Radio Frequency Test System Line Loss Measurement Equipment and Methods

Abstract

This invention provides a line loss measurement device and method for an RF test system. The method involves connecting both ends of the entire RF test system's line system to a first standard line connected to two ports of a network divider, measuring and recording the line loss value LossArray_Cable. One end of a second standard line is connected to the network divider, and the other end is connected to the measurement probe of an Agilent power meter. The network divider is controlled to transmit a first signal, and the first signal value is read from the Agilent power meter and denoted as LossArray_PowerMeter. The Agilent power meter's measurement probe is connected to the measurement port of a comprehensive test instrument, and the comprehensive test instrument is controlled to transmit a second signal. The second signal value is read from the power meter and used as LossArray_Base. LossArray_PowerMeter is subtracted from LossArray_Base to obtain LossArray_InterLoss. The line loss value of the entire RF test system is calculated using the formula LossArray_Cable + LossArray_InterLoss, achieving a simple, efficient, and reliable measurement of the line loss value of the RF test system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of computers, and more particularly to a radio frequency testing system for measuring line loss and a method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] The factory's RF test system is generally composed of a comprehensive tester, RF connecting cables, a shielded box, and test fixtures connected in series. The line loss of the RF test system refers to the sum of the line losses of these components (line system line loss + internal loss of the comprehensive tester). Specifically, the line loss of the RF connecting cables, the line loss of the RF adapters in the shielded box, and the line loss of the RF heads in the test fixtures together constitute the line system line loss value S21, which can be measured by connecting them in series using a network analyzer. A portion of the line loss also comes from the internal loss of the comprehensive tester.

[0003] The internal loss of the integrated tester is the most complex, requiring cross-measurement using a network analyzer, power meter, and integrated tester. Among these three instruments, only the network analyzer can self-calibrate its internal loss to zero, making it the only instrument that can be used as a reference standard. First, a combination of network analyzer and power meter is used. The network analyzer sends a fixed-magnitude signal to the power meter for measurement. The difference between the calibrated value and the measured value is used to determine the power meter's internal loss. Then, a combination of integrated tester and power meter is used. The integrated tester sends a fixed-magnitude signal to the power meter for measurement. The difference between the calibrated value and the measured value is used to calculate the internal loss of this combination. Subtracting the previously calculated power meter internal loss gives the integrated tester's internal loss. Finally, the line loss of the entire RF test system becomes clear.

[0004] There are two main existing methods for measuring line loss:

[0005] The first type is gold plate calibration, which usually comes from engineers in the RF department. RF engineers assume that the environment in which they debug the product is an ideal environment and create a golden sample (gold plate) in this environment. The production line then uses this golden sample to back-calibrate the line loss, which is called gold plate calibration.

[0006] The second method is to ignore the internal loss of the comprehensive tester and only measure the line loss value S21 of the aforementioned line system, that is, only perform the aforementioned line loss measurement of the line system.

[0007] In the first existing solution mentioned above, the gold plate calibration method is suitable for rapid batch calibration of line loss. However, the accuracy of the gold plate itself cannot reach an absolutely ideal state. This is mainly because the line loss values ​​in the gold plate manufacturing environment are empirical values, not absolute measured values. In particular, the internal loss of the comprehensive testing instrument in the gold plate manufacturing environment is definitely different from that of the comprehensive testing instrument on the production line. When the internal loss of the production line instrument is greater than that of the instrument in the gold plate manufacturing environment, the line loss obtained from the gold plate back calibration may be negative. However, line loss should objectively exist, i.e., it must be positive. Therefore, gold plate calibration has significant limitations.

[0008] Furthermore, the line loss measurement method that ignores the internal loss of the integrated test instrument in the second existing scheme mentioned above is even less desirable, because when the overall system line loss is not large, the proportion of the instrument's internal loss is relatively large. Ignoring the instrument's internal loss will have a significant impact on the product under test. Summary of the Invention

[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide a radio frequency test system line loss measurement device and method.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a line loss measurement device for an radio frequency testing system is provided, the method comprising:

[0011] The network divider has two ports that are connected to the two ends of the circuit system of the entire radio frequency test system via a first standard line.

[0012] An Agilent power meter, wherein the measuring probe of the Agilent power meter is connected to the grid analyzer via a second standard line;

[0013] The comprehensive tester has its measurement port connected to the measurement probe of the Agilent power meter.

