Radio frequency testing machine for testing current during communication of radio frequency front-end module
By designing a radio frequency tester that includes a code generator, a communication module, a source measurement module and a switching module, the problem of difficult current testing of the RF front-end module during communication is solved, and efficient and accurate multi-current performance indicator testing is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202421030163.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-13
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-14
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-05-13
AI Technical Summary
The prior art is difficult to efficiently test the current of RF front-end modules during communication, especially because the current on the communication pin is small, making it difficult to use conventional power supplies for testing.
A radio frequency testing machine is designed, including a code generator, a communication module, a source measurement module, a main control unit, a control module and a switching module. Through the control of the switching module switching unit, the OS current, leakage current, quiescent current and operating current of the measured part can be measured without affecting the communication signal.
It realizes efficient and accurate testing of current during communication between RF front-end modules, and can complete the testing of multi-current performance indicators, improves testing efficiency and accuracy, and reduces testing costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN222618699U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of radio frequency testing, and in particular to a radio frequency testing machine for testing the current during communication of a radio frequency front-end module. Background Art
[0002] The RF front-end module solutions in smartphones have undergone years of iteration. According to different integration methods, there are mainly DiFEM (integrated RF switch and filter), PAMiD (integrated multi-mode multi-band PA and FEMiD), LPAMiD (integrated LNA, multi-mode multi-band PA and FEMiD), etc.
[0003] The DUTs such as DiFEM and PAMiD need to test their performance. For example, in some special cases, the current of the communication pins needs to be tested. Specifically, the DUT needs to measure the current / voltage parameters at the static operating point (no communication) and the non-static operating point. Generally, the current of the communication pins is relatively small, which is difficult to test with a conventional power supply. Utility Model Content
[0004] Purpose of the utility model: to provide a radio frequency tester with high test efficiency and test accuracy for testing the current during communication of a radio frequency front-end module.
[0005] Technical solution:
[0006] In one aspect, the present application provides a radio frequency testing machine for testing the current of a radio frequency front-end module during communication, comprising:
[0007] Pattern generator;
[0008] A communication module receives the code pattern output by the code pattern generator and processes the code pattern to a state recognizable by a register of the device under test;
[0009] A source measurement module, the source measurement module is electrically connected to the VCC terminal of the device under test, the source measurement module outputs a current or voltage signal and reads a test result;
[0010] A main control unit, the communication module and the source measurement module are electrically connected to the main control unit respectively, and the main control unit controls the operation of the communication module and the source measurement module respectively;
[0011] control module; and
[0012] A switching module, the switching module includes switching units corresponding to the number of pins of the device under test, each switching unit includes a total pin, a first pin, and a second pin, the total pin is electrically connected to the pin of the device under test, the first pin is electrically connected to the source measurement module, and the second pin is electrically connected to the communication module,
[0013] The control module outputs a control signal to the switching module to make the switching module work.
[0014] Each switching unit switches to electrically connect the source measurement module to the device under test and disconnect the communication module from the device under test, the source measurement module outputs current to the device under test and reads the OS (Open Short) current of the device under test,
[0015] According to the demand, the corresponding switching unit is controlled to switch so that the source measurement module is electrically connected to the pin of the corresponding device under test, and the source measurement module outputs a voltage signal of a corresponding magnitude according to the pin of the corresponding device under test, and the source measurement module reads the leakage current of the device under test.
[0016] Control the corresponding two switching units to switch to the source measurement module, that is, the source measurement module is electrically connected to the device under test, and the communication module is disconnected from the device under test, and control the remaining switching units to switch to the communication module, that is, the communication module is electrically connected to the device under test, the communication module outputs a code pattern to the device under test, and the source measurement module reads the static current of the device under test,
[0017] Each switching unit is controlled to switch to the communication module, the communication module outputs a code pattern to the device under test, and the source measurement module outputs a high-power voltage signal to the device under test and reads the operating current of the device under test.
[0018] In some embodiments, the switching unit includes an electronic switch, a relay and a wiring terminal, the first end of the electronic switch is used to connect to the control module, the second end of the electronic switch is grounded, the third end of the electronic switch is connected to the relay, the relay also includes a communication interface, a device under test port and a source measurement port, the communication interface is connected to the communication module through the first end of the wiring terminal, the device under test port is used to connect to the device under test through the second end of the wiring terminal, and the source measurement port is connected to the source measurement module through the third end of the wiring terminal;
[0019] The control module outputs a high level, the electronic switch is turned on, and the relay switches to the source measurement module or the communication module.
