LoRaWAN module test fixture and system thereof
By designing a LoRaWAN module test fixture and using a communication interface converter and limit headers, the automated testing and setting of the LoRaWAN module is achieved, which solves the problem of low manual operation efficiency in LoRaWAN module production and improves test efficiency and accuracy.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422669670.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-01
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-01
AI Technical Summary
Functional verification, program burning, and parameter setting in the later stages of LoRaWAN module manufacturing require manual operation, resulting in low efficiency and prone to missed detection and module damage.
A LoRaWAN module test fixture is designed, including first and second communication interface converters, an adapter board, a LoRaWAN gateway, and a limiter header. It realizes automated testing and setup. The fixture connects to the host computer through the communication interface converter to automatically read or write parameters, and detects the soldering quality of the pin headers through the limiter header.
It significantly improves the testing and setting efficiency of LoRaWAN modules, reduces errors and module damage caused by manual operation, and achieves highly integrated factory testing and setting.
Smart Images
Figure CN223320536U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of automatic testing, and in particular to a LoRaWAN module testing fixture and a system thereof. Background Art
[0002] During the later stages of LoRaWAN module production, it's necessary to verify the module's functionality, program programming, and the function of plug-ins like the pin header and antenna. Parameters must also be written to the module, and production records must be kept. Traditionally, these testing steps require separate workstations, which wastes labor and is prone to missed inspections and bending pin headers due to manual insertion and removal. To improve production automation, it's necessary to make these manual inspection steps intelligent and automated. Utility Model Content
[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the utility model is to provide a LoRaWAN module test fixture and a system thereof, which can realize highly integrated automatic completion of factory testing and setting of LoRaWAN modules, and significantly improve the testing and setting efficiency.
[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the first technical solution adopted by the present invention is:
[0005] A LoRaWAN module test fixture, comprising: a first communication interface converter, a second communication interface converter, a transfer board, and a LoRaWAN gateway;
[0006] The first communication interface converter and the second communication interface converter are respectively connected to the host computer; the first communication interface converter is also connected to the adapter board; the adapter board is also connected to the LoRaWAN module under test; the second communication interface converter is connected to the LoRaWAN gateway.
[0007] Optionally, a power module is further included, and the power module is connected to the adapter board.
[0008] Optionally, the first communication interface converter and the second communication interface converter are both USB TO TTL adapters.
[0009] Optionally, a module slot is further included; the LoRaWAN module to be tested is placed in the module slot.
[0010] Optionally, a pressing rod is further included, which is arranged above the module slot and can be pressed downward after being activated.
[0011] Optionally, a limiting female connector is further included; the LoRaWAN module under test is connected to the adapter board via the limiting female connector.
[0012] Optionally, a movable push rod is further included; the limit boss is arranged on the movable push rod so as to be pushed toward the module slot through the movable push rod.
[0013] The second technical solution adopted in this utility model is:
[0014] A LoRaWAN module testing system includes a host computer, a LoRaWAN module to be tested, and the above-mentioned LoRaWAN module testing fixture.
[0015] Optionally, the host computer is a PC, an industrial computer or a smart mobile device.
[0016] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: using the LoRaWAN module test fixture provided by the present invention, in terms of operation, it is only necessary to connect its first communication interface converter and second communication interface converter to the host computer respectively, and install the LoRaWAN module under test; inside the fixture, the test parameters of the LoRaWAN module under test will be read or written through the first communication interface converter, and the gateway parameters will be configured through the second communication interface converter, and the network information of the LoRaWAN module under test will be obtained from the gateway end. In addition, the limit pin header design in the LoRaWAN module test fixture of the present invention will indirectly serve the purpose of testing the soldering quality of the pin headers of the LoRaWAN module under test. Therefore, the present invention can automatically complete the factory testing and setting of the LoRaWAN module in a highly integrated manner, significantly improving the efficiency of testing and setting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a LoRaWAN module test fixture provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a LoRaWAN module test fixture used to limit the position of the LoRaWAN module under test provided by an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0019] Description of labels:
[0020] 10. Test fixture; 20. Host computer; 30. LoRaWAN module under test;
[0021] 11. A first communication interface converter;
[0022] 12. A second communication interface converter;
[0023] 13. Adapter plate;
[0024] 14. LoRaWAN gateway;
[0025] 15. Power module;
[0026] 16. Module slot;
[0027] 17. Limiting motherboard;
[0028] 18. Movable push rod;
[0029] 19. Press the lever. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] In order to explain in detail the possible application scenarios, technical principles, specific solutions that can be implemented, and the purpose and effects of the present invention, the following is a detailed description of the specific embodiments listed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described herein are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0031] References to "embodiments" herein mean that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of the word "embodiment" in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it particularly limit its independence or relevance to other embodiments. In principle, in this application, as long as there are no technical contradictions or conflicts, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any manner to form a corresponding implementable technical solution.
