A power line carrier communication performance detection device and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a power line carrier communication performance detection device and method thereof, the system includes a communication module support unit, a radio frequency performance detection unit, a measurement and control and human-computer interaction unit, and a direct current power supply unit, the communication module support unit is connected to the communication module to be tested, the communication module to be tested is distributed and arranged in a master node and a plurality of corresponding slave nodes, the master node is connected to the slave node through a program-controlled attenuator, a transparent forwarding monitoring device is connected between the program-controlled attenuator and the slave node, a carrier signal sampling unit is connected between the program-controlled attenuator and the master node, the carrier signal sampling unit, the measurement and control and human-computer interaction unit, and the direct current power supply unit are respectively connected to the radio frequency performance detection unit, the radio frequency performance detection unit is also connected to a public network communication module, and the public network communication module is correspondingly connected to the communication module support unit. Compared with the prior art, the present invention can realize broadband carrier testing and protocol consistency testing, and take into account the communication testing of the public network communication module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of power line carrier testing, and in particular to a power line carrier communication performance detection device and method. Background Art

[0002] Power Line Carrier (PLC) communication is a communication method that uses lines as the medium for data and voice transmission. During the transmission process, the analog or digital signal is effectively modulated by the carrier to achieve long-distance transmission of high-frequency signals in the power line. The power line medium-voltage carrier technology uses power lines as the transmission medium to form a power-specific network communication, and its advantages are self-evident. Low investment cost, convenient construction and maintenance, further demonstrate its economy, convenience and safety.

[0003] According to the different frequency bands used, power line carrier communication is generally divided into narrowband carrier (10kHz~500KHz) and broadband carrier (2MHz~20MHz). With the continuous deepening of the business application of electricity consumption information collection system and the expansion of multi-professional function support, the limitations of narrowband carrier technology have become apparent: low communication rate, susceptibility to interference, slow networking process, insufficient business support capabilities, etc. Broadband carrier can overcome the problems of significant line noise and severe signal attenuation in power line communication, and adopts modulation technologies such as spread spectrum and OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) to improve the utilization of frequency band, eliminate interference between channels, reduce passive signal absorption and sudden interference, realize high-speed and reliable communication of data, and meet the growing demand for information transmission.

[0004] However, when conducting carrier performance tests, the focus is on narrowband carriers, and broadband carriers are rarely involved. In addition, due to differences between carrier communication module protocols provided by different manufacturers, the reliability of data transmission between various stations in actual applications cannot be guaranteed. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the defects of the above-mentioned prior art and provide a power line carrier communication performance detection device and method thereof to achieve the purpose of broadband carrier testing and protocol consistency testing, thereby ensuring the reliability of data transmission.

[0006] The objective of the present invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions: a power line carrier communication performance detection device, comprising a communication module support unit, a radio frequency performance detection unit, a measurement and control and human-computer interaction unit, and a DC power supply unit, wherein the communication module support unit is interconnected with the communication module to be tested, and the communication module to be tested is distributed in a master node and a corresponding plurality of slave nodes, the master node is interconnected with the slave node through a programmable attenuator, a transparent forwarding monitoring device is connected between the programmable attenuator and the slave node, a carrier signal sampling unit is connected between the programmable attenuator and the master node, the carrier signal sampling unit, the measurement and control and human-computer interaction unit, and the DC power supply unit are respectively connected to the radio frequency performance detection unit, the radio frequency performance detection unit is also connected to a public network communication module, and the public network communication module is correspondingly connected to the communication module support unit.

[0007] Furthermore, the communication module to be tested includes a concentrator local module, a single / three-phase smart energy meter communication module or a collector.

[0008] Furthermore, the public network communication module is specifically a 4G communication module.

[0009] Furthermore, the module standard of the 4G communication module is FDD-LTE (Frequency Division Duplexing-Long Term Evolution) or TDD-LTE (Time Division Duplexing-Long Term Evolution).

[0010] Furthermore, the radio frequency performance detection unit is specifically a standard instrument.

[0011] Furthermore, the standard instruments include a spectrum analyzer, a digital oscilloscope and a 4G signal analyzer.

[0012] Furthermore, the programmable attenuator is specifically a programmable step attenuator, and the carrier isolation of the programmable attenuator is greater than 75dB and the attenuation step is 2dB.

[0013] Furthermore, the transparent forwarding monitoring device is specifically a DTU (Data Transfer Unit).