[0020] In some embodiments, a radio frequency testing machine for testing the current during communication of a radio frequency front-end module includes: a radio frequency signal switch matrix, a vector network analyzer, and a spectrum analyzer. The vector network analyzer, the spectrum analyzer, the radio frequency signal switch matrix, the source measurement module, and the communication module are respectively connected to the main control unit, the vector network analyzer and the spectrum analyzer are respectively connected to the radio frequency signal switch matrix, and the device under test is connected to the radio frequency signal switch matrix.
[0021] Beneficial effects:
[0022] The radio frequency tester for testing the current of the radio frequency front-end module during communication provided by the present embodiment can cooperate with other automatic test links to perform a complete multi-index automatic test on the device under test. And the test precision is high, the test is accurate, and the test speed is fast, that is, the test efficiency is high. The radio frequency tester for testing the current of the radio frequency front-end module during communication provided by the present embodiment can both communicate and measure current, and the test cost is low and the test precision is higher. And it can complete multiple current performance index tests of OS current, leakage current, static current and working current, with high test precision, high test efficiency and accurate test. And the tester provided by the embodiment of the present application can reduce the introduction of test instruments / test devices / test links, so that the overall volume of the automatic tester is reduced, the cost of device / link investment is reduced, the equipment utilization rate is improved, and the isolation of the measuring equipment is realized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Figure 1 A principle block diagram of a radio frequency tester for testing the current of a radio frequency front-end module during communication provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0024] Figure 2 A circuit diagram of a switching unit provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0025] Figure 3 A principle block diagram of a radio frequency testing machine for testing the current of a radio frequency front-end module during communication provided in one embodiment of the present application.
[0026] in:
[0027] 10, pattern generator; 20, control module; 30, switching module; 31, switching unit; MIPI, communication module; SMU, source measurement module; DUT, device under test; Q1, electronic switch; K1, relay;
[0028] U1, terminal block; K11, communication interface; K12, device under test port; K13, source measurement port; U11, first end of terminal block U1; U12, second end of terminal block U1; U13, third end of terminal block U1; 40, RF signal switch matrix; 50, vector network analyzer; 60, spectrum analyzer; 70, main control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention.
[0030] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
[0031] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered as part of the specification.
[0032] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limiting.
[0033] Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.
[0034] At present, there are many performance indicators of the device under test (DUT), and each test item is generally automatically tested to reduce manual operations. However, due to the complex signal transmission between the test link, the test device and the device under test (DUT) during the test, there are many factors that affect the test results, which brings great challenges to automatic testing, especially for multi-channel devices under test (DUT), such as DiFEM (integrated RF switch and filter) and PAMiD (integrated multi-mode multi-band PA and FEMiD). In particular, the current during communication is small, which is very difficult to test. In addition, factors such as automatic testing, automatic test link switching, and the introduction of test links and test devices have a great impact on the accuracy, precision and speed of measuring current when the multi-channel device under test (DUT) communicates. Furthermore, the present application provides a radio frequency test machine for testing the current during communication of a radio frequency front-end module, and the specific embodiments are as follows.
[0035] Example 1
[0036] Figure 1 The principle block diagram of a radio frequency tester for testing the current of a radio frequency front-end module during communication provided by an embodiment of the present application is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, a radio frequency testing machine for testing the current of a radio frequency front-end module during communication includes:
[0037] A code generator 10;
[0038] The communication module MIPI receives the code pattern output by the code pattern generator 10 and processes the code pattern to a state recognizable by the register of the device under test DUT;
[0039] A source measurement module SMU, the source measurement module SMU is electrically connected to the VCC terminal of the device under test DUT, and the source measurement module SMU outputs a current or voltage signal and reads a test result;
[0040] The main control unit 70, the communication module MIPI and the source measurement module SMU are electrically connected to the main control unit 70, and the main control unit 70 controls the operation of the communication module MIPI and the source measurement module SMU respectively;
[0041] control module 20; and
[0042] The switching module 30 includes a switching unit 31 corresponding to the number of pins of the device under test (DUT). Each switching unit 31 includes a total pin, a first pin, and a second pin. The total pin is electrically connected to the pin of the device under test (DUT). The first pin is electrically connected to the source measurement module SMU, and the second pin is electrically connected to the communication module MIPI.
[0043] The control module 20 outputs a control signal to the switching module 30 to enable the switching module 30 to operate.
[0044] Each switching unit 31 switches to electrically connect the source measurement module SMU to the device under test DUT, and disconnects the communication module MIPI from the device under test DUT. The source measurement module SMU outputs current to the device under test DUT and reads the OS (OpenShort) current of the device under test DUT.
