A simulation testing platform capable of automating multi-module testing

Abstract

This invention provides a simulation test platform capable of automated testing of multiple modules, including multiple shielded enclosures. A filter and attenuator are installed between every two shielded enclosures, forming a network layer between each pair of enclosures. Each shielded enclosure contains a control motherboard and an analog meter. The control motherboard has slots for single-phase modules, three-phase modules, and CCO modules, each capable of accommodating one module under test (DUT). At least one network layer is equipped with a spectrum analyzer, a listening station, and a transparent physical device; at least one network layer is equipped with an impedance unit; at least one network layer is equipped with a noise generator; and at least one network layer is equipped with both a noise generator and an impedance unit. The multiple network layers can simulate star, linear, tree, or multi-station networks. The advantages of this invention are: it enables simultaneous automated batch simulation testing of multiple DUT modules, reducing testing costs and improving testing efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication module testing technology, and more specifically to a simulation testing platform capable of automating multi-module testing. Background Technology

[0002] HPLC, or High-Speed ​​Power Line Carrier, also known as Broadband Power Line Carrier, is a broadband power line carrier technology that transmits data over low-voltage power lines. Broadband power line carrier communication networks use power lines as the communication medium to aggregate, transmit, and exchange electricity information from low-voltage power users. Broadband power line carrier primarily employs Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) technology, using a frequency band of 2MHz-12MHz. Compared to traditional low-speed narrowband power line carrier technology, HPLC technology offers greater bandwidth and higher transmission rates, meeting the higher demands of low-voltage power line carrier communication. Broadband power line carrier communication, compared to low-voltage power line carrier communication, undertakes higher service requirements, and broadband power line carrier modules, low-power wireless modules, and Bluetooth modules are widely used in power communication.

[0003] Broadband power line carrier modules, low-power wireless modules, and Bluetooth modules typically require testing before use. However, the testing environments for these modules are not interchangeable, necessitating the construction of different testing environments. When the number of modules under test reaches a certain scale, the cost of setting up these testing environments becomes very high. Different testing environments occupy a lot of space, are difficult to maintain, and are not very flexible, resulting in a waste of resources to some extent. The testing process is also time-consuming, and the test results are susceptible to human factors, leading to low accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems in existing technologies, this invention provides a simulation test platform capable of automated testing of multiple modules. By combining a control motherboard, attenuator, noise meter, spectrum analyzer, transparent physical device, listening station, and analog meter, a simulation test platform is constructed. Three communication methods—carrier communication, wireless communication, and Bluetooth communication—are set between shielded boxes. This allows for simultaneous batch automated simulation testing of multiple modules under test. It can perform interoperability testing, operational performance testing, communication protocol consistency testing, and in-depth application testing on broadband power line carrier modules, low-power wireless modules, Bluetooth modules, carrier-wireless dual-mode modules, and carrier-Bluetooth dual-mode modules. This reduces the space occupied by the test equipment, lowers testing costs, and improves testing efficiency, solving the problems of non-universal testing environments, high testing costs, low testing efficiency, and low accuracy of test results in existing technologies.

[0005] This invention provides a simulation test platform capable of automated testing of multiple modules and multiple modules. It includes multiple shielded boxes fixedly connected in sequence. A filter and attenuator are sequentially connected between every two connected shielded boxes, and each pair of shielded boxes can form a network layer. A control motherboard and an analog meter are fixedly connected inside each shielded box. The control motherboard has single-phase module slots, three-phase module slots, and CCO module slots. Each of the single-phase module slot, the three-phase module slot, and the CCO module slot can accommodate one module under test. At least one network layer is equipped with a spectrum analyzer, a listening station, and a transparent physical device. At least one network layer is equipped with an impedance unit. At least one network layer... The network is equipped with a noise generator, and at least one network level is equipped with the noise generator and the impedance unit. At least one set of attenuators is added between the Mth shielding box and the Nth shielding box, where MN≥5, M and N are both positive integers. Multiple network levels can simulate star networks, linear networks, tree networks, or multi-zone networks, and can also simulate multi-layer networks of level 1 to X-1, where X is the total number of shielding boxes. The control motherboard inside the shielding box can set a test plan to simultaneously and automatically perform simulation tests on the modules under test loaded in the single-phase module slot, the three-phase module slot, and the CCO module slot, and automatically process, feedback, and save the test data according to the set test requirements.