[0014] Furthermore, in the aforementioned equipment, the network analyzer is an Agilent E5071C.

[0015] Furthermore, in the aforementioned device, the Agilent power meter is model E4416A.

[0016] Furthermore, in the aforementioned equipment, the comprehensive testing instrument is model MT8870 or CMW500.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for measuring line loss in an RF test system is also provided, wherein the method includes:

[0018] A network analyzer and a first standard line are used, and the network analyzer is self-calibrated to make the internal loss of the network analyzer zero.

[0019] Connect both ends of the entire RF test system's line system to the first standard line connected to the two ports of the network analyzer, and measure and record the line loss value LossArray_Cable of the line system;

[0020] Connect one end of the second standard line to the grid divider and the other end of the second standard line to the measurement probe of the Agilent power meter. Control the grid divider to emit a first signal and read the value of the first signal from the Agilent power meter as the internal loss value of the Agilent power meter, denoted as LossArray_PowerMeter.

[0021] Connect the measurement probe of the Agilent power meter to the measurement port of the integrated test instrument, control the second signal emitted by the integrated test instrument, read the value of the second signal from the power meter terminal as the sum of the internal loss value of the Agilent power meter and the internal loss value of the integrated test instrument, denoted as LossArray_Base, and subtract LossArray_PowerMeter from LossArray_Base to obtain the internal loss value of the integrated test instrument, denoted as LossArray_InterLoss;

[0022] Calculate the line loss of the entire RF test system using the following formula:

[0023] The line loss value of the entire RF test system = LossArray_Cable + LossArray_InterLoss.

[0024] Furthermore, in the above method, a network analyzer and a first standard line are used, and the network analyzer is self-calibrated to zero out its internal loss, including:

[0025] An Agilent network analyzer and a first standard line were used. The Agilent network analyzer model was E5071C. The network analyzer was self-calibrated to zero internal loss.

[0026] Furthermore, in the above method, the two ends of the entire RF test system's line system are respectively connected to the first standard line connected to the two ports of the network analyzer, and the line loss value LossArray_Cable of the line system is measured and recorded, including:

[0027] Connect both ends of the entire RF test system's circuitry to the first standard lines of the two ports of the E5071C network analyzer.

[0028] Record the corresponding line loss value of the line system at 100MHz intervals between 700MHz and 2600MHz, and record an array of line loss values ​​for 20 frequency points, denoted as LossArray_Cable.

[0029] Furthermore, in the above method, one end of the second standard line is connected to the grid divider, and the other end of the second standard line is connected to the measurement probe of the Agilent power meter. The grid divider is controlled to emit a first signal, and the value of the first signal is read from the Agilent power meter as the internal loss value of the Agilent power meter, recorded as LossArray_PowerMeter, including:

[0030] Using an Agilent power meter E4416A, one end of the second standard line is connected to the network divider, and the other end is connected to the measurement probe of the Agilent power meter E4416A. The network divider is controlled to emit a -60dBm CW wave, and the signal values ​​are recorded every 100MHz in the range of 700MHz-2600MHz. The recorded array of signal values ​​at 20 frequency points is used as the internal loss value of the Agilent power meter and is denoted as LossArray_PowerMeter.

[0031] Furthermore, in the above method, the measurement probe of the Agilent power meter is connected to the measurement port of the integrated tester, and the second signal emitted by the integrated tester is controlled. The value of the second signal is read from the power meter terminal as the sum of the internal loss value of the Agilent power meter and the internal loss value of the integrated tester, denoted as LossArray_Base. The internal loss value of the integrated tester is obtained by subtracting LossArray_PowerMeter from LossArray_Base, denoted as LossArray_InterLoss, including:

[0032] Using a comprehensive tester of model MT8870 or CMW500, connect the measurement probe of the Agilent power meter to the measurement port of the comprehensive tester, control the comprehensive tester to emit a -60dBm signal, and record the signal at 100MHz intervals between 700MHz and 2600MHz. Record an array of 20 frequency point signal values, denoted as LossArray_Base. Subtract LossArray_PowerMeter from LossArray_Base to obtain the internal loss value of the comprehensive tester, denoted as LossArray_InterLoss.