[0045] According to the demand, the corresponding switching unit 31 is controlled to switch so that the source measurement module SMU is electrically connected to the pin of the corresponding device under test DUT. The source measurement module SMU outputs a voltage signal of a corresponding magnitude according to the pin of the corresponding device under test DUT. The source measurement module SMU reads the leakage current of the device under test DUT.
[0046] Control the corresponding two switching units 31 to switch to the source measurement module SMU, that is, the source measurement module SMU is electrically connected to the device under test DUT, and the communication module MIPI is disconnected from the device under test DUT, and control the remaining switching units 31 to switch to the communication module MIPI, that is, the communication module MIPI is electrically connected to the device under test DUT, the communication module MIPI outputs the code pattern to the device under test DUT, and the source measurement module SMU reads the static current of the device under test DUT,
[0047] Each switching unit 31 is controlled to switch to the communication module MIPI, the communication module MIPI outputs a code pattern to the device under test DUT, and the source measurement module SMU outputs a high-power voltage signal to the device under test DUT and reads the operating current of the device under test DUT.
[0048] The radio frequency tester for testing the current of the radio frequency front-end module during communication provided by the present embodiment can cooperate with other automatic test links to perform a complete multi-index automatic test on the device under test DUT. And the test precision is high, the test is accurate, and the test speed is fast, that is, the test efficiency is high. The radio frequency tester for testing the current of the radio frequency front-end module during communication provided by the present embodiment can both communicate and measure current, and the test cost is low and the test precision is higher. And it can complete multiple current performance index tests of OS current, leakage current, static current and working current, with high test precision, high test efficiency and accurate test. And the radio frequency tester for testing the current of the radio frequency front-end module during communication provided by the embodiment of the present application can reduce the introduction of test instruments / test devices / test links, so that the overall volume of the automatic tester is reduced, and the cost of device / link investment is reduced, the equipment utilization rate is improved, and the isolation of the measuring equipment is also achieved.
[0049] Figure 2 A circuit diagram of a switching unit provided in an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 2 As shown, specifically, in this embodiment, the test machine for testing the current of a multi-channel device under test includes: a switching unit 31 includes an electronic switch Q1, a relay K1 and a wiring terminal U1, the first end of the electronic switch Q1 is used to connect to the control module 20, the second end of the electronic switch Q1 is grounded, the third end of the electronic switch Q1 is connected to the relay K1, the relay K1 also includes a communication interface K11, a device under test port K12 and a source measurement port K13, the communication interface K11 is connected to the communication module MIPI through the first end U11 of the wiring terminal U1, the device under test port K12 is used to connect to the device under test DUT through the second end U12 of the wiring terminal U1, and the source measurement port K13 is connected to the source measurement module SMU through the third end U13 of the wiring terminal U1;
[0050] The control module 20 outputs a high level, the electronic switch Q1 is turned on, and the relay K1 switches the switch to the source measurement module SMU or the communication module MIPI.
[0051] The RF tester provided in this embodiment for testing the current of the RF front-end module during communication has a simple circuit structure, fewer circuit components, and less voltage drop, so that the test results are accurate and highly precise.
[0052] Figure 3 The principle block diagram of a radio frequency tester for testing the current of a radio frequency front-end module during communication provided by an embodiment of the present application is as follows: Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the RF test machine for testing the current during communication of the RF front-end module also includes: an RF signal switch matrix 40, a vector network analyzer 50, a spectrum analyzer 60 and a main control unit 70. The vector network analyzer 50, the spectrum analyzer 60, the RF signal switch matrix 40, the source measurement module SMU, and the communication module MIPI are respectively connected to the main control unit 70, the vector network analyzer 50 and the spectrum analyzer 60 are respectively connected to the RF signal switch matrix 40, and the device under test DUT is connected to the RF signal switch matrix 40.
[0053] The main control unit 70 is used to control the operation of the vector network analyzer 50, the spectrum analyzer 60, the source measurement module SMU, the communication module MIPI, and the RF signal switch matrix 40. The vector network analyzer 50 is used to test some performance indicators of the device under test DUT, the spectrum analyzer 60 is used to test some performance indicators of the device under test DUT, and the RF signal switch matrix 40 is used to switch the RF link, so that the vector network analyzer 50 and the spectrum analyzer 60 can automatically test multiple performance indicators of the device under test DUT in sequence according to requirements.