[0006] The present invention is further improved in that the module under test includes a broadband power line carrier module, a low-power wireless module, a Bluetooth module, a carrier wireless dual-mode module, and a carrier Bluetooth dual-mode module. The single-phase module slot, the three-phase module slot, and the CCO module slot can all load one of the modules under test to complete the simulation test.

[0007] The present invention is further improved in that each control motherboard has 12 single-phase module slots, 3 three-phase module slots, and 1 CCO module slot, and each control motherboard can load a maximum of 16 modules under test.

[0008] The invention is further improved by including a power supply for the simulation test platform and multiple isolation transformers. The shielding box is connected to the power supply for the simulation test platform through the isolation transformers, and the isolation transformers cooperate with the filter.

[0009] The present invention is further improved in that the total number of shielding boxes is 16, that is, X=16. By adjusting the attenuation value of the attenuator between the 16 shielding boxes, a multi-layer network of 1-15 levels can be simulated to simulate the real power communication application environment and complete the simulation test of the module under test. The communication methods between the shielding boxes include carrier communication, wireless communication and Bluetooth communication.

[0010] The present invention is further improved by including the network layer on which the spectrum analyzer, the listening station and the transparent physical device are mounted, forming a first network layer between the first shielded box and the second shielded box. The spectrum analyzer is used to capture signal data sent by the module under test, the listening station is used to monitor the interaction messages between the shielded boxes, and the transparent physical device is used to send low-level test messages to the shielded boxes.

[0011] The present invention is further improved by adding the attenuator between the fourth and thirteenth shielding boxes, adding the attenuator between the tenth and fifteenth shielding boxes, mounting the impedance unit between the third and fourth shielding boxes, mounting the impedance unit between the thirteenth and fourteenth shielding boxes, mounting the noise generator between the fourth and fifth shielding boxes, mounting the noise generator between the twelfth and thirteenth shielding boxes, mounting the noise generator and the impedance unit between the seventh and eighth shielding boxes, and mounting the noise generator and the impedance unit between the ninth and tenth shielding boxes.

[0012] The present invention is further improved, and the test scheme includes interoperability testing, operational performance testing, communication protocol consistency testing, and in-depth application testing of the module under test. The test modes are divided into broadband carrier test mode, wireless module test mode, and carrier-wireless dual-mode test mode.

[0013] This invention is further improved in that the communication protocol consistency test supports the State Grid HPLC protocol, the Southern Power Grid HPLC protocol, the State Grid wireless protocol, the Southern Power Grid wireless protocol, the State Grid 1376.2 concentrator local communication module interface protocol, and the Southern Power Grid metering automation terminal local communication module interface protocol. The interoperability test and the operational performance test both support testing between State Grid's broadband power line carrier module, low-power wireless module, Bluetooth module, carrier wireless dual-mode module, and carrier Bluetooth dual-mode module.

[0014] In a further improvement, the present invention also includes an intelligent communication terminal, which is capable of acquiring the status information of the module under test and the analog meter inside the shielded box via wireless communication.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention provides a simulation test platform capable of automating multi-module testing. A simulation test platform is built by combining a control motherboard, attenuator, noise meter, spectrum analyzer, transparent physical device, listening station, and analog meter. Three communication methods—carrier communication, wireless communication, and Bluetooth communication—are set between shielded boxes. This enables simultaneous batch automated simulation testing of multiple modules under test. It can perform interoperability testing, operational performance testing, communication protocol consistency testing, and in-depth application testing on broadband power line carrier modules, low-power wireless modules, Bluetooth modules, carrier-wireless dual-mode modules, and carrier-Bluetooth dual-mode modules. This reduces the space occupied by the test equipment, lowers testing costs, and improves testing efficiency, solving the problems of non-universal testing environments, high testing costs, low testing efficiency, and low accuracy of test results in existing technologies. The control motherboard employs a continuous testing method, enabling simultaneous testing of multiple modules under test according to the test plan. Each test case involves operations such as power-on, setting attenuation values, setting the noise environment, test case execution, and saving test results—all fully automated without human intervention, significantly improving testing efficiency. During testing, the test plan conforms to the test standard protocol, all test steps are executed according to the set test plan, and test result comparisons are all performed according to the test standard protocol. The entire process is executed according to pre-set steps and parameters, avoiding human error and maximizing the accuracy of test results. Furthermore, the test can be executed with a single click after the module to be tested is installed in the pre-power-off phase, eliminating the need for subsequent manual operation and greatly enhancing test safety. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the solutions in this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a simulation test platform framework capable of realizing automated testing of multiple modules and multiple modules according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a test flowchart of a simulation test platform that enables automated testing of multiple modules and groups according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs; the terminology used herein in the specification of the application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, or foregoing drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a particular order.

