Implement a system for testing S-parameters across multiple ports.

Abstract

This invention relates to a system for testing multi-port S-parameters, comprising a vector network analyzer and a core module. The core module includes a source-end 2-8 switch module, a receiver-end 2-8 switch module, a switch control module, and a coupler. Both the source-end and receiver-end 2-8 switch modules are connected to the switch control module, which is connected to the vector network analyzer. Both the source-end and receiver-end 2-8 switch modules are connected to the coupler. This system for testing multi-port S-parameters provides a port expansion system while preventing excessive degradation of the vector network analyzer's performance when expanding ports. The coupler increases isolation and improves dynamic range. The received signal from the switch modules directly reaches the receiver, improving test stability and consistency. The switch modules can be equipped with amplifiers to increase port power.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vector network analyzers, and more particularly to the field of S-parameter testing, specifically to a system for testing multi-port S-parameters. Background Technology

[0002] A vector network analyzer is a comprehensive microwave measurement instrument that measures the network parameters of a device under test (DUT) within a corresponding bandwidth. As a general-purpose instrument, a vector network analyzer can measure the network parameters of active or passive, single or multiple ports, as well as the corresponding phase and amplitude. Simultaneously, the network status can be presented in various forms such as reflected power, return loss, reflection coefficient, and VSWR. With the development of communications, some fields require multi-band coverage, which undoubtedly increases the complexity of devices. When measuring the network parameters of these multi-port devices, simultaneous measurement of multiple ports can greatly improve measurement efficiency. Most commonly used vector network analyzers are two-port or three-port, but this is still insufficient for testing complex devices. Matrix switches and vector network analyzers are generally used for measurement. However, the expanded ports in this method can degrade performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a system that is easy to operate, simple in structure, and widely applicable for testing multi-port S-parameters.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a system for testing multi-port S-parameters as follows:

[0005] This system for testing multi-port S-parameters is characterized by comprising a vector network analyzer and a core module. The core module includes a source-side 2-8 switch module, a receiver-side 2-8 switch module, a switch control module, and couplers. Both the source-side 2-8 switch module and the receiver-side 2-8 switch module are connected to the switch control module, which is connected to the vector network analyzer. Both the source-side 2-8 switch module and the receiver-side 2-8 switch module are connected to the couplers. The source-side 2-8 switch module extends the RF source signal of the vector network analyzer to eight ports, and the receiver-side 2-8 switch module transmits the received signals from the eight coupler ports to the receiver ports of the vector network analyzer.

[0006] Preferably, both the source-end 2-8 switch module and the receiver-end 2-8 switch module consist of two 1-to-8 switches and eight 1-to-8 switches. The common port of the two 1-to-8 switches in the source-end 2-8 switch module is connected to two ports of the vector network analyzer, and the eight 1-to-2 switches on the other side are connected to the coupler. The eight 1-to-2 switches in the receiver-end 2-8 switch module are respectively connected to eight coupling ports of the coupler, and the common port of the two 1-to-8 switches on the other side is respectively connected to the JB2 connector of the vector network analyzer to the internal receiver.

[0007] Preferably, the switch control module is connected to the vector network analyzer via a USB communication interface. The switch control module includes multiple switch control boards, each of which is connected via a ribbon cable.

[0008] Preferably, the interface of the vector network analyzer is connected to the source end 2-8 switch modules and the receiver end 2-8 switch modules, and is connected to the corresponding coupler coupling port. The source end 2-8 switch modules and the receiver end 2-8 switch modules are used to receive commands from the vector network analyzer and realize the corresponding switch path control.

