously changing frequency. The first carrier signal and the second carrier signal are combined to generate a first mixed signal. Since the frequency of the second carrier signal continuously changes, the first mixed signal continuously changes. The continuously changing first mixed signal is used as a test signal and output to the device under test to perform a third-order intermodulation test on the device under test corresponding to the frequency band where the first signal source 121 is located.

[0080] For example, the first signal source 121 operates in the range of 1800 - 1900 MHz, the frequency of the first carrier signal is fixed at 1805 MHz, and the second carrier signal is 1880 MHz but steps down by 1 MHz. The frequency of the second carrier signal sweeps down from 1880, 1979, 1878... 1825 MHz in sequence. The first carrier signal and the second carrier signal are combined to continuously generate different first mixed signals. The multiplexer 133 uses the first mixed signal as a test signal and outputs it to the device under test to continuously perform an intermodulation test on the device under test.

[0081] Alternatively, the frequency of the second carrier signal is fixed at 1880 MHz, and the frequency of the first carrier signal is 1805 MHz but steps up by 1 MHz. The frequency of the first carrier signal sweeps up from 1805, 1806, 1807... 1832.5 MHz. The first carrier signal and the second carrier signal are combined to continuously generate different first mixed signals. The multiplexer 133 uses the first mixed signal as a test signal and outputs it to the device under test to continuously perform an intermodulation test on the device under test.

[0082] Alternatively, when it is necessary to perform third-order or higher-order intermodulation on the device under test, the controller controls two of the three signal sources 120 to operate. Taking the controller controlling the first signal source 121 and the second signal source 122 to operate and the third signal source 123 not operating as an example, the present invention is described, but it should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention. The controller simultaneously controls the first signal source 121 and the second signal source 122 to operate. The first signal source 121 generates a first mixed signal through the first power amplifier module 134, and the second signal source 122 generates a second mixed signal through the second power splitter module 1322.

[0083] The multiplexer 133 receives a first mixed signal through its first TX port and a second mixed signal through its second TX port. The multiplexer 133 combines the first mixed signal and the second mixed signal to form a test signal. The multiplexer 133 outputs the test signal to the signal port of the device under test for intermodulation testing of the device under test.

[0084] It can be seen from this that when the intermodulation test device 100 has three signal sources 120 operating in different frequency bands, a total of six intermodulation test modes can be formed to realize the three-frequency intermodulation function of the intermodulation test device 100. Let the first signal source 121 operate in the first frequency band, the second signal source 122 operate in the second frequency band, and the third signal source 123 operate in the third frequency band, and the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band do not overlap each other. The six intermodulation test modes are: the first frequency band, the second frequency band, the third frequency band, the first frequency band + the second frequency band, the first frequency band + the third frequency band, and the second frequency band + the third frequency band. For example, the first frequency band is 1800 - 1900 MHz, the second frequency band is 2100 - 2200 MHz, and the third frequency band is 2600 - 2700 MHz.

[0085] Since the intermodulation test device 100 has multiple multiplexers 133, each multiplexer 133 plays the same role, and each multiplexer 133 generates the same test signal at the same time, so that the multiple multiplexers 133 can correspondingly test multiple devices under test to improve the intermodulation test efficiency. Or, the device under test has multiple signal ports, and the multiple multiplexers 133 of the intermodulation test device 100 are respectively electrically connected to the multiple signal ports of the device under test, so that the intermodulation test device 100 can perform intermodulation testing on the multiple signal ports of the device under test to improve the test efficiency of the device under test with multiple ports.

[0086] In the embodiment of the present invention, taking the intermodulation test device 100 having four multiplexers 133 as an example, the intermodulation test device 100 can perform intermodulation testing through the simultaneous operation of the four multiplexers 133. In other words, the four multiplexers 133 are equivalent to the four test ports of the intermodulation test device 100, and the intermodulation test efficiency is improved through the four test ports. Moreover, since the intermodulation test device 100 has three signal sources 120 operating in different frequency bands, the intermodulation test device 100 constitutes a three-frequency four-port intermodulation test device 100.

[0087] In this embodiment, when the intermodulation test device 100 of the present invention tests a device under test having multiple ports and operating in multiple frequency bands, the number of cable pluggings and unpluggings can be significantly reduced, the intermodulation test efficiency can be improved, and the test time can be reduced.

[0088] For example, when a traditional single-frequency two-port intermodulation tester tests a four-port broadband (1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2600 MHz) base station antenna, since each frequency band needs to be tested separately and each port needs to be connected separately, the cable needs to be plugged and unplugged multiple times. Specifically, for a base station antenna with 3 frequency bands and 4 ports, the number of ports to be tested is 3×4 = 12. Each cable needs to be plugged and unplugged twice, with one end of the cable plugged into the intermodulation tester and the other end plugged into the base station antenna. Therefore, the cable needs to be plugged and unplugged 24 times in total.

[0089] However, when using the intermodulation test device 100 of the present invention, since the intermodulation test device 100 of the present invention has four multiplexers 133, with respect to having four test ports, the intermodulation test device 100 of the present invention can connect the 4 ports of the base station antenna at one time and can test 3 frequency bands simultaneously. Thus, only 4 cables need to be connected between the intermodulation test device 100 of the present invention and the base station antenna, and each cable is connected twice, with one end of the cable plugged into the intermodulation test device 100 of the present invention and the other end plugged into the base station antenna. In total, only 8 times of cable plugging and unplugging are needed. Therefore, the number of cable plugging and unplugging times is reduced from 24 times to 8 times, the efficiency is increased by 3 times, and the test time is also reduced by more than half.

[0090] Furthermore, if a three-frequency 32-port 5G Massive antenna is tested through networking, using the intermodulation test device 100 of the present invention can further significantly reduce the cable connection times and test time, and the efficiency is increased by more than 7 times. This is because the intermodulation test device 100 of the present invention can connect and test multiple ports of the 5G Massive antenna at one time, greatly reducing the time for cable plugging and unplugging and disconnection, and improving the test efficiency.

[0091] Thus, the intermodulation test device 100 of the present invention completely changes the cumbersome process of the traditional intermodulation test that requires replacing intermodulation testers of different frequency bands for multiple tests, greatly reduces the number of cable plugging and unplugging times, effectively reduces the loss of expensive intermodulation test cables, and also reduces the demand for microwave anechoic chambers for intermodulation tests, further significantly reducing the overall cost of intermodulation tests.

[0092] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, the intermodulation test device 100 having three signal sources 120 operating in different frequency bands and four multiplexers 133 is taken as an example for illustration, but this should not be regarded as a limitation of the present invention. After understanding the technical solution of the present invention, those skilled in the art can adaptively increase the number of signal sources 120 operating in different frequency bands and the number of multiplexers 133 to expand the application scope of the intermodulation test device 100. These technical solutions that can be achieved without creative labor based on the present invention all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. For example, on the basis that the intermodulation test device 100 has three signal sources 120 operating in different frequency bands and four multiplexers 133, one more signal source 120 operating in a different frequency band and one more multiplexer 133 are further added, so that the intermodulation test device 100 has four signal sources 120 operating in different frequency bands and five multiplexers 133.