[0020] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0021] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Please see Figure 1-2This invention discloses a simulation test platform capable of automating multi-module testing, comprising multiple shielded boxes fixedly connected in sequence. A filter and attenuator are sequentially connected between every two connected shielded boxes, and each pair of shielded boxes forms a network level. A control motherboard and an analog meter are fixedly connected within each shielded box. The control motherboard has single-phase module slots, three-phase module slots, and CCO module slots. Each of these slots can hold one module under test. At least one network level is equipped with a spectrum analyzer, a listening station, and a transparent physical device. At least one network level is equipped with an impedance unit, a noise generator, and both a noise generator and an impedance unit. At least one set of shielded boxes M and N is connected with an attenuator, where MN ≥ 5, M and N are positive integers. The multiple network levels can simulate star networks, linear networks, tree networks, or multi-station networks, and can also simulate multi-layer networks of levels 1 to X-1, where X is the total number of shielded boxes. In this embodiment, the control motherboard inside the shielded enclosure can be configured to set test plans to simultaneously and automatically perform simulation tests on the modules under test loaded in the single-phase module slot, three-phase module slot, and CCO module slot. It also automatically processes, provides feedback on, and saves test data according to the set test requirements. In other words, a simulation test platform is built by combining the control motherboard, attenuator, noise meter, spectrum analyzer, transparent physical device, listening station, and analog meter. Three communication methods—carrier communication, wireless communication, and Bluetooth communication—are set between the shielded enclosures, enabling simultaneous batch automated simulation testing of multiple modules under test. This allows for interoperability testing, operational performance testing, communication protocol consistency testing, and in-depth application testing of broadband power line carrier modules, low-power wireless modules, Bluetooth modules, carrier-wireless dual-mode modules, and carrier-Bluetooth dual-mode modules. This reduces the space occupied by the test equipment, lowers testing costs, and improves testing efficiency. The control motherboard is mainly used to control the power-on of the analog meter, control the generation of electricity meter events, communicate with the human-machine interaction platform (i.e., the intelligent communication terminal), set test plans, automatically execute test plans, and automatically process test data. The CCO module, also known as the high-speed carrier communication concentrator local module, is designed based on the SPL1020A power line high-speed carrier chip, conforms to the relevant standards and specifications of the State Grid Corporation of China, and has the characteristics of high performance and low power consumption.

[0023] Please see Figure 1The modules under test (DUTs) include broadband power line carrier modules, low-power wireless modules, Bluetooth modules, dual-mode power line carrier modules, and dual-mode power line carrier Bluetooth modules. Single-phase module slots, three-phase module slots, and CCO module slots can each accommodate one DUT to complete simulation testing. Each control motherboard has 12 single-phase module slots, 3 three-phase module slots, and 1 CCO module slot, for a maximum of 16 DUTs per motherboard. The total number of shielding boxes is 16 (X=16). By adjusting the attenuation values ​​of the attenuators between the 16 shielding boxes, a multi-level network of 1-15 levels can be simulated to simulate a real power communication application environment and complete the simulation testing of the DUTs. Communication methods between shielding boxes include power line carrier communication, wireless communication, and Bluetooth communication. In this embodiment, up to 256 DUTs (16 shielding boxes * 16 module slots) can be tested simultaneously, achieving multi-purpose use of each slot and significantly reducing equipment costs.

[0024] Please see Figure 1 The system also includes a power supply for the simulation test platform and multiple isolation transformers. The shielding box is connected to the power supply for the simulation test platform via the isolation transformers, which are used in conjunction with filters. In this embodiment, isolation transformers are connected to both the power supply for the simulation test platform and the shielding box, and filters are connected to the other end of the shielding box. The combination of isolation transformers and filters effectively isolates external noise, preventing external noise signals from interfering with the internal structure of the simulation test platform. This creates a completely closed and isolated test environment, eliminating the influence of external environmental factors on the test results.