[0014] A method for detecting power line carrier communication performance comprises the following steps:

[0015] S1, carrier signal attenuation test: the communication module support unit provides working power to the communication modules to be tested located at the master node and the slave node respectively, the measurement and control and human-computer interaction unit outputs a control signal to the RF performance detection unit, and the DC power supply unit provides working power to the RF performance detection unit;

[0016] The attenuation value of the programmable attenuator is set to 0dB, and the communication module to be tested located at the master node sends a carrier signal;

[0017] The radio frequency performance detection unit detects whether the communication module to be tested located at the slave node can normally receive the carrier signal. If it is judged as no, the test is terminated; if it is judged as yes, the attenuation value of the programmable attenuator is increased in sequence according to the preset attenuation value, and whether the communication module to be tested located at the slave node can normally receive the carrier signal is detected in sequence, until it is detected that the communication module to be tested located at the slave node cannot normally receive the carrier signal, the carrier attenuation test is terminated, and the attenuation value set by the programmable attenuator at this time is recorded;

[0018] S2, broadband carrier protocol consistency test: the communication module support unit provides working power to the communication modules to be tested located at the master node and the slave node respectively, the measurement and control and human-computer interaction unit outputs a control signal to the RF performance detection unit, and the DC power supply unit provides working power to the RF performance detection unit;

[0019] Generate broadband carrier standard test messages through transparent forwarding monitoring equipment, and monitor the carrier messages between the communication modules to be tested from the master node and the slave node;

[0020] Compare the monitored carrier message with the generated standard test message content to see if they are consistent. If they are consistent, it is determined that the communication module under test meets the broadband carrier protocol consistency requirements. Otherwise, it is determined that the communication module under test does not meet the broadband carrier protocol consistency requirements.

[0021] S3, public network communication performance test: the communication module support unit provides working power to the communication modules to be tested located at the master node and the slave node, and the public network communication module respectively, the measurement and control and human-computer interaction unit outputs a control signal to the radio frequency performance detection unit, and the DC power supply unit provides working power to the radio frequency performance detection unit;

[0022] The radio frequency performance detection unit detects the carrier signal from the communication module to be tested of the master node and the communication signal from the public network communication module;

[0023] Compare whether the carrier signal and the communication signal contents are consistent. If they are consistent, it is determined that the public network communication module and the communication module to be tested meet the public network communication test requirements. Otherwise, it is determined that the public network communication module and the communication module to be tested do not meet the public network communication test requirements.

[0024] The working principle of the present invention is: setting a virtual master node and corresponding multiple slave nodes to simulate a real station area environment, and arranging the communication modules to be tested on the master node and the slave nodes respectively;

[0025] The measurement and control and human-machine interaction unit provides the operation interface and system control input, and the communication module support unit provides the working power supply, control signal and interactive data for the communication module to be tested;

[0026] The program-controlled attenuator attenuates the carrier signal and is used to test the broadband carrier anti-attenuation capability;

[0027] The transparent forwarding monitoring device is used to generate broadband carrier standard test messages and monitor carrier messages for broadband carrier protocol consistency testing;

[0028] The carrier signal sampling unit extracts the transmitted carrier signal from the master node, performs power frequency signal isolation and carrier signal sampling processing on the carrier signal, and outputs the carrier sampling signal to the radio frequency performance detection unit;

[0029] The DC power supply unit provides a DC working power supply for the RF performance detection unit. The RF performance detection unit performs spectrum analysis, waveform detection and 4G signal analysis on the carrier sampling signal respectively, thereby completing the power line carrier communication performance detection process.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0031] 1. The present invention distributes the communication modules to be tested in the master node and the slave node, and arranges a programmable attenuator and a transparent forwarding monitoring device between the master node and the slave node. The programmable attenuation unit is used to attenuate the carrier signal to perform a broadband carrier anti-attenuation test. The transparent forwarding monitoring device is used to generate a broadband carrier test message and monitor the carrier message to perform a broadband carrier protocol consistency test, so that the present invention can achieve the purpose of broadband carrier testing and protocol consistency testing.

[0032] 2. The present invention utilizes the public network 4G communication module and combines it with a radio frequency performance detection unit to perform signal analysis on the public network 4G communication module, which can further ensure the reliability of data transmission. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the physical structure of a power line carrier performance detection system in an embodiment;

[0035] Explanation of the marks in the figure: 1. Communication module support unit, 2. RF performance detection unit, 3. Measurement, control and human-computer interaction unit, 4. DC power supply unit, 5. Communication module to be tested, 6. Programmable attenuator, 7. Transparent forwarding monitoring device, 8. Carrier signal sampling unit, 9. Public network communication module, 10. Master node, 101. Slave node. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0037] Example

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, a power carrier communication performance detection system includes a communication module support unit 1, a radio frequency performance detection unit 2, a measurement and control and human-computer interaction unit 3, and a DC power supply unit 4, wherein the communication module support unit 1 is interconnected with the communication module 5 to be tested to generate support conditions such as power supply, control signal, and interactive data for the normal operation of the communication module 5 to be tested;