[0032] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms used herein have the same meanings as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs; the use of relevant terms herein is only for describing specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present application.
[0033] In the description of this utility model, the term "and / or" is used to describe a logical relationship between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A exists, B exists, and both A and B exist. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the objects before and after are in a logical "or" relationship.
[0034] In the present invention, terms such as "first" and "second" are merely used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship of quantity, priority or sequence between these entities or operations.
[0035] Without further restrictions, in the present invention, the words "include", "comprise", "have" or other similar expressions used in sentences are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. These expressions do not exclude the presence of additional elements in the process, method or product including the elements, so that the process, method or product including a series of elements may include not only those limited elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also include elements inherent to such process, method or product.
[0036] Consistent with the understanding in the Examination Guidelines, in this utility model, expressions such as "greater than," "less than," and "exceed" are understood to exclude the number itself; expressions such as "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the number itself. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this utility model, "multiple" means two or more (including two), and similar expressions related to "multiple," such as "multiple groups" and "multiple times," are also understood in this manner, unless otherwise specifically defined.
[0037] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, the space-related expressions used, such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "vertical", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or position relationship based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the specific embodiments or drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the specific embodiments of the present invention or facilitating the reader's understanding, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific position, a specific orientation, or be constructed or operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention.
[0038] Unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed", "set", etc. used should be understood in a broad sense. For example, the "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated setting; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those skilled in the technical field of the present invention, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.
[0039] In order to explain the technical content, achieved objectives and effects of the present invention in detail, the following description is given in conjunction with the embodiments and the accompanying drawings.
[0040] Please refer to Figure 1 , the first embodiment of the present utility model is:
[0041] This embodiment provides a LoRaWAN module test fixture, such as Figure 1 As shown, the test fixture 10 includes: a first communication interface converter 11, a second communication interface converter 12, a transfer board 13 and a LoRaWAN gateway 14;
[0042] The first communication interface converter 11 and the second communication interface converter 12 are respectively connected to the host computer 20; the first communication interface converter 11 is also connected to the adapter board 13; the adapter board 13 is also connected to the LoRaWAN module 30 under test; the second communication interface converter 12 is connected to the LoRaWAN gateway 14.
[0043] In some specific implementations of this embodiment, the LoRaWAN module test fixture 10 further includes a power module 15, which is connected to the adapter board 13. Optionally, the power module is a 12V adapter that provides stable power to each module in the fixture.
[0044] In some specific implementations of this embodiment, both the first communication interface converter and the second communication interface converter are USB to TTL adapters. Here, the adapter used in the test fixture to connect to the host computer is a universal USB to TTL adapter, which is more compatible with various types of host computers and further improves the universal performance of the test fixture.
[0045] The working principle of the LoRaWAN module test fixture provided in this embodiment is as follows:
[0046] During the test, the LoRaWAN module under test and the LoRaWAN gateway are wirelessly connected via the LoRaWAN network. The host computer connects to the LoRaWAN module test fixture in two ways: one, through a first communication interface converter, sequentially connected to the adapter board and the LoRaWAN module under test. This path is used to read test parameters from the LoRaWAN module under test and / or write factory parameter information to the LoRaWAN module under test. The other, through a second communication interface converter, connects to the LoRaWAN gateway. This path is used to configure the gateway parameters of the LoRaWAN module under test and obtain network information from the LoRaWAN gateway.
[0047] Therefore, the LoRaWAN module test fixture provided in this embodiment can realize automated factory testing / configuration and network testing / configuration of the LoRaWAN module under test. Compared with the existing technology that requires setting up a work station for each test content and performing manual operation, the LoRaWAN module test fixture provided in this embodiment can significantly improve the automation level and efficiency of the test, and at the same time improve the accuracy of the test results, effectively avoiding module damage and test errors caused by manual inspection.