[0025] Please see Figure 1 The network layer, equipped with a spectrum analyzer, a listening station, and a transparent physical device, forms the first network layer between the first and second shielded boxes. The spectrum analyzer captures signal data sent by the module under test (DUT), the listening station monitors the interaction messages between the shielded boxes, and the transparent physical device sends underlying test messages to the shielded boxes. In this embodiment, the spectrum analyzer is a RIGOL DSA875, the transparent physical device contains a control chip of model IC-SPE7101-C40, and the listening station contains a control chip of model SPE7103.

[0026] Please see Figure 1An attenuator is added between the 4th and 13th shielding boxes; an attenuator is added between the 10th and 15th shielding boxes; an impedance unit is mounted between the 3rd and 4th shielding boxes; an impedance unit is mounted between the 13th and 14th shielding boxes; a noise generator is mounted between the 4th and 5th shielding boxes; a noise generator is mounted between the 12th and 13th shielding boxes; a noise generator and an impedance unit are mounted between the 7th and 8th shielding boxes; and a noise generator and an impedance unit are mounted between the 9th and 10th shielding boxes. In this embodiment, the shielding box is a Dongguan Kugo JC-PB2044, mainly used to isolate external interference signals, absorb radio frequency signals inside the box, integrate the test process, reduce personnel influence, and improve test efficiency; the attenuator is a Shanghai Huaxiang GKTS2-8-127-3-FL, mainly used to adjust the magnitude of circuit signals in the simulation test platform; the filter is a Shenzhen Hongqiao Technology FC-T16-V2.0, mainly used to filter power signals outside the test frequency band and eliminate the influence of interference signals on the test results; the noise meter is a RIGOL DG1062Z, mainly used to output white noise, impulse noise, narrowband noise, etc., to verify the stability of the module under test in a noisy environment; the impedance unit is actually a load, mainly used to increase the load of the circuit and verify the stability of the module under test under the maximum load; the analog meter is mainly used to cooperate with the module under test for meter reading, broadcast time calibration, and generating meter events.

[0027] Please see Figure 1 The test plan includes interoperability testing, operational performance testing, communication protocol consistency testing, and in-depth application testing of the modules under test. The test modes are categorized into broadband carrier test mode, wireless module test mode, and carrier-wireless dual-mode test mode. Communication protocol consistency testing supports the State Grid HPLC protocol, China Southern Power Grid HPLC protocol, State Grid wireless protocol, China Southern Power Grid wireless protocol, State Grid 1376.2 concentrator local communication module interface protocol, and China Southern Power Grid metering automation terminal local communication module interface protocol. Interoperability testing and operational performance testing support testing between State Grid's broadband power line carrier modules, low-power wireless modules, Bluetooth modules, carrier-wireless dual-mode modules, and carrier-Bluetooth dual-mode modules. Similarly, interoperability testing and operational performance testing support testing between China Southern Power Grid's broadband power line carrier modules, low-power wireless modules, Bluetooth modules, carrier-wireless dual-mode modules, and carrier-Bluetooth dual-mode modules.

[0028] Please see Figure 1The system also includes an intelligent communication terminal, which can obtain the status information of the module under test inside the shielded box via wireless communication, including module version, module ID, module address, and module events. It can also query the status information of the analog meters inside the shielded box via wireless communication, including voltage, current, power, and meter events. In this embodiment, the intelligent communication terminal is also referred to as a human-machine interaction platform.

[0029] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 The present invention provides a simulation test platform capable of automated testing of multiple modules, comprising the following main steps:

[0030] 1. Select the test mode type, which includes broadband carrier test mode, wireless module test mode, and carrier-wireless dual-mode test mode;

[0031] 2. Configure the motherboard's operating environment, test process, test parameters, and test cases to generate test plans;

[0032] 3. Control the motherboard to distribute test plan configuration files;

[0033] 4. The mainboard controls the attenuator, noise meter, spectrum analyzer, transparent physical device, listening station, and analog meter to operate automatically according to the configuration file and control commands;

[0034] 5. The simulation test platform runs automatically according to the requirements of the test plan;

[0035] 6. Control the motherboard to automatically process test data;

[0036] 7. Control the motherboard to automatically feed back and store test data.