[0039] The communication modules 5 to be tested are distributed in the master node 10 and the corresponding multiple slave nodes 101. The master node 10 is connected to the slave nodes 101 through the programmable attenuator 6. The programmable attenuator 6 is used to attenuate the carrier signal to complete the broadband carrier anti-attenuation capability test;

[0040] A transparent forwarding monitoring device 7 is connected between the programmable attenuator 6 and the slave node 101. The transparent forwarding monitoring device 7 is used to generate a broadband carrier standard test message and perform carrier message monitoring to complete a broadband carrier protocol consistency test;

[0041] A carrier signal sampling unit 8 is connected between the programmable attenuator 6 and the main node 10. The carrier signal sampling unit 8 is mainly used to isolate the power frequency signal and sample the carrier signal. The sampled signal is sent to the radio frequency performance detection unit 2 for radio frequency performance detection.

[0042] The carrier signal sampling unit 8, the measurement and control and human-computer interaction unit 3, and the DC power supply unit 4 are respectively connected to the RF performance detection unit 2. The measurement and control and human-computer interaction unit 3 mainly provides functions such as operation interface and system control. The DC power supply unit 4 is mainly used for the DC power supply of the simulation system.

[0043] The radio frequency performance detection unit 2 is also connected to a public network communication module 9 to perform signal analysis test on the public network communication module. The public network communication module 9 is also provided with working power and corresponding control signals by the communication module support unit 1 .

[0044] Specifically, the communication module 5 to be tested includes a local module of a concentrator, a single / three-phase smart energy meter communication module or a collector, such as Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the public network communication module is specifically a 4G communication module, and the 4G communication module is also provided with power supply, control signal, etc. by the module support unit. The specific module standard of the 4G communication module is FDD-LTE or TDD-LTE; the radio frequency performance detection unit is specifically a standard instrument, including a spectrum analyzer, a digital oscilloscope and a 4G signal analyzer. In this embodiment, the spectrum analyzer is HP8594E and the digital oscilloscope is TDS520B; the programmable attenuator is specifically a programmable step attenuator, and its carrier isolation is greater than 75dB and the attenuation step is 2dB; the transparent forwarding monitoring device is specifically a DTU.

[0045] The above-mentioned power line carrier communication performance detection device is applied in practice, mainly including three aspects: carrier signal attenuation test, broadband carrier protocol consistency test and public network communication performance test:

[0046] 1. Carrier signal attenuation test: The communication module support unit provides working power to the communication modules to be tested located at the master node and the slave node respectively, the measurement and control and human-computer interaction unit outputs control signals to the RF performance detection unit, and the DC power supply unit provides working power to the RF performance detection unit;

[0047] The attenuation value of the programmable attenuator is set to 0dB, and the communication module to be tested located at the master node sends a carrier signal;

[0048] The radio frequency performance detection unit detects whether the communication module to be tested located at the slave node can normally receive the carrier signal. If it is judged as no, the test is terminated; if it is judged as yes, the attenuation value of the programmable attenuator is increased in sequence according to the preset attenuation value, and whether the communication module to be tested located at the slave node can normally receive the carrier signal is detected in sequence, until it is detected that the communication module to be tested located at the slave node cannot normally receive the carrier signal, the carrier attenuation test is terminated, and the attenuation value set by the programmable attenuator at this time is recorded;

[0049] 2. Broadband carrier protocol consistency test: The communication module support unit provides working power to the communication modules under test located at the master node and the slave node respectively, the measurement and control and human-computer interaction unit outputs control signals to the RF performance detection unit, and the DC power supply unit provides working power to the RF performance detection unit;

[0050] Generate broadband carrier standard test messages through transparent forwarding monitoring equipment, and monitor the carrier messages between the communication modules to be tested from the master node and the slave node;

[0051] Compare the monitored carrier message with the generated standard test message content to see if they are consistent. If they are consistent, it is determined that the communication module under test meets the broadband carrier protocol consistency requirements. Otherwise, it is determined that the communication module under test does not meet the broadband carrier protocol consistency requirements.

[0052] 3. Public network communication performance test: The communication module support unit provides working power to the communication modules to be tested located at the master node and the slave node, as well as the public network communication module. The measurement and control and human-computer interaction unit outputs control signals to the RF performance detection unit. The DC power supply unit provides working power to the RF performance detection unit.

[0053] The radio frequency performance detection unit detects the carrier signal from the communication module to be tested of the master node and the communication signal from the public network communication module;

[0054] Compare whether the carrier signal and the communication signal contents are consistent. If they are consistent, it is determined that the public network communication module and the communication module to be tested meet the public network communication test requirements. Otherwise, it is determined that the public network communication module and the communication module to be tested do not meet the public network communication test requirements.