[0009] The system for testing multi-port S-parameters using this invention provides a port expansion system while preventing excessive degradation of the performance of vector network analyzers when expanding ports. Systems consisting of matrix switches and vector network analyzers, lacking couplers as test ports, are more susceptible to crosstalk. Couplers increase isolation and improve dynamic range; the received signal from the switch module directly reaches the receiver, improving test stability and consistency. Furthermore, amplifiers can be added to the switch module to increase port power. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 The schematic diagram shows the source-side 2-8 switch module and the receiver-side 2-8 switch module of the system for testing multi-port S-parameters according to the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 The present invention provides a block diagram of a multi-port S-parameter testing system for implementing multi-port S-parameter testing.

[0012] Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of a multi-port test system for implementing the S-parameter testing system of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a communication control block diagram of the control board for a system that performs multi-port S-parameter testing, as described in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0014] To more clearly describe the technical content of the present invention, the following description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0015] The present invention provides a system for testing multi-port S-parameters, including a vector network analyzer and a core module. The core module includes a source-end 2-8 switch module, a receiver-end 2-8 switch module, a switch control module, and a coupler. The source-end 2-8 switch module and the receiver-end 2-8 switch module are both connected to the switch control module, which is connected to the vector network analyzer. Both the source-end 2-8 switch module and the receiver-end 2-8 switch module are connected to the coupler. The source-end 2-8 switch module is used to extend the RF source signal of the vector network analyzer to 8 ports, and the receiver-end 2-8 switch module is used to transmit the received signals from the 8 coupler ports to the receiver ports of the vector network analyzer.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, both the source-end 2-8 switch module and the receiver-end 2-8 switch module consist of two 1-to-8 switches and eight 1-to-8 switches. The common port of the two 1-to-8 switches of the source-end 2-8 switch module is connected to two ports of the vector network analyzer, and the eight 1-to-2 switches on the other side are connected to the coupler. The eight 1-to-2 switches of the receiver-end 2-8 switch module are respectively connected to eight coupling ports of the coupler, and the common port of the two 1-to-8 switches on the other side is respectively connected to the JB2 connector of the vector network analyzer to the internal receiver.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switch control module is connected to the vector network analyzer via a USB communication interface. The switch control module includes multiple switch control boards, each of which is connected via a ribbon cable.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the interface of the vector network analyzer is connected to the source end 2-8 switch modules and the receiver end 2-8 switch modules, and is connected to the corresponding coupler coupling port. The source end 2-8 switch modules and the receiver end 2-8 switch modules are used to receive commands from the vector network analyzer and realize the corresponding switch path control.

[0019] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the multi-port test system is mainly divided into a source end 2-8 switch module, a receiver end 2-8 switch module, a coupler, and a switch control module.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the source-end 2-8 switch module is the same as the receiver-end 2-8 switch module, both consisting of 2 one-to-eight and 8 one-to-eight switches.

[0021] like Figure 3As shown, the source-side 2-8 switch module is used to extend the RF source signal of the vector network analyzer to 8 ports. The common port of the two 1-to-8 switches on the source-side 2-8 switch module is connected to two ports of the vector network analyzer, and the eight 1-to-2 switches on the other side are connected to the coupler.

[0022] The receiver 2-8 switch module is used to send the received signals from the eight coupler ports to the receiver port of the vector network analyzer. The eight 1-to-2 switches of the receiver 2-to-8 switch module are connected to the eight coupler ports respectively, and the common ports of the two 1-to-8 switches on the other side are connected to the JB2 connector of the vector network analyzer to the internal receiver.

[0023] The switch control module is used to control the switch modules in vector network analysis. It communicates with the vector network analyzer via a USB communication interface and is also connected to each switch control board via a ribbon cable to achieve switch control.

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown in the specific embodiment of the present invention, the multi-port S-parameter testing system implements 2-8 switch control via the vector network analyzer communication interface. During specific S-parameter measurements, upon receiving instructions from the vector network analyzer, each of the 2-8 switch modules implements corresponding switch path control. The source-side 2-8 modules receive signals from the vector network analyzer port, which then reach the corresponding coupler port. The interface of the vector network analyzer receiver connects to the receiving 2-8 modules and is linked to the corresponding coupler coupling port.