[0093] In one embodiment, the signal cross network is provided with a plurality of circulators 136 corresponding to one multiplexer 133. The plurality of circulators 136 are arranged corresponding to the plurality of TX ports of the multiplexer 133. The mixed signals input from each of the plurality of power splitting modules 132 to the multiplexer 133 need to pass through the corresponding circulator 136 first and then be input to the multiplexer 133 through the corresponding TX port. The circulator 136 is used to isolate the mixed signals transmitted from the power splitting module 132 to the multiplexer 133 to block reverse signal interference, reduce signal distortion and interference, and improve the accuracy of intermodulation testing. In this embodiment, the multiplexer 133 has three TX ports, and one circulator 136 is configured for each of the three TX ports, that is to say, three circulators 136 are configured for the multiplexer 133.

[0094] Furthermore, during intermodulation testing, the standing wave ratio of the device under test will significantly affect the intermodulation test accuracy. The standing wave ratio is an index to measure the matching degree between an antenna or a transmission line and a load. When the standing wave ratio is greater than 1, it indicates that there is reflection, which will cause uneven power distribution in each branch channel of the power splitting module 132, thereby affecting the test accuracy. The intermodulation test device 100 realizes simultaneous transmission of test signals by all multiplexers 133 through power splitting. However, if the standing wave ratio of the signal port of a device under test in the intermodulation test is relatively high, that is, there is a large reflection, this will affect the power distribution of each multiplexer 133, resulting in unstable output power of each multiplexer 133 and unable to perform accurate testing. To solve this problem, the present invention connects a circulator 136 corresponding to the frequency band in series before the TX port of the multiplexer 133. This circulator 136 can withstand power reflection for a short time, thereby ensuring that the power of each multiplexer 133 is equal and solving the problem of test accuracy when the port is adapted or open-circuited.

[0095] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, the signal acquisition unit of the intermodulation test device 100 includes a signal amplifier 141, a polling controller 142, and a digital receiver 143. The multiplexer 133 further includes an RX port (reception port). After the multiplexer 133 outputs a test signal to the device under test to perform an intermodulation test, the device under test will generate a reflected signal. The multiplexer 133 receives the reflected signal, and the multiplexer 133 outputs the reflected signal to the signal amplifier 141 through the RX port. The signal amplifier 141 amplifies the power of the reflected signal. Then, the signal amplifier 141 outputs the reflected signal to the digital receiver 143 through the polling controller 142. After receiving the reflected signal, the digital receiver 143 transmits the reflected signal to the controller, and the controller generates test data based on the reflected signal, thereby obtaining the intermodulation test data of the device under test.

[0096] Specifically, the multiple multiplexers 133 share the same signal amplifier 141, or, a signal amplifier 141 is configured for each multiplexer 133 respectively. In this embodiment, the multiple multiplexers 133 share the same polling controller 142. After the reflected signals output by the multiple multiplexers 133 are output through the corresponding signal amplifiers 141, they are output to the polling controller 142.

[0097] The digital receiver 143 is used to control the operation of the polling controller 142, so that the polling controller 142 polls and receives the reflected signals output by the multiple multiplexers 133. That is to say, under the control of the digital receiver 143, the polling controller 142 only receives the reflected signal output by one multiplexer 133 at a time through time-division multiplexing, so as to avoid the mixing and interference of the reflected signals output by the multiple multiplexers 133. In this embodiment, it is recommended that the polling controller 142 be a single-pole multi-throw electronic switch, but it should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0098] The polling controller 142 outputs the reflected signals received at different times to the digital receiver 143, and the digital receiver 143 converts the reflected signals into digital signals, so as to facilitate the controller to analyze the digital signals and obtain the intermodulation test data of the device under test. In this embodiment, the digital receiver 143 converts signal characteristics such as the amplitude, frequency, and phase of the reflected signal into digital signals. For example, through steps such as analog-to-digital conversion, down-conversion, quadrature demodulation, and digital signal processing, accurate measurement and analysis of the reflected signal are realized. The digital signals provide an accurate data basis for the subsequent analysis of the controller, so as to facilitate the generation of accurate test data. In this embodiment, it is recommended that the controller be a computer, but it should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0099] In one embodiment, the intermodulation test device 100 further includes a local oscillator 145, and the local oscillator 145 is electrically connected to the polling controller 142. After the controller controls the intermodulation test device 100 to generate a high-frequency test signal, the device under test will correspondingly return a high-frequency reflected signal. Since the frequency of the high-frequency reflected signal is relatively high, it is difficult to directly process these high-frequency signals.

[0100] In response to this, the controller controls the local oscillator 145 to generate a local oscillator signal, and mixes the local oscillator signal with the high-frequency reflected signal received by the polling controller 142 to convert the high-frequency reflected signal into an intermediate-frequency signal, thereby reducing the frequency of the reflected signal and making it easier for the subsequent digital receiver 143 to perform digital processing on the intermediate-frequency signal.

[0101] In one embodiment, the intermodulation test device 100 further includes a reference source interface (not shown), the reference source interface is used to be electrically connected to an external reference source, and the reference source interface is disposed on the controller. The controller provides a high-precision clock signal for the intermodulation test device 100 based on the reference source to ensure the frequency stability of the plurality of signal sources 120 and the local oscillator 145 of the intermodulation test device 100, and improve the test accuracy of the intermodulation test device 100.

[0102] In this embodiment, the reference source is a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) or an oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO). In this embodiment, it is recommended that the reference source be an oven-controlled crystal oscillator. The frequency accuracy and long-term frequency stability of the oven-controlled crystal oscillator are at least several orders of magnitude higher than those of a general temperature-compensated crystal oscillator. Using the oven-controlled crystal oscillator as the reference source can significantly improve the phase noise performance of the signal source 120, reduce the carrier spurious, and thus improve the overall performance of the intermodulation test device 100.

[0103] In one embodiment, the intermodulation test device 100 further includes a first housing 151 and a second housing 152. The signal source 120, the digital receiver 143, the polling controller 142, and the local oscillator source 145 are installed in the first housing 151, and the signal cross network is installed in the second housing 152. Components such as the signal source 120 and the digital receiver 143 generate electromagnetic radiation during operation, while the signal cross network is vulnerable to external interference or becomes a radiation source. Placing them in different housings can reduce electromagnetic interference between different components and improve the electromagnetic compatibility of the device. In addition, installing modules with different functions in different housings helps to achieve modularization and integration of functions. Components such as the signal source 120, the digital receiver 143, the polling controller 142, and the local oscillator source 145 are mainly responsible for signal generation, reception, and processing, while the signal cross network is responsible for signal distribution and routing. By installing them in different housings respectively, functional partitioning and integration can be better achieved.

[0104] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, the intermodulation test device 100 is further provided with a display screen (not shown). The controller is electrically connected to the display screen, and the controller can output the intermodulation test data of the test piece to the display screen for display, so that the user can directly obtain the test data of the test piece through the display screen.