Claims

1. A method for detecting the performance of power line carrier communication, applied to A power line carrier communication performance detection device, characterized in that: The detection device comprises a communication module support unit (1), a radio frequency performance detection unit (2), a measurement, control and human-machine interaction unit (3), and a direct current power supply unit (4); the communication module support unit (1) and a communication module to be detected (5) are interconnected; the communication module to be detected (5) is distributed on a master node (10) and a plurality of corresponding slave nodes (101); the master node (10) is interconnected with the slave node (101) via a programmable attenuator (6); a transparent forwarding monitoring device (7) is connected between the programmable attenuator (6) and the slave node (101); a carrier signal sampling unit (8) is connected between the programmable attenuator (6) and the master node (10); the carrier signal sampling unit (8), the measurement, control and human-machine interaction unit, and the direct current power supply unit (4) are respectively connected to the radio frequency performance detection unit (2); the radio frequency performance detection unit (2) is also connected to a public network communication module (9); and the public network communication module (9) is correspondingly connected to the communication module support unit (1); The detection method comprises the following steps: S1, carrier signal attenuation test: the communication module support unit (1) provides working power to the communication module to be tested (5) located at the master node (10) and the slave node (101), the measurement and control and human-machine interaction unit (3) outputs a control signal to the radio frequency performance detection unit (2), and the DC power supply unit (4) provides working power to the radio frequency performance detection unit (2); The attenuation value of the programmable attenuator (6) is set to 0 dB, and the communication module to be tested (5) located at the master node (10) sends a carrier signal; The radio frequency performance detection unit (2) detects whether the communication module (5) to be tested located at the slave node (101) can normally receive the carrier signal. If it is determined to be negative, the test is terminated; if it is determined to be positive, the attenuation value of the programmable attenuator (6) is increased in sequence according to the preset attenuation value, and the communication module (5) to be tested located at the slave node (101) is detected to be unable to normally receive the carrier signal. The carrier attenuation test is terminated, and the attenuation value set by the programmable attenuator (6) is recorded. S2, broadband carrier protocol consistency test: the communication module support unit (1) provides working power to the communication module to be tested (5) located at the master node (10) and the slave node (101), respectively, the measurement and control and human-machine interaction unit (3) outputs a control signal to the radio frequency performance detection unit (2), and the DC power supply unit (4) provides working power to the radio frequency performance detection unit (2); Generate broadband carrier standard test messages through transparent forwarding monitoring equipment (7), and monitor carrier messages between the communication modules to be tested (5) from the master node (10) and the slave node (101); Comparing the monitored carrier message with the generated standard test message to see whether the content is consistent, if they are consistent, judging that the communication module (5) to be tested meets the broadband carrier protocol consistency requirements, otherwise judging that the communication module (5) to be tested does not meet the broadband carrier protocol consistency requirements; S3, public network communication performance test: the communication module support unit (1) provides working power to the communication module to be tested (5) located at the master node (10) and the slave node (101), and the public network communication module (9), the measurement and control and human-machine interaction unit (3) outputs a control signal to the radio frequency performance detection unit (2), and the DC power supply unit (4) provides working power to the radio frequency performance detection unit (2); The radio frequency performance detection unit (2) detects a carrier signal from a communication module (5) to be tested of a master node (10) and a communication signal from a public network communication module (9); Compare whether the contents of the carrier signal and the communication signal are consistent; if they are consistent, it is determined that the public network communication module (9) and the communication module to be tested (5) meet the public network communication test requirements; otherwise, it is determined that the public network communication module (9) and the communication module to be tested (5) do not meet the public network communication test requirements.

2. A method for detecting power line carrier communication performance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The communication module (5) to be tested comprises a concentrator local module, a single / three-phase smart electric energy meter communication module or a collector.

3. A method for detecting power line carrier communication performance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The public network communication module (9) is specifically a 4G communication module.

4. A method for detecting power line carrier communication performance according to claim 3, characterized in that: The 4G communication module is specifically a 4G communication module whose module standard is FDD-LTE or TDD-LTE.

5. A method for detecting power line carrier communication performance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radio frequency performance detection unit (2) is specifically a standard instrument.

6. A method for detecting power line carrier communication performance according to claim 5, characterized in that: The standard instruments include spectrum analyzer, digital oscilloscope and 4G signal analyzer.

7. A method for detecting power line carrier communication performance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The programmable attenuator (6) is specifically a programmable step attenuator, and the carrier isolation of the programmable attenuator (6) is greater than 75 dB, and the attenuation step is 2 dB.

8. A method for detecting power line carrier communication performance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transparent forwarding monitoring device (7) is specifically a DTU.

Images