[0033] Compared with existing technologies, this invention connects both ends of the entire RF test system's circuitry to the first standard line connected to the two ports of the network divider, respectively, to measure and record the line loss value LossArray_Cable of the circuitry system; connects one end of the second standard line to the network divider and the other end to the measurement probe of an Agilent power meter, controlling the network divider to transmit a first signal, and reading the first signal value from the Agilent power meter as the internal loss value of the Agilent power meter, denoted as LossArray_PowerMeter; connects the Agilent power meter's measurement probe to the measurement port of a comprehensive test instrument, controlling the comprehensive test instrument to transmit... The second signal emitted is read from the power meter terminal, and its value is used as the sum of the internal loss value of the Agilent power meter and the internal loss value of the integrated test instrument, denoted as LossArray_Base. The internal loss value of the integrated test instrument is obtained by subtracting LossArray_PowerMeter from LossArray_Base, denoted as LossArray_InterLoss. The line loss value of the entire RF test system is calculated according to the following formula: Line loss value of the entire RF test system = LossArray_Cable + LossArray_InterLoss, realizing a simple, efficient, and reliable measurement of the line loss value of the RF test system. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method for measuring line loss in an RF test system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] The same or similar reference numerals in the accompanying drawings represent the same or similar parts. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] In a typical configuration of this application, the terminal, the device of the service network, and the trusted party all include one or more processors (CPUs), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory.

[0039] Memory may include non-persistent storage in computer-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. Memory is an example of computer-readable media.

[0040] Computer-readable media includes both permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media that can store information by any method or technology. Information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, modules of programs, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase-change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile optical disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transferable medium that can be used to store information accessible by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include non-transitory computer-readable media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0041] This invention provides a line loss measurement device for an RF testing system, the device comprising:

[0042] The network divider has two ports that are connected to the two ends of the circuit system of the entire radio frequency test system via a first standard line.

[0043] An Agilent power meter, wherein the measuring probe of the Agilent power meter is connected to the grid analyzer via a second standard line;

[0044] The comprehensive tester has its measurement port connected to the measurement probe of the Agilent power meter.

[0045] Here, the present invention uses the above-mentioned equipment to achieve a simple, efficient, and reliable measurement of the line loss value of an RF test system.

[0046] In one embodiment of the RF test system line loss measurement device of the present invention, the network analyzer is an Agilent E5071C.

[0047] In one embodiment of the RF test system line loss measurement device of the present invention, the Agilent power meter is model E4416A.

[0048] In one embodiment of the RF test system line loss measurement device of the present invention, the comprehensive tester is model MT8870 or CMW500.

[0049] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for measuring line loss in an RF test system is also provided, the method comprising:

[0050] Step S1: Use a network analyzer and a first standard line, and perform self-calibration of the network analyzer to clear the internal loss of the network analyzer to zero;

[0051] Preferably, an Agilent network analyzer and a first standard line can be used. The Agilent network analyzer model is E5071C, and the network analyzer is self-calibrated to clear the internal loss of the network analyzer to zero.

[0052] Step S2: Connect both ends of the entire RF test system's line system to the first standard line connected to the two ports of the network analyzer, measure and record the line loss value of the line system, and denot it as LossArray_Cable;

[0053] Preferably, both ends of the entire RF test system's line system can be connected to the first standard line of the two ports of the network analyzer E5071C, and the line loss value LossArray_Cable of this line system can be measured. Specifically, the line loss value of the line system is recorded every 100MHz in the frequency range of 700MHz-2600MHz, and an array of line loss values ​​including 20 frequency points is recorded and denoted as LossArray_Cable. This is the line loss value of the line system.

[0054] Step S3: Connect one end of the second standard line to the grid divider and the other end of the second standard line to the measurement probe of the Agilent power meter. Control the grid divider to emit a first signal and read the value of the first signal from the Agilent power meter as the internal loss value of the Agilent power meter, denoted as LossArray_PowerMeter.

[0055] Preferably, an Agilent power meter E4416A can be used. One end of the second standard line is connected to the grid splitter, and the other end of the second standard line is connected to the measurement probe of the Agilent power meter E4416A. The grid splitter is controlled to emit a -60dBm CW wave. The first signal value is read from the power meter. Every 100MHz in the 700MHz-2600MHz range, a frequency point is recorded, and an array of 20 frequency point signal values ​​is recorded, denoted as LossArray_PowerMeter. This is the internal loss value of the Agilent power meter.