[0105] In one embodiment, the controller is further provided with a communication interface (not shown). The controller performs data communication with an external control device through the communication interface. Specifically, the controller submits test data to the external control device through the communication interface, and at the same time, the controller can also receive test instructions output by the external control device through the communication interface. Based on the test instructions, the controller can control the working state and test process of the intermodulation test device 100, enabling the intermodulation test device 100 to perform effective data interaction and instruction control with the external control device, and improving the automation degree and test efficiency of the device. For example, during third-order intermodulation testing, the controller can accurately control the output frequency and power of the signal source 120 according to instructions from the external control device, thereby realizing testing of different frequency bands and different power combinations.

[0106] In addition, the communication interface can also be used to receive test instructions output by the external control device, enabling the controller to control the operation of the intermodulation test device 100 based on the test instructions, further improving the flexibility and efficiency of the test. In this embodiment, it is recommended that the communication interface support multiple interfaces such as LAN, USB, and GB IP and be compatible with the SCP I standard protocol, ensuring unobstructed data interaction with various programming languages.

[0107] The present invention also provides a multi-port multi-band intermodulation test method. This intermodulation test method is implemented based on the intermodulation test device 100 described above, and the controller of the intermodulation test device 100 is used to execute the intermodulation test method, so that the intermodulation test device 100 can perform intermodulation tests on the device under test well based on the intermodulation test method. In a typical embodiment of the present invention, please refer to Figure 2 , the intermodulation test method includes the following specific steps:

[0108] Step S1100, controlling one or more signal sources to respectively generate carrier signals at two different frequencies within their respective target frequency bands;

[0109] The multiple signal sources 120 of the intermodulation test device 100 respectively operate at different frequencies. The controller controls the signal sources 120 to respectively generate two carrier signals, and these two carrier signals operate at different frequencies within the same frequency band.

[0110] When the device under test needs to perform an intermodulation test on a target frequency band, the controller controls the signal source 120 corresponding to this target frequency band to operate, so that the corresponding signal source 120 generates two carrier signals with different frequencies, that is to say, the signal source 120 generates two carrier signals with different frequencies within the same frequency band.

[0111] When the device under test needs to perform an intermodulation test by combining two target frequency bands, the controller controls the signal sources 120 corresponding to these two target frequencies to operate. It can be understood that the controller controls two signal sources 120 operating in different frequency bands to operate, and these two signal sources 120 respectively generate corresponding two carrier signals, that is to say, two signal sources 120 generate four carrier signals.

[0112] Step S1200, combining the carrier signals into a mixed wave signal through a signal cross network and distributing it into multiple test signals, so that each test signal includes a mixed wave signal of one frequency band or multiple frequency bands, in order to access the signal port of an external passive device;

[0113] The signal cross network of the intermodulation test device 100 is separately configured with a combiner 131 and a power splitting module 132 for each signal source 120. The two carrier signals with different frequencies within the same frequency band generated by the signal source 120 are output to the combiner 131, and the combiner 131 combines these two carrier signals into a mixed wave signal. The combiner 131 outputs this mixed wave signal to the power splitting module 132, and the power splitting module 132 splits this mixed wave signal into multiple mixed signals.

[0114] The signal cross network is provided with a plurality of multiplexers 133, and the number of the multiplexers 133 is the same as the number of paths of the mixed signals generated by power splitting of the same power splitting module 132. The power splitting module 132 respectively outputs the multiplexed mixed signals generated by power splitting to the plurality of multiplexers 133, that is to say, each multiplexer 133 can receive one path of the mixed signal output by the same power splitting module 132.

[0115] When the DUT needs to perform intermodulation testing on a target frequency band, the controller controls the signal source 120 corresponding to the target frequency point to work, and controls the remaining signal sources 120 not to work, so that the multiplexer 133 can only receive one path of the mixed signal generated by the signal source 120 corresponding to the target frequency band. The multiplexer 133 outputs the received one path of the mixed signal as a test signal to the DUT to perform intermodulation testing.

[0116] When the DUT needs to perform intermodulation testing by combining two target frequency bands, the controller controls the signal sources 120 corresponding to the two target frequency bands to work respectively, and controls the remaining signal sources 120 not to work, so that the multiplexer 133 can only receive one path of the mixed signal generated by each of the signal sources 120 corresponding to the two target frequency bands. It can be understood that the multiplexer 133 receives two paths of the mixed signals, and the two paths of the mixed signals come from two signal sources 120 with different frequency bands respectively. The multiplexer 133 combines the two received paths of the mixed signals into a test signal, and outputs the test signal to the DUT to perform intermodulation testing.

[0117] The signal cross network has a plurality of multiplexers 133. The plurality of multiplexers 133 have the same function, and each multiplexer 133 generates the same test signal at the same moment, so that the plurality of multiplexers 133 can correspondingly test a plurality of DUTs to improve the intermodulation testing efficiency. Or, the DUT has a plurality of signal ports, and the plurality of multiplexers 133 of the intermodulation testing device 100 are respectively electrically connected to the plurality of signal ports of the DUT, so that the intermodulation testing device 100 can perform intermodulation testing on the plurality of signal ports of the DUT to improve the testing efficiency of the DUT with multiple ports.

[0118] Step S1300, polling and collecting the reflected signals generated by each path of the test signals through the signal acquisition unit, and generating test data based on the reflected signals;

[0119] The DUT generates a reflected signal in response to the test signal. The multiplexer 133 outputs the received reflected signal to the signal acquisition unit, and the signal acquisition unit outputs the reflected signal to the controller. The controller analyzes and obtains the corresponding intermodulation test data based on the reflected signal.

[0120] Since each of the multiple multiplexers 133 outputs a reflection signal to the controller via the signal acquisition unit, the controller sequentially analyzes each of the acquired multiple reflection signals to obtain corresponding intermodulation test data.

[0121] When the multiple multiplexers 133 are respectively connected to different DUTs, the reflection signals output by the multiple multiplexers 133 respectively correspond to different DUTs, and the controller generates intermodulation test data for the multiple DUTs based on the multiple reflection signals.

[0122] When the multiple multiplexers 133 are respectively electrically connected to multiple signal ports of the same DUT, the reflection signals output by the multiple multiplexers 133 respectively correspond to different signal ports of the same DUT, and the controller generates intermodulation test data for different signal ports of the same DUT based on the multiple reflection signals.

[0123] Based on any embodiment of the intermodulation test method of the present invention, in the step of controlling one or more signal sources to respectively generate carrier signals at two different frequencies within their respective target frequency bands, the following specific steps are further included:

[0124] Step S1110, controlling two signal generators of the signal source corresponding to the target frequency band to operate, and the two signal generators respectively generate carrier signals at two different frequencies;

[0125] The multiple signal sources 120 of the intermodulation test device 100 respectively operate at different frequencies. The controller controls two signal generators 124 of the signal source 120 to respectively generate two carrier signals, and the two carrier signals operate at different frequencies within the same frequency band.