[0025] This technical solution can increase isolation. Referring to the 2-8 switch module at the receiving end, within 8.5GHz, the worst isolation of a 1-to-8 switch is about 30dB; the isolation of a 1-to-2 switch is about 50dB. With the addition of a coupler with 20dB isolation, the multi-port test system can achieve a port isolation of 100dB.

[0026] Compared to existing technologies, this technical solution offers better dynamic range. The signal from the source reaches the coupler at the receiving end, and the crosstalk signal is coupled from the coupler port to the receiver's 2-8 switch modules. The resulting 1-to-2 and 1-to-8 switches, respectively, are then connected to the receiver. Compared to matrix switches, eliminating the isolation between the two switches, the coupling of the coupler reduces interference and improves performance in the multi-port test system.

[0027] This technical solution can improve port power. Due to insertion loss in the receiver local oscillator, amplifiers can be added to the receiver modules 2 to 8 of the multi-port test system to improve port power.

[0028] This technical solution has good stability and consistency. Unlike matrix switches, the signal received by the multi-port test system goes directly to the receiving end of the vector network analyzer. Furthermore, the extended ports are calibrated to eliminate errors, making the test results of the multi-port system more stable and more consistent.

[0029] For the specific implementation scheme of this embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0030] It is understood that the same or similar parts in the above embodiments can be referred to each other, and the contents not described in detail in some embodiments can be referred to the same or similar contents in other embodiments.

[0031] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means at least two.

[0032] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0033] This invention provides a system for testing multi-port S-parameters, offering a port expansion system while preventing excessive degradation of vector network analyzer performance due to port expansion. Systems consisting of matrix switches and vector network analyzers, lacking couplers as test ports, are more susceptible to crosstalk. Couplers increase isolation and improve dynamic range; the received signal from the switch module directly reaches the receiver, improving test stability and consistency. The switch module can also incorporate amplifiers to increase port power. By expanding the vector network analyzer ports and adding couplers to each port, port isolation is improved; furthermore, the presence of couplers allows for factory calibration, resulting in better stability and consistency.

[0034] In this specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the specification and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A system for testing S-parameters across multiple ports, characterized in that, The system includes a vector network analyzer and a core module. The core module includes a source-end 2-8 switch module, a receiver-end 2-8 switch module, a switch control module, and a coupler. The source-end 2-8 switch module and the receiver-end 2-8 switch module are both connected to the switch control module, which is connected to the vector network analyzer. The source-end 2-8 switch module and the receiver-end 2-8 switch module are both connected to the coupler. The source-end 2-8 switch module is used to extend the RF source signal of the vector network analyzer to 8 ports. The receiver-end 2-8 switch module is used to transmit the received signals from the 8 coupler ports to the receiver ports of the vector network analyzer. Both the source-end 2-8 switch module and the receiver-end 2-8 switch module consist of two 1-to-8 switches and eight 1-to-2 switches. The common port of the two 1-to-8 switches in the source-end 2-8 switch module is connected to two ports of the vector network analyzer, and the eight 1-to-2 switches on the other side are connected to the coupler. The eight 1-to-2 switches in the receiver-end 2-8 switch module are respectively connected to eight coupling ports of the coupler, and the common port of the two 1-to-8 switches on the other side is connected to the JB2 connector of the vector network analyzer to the internal receiver.

2. The system for testing multi-port S-parameters according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switch control module is connected to the vector network analyzer via a USB communication interface. The switch control module includes multiple switch control boards, each of which is connected via a ribbon cable.

3. The system for testing multi-port S-parameters according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interface of the vector network analyzer is connected to the source end 2-8 switch modules and the receiver end 2-8 switch modules, and is connected to the corresponding coupler coupling port. The source end 2-8 switch modules and the receiver end 2-8 switch modules are used to receive commands from the vector network analyzer and realize the corresponding switch path control.

Images