[0056] Step S4: Connect the measurement probe of the Agilent power meter to the measurement port of the integrated tester, control the second signal emitted by the integrated tester, read the value of the second signal from the power meter terminal as the sum of the internal loss value of the Agilent power meter and the internal loss value of the integrated tester, denoted as LossArray_Base, and subtract LossArray_PowerMeter from LossArray_Base to obtain the internal loss value of the integrated tester, denoted as LossArray_InterLoss;

[0057] Preferably, a comprehensive test instrument (such as MT8870 / CMW500, which are commonly used mainstream test instruments on production lines) can be used. The measurement probe of Agilent's power meter E4416A is connected to the measurement port of the comprehensive test instrument. The comprehensive test instrument is controlled to emit a -60dBm signal, and the signal magnitude is read from the power meter terminal. In the range of 700MHz-2600MHz, a frequency point is recorded every 100MHz, and an array containing 20 frequency point signal values ​​is recorded, denoted as LossArray_Base. The internal loss value of the comprehensive test instrument is obtained by subtracting LossArray_PowerMeter from LossArray_Base, denoted as LossArray_InterLoss.

[0058] Step S5: Calculate the line loss value of the entire RF test system according to the following formula:

[0059] The line loss value of the entire RF test system = LossArray_Cable + LossArray_InterLoss.

[0060] Optionally, since the recorded signals and line loss values ​​are in array form, and array addition and subtraction operations are required, and the final line loss value needs to be filled into the corresponding line loss storage file on the PC to take effect, C language can be used to conveniently and quickly process array data recording and operations, and the final result can be filled into the target file through programming.

[0061] In summary, the present invention, through the above-described equipment and method, enables a simple, efficient, and reliable measurement of the line loss value of an RF test system.

[0062] For detailed descriptions of the various device and storage medium embodiments of the present invention, please refer to the corresponding parts of the various method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0063] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

[0064] It should be noted that the present invention can be implemented in software and / or a combination of software and hardware, for example, using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general-purpose computer, or any other similar hardware device. In one embodiment, the software program of the present invention can be executed by a processor to implement the steps or functions described above. Similarly, the software program of the present invention (including associated data structures) can be stored in a computer-readable recording medium, such as RAM memory, a magnetic or optical drive, a floppy disk, or similar devices. Furthermore, some steps or functions of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, for example, as circuitry that works with a processor to perform the various steps or functions.

[0065] Furthermore, a portion of this invention can be applied as a computer program product, such as computer program instructions, which, when executed by a computer, can invoke or provide the methods and / or technical solutions according to the invention through the operation of the computer. The program instructions invoking the methods of the invention may be stored in a fixed or removable recording medium, and / or transmitted via a data stream in a broadcast or other signal-carrying medium, and / or stored in the working memory of a computer device operating according to the program instructions. Here, an embodiment of the invention includes an apparatus comprising a memory for storing computer program instructions and a processor for executing the program instructions, wherein, when the computer program instructions are executed by the processor, the apparatus is triggered to operate the methods and / or technical solutions based on the foregoing embodiments of the invention.

[0066] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be embraced within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it is clear that the word "comprising" does not exclude other units or steps, and the singular does not exclude the plural. Multiple units or devices recited in the apparatus claims may also be implemented by a single unit or device in software or hardware. The terms "first," "second," etc., are used to indicate names and do not indicate any particular order.

Claims

1. A line loss measurement device for an RF testing system, wherein, The device includes: The network divider has two ports that are connected to the two ends of the circuit system of the entire radio frequency test system via a first standard line. An Agilent power meter, wherein the measuring probe of the Agilent power meter is connected to the grid analyzer via a second standard line; The comprehensive test instrument, wherein the measurement port of the comprehensive test instrument is connected to the measurement probe of the Agilent power meter; Among them, a network analyzer and a first standard line are used, and the network analyzer is self-calibrated to make the internal loss of the network analyzer zero; Connect both ends of the entire RF test system's line system to the first standard line connected to the two ports of the network analyzer, and measure and record the line loss value LossArray_Cable of the line system; Connect one end of the second standard line to the grid divider and the other end of the second standard line to the measurement probe of the Agilent power meter. Control the grid divider to emit a first signal and read the value of the first signal from the Agilent power meter as the internal loss value of the Agilent power meter, denoted as LossArray_PowerMeter. Connect the measurement probe of the Agilent power meter to the measurement port of the integrated test instrument, control the second signal emitted by the integrated test instrument, read the value of the second signal from the power meter terminal as the sum of the internal loss value of the Agilent power meter and the internal loss value of the integrated test instrument, denoted as LossArray_Base, and subtract LossArray_PowerMeter from LossArray_Base to obtain the internal loss value of the integrated test instrument, denoted as LossArray_InterLoss; Calculate the line loss of the entire RF test system using the following formula: The line loss value of the entire RF test system = LossArray_Cable + LossArray_InterLoss; The Agilent power meter in question is model E4416A.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The network analyzer is an Agilent E5071C.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The comprehensive testing instrument is model MT8870 or CMW500.