[0126] Based on any embodiment of the intermodulation test method of the present invention, please refer to Figure 3 , in the step of controlling one or more signal sources to respectively generate carrier signals at two different frequencies within their respective target frequency bands, the following specific steps are included:

[0127] Step S1120, receiving a test instruction, where the test instruction includes information about one or more target frequency bands corresponding to the intermodulation test;

[0128] An external control device outputs a test instruction to the controller, and the test instruction includes information about one or more target frequency bands corresponding to the intermodulation test. When the intermodulation test instruction includes information about one target frequency band, it indicates that the intermodulation test for the DUT is performed at the one target frequency band in this intermodulation test. When the intermodulation test instruction includes information about two or more target frequency bands, it indicates that the intermodulation test for the DUT is performed with a combination of two or more target frequencies in this intermodulation test.

[0129] Step S1130: Based on the one or more target frequency band information, control the corresponding one or more signal sources to generate corresponding carrier signals;

[0130] When the test instruction includes one target frequency band information, the controller controls the signal source 120 of the corresponding frequency band to generate two carrier signals with different frequencies based on this one target frequency band information.

[0131] When the test instruction includes two or more target frequency band information, the controller controls two or more signal sources 120 of the corresponding frequency bands to each generate two carrier signals with different frequencies based on the two or more target frequency band information. In other words, the controller controls each signal source 120 to generate two carrier signals with different frequencies in the same frequency band respectively.

[0132] Based on any embodiment of the intermodulation test method of the present invention, in the step of controlling the corresponding one or more signal sources to generate corresponding carrier signals based on the one or more target frequency band information, the following specific steps are included:

[0133] Step S1131: When the test instruction includes one target frequency band information, control the signal generator in the signal source corresponding to this target frequency band to fixedly operate at the same frequency point, and the other signal generator continuously changes its operating frequency point;

[0134] When the device under test needs to perform an intermodulation test for one target frequency band, the controller controls the signal source 120 corresponding to this target frequency point to work, and controls the remaining signal sources 120 not to work, so that the multiplexer 133 can only receive one mixed signal corresponding to the signal source 120 corresponding to the target frequency band. The multiplexer 133 outputs the received one mixed signal as a test signal to the device under test to perform an intermodulation test.

[0135] Specifically, since the two signal generators 124 of the signal source 120 can generate two carrier signals with different frequencies in the same frequency band, when performing an intermodulation test on the device under test, the controller controls the first signal generator 1241 to generate a first carrier signal with a fixed frequency point, and the controller controls the second signal generator 1242 to generate a second carrier signal with a continuously changing frequency point. The first carrier signal and the second carrier signal are combined to generate a mixed signal. Since the frequency point of the second carrier signal continuously changes, the mixed signal continuously changes. The continuously changing mixed signal is used as a test signal and output to the device under test to perform a third-order intermodulation test for the corresponding target frequency band on the device under test.

[0136] Based on any embodiment of the intermodulation test method of the present invention, please refer to Figure 4, in the step of controlling one of the signal generators of the signal source corresponding to the target frequency band to fixedly operate at the same frequency point and the other signal generator to continuously change its operating frequency band, the following steps are further included:

[0137] Step S1132, controlling the signal source to lock two different frequency points within the target frequency band and starting the test process for the test piece to be tested;

[0138] When the intermodulation test needs to be started, the controller controls the first signal generator 1241 of the signal source 120 to be fixed at the first frequency point and controls the second signal generator 1242 of the signal source 120 to be fixed at the second frequency point. After the multiple multiplexers 133 of the intermodulation test device 100 are respectively electrically connected to multiple test pieces to be tested, the controller starts the intermodulation test process.

[0139] In the intermodulation test device 100, before the intermodulation test needs to be started, the controller controls the first signal generator 1241 of the signal source 120 to be fixed at the first frequency point and simultaneously controls the second signal generator 1242 of the signal source 120 to be fixed at the second frequency point. After the multiple multiplexers 133 of the intermodulation test device 100 are respectively electrically connected to multiple test pieces to be tested, or, after the multiple multiplexers 133 of the intermodulation test device 100 are electrically connected to multiple signal ports of the same test piece to be tested. The controller starts the intermodulation test process.

[0140] Step S1133, after controlling one of the signal generators to complete the test of one frequency point, automatically switching to the next frequency point until the tests of all frequency points within the predetermined frequency band are completed;

[0141] In the intermodulation test device 100, the two signal generators 124 of the signal source 120 can generate two carrier signals with different frequency points within the same frequency band. When performing the intermodulation test on the test piece to be tested, the controller controls the first signal generator 1241 to generate a first carrier signal with a locked frequency point, and simultaneously controls the second signal generator 1242 to sequentially switch the operating frequency point within the predetermined frequency band to generate a second carrier signal operating at different frequency points, and the predetermined frequency band is within the operating frequency band of the signal source 120. The first carrier signal and the second carrier signal are combined to generate a mixed signal. Since the frequency point of the second carrier signal continuously switches, the mixed signal also continuously changes. The continuously changing mixed signal is used as a test signal and output to the test piece to be tested to perform the third-order intermodulation test for the corresponding target frequency band on the test piece to be tested.

[0142] When the intermodulation test device 100 completes the intermodulation test based on one of the frequency points of the second signal generator 1242, the controller will control the second signal generator 1242 to switch to the next frequency point and continue the intermodulation test until the intermodulation tests of all frequency points within the predetermined frequency band are completed.

[0143] For example, the controller controls the first signal source 121 to operate at 1800 - 1900 MHz, and controls the first signal generator 1241 to operate such that the frequency point of the first carrier signal is fixed at 1805 MHz; the controller controls the second signal generator 1242 such that the second carrier signal operates at 1880 MHz but steps down by 1 MHz. The frequency points of the second carrier signal sequentially sweep down from 1880, 1979, 1878... 1825 MHz. The first carrier signal and the second carrier signal are combined to continuously generate different mixed signals, and the multiplexer 133 outputs the mixed signals as test signals to the device under test to continuously perform intermodulation tests on the device under test.

[0144] Alternatively, the controller controls the second signal generator 1242 to operate such that the frequency point of the second carrier signal is fixed at 1880 MHz; the controller controls the first signal generator 1241 to operate such that the frequency point of the first carrier signal operates at 1805 MHz but steps up by 1 MHz. The frequency points of the first carrier signal sequentially sweep up from 1805, 1806, 1807... 1832.5 MHz. The first carrier signal and the second carrier signal are combined to continuously generate different mixed signals, and the multiplexer 133 outputs the mixed signals as test signals to the device under test to continuously perform intermodulation tests on the device under test.