[0048] Please refer to Figure 2 , the second embodiment of the present utility model is:
[0049] This embodiment is further expanded on the basis of the first embodiment, so that it can also test whether the pin header and antenna of the tested LoRaWAN module are well welded.
[0050] The LoRaWAN module test fixture of this embodiment is as follows Figure 2 As shown, it also includes a module slot 16, and the module slot 16 is used to accommodate the inserted LoRaWAN module 30 under test. Furthermore, it also includes a limit mother bar 17, and the limit mother bar 17 is connected to the adapter board, and the LoRaWAN module 30 under test is connected to the adapter board through the limit mother bar 17. In particular, the pin header holes on the limit mother bar are designed to match the standard pin headers of the LoRaWAN module. In other words, the limit mother bar has a limit design in structure, and the pin header holes on the bar bar are strictly designed in accordance with the standard pin header structure of the LoRaWAN module. Only the pin header standard of the LoRaWAN module under test (the pin header is correctly soldered to the board) can be normally inserted into the bar bar. If the pin header of the LoRaWAN module under test is soldered crookedly, it cannot be inserted into the bar bar.
[0051] The LoRaWAN module test fixture of this embodiment further designs its female header into a limit female header, thereby further indirectly testing whether the welding conditions of the pin header and antenna of the tested LoRaWAN module are good.
[0052] In some specific implementations of this embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the LoRaWAN module test fixture 10 of this embodiment further includes a movable push rod 18 and a pressing rod 19; the limit busbar 17 is specifically provided on the movable push rod 18, and can be pushed toward the module slot 16 by the movable push rod 18, so that the limit busbar 17 is connected to the pin header of the LoRaWAN module under test; the pressing rod 19 is provided above the module slot 16, and can be pressed downward after being activated, thereby pressing the inserted LoRaWAN module under test.
[0053] To further accurately test the pin header soldering of the LoRaWAN module under test, the LoRaWAN module test fixture controls the module under test using a three-part structure consisting of a module slot, a movable push rod, and a push rod. Specifically, the module slot secures the inserted LoRaWAN module under test in the X-axis direction, preventing it from moving in this direction. A power button is located under the push rod. Pressing the push rod not only enables the power supply but also secures the module in the Z-axis direction after being pressed together, preventing it from moving in this direction. The movable push rod integrates the limit female connector on the side of the analog meter. Inserting the LoRaWAN module under test allows for functional testing. Furthermore, when pressed together, it secures the module in the Y-axis direction, preventing it from moving in this direction. The above operations will enable the tested LoRaWAN module to be fixed on the three-axis coordinates, thereby strictly controlling the positioning of the pin header of the tested LoRaWAN module, effectively preventing the pin header from being misaligned or unable to press the Z axis or push the Y axis; thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the test work and improving the test success rate.
[0054] See also Figure 1 , the third embodiment of the present utility model is:
[0055] This embodiment is further expanded based on the above embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, and provides a LoRaWAN module testing system, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes a host computer 20, a LoRaWAN module 30 to be tested, and the LoRaWAN module test fixture 10 described in the above-mentioned embodiment 1 or embodiment 2.
[0056] The host computer in this embodiment may be a PC, an industrial computer, or other intelligent devices such as an intelligent mobile device.
[0057] The LoRaWAN module testing system provided in this embodiment includes the following test procedures:
[0058] 1. Limiting the mother header to connect with the module pin header
[0059] To detect soldering issues with the LoRaWAN module's pin headers, the LoRaWAN module test fixture features a retaining female header (also known as a "locking female header"). If the retaining female header in the test fixture doesn't properly connect to the pin headers on the module under test, it indicates the pins are soldered crookedly and require rework. Only when the pin headers are properly soldered to the board can they properly connect to the retaining female header in the test fixture. Once the LoRaWAN module under test is properly connected to the retaining female header, power on the module.
[0060] 2. Send after the module is powered on
[0061] After the LoRaWAN module under test is powered on, it sends synchronization frames through the serial port.
[0062] 3. Reply to the synchronization frame, synchronization is successful
[0063] The host computer software simulates the electric meter, through Figure 1 The transmission path from the first communication interface converter 11 to the adapter board 13 shown in the figure replies with a synchronization frame to the LoRaWAN module under test. If the synchronization is successful, the next step is performed. If the synchronization fails, the LoRaWAN module under test may have problems such as initialization failure, pin header soldering failure, and missing program, and needs to be reworked for repair.