[0054] The test machine for testing the current of multi-channel DUTs provided in this embodiment can automatically test, realize automation, reduce manual participation, and improve test efficiency and test accuracy. In addition, in the case of automatic testing, it can test tiny communication currents with accurate test results, high test accuracy, low test efficiency, and greatly reduce test costs.
[0055] The test machine for testing the current of a multi-channel device under test provided in this embodiment also includes other test instruments such as a signal source.
[0056] It should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprise a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the elements.
[0057] Although this specification includes many specific implementation details, these should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of any utility model or the scope of protection claimed, but are mainly used to describe the features of the specific embodiments of a particular utility model. Certain features described in multiple embodiments in this specification may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the other hand, the various features described in a single embodiment may also be implemented separately in multiple embodiments or in any suitable sub-combination. In addition, although features may work in certain combinations as described above and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from the claimed combination may be removed from the combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may point to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.
[0058] Similarly, although operations are depicted in a particular order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be understood as requiring that these operations be performed in the particular order shown or performed sequentially, or requiring that all illustrated operations be performed to achieve the desired results. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. In addition, the separation of various system modules and components in the above-described embodiments should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product, or packaged into multiple software products.
[0059] Thus, specific embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve the desired results. In addition, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the particular order or sequential order shown to achieve the desired results. In some implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.
[0060] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0061] Although some specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail by way of examples, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above examples are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments may be modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.
[0062] As described above, although the present invention has been shown and described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it should not be interpreted as limiting the present invention itself. Various changes can be made to it in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A radio frequency testing machine for testing the current of a radio frequency front-end module during communication, characterized in that: include: Pattern generator; A communication module receives the code pattern output by the code pattern generator and processes the code pattern to a state recognizable by a register of the device under test; A source measurement module, the source measurement module is electrically connected to the VCC terminal of the device under test, the source measurement module outputs a current or voltage signal and reads a test result; A main control unit, the communication module and the source measurement module are electrically connected to the main control unit respectively, and the main control unit controls the operation of the communication module and the source measurement module respectively; Control module; and A switching module, the switching module comprising switching units corresponding to the number of pins of the device under test, Each switching unit includes a main pin, a first pin, and a second pin, wherein the main pin is electrically connected to the pin of the device under test, the first pin is electrically connected to the source measurement module, and the second pin is electrically connected to the communication module. The control module outputs a control signal to the switching module to make the switching module work. Each switching unit switches to electrically connect the source measurement module to the device under test and disconnect the communication module from the device under test, the source measurement module outputs current to the device under test and reads the Open Short current of the device under test, According to the demand, the corresponding switching unit is controlled to switch so that the source measurement module is electrically connected to the pin of the corresponding device under test, and the source measurement module outputs a voltage signal of a corresponding magnitude according to the pin of the corresponding device under test, and the source measurement module reads the leakage current of the device under test. Control the corresponding two switching units to switch to the source measurement module, that is, the source measurement module is electrically connected to the device under test, and the communication module is disconnected from the device under test, and control the remaining switching units to switch to the communication module, that is, the communication module is electrically connected to the device under test, the communication module outputs a code pattern to the device under test, and the source measurement module reads the static current of the device under test, Each switching unit is controlled to switch to the communication module, the communication module outputs a code pattern to the device under test, and the source measurement module outputs a high-power voltage signal to the device under test and reads the operating current of the device under test.
2. A radio frequency testing machine for testing the current of a radio frequency front-end module during communication according to claim 1, characterized in that: include: The switching unit includes an electronic switch, a relay and a wiring terminal, wherein a first end of the electronic switch is used to connect to the control module, a second end of the electronic switch is grounded, and a third end of the electronic switch is connected to the relay, the relay further includes a communication interface, a device under test port and a source measurement port, the communication interface is connected to the communication module through the first end of the wiring terminal, the device under test port is used to connect to the device under test through the second end of the wiring terminal, and the source measurement port is connected to the source measurement module through the third end of the wiring terminal; The control module outputs a high level, the electronic switch is turned on, and the relay switches to the source measurement module or the communication module.
3. The radio frequency testing machine for testing the current of the radio frequency front-end module during communication according to claim 1, characterized in that: include: A radio frequency signal switch matrix, a vector network analyzer and a spectrum analyzer, wherein the vector network analyzer, the spectrum analyzer, the radio frequency signal switch matrix, the source measurement module and the communication module are respectively connected to the main control unit, the vector network analyzer and the spectrum analyzer are respectively connected to the radio frequency signal switch matrix, and the device under test is connected to the radio frequency signal switch matrix.