[0145] Based on any embodiment of the intermodulation test method of the present invention, please refer to Figure 5 , in the step of polling and collecting the reflected signals generated by each test signal through the signal acquisition unit, the following specific steps are included:

[0146] Step S1310, power-amplify the reflected signals uploaded by each multiplexer through a signal amplifier;

[0147] The multiplexer 133 further includes an RX port. After the multiplexer 133 outputs a test signal to the device under test to perform an intermodulation test, the device under test will generate a reflected signal. The multiplexer 133 receives the reflected signal and outputs the reflected signal to the signal amplifier 141 through the RX port. Subsequently, the signal amplifier 141 power-amplifies the reflected signal. The signal amplifier 141 power-amplifies the reflected signal to increase the signal strength, facilitate subsequent processing and analysis, and thus improve the accuracy and reliability of the intermodulation test.

[0148] Multiple multiplexers 133 of the intermodulation test device 100 all upload the received reflected signals to the signal amplifier 141, enabling the signal amplifier 141 to power-amplify the reflected signals output by each multiplexer 133.

[0149] Step S1320: Control the polling controller to perform polling switching through a digital receiver, so as to receive the reflected signals amplified by power at different times;

[0150] The digital receiver 143 is used to control the working state of the polling controller 142. Under the control of the digital receiver 143, the polling controller 142 performs a polling operation, and in a time-division multiplexing manner, only receives the reflected signal output from a certain multiplexer 133 among multiple multiplexers 133 at any moment, aiming to avoid the mixing and interference of the reflected signals output from the multiple multiplexers 133 respectively.

[0151] The polling controller 142 sequentially outputs the reflected signals received at different times to the digital receiver 143. The digital receiver 143 is responsible for converting these reflected signals into digital signals for subsequent analysis by the controller. For example, the digital receiver 143 precisely measures and analyzes signal characteristics such as the amplitude, frequency, and phase of the reflected signal through a series of steps such as analog-to-digital conversion, down-conversion, quadrature demodulation, and digital signal processing, and converts them into digital form. These digital signals provide an accurate and reliable data basis for the subsequent analysis by the controller.

[0152] Based on any embodiment of the intermodulation test method of the present invention, in the step of controlling one or more signal sources to respectively generate carrier signals at two different frequency points within their respective target frequency bands, the following specific steps are further included:

[0153] Step S1140: Connect to an external reference source through a reference source interface, and receive the calibration signal of the external reference source to calibrate the frequency accuracy of the signal source;

[0154] The intermodulation test device 100 is provided with a reference source interface, which is used for electrical connection with an external reference source, and the reference source interface is arranged on the controller. Based on the high-precision clock signal provided by the external reference source, the controller provides a high-precision clock signal for multiple signal sources 120 of the intermodulation test device 100, ensuring the frequency accuracy and stability of the multiple signal sources 120, thereby improving the test accuracy of the intermodulation test device 100. Specifically, it is recommended that the external reference source can be a temperature-controlled crystal oscillator. The temperature-controlled crystal oscillator places the crystal in a constant temperature environment through a constant temperature control system, reduces the influence of environmental temperature changes on the oscillation frequency, and provides ultra-high frequency stability and accuracy. The controller uses this high-precision clock signal to achieve precise control of the multiple signal sources 120, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the intermodulation test.

[0155] Based on any embodiment of the intermodulation test method of the present invention, in the step of polling and collecting the reflected signals generated by each test signal through a signal acquisition unit, the following specific steps are further included:

[0156] Step S1330: Control the local oscillator to generate a local oscillator signal, mix the local oscillator signal with the reflected signal to generate an intermediate frequency signal, and output the intermediate frequency signal to the digital controller.

[0157] After the controller controls the intermodulation test device 100 to generate a high-frequency test signal, the DUT will correspondingly return a high-frequency reflected signal. Since the frequency of the high-frequency reflected signal is relatively high, it is difficult to directly process these high-frequency signals. To address this, the controller controls the local oscillator 145 to generate a local oscillator signal, and mixes the local oscillator signal with the high-frequency reflected signal received by the polling controller 142 to convert the high-frequency reflected signal into an intermediate frequency signal, thereby reducing the frequency of the reflected signal and making it easier for the subsequent digital receiver 143 to perform digital processing on the intermediate frequency signal.

[0158] The digital receiver 143 converts the intermediate frequency signal into a digital signal through its analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The analog-to-digital converter samples the intermediate frequency signal at a certain sampling rate and quantizes it into a digital signal. The sampling rate is usually set according to the bandwidth and frequency characteristics of the intermediate frequency signal to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the signal. During the analog-to-digital conversion process, the selection of the sampling rate and quantization bits has an important impact on the quality of the digital signal. A higher sampling rate and quantization bits can provide higher signal resolution and dynamic range, thereby improving the intermodulation test accuracy.

[0159] Based on any embodiment of the intermodulation test method of the present invention, after the step of generating test data based on the reflected signal, the following specific steps are further included:

[0160] Step S1400: Perform data communication with an external control device through a communication interface to upload the test data to the external control device.

[0161] The controller performs data communication with an external control device through a communication interface. Specifically, the controller submits test data to the external control device through the communication interface. This process not only realizes effective data interaction with the external control device but also ensures the accurate transmission and sharing of test data. Through the communication interface, the controller can efficiently transmit the test data to the external control device, facilitating further analysis and processing of the data. In addition, the communication interface supports multiple communication protocols and data formats to meet the needs of different external control devices, further enhancing the compatibility and flexibility of the system.

[0162] Thus, based on the intermodulation test method of the present invention, control the intermodulation test device 100 to perform intermodulation tests on multiple frequency bands and multiple ports to improve the intermodulation test efficiency.

[0163] The present invention also provides an intermodulation test network. The intermodulation test network forms a test network by networking multiple intermodulation test devices 100 described above, so as to improve the intermodulation test efficiency.

[0164] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, refer to Figure 6 , the intermodulation test device 100 includes a control device 310, at least one switch 320, and multiple intermodulation test devices 100. The intermodulation test device 100 is the multi-port multi-band intermodulation test device 100 described above. For the specific structure of the intermodulation test device 100, please refer to the above. To save space, it will not be elaborated here.

[0165] Specifically, the intermodulation test network has multiple switches 320. These multiple switches 320 are cascaded with each other. Among these multiple switches 320, there are a main switch 321 and sub-switches 322. The main switch 321 is electrically connected to the control device 310 and the sub-switches 322 respectively, and the sub-switches 322 are electrically connected to multiple intermodulation test devices 100. In this embodiment, the main switch 321 can be connected to multiple sub-switches 322 at the same time, and each sub-switch 322 can be electrically connected to multiple intermodulation test devices 100 at the same time.

[0166] In another embodiment, there is one switch 320 in the intermodulation test network, and all the intermodulation test devices 100 in the intermodulation test network share the same switch 320.

[0167] The switch 320 is plugged into the communication interface of the intermodulation test device 100 through a cable, so that the intermodulation test device 100 can communicate with the control device 310 through the switch 320.

[0168] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, the control device 310 can control one or more intermodulation test devices 100 to work simultaneously through the switch 320, and can make multiple intermodulation test devices 100 generate the same test signal at the same time, so as to uniformly test a number of test pieces in the same batch, so as to improve the test efficiency for a large number of test pieces.