[0064] 4. Transparent AT command verification
[0065] If the synchronization is successful, the host computer software sends transparent AT commands to the LoRaWAN module under test. Figure 1 The transmission path from the first communication interface converter 11 to the adapter board 13 is transparently transmitted to the LoRaWAN module under test, thereby obtaining the firmware version information parameters of the LoRaWAN module under test, and then outputting the verification result after comparing it with the preset version in the host computer.
[0066] 5. Read module software version verification
[0067] The host computer software passes Figure 1 The transmission path from the first communication interface converter 11 to the adapter board 13 shown sends a software version read instruction to the LoRaWAN module under test, thereby obtaining the software version information parameters of the LoRaWAN module under test, and outputs the verification result after comparing it with the preset version in the host computer.
[0068] 6. Gateway module interactive verification
[0069] The host computer software passes Figure 1 The transmission path from the first communication interface converter 11 to the adapter board 13 shown sends an uplink communication test instruction to the LoRaWAN module under test, and the LoRaWAN module under test sends a registration request message to the LoRaWAN gateway; after receiving the registration message, the LoRaWAN gateway sends a downlink command to the LoRaWAN module under test, and the LoRaWAN module under test returns parameters such as SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) and rate (SF6-SF12), completing the two-way communication and network-based test.
[0070] 7. RSSI verification
[0071] The host computer controls the LoRaWAN module under test and the LoRaWAN gateway to send RSSI (radio frequency strength) commands to each other, thereby obtaining the bidirectional RSSI (radio frequency strength) value, and then compares and verifies it with the preset RSSI value. If the RSSI value does not meet the standard, it may be that the antenna of the LoRaWAN module under test is not properly soldered or the LoRaWAN module inside the LoRaWAN module under test is defective and needs to be reworked and repaired.
[0072] 8. Write device parameters
[0073] After the above tests are completed, the host computer software will obtain DevEUI and AppEUI parameters from the database and pass Figure 1 The transmission path from the first communication interface converter 11 to the adapter board 13 is written into the LoRaWAN module under test, and all test files are saved to the local database.
[0074] 9. Write to cloud files
[0075] After the host computer completes the test and sets the batch module, it performs data verification and uploads the test file to the cloud storage.
[0076] The LoRaWAN module testing system provided in this embodiment, through the coordinated use of a host computer and a test fixture, can automatically complete the factory testing (including performance testing and pin header testing) and settings of the LoRaWAN module in a highly integrated manner, significantly improving the automation level and efficiency of the test, while also improving the accuracy of the test results, effectively avoiding module damage and test errors caused by manual inspection.
[0077] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent transformations made using the contents of the description and drawings of the present invention, or directly or indirectly applied in the relevant technical field, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A LoRaWAN module test fixture, characterized in that: include: A first communication interface converter, a second communication interface converter, a transfer board, and a LoRaWAN gateway; The first communication interface converter and the second communication interface converter are respectively connected to the host computer; the first communication interface converter is also connected to the adapter board; the adapter board is also connected to the LoRaWAN module under test; the second communication interface converter is connected to the LoRaWAN gateway.
2. A LoRaWAN module test fixture as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a power supply module, which is connected to the adapter board.
3. A LoRaWAN module test fixture as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The first communication interface converter and the second communication interface converter are both USB TO TTL adapters.
4. A LoRaWAN module test fixture as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a module slot; the LoRaWAN module to be tested is placed in the module slot.
5. A LoRaWAN module test fixture as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a pressing rod, which is arranged above the module slot and can be pressed downward after being activated.
6. A LoRaWAN module test fixture as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a limit busbar; the LoRaWAN module under test is connected to the adapter board through the limit busbar.
7. A LoRaWAN module test fixture as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a movable push rod; the limit boss is arranged on the movable push rod so as to be pushed toward the module slot through the movable push rod.
8. A LoRaWAN module testing system, characterized in that: The device comprises a host computer, a LoRaWAN module to be tested, and the LoRaWAN module test fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
9. A LoRaWAN module testing system as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that: The host computer is a PC, an industrial computer or a smart mobile device.