4. A method for measuring line loss in an RF test system, wherein, The method includes: A network analyzer and a first standard line are used, and the network analyzer is self-calibrated to make the internal loss of the network analyzer zero. Connect both ends of the entire RF test system's line system to the first standard line connected to the two ports of the network analyzer, measure and record the line loss value of the line system, and denot it as LossArray_Cable; Connect one end of the second standard line to the grid divider and the other end of the second standard line to the measurement probe of the Agilent power meter. Control the grid divider to emit a first signal and read the value of the first signal from the Agilent power meter as the internal loss value of the Agilent power meter, denoted as LossArray_PowerMeter. Connect the measurement probe of the Agilent power meter to the measurement port of the integrated test instrument, control the second signal emitted by the integrated test instrument, read the value of the second signal from the power meter terminal as the sum of the internal loss value of the Agilent power meter and the internal loss value of the integrated test instrument, denoted as LossArray_Base, and subtract LossArray_PowerMeter from LossArray_Base to obtain the internal loss value of the integrated test instrument, denoted as LossArray_InterLoss; Calculate the line loss of the entire RF test system using the following formula: The line loss value of the entire RF test system = LossArray_Cable + LossArray_InterLoss; The Agilent power meter in question is model E4416A.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, Using a network analyzer and a first standard line, and performing self-calibration on the network analyzer to zero out its internal loss, includes: An Agilent network analyzer and a first standard line were used. The Agilent network analyzer model was E5071C. The network analyzer was self-calibrated to zero internal loss.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein, Connect both ends of the entire RF test system's line system to the first standard line connected to the two ports of the network analyzer, and measure and record the line loss value LossArray_Cable of the line system, including: Connect both ends of the entire RF test system's circuitry to the first standard lines of the two ports of the E5071C network analyzer. Record the corresponding line loss value of the line system at 100MHz intervals between 700MHz and 2600MHz, and record an array of line loss values ​​for 20 frequency points, denoted as LossArray_Cable.

7. The method according to claim 4, wherein, Connect one end of the second standard line to the grid divider, and connect the other end of the second standard line to the measurement probe of the Agilent power meter. Control the grid divider to emit a first signal, and read the value of the first signal from the Agilent power meter as the internal loss value of the Agilent power meter, recorded as LossArray_PowerMeter, including: Using an Agilent power meter E4416A, one end of the second standard line is connected to the network divider, and the other end is connected to the measurement probe of the Agilent power meter E4416A. The network divider is controlled to emit a -60dBm CW wave, and the signal values ​​are recorded every 100MHz in the range of 700MHz-2600MHz. The recorded array of signal values ​​at 20 frequency points is used as the internal loss value of the Agilent power meter and is denoted as LossArray_PowerMeter.

8. The method according to claim 4, wherein, Connect the measurement probe of the Agilent power meter to the measurement port of the integrated test instrument, control the second signal emitted by the integrated test instrument, and read the value of the second signal from the power meter terminal as the sum of the internal loss value of the Agilent power meter and the internal loss value of the integrated test instrument, denoted as LossArray_Base. Subtract LossArray_PowerMeter from LossArray_Base to obtain the internal loss value of the integrated test instrument, denoted as LossArray_InterLoss, which includes: Using a comprehensive tester of model MT8870 or CMW500, connect the measurement probe of the Agilent power meter to the measurement port of the comprehensive tester, control the comprehensive tester to emit a -60dBm signal, and record the signal at 100MHz intervals between 700MHz and 2600MHz. Record an array of 20 frequency point signal values, denoted as LossArray_Base. Subtract LossArray_PowerMeter from LossArray_Base to obtain the internal loss value of the comprehensive tester, denoted as LossArray_InterLoss.

Images