[0169] Specifically, the control device 310 sends test instructions to the multiple intermodulation test devices 100 through the switch 320. In this embodiment, the control device 310 can send the test instructions to all intermodulation test devices 100 in a broadcast manner, or the control device 310 sends test instructions to each intermodulation test device 100 separately.

[0170] After the controller of the intermodulation test device 100 receives a test instruction, the controller controls the operation of the intermodulation test device 100 based on the test instruction, so that the intermodulation test device 100 generates multiple test signals. Each multiplexer 133 of the intermodulation test device 100 receives one test signal, and the multiple multiplexers 133 output the corresponding test signals to the signal ports of the device under test to perform an intermodulation test. The device under test generates a reflected signal based on the test signal. The multiplexer 133 receives the reflected signal output from the corresponding signal port, and the multiplexer 133 outputs the reflected signal to the digital receiver 143. The digital receiver 143 converts the reflected signal into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the controller. The controller generates test data based on the digital signal. The controller generates multiple test data based on the reflected signals uploaded by the multiple multiplexers 133.

[0171] In the intermodulation test device 100, the controller packs multiple test data and uploads them to the control device 310 through the switch 320. After the control device 310 receives the test data output by each intermodulation device, it analyzes these test data and generates an intermodulation test report for the corresponding device under test based on these test data. The user can intuitively understand the intermodulation test results of the device under test based on the intermodulation test report. This process not only realizes the efficient transmission and processing of data, but also provides an intuitive and convenient way to display the test results for the user by generating a detailed test report, facilitating the user to quickly understand and evaluate the performance of the device under test.

[0172] In one embodiment, a reference source (not shown) is provided in the control device 310. In the intermodulation test network, the reference source integrated in the control device 310 ensures the consistency of the intermodulation test network by providing high-precision clock synchronization and frequency reference, and outputs a unified reference signal for all intermodulation test devices 100. The reference signal provided by the reference source is used to calibrate and compare other voltage signals to ensure the accurate operation of the circuit. The reference source is also used to lock the local oscillator frequencies of each intermodulation test device 100 to eliminate the superposition of frequency offset and phase noise between the intermodulation test devices 100. In addition, the reference source is also used to calibrate various test devices and instruments to ensure the accuracy and stability of these devices or instruments.

[0173] The present invention also provides an intermodulation test network control method. The intermodulation test network control method is implemented based on the intermodulation test network described above, and the control device 310 of the intermodulation test network is used to execute the intermodulation test network control method. Through the intermodulation test network control method, multiple intermodulation test devices 100 of the intermodulation test network can be well controlled to perform intermodulation test tasks, improving the intermodulation test efficiency. In a typical embodiment of the present invention, please refer to Figure 7 , the intermodulation test network control method includes the following specific steps:

[0174] Step S3100: Send an intermodulation test instruction to multiple intermodulation test devices through a switch.

[0175] In the intermodulation test network, multiple intermodulation test devices 100 are respectively connected to corresponding test specimens. The control device 310 pre-packages the target frequency band information for intermodulation testing in the test instruction, and then sends the test instruction to each intermodulation test device 100 in the intermodulation test network through the switch 320. This process not only realizes the centralized control of multiple intermodulation test devices 100, but also ensures the accurate transmission and execution of the test instruction, improving the efficiency and accuracy of the test. In this way, the control device 310 can flexibly manage and schedule multiple intermodulation test devices 100 to adapt to test requirements of different scales and complexities.

[0176] Step S3200: Make the intermodulation test device control one or more signal sources to generate carrier signals of two different frequencies within their respective target frequency bands based on the test instruction.

[0177] After the controller of the intermodulation test device 100 receives the test instruction sent by the control device 310, the controller parses the target frequency band information from the test instruction, and the controller controls the corresponding signal source 120 to generate carrier signals of two different frequencies within the target frequency band based on the target frequency band information. Specifically, when the test instruction contains one target frequency band information, the controller controls the signal source 120 corresponding to the one target frequency band to work; when the test instruction contains two or more target frequency band information, the controller controls the signal sources 120 corresponding to the two or more target frequency bands to work simultaneously.

[0178] For the specific content of this step S3200, please refer to step S1100 above. To save space, it will not be elaborated here.

[0179] Multiple intermodulation test devices 100 in the intermodulation test network all receive the test instruction, so that the multiple intermodulation test devices 100 synchronously execute the same step S3200 to synchronously implement the intermodulation test for the intermodulation test network.

[0180] Step S3300: Combine the two carrier signals into a mixed wave signal through the signal cross network of the intermodulation test device and distribute it into multiple test signals, so that each test signal contains a mixed wave signal of one or more frequency bands to access the signal port of an external passive device.

[0181] For the specific content of this step S3300, please refer to step S1200 above. To save space, it will not be elaborated here.

[0182] Step S3400, the signal acquisition unit of the intermodulation test device polls and acquires the reflected signals generated by each test signal, and the intermodulation test device generates test data based on the reflected signals;

[0183] For the specific content of this step S3400, please refer to step S1300 above. To save space here, it will not be elaborated further.

[0184] Step S3500, based on the switch, receive the test data uploaded by the multiple intermodulation test devices, and generate an intermodulation test report based on the multiple test data;

[0185] The controller of the intermodulation test device 100 packs multiple test data and uploads them to the control device 310 through the switch 320. After the control device 310 receives the test data output by the multiple intermodulation devices, it analyzes these test data and generates an intermodulation test report for the corresponding device under test based on these test data. The user can intuitively understand the intermodulation test results of the device under test based on the intermodulation test report. This process not only realizes the efficient transmission and processing of data, but also provides the user with an intuitive and convenient way to display the test results by generating a detailed test report, facilitating the user to quickly understand and evaluate the performance of the device under test.

[0186] Specifically, the controller uploads the packed test data to the control device 310 through the switch 320. The switch 320 plays a key role in the intermodulation test network to ensure the efficient transmission and stable connection of data. After the control device 310 receives the test data uploaded by the multiple intermodulation test devices 100, it analyzes these data. The analysis process includes the statistics, comparison, and evaluation of the test data to determine the intermodulation performance of the device under test. The control device 310 generates a corresponding intermodulation test report based on the analysis results. For example, the content of the intermodulation report includes the detailed analysis, chart display, and statistical information of the test data to help the user intuitively understand the test results.

[0187] Based on any embodiment of the intermodulation test network control method of the present invention, for the structure and control logic of the intermodulation test device 100 involved in the intermodulation test network control method of the present invention, please refer to the discussion of the intermodulation test device 100 and the discussion of the intermodulation test method implemented based on the intermodulation test device 100 above. To save space here, it will not be elaborated further.

[0188] Based on any embodiment of the intermodulation test network control method of the present invention, please refer to Figure 8 , and further includes the following specific steps:

[0189] Step S3600, monitor the operating status of each intermodulation test device in real time. The operating status includes the frequency stability index of the signal source, the power distribution of the signal cross network, and the signal acquisition efficiency of the signal acquisition unit.

[0190] The control device 310 has the function of monitoring the operating status of each intermodulation test device 100 in real time. The operating status includes the frequency stability index of the signal source 120, the power distribution information of the signal cross network, and the acquisition efficiency of the reflected signals of the signal acquisition unit.

[0191] The frequency stability index of the signal source 120 reflects the stability of the output frequency of the signal source 120, which is crucial for the accuracy of intermodulation tests. The frequency stability refers to the magnitude of the deviation value of the output frequency of the signal generator 124 relative to the preset frequency within a predetermined time period under the condition that the external environment remains unchanged.

[0192] The power distribution information of the signal cross network involves the power distribution of signals on devices such as the power amplifier module 134, combiner 131, power splitter module 132, and multiplexer 133 of the signal cross network, ensuring the power balance of signals on each device and avoiding test errors caused by uneven power. Through the power distribution network, power is evenly and non-interferingly distributed to multiple independent devices simultaneously, enabling each device to obtain signals with corresponding power and the same phase.

[0193] The signal acquisition efficiency of the signal acquisition unit reflects the speed and accuracy of the acquisition of reflected signals, affecting the quality of test data and the efficiency of the test.

[0194] Step S3700, when the operating status of any intermodulation test device is detected to be abnormal, automatically adjust the test parameters of the corresponding intermodulation test device or suspend its test task.

[0195] When the control device 310 detects that the operating status of any intermodulation test device 100 is abnormal, the control device 310 automatically adjusts the test parameters of the corresponding intermodulation test device 100 or suspends its test task by sending a targeted adjustment instruction or a stop instruction.

[0196] For example, if the frequency stability index of the signal source 120 exceeds the preset frequency, the control device 310 sends a targeted adjustment instruction or a stop instruction to instruct the controller of the corresponding intermodulation test device 100 to adjust the frequency or suspend the test task of the signal source 120 to ensure the accuracy of the test. Specifically, based on the adjustment instruction, the controller adjusts the output frequency or power of the signal source 120 to restore it to the normal range. Or, based on the stop instruction, the controller controls the intermodulation test device 100 where the controller is located to stop working to avoid the intermodulation test device 100 obtaining incorrect intermodulation test data.

[0197] For another example, if the power distribution information of the signal cross network shows uneven power, the control device 310 issues an adjustment instruction in a targeted manner to instruct the controller of the corresponding intermodulation test device 100 to adjust the power distribution parameters of the signal cross network, ensuring that the power of the signal is balanced across all components of each signal cross network. Specifically, based on the adjustment instruction issued by the control device 310, the control device 310 adjusts the power distribution ratio of each component in the power distribution network so that the power of the signal is balanced across all components of the signal cross network.

[0198] For another example, if the signal acquisition efficiency of the signal acquisition unit is low, the control device 310 issues an adjustment instruction in a targeted manner to instruct the controller of the corresponding intermodulation test device 100 to optimize the acquisition parameters and improve the acquisition efficiency. Specifically, based on the adjustment instruction issued by the control device 310, the control device 310 adjusts parameters such as the sampling rate and quantization bits of the digital receiver 143 of the acquisition unit to improve the speed and accuracy of the multiplexer 133 in data acquisition.

[0199] Thus, the control device 310 issues an adjustment instruction or a stop instruction in a targeted manner to direct the intermodulation test device 100 to adjust its operating state in real time, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the intermodulation test.

[0200] Based on any embodiment of the intermodulation test network control method of the present invention, in the step of sending a test instruction to multiple intermodulation test devices through a switch, the following steps are included:

[0201] Step S3110: Obtain the device parameters of the external passive device, extract the corresponding target frequency band information from the calibration database based on the device parameters, and generate the test instruction based on the target frequency band information:

[0202] The control device 310 can obtain the device parameters of the device under test, and these parameters include but are not limited to the intermodulation characteristics, frequency range, power capacity, etc. of the device. The control device 310 extracts the corresponding target frequency band information from the calibration database based on the device parameters. The calibration database stores the intermodulation characteristic data of different passive devices at different frequency bands, and these intermodulation characteristic data are obtained through pre-tests and calibrations. The control device 310 generates the test instruction based on the target frequency band information. Thus, the control device 310 can adaptively adjust the target frequency band information in the test instruction according to the specific device parameters of the device under test, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of the test, and also enhancing the automation level of the intermodulation test network and reducing manual intervention.

[0203] Based on any embodiment of the intermodulation test network control method of the present invention, the following steps are included: Step S3800, sending calibration signals to each intermodulation test device based on a reference source to calibrate the frequency accuracy of the signal sources of each intermodulation test device;

[0204] The control device 310 sends calibration signals to each intermodulation test device 100 based on a reference source to calibrate the frequency accuracy of the signal sources 120 of each intermodulation test device 100. Specifically, the control device 310 uses the high-precision clock signal provided by the reference source to generate calibration signals and sends these calibration signals to each intermodulation test device 100. These calibration signals are used to adjust the output frequency of the signal source 120 of the intermodulation test device 100 to ensure that it is consistent with the frequency of the reference source, thereby improving the frequency accuracy. In this way, the control device 310 can ensure that the signal sources 120 of each intermodulation test device 100 output accurate carrier signals during the intermodulation test, reduce test errors caused by frequency deviation, and improve the accuracy and reliability of the test results. For example, during the third-order intermodulation test, accurate carrier signals can effectively avoid intermodulation test errors caused by frequency deviation, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the test.

[0205] Based on any embodiment of the intermodulation test method of the present invention, in the step of enabling the intermodulation test device to control one or more signal sources to respectively generate carrier signals of two different frequencies within their respective target frequency bands based on the test instruction, the following steps are included:

[0206] Step S3210, the intermodulation test device controls two signal generators of the signal source corresponding to the target frequency band to work based on the test instruction, and the two signal transmitters respectively generate carrier signals of two different frequencies;

[0207] When the controller of the intermodulation test device 100 receives the test instruction issued by the control device 310, the controller correspondingly controls multiple signal sources 120 to work at different frequency points based on the test instruction. The controller controls two signal generators 124 of the signal source 120 to respectively generate two carrier signals, and these two carrier signals work at different frequency points within the same frequency band.

[0208] Based on any embodiment of the intermodulation test method of the present invention, please refer to Figure 9 , in the step of enabling the intermodulation test device to control one or more signal sources to respectively generate carrier signals of two different frequencies within their respective target frequency bands based on the test instruction, the following steps are included:

[0209] Step S3220, the intermodulation test device receives a test instruction, and the test instruction includes one or more target frequency bands;

[0210] For the content of specific step S3220, please refer to step S1120 above. To save space, it will not be elaborated here.

[0211] Step S3230: Based on one or more target frequency bands in the detection information, the intermodulation test device controls the one or more corresponding signal sources to generate corresponding carrier signals respectively.

[0212] For the content of specific step S3230, please refer to step S1130 above. To save space, it will not be elaborated here.

[0213] Based on any embodiment of the intermodulation test method of the present invention, in the step where the intermodulation test device controls one or more corresponding signal sources to generate corresponding carrier signals based on the one or more target frequency band information, the following steps are included:

[0214] Step S3231: When the test instruction includes one target frequency band information, the intermodulation test device controls one of the signal generators of the signal source corresponding to this target frequency band to fixedly operate at the same frequency point, and the other signal generator continuously changes its operating frequency point.

[0215] For the content of specific step S3231, please refer to step S1131 above. To save space, it will not be elaborated here.

[0216] Based on any embodiment of the intermodulation test method of the present invention, please refer to Figure 10 In the step where the intermodulation test device controls one of the signal generators of the signal source corresponding to this target frequency band to fixedly operate at the same frequency point, and the other signal generator continuously changes its operating frequency point, the following steps are further included:

[0217] Step S3232: The intermodulation test device controls the signal source to lock two different frequency points within the target frequency band and starts the test process for the device under test.

[0218] For the content of specific step S3232, please refer to step S1132 above. To save space, it will not be elaborated here.

[0219] Step S3233: After the intermodulation test device controls one of the signal generators to complete the test of one frequency point, it automatically switches to the next frequency point until the tests of all frequency points within the predetermined frequency band are completed.

[0220] For the content of specific step S3233, please refer to step S1133 above. To save space, it will not be elaborated here.

[0221] Based on any embodiment of the intermodulation test method of the present invention, please refer to Figure 11, in the step of polling and collecting the reflected signals generated by each test signal through the signal acquisition unit of the intermodulation test device, the following steps are included:

[0222] In step S3410, the intermodulation test device amplifies the power of the reflected signals uploaded by each multiplexer through a signal amplifier;

[0223] For the specific content of step S3410, please refer to step S1310 above. To save space, it will not be elaborated here.

[0224] In step S3420, the intermodulation test device controls the polling controller to perform polling switching through a digital receiver, so as to receive the reflected signals amplified in power from each path at different times.

[0225] For the specific content of step S3420, please refer to step S1320 above. To save space, it will not be elaborated here.

[0226] In summary, the intermodulation test device of the present invention has multiple test ports and multiple test frequency bands, so that the intermodulation test device can simultaneously perform third-order or higher-order intermodulation tests on multiple test pieces to be tested or multiple signal ports of the same test piece to be tested, so as to improve the intermodulation test efficiency.

[0227] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and an explanation of the applied technical principles. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention involved in the present invention is not limited to the technical solutions formed by the specific combination of the above technical features, and should also cover other technical solutions formed by any combination of the above technical features or their equivalent features without departing from the above inventive concept. For example, the technical solutions formed by mutually replacing the above features with the technical features (but not limited to) having similar functions in the present invention.

[0228] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. On the contrary, the specific features and acts described above are merely example forms for implementing the claims.

Claims

1. An intermodulation test network control method, characterized in that: The steps include: Sending test instructions to multiple intermodulation test devices through a switch; The intermodulation test device controls one or more signal sources to respectively generate two carrier signals with different frequencies within respective target frequency bands based on the test instruction; The two carrier signals are combined into a mixed signal through the signal cross network of the intermodulation test equipment, and distributed into multiple test signals, so that each test signal contains a mixed signal of one frequency band or multiple frequency bands, so as to be connected to the signal port of the external passive device; The signal acquisition unit of the intermodulation test device polls and collects the reflection signals generated by each test signal, and the intermodulation test device generates test data based on the reflection signals; The switch receives the test data uploaded by the multiple intermodulation test devices, and generates an intermodulation test report based on the multiple test data.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The step of enabling the intermodulation test device to control one or more signal sources to respectively generate two carrier signals of different frequencies within respective target frequency bands based on the test instruction includes the following steps: The intermodulation test device controls two signal generators of a signal source corresponding to a target frequency band to operate based on the test instruction, and the two signal generators respectively generate carrier signals of two different frequencies.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The step of enabling the intermodulation test device to control one or more signal sources to respectively generate two carrier signals of different frequencies within respective target frequency bands based on the test instruction includes the following steps: The intermodulation test device receives a test instruction, wherein the test instruction includes one or more target frequency bands; The intermodulation test equipment controls the one or more corresponding signal sources to generate corresponding carrier signals respectively based on the one or more target frequency bands in the detection information.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The intermodulation test device controls one or more corresponding signal sources to generate corresponding carrier signals based on the one or more target frequency band information, including the following steps: When the test instruction includes a target frequency band information, the intermodulation test device controls one of the signal generators of the signal source corresponding to the target frequency band to work at the same frequency point, and the other signal generator continuously changes its working frequency point.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The intermodulation test device controls one of the signal generators of the signal source corresponding to the target frequency band to work at the same frequency point, and the other signal generator continuously changes its working frequency point, and also includes the following steps: The intermodulation test equipment controls the signal source to lock two different frequency points in the target frequency band, and starts the test process for the device to be tested; The intermodulation test equipment controls one of the signal generators to complete the test of one frequency point and then automatically switches to the next frequency point until the test of all frequency points in the predetermined frequency band is completed.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The step of polling and collecting the reflected signals generated by each test signal through the signal collection unit of the intermodulation test device includes the following steps: The intermodulation test equipment amplifies the power of the reflected signals uploaded by each multiplexer through a signal amplifier; The intermodulation test equipment controls the polling controller to perform polling switching through a digital receiver, so as to receive the reflected signals of each path after power amplification at different times.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The step of sending a test instruction to a plurality of intermodulation test devices through a switch includes the following steps: The device parameters of the external passive device are obtained, corresponding target frequency band information is extracted from a calibration database based on the device parameters, and the test information is generated based on the target frequency band information.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The following steps are also included: Real-time monitoring of the operating status of each intermodulation test device, the operating status including the frequency stability index of the signal source, the power distribution information of the signal cross network and the signal acquisition efficiency of the signal acquisition unit; When it is detected that the operating state of any intermodulation test equipment is abnormal, the test parameters of the corresponding intermodulation test equipment are automatically adjusted or its test task is suspended.

9. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The following steps are also included: A correction signal is sent to each intermodulation test device based on a reference source to correct the frequency accuracy of a signal source of each intermodulation test device.

10. An intermodulation test network, characterized in that: The invention comprises a control device, at least one switch and a plurality of intermodulation test devices, wherein the control device communicates data with the intermodulation test devices via the switch, the control device is used to execute the intermodulation test network control method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and the intermodulation test devices comprise: Multiple signal sources working in different frequency bands, each signal source is used to generate two carrier signals with different frequencies in the same frequency band; The signal cross network is used to combine two carrier signals generated by various signal sources in the same frequency band into a mixed signal, and then distribute it into multiple test signals. Each test signal contains mixed signals of one or more frequency bands to access the signal port of the external passive device; A signal acquisition unit, used for polling and collecting reflected signals generated by various test signals; The controller is used to control the signal source to generate a carrier signal and generate test data according to the reflected signal.

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