[0037] As can be seen from the above, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The present invention provides a simulation test platform capable of realizing automated testing of multiple modules. By combining a control motherboard, attenuator, noise meter, spectrum analyzer, transparent physical device, listening station, and analog meter to build a simulation test platform, and setting up three communication modes—carrier communication, wireless communication, and Bluetooth communication—between the shielded boxes, it can simultaneously realize batch automated simulation testing of multiple modules under test. It can complete interoperability testing, operational performance testing, communication protocol consistency testing, and in-depth application testing for broadband power line carrier modules, low-power wireless modules, Bluetooth modules, carrier-wireless dual-mode modules, and carrier-Bluetooth dual-mode modules. It reduces the space occupied by the test equipment, lowers the test cost, and improves the test efficiency, solving the problems of non-universal test environments, high test costs, low test efficiency, and low test result accuracy in the prior art. The control motherboard employs a continuous testing method, enabling simultaneous testing of multiple modules under test according to the test plan. Each test case involves operations such as power-on, setting attenuation values, setting the noise environment, test case execution, and saving test results—all fully automated without human intervention, significantly improving testing efficiency. During testing, the test plan conforms to the test standard protocol, all test steps are executed according to the set test plan, and test result comparisons are all performed according to the test standard protocol. The entire process is executed according to pre-set steps and parameters, avoiding human error and maximizing the accuracy of test results. Furthermore, the test can be executed with a single click after the module to be tested is installed in the pre-power-off phase, eliminating the need for subsequent manual operation and greatly enhancing test safety.

[0038] The above-described specific embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the specific scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, these specific embodiments. All equivalent changes made in accordance with the present invention are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A simulation test platform capable of automated testing of multiple modules, characterized in that: The system comprises multiple shielded boxes fixedly connected in sequence. A filter and attenuator are sequentially connected between every two connected shielded boxes. Each pair of connected shielded boxes forms a network level. Each shielded box contains a fixedly connected control motherboard and analog meters. The control motherboard has single-phase module slots, three-phase module slots, and CCO module slots. Each of the single-phase, three-phase, and CCO module slots can accommodate one module under test. At least one network level is equipped with a spectrum analyzer, a listening station, and a transparent physical device. At least one network level is equipped with an impedance unit. At least one network level is equipped with a noise generator. At least one network level is equipped with a noise generator. The layer is equipped with the noise generator and the impedance unit. At least one set of attenuators is added between the Mth shielding box and the Nth shielding box, where MN≥5, M and N are both positive integers. Multiple network layers can simulate star networks, linear networks, tree networks or multi-area networks, and can also simulate multi-layer networks of level 1 to X-1, where X is the total number of shielding boxes. The control motherboard inside the shielding box can set test schemes to simultaneously and automatically perform simulation tests on the modules under test loaded in the single-phase module slot, the three-phase module slot and the CCO module slot, and automatically process, feedback and save test data according to the set test requirements.

2. The simulation test platform capable of automated testing of multiple modules as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The module under test includes a broadband power line carrier module, a low-power wireless module, a Bluetooth module, a carrier wireless dual-mode module, and a carrier Bluetooth dual-mode module. The single-phase module slot, the three-phase module slot, and the CCO module slot can each load one of the modules under test to complete the simulation test.

3. The simulation test platform capable of automated testing of multiple modules as described in claim 2, characterized in that: Each control motherboard has 12 single-phase module slots, 3 three-phase module slots, and 1 CCO module slot. The maximum number of modules under test that each control motherboard can load is 16.

4. The simulation test platform capable of automated testing of multiple modules as described in claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a power supply for the simulation test platform and multiple isolation transformers. The shielding box is connected to the power supply for the simulation test platform through the isolation transformers, and the isolation transformers cooperate with the filter.

5. The simulation test platform capable of automated testing of multiple modules as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The total number of shielding boxes is 16, i.e., X=16. By adjusting the attenuation value of the attenuators between the 16 shielding boxes, a multi-layer network of levels 1-15 can be simulated to complete the simulation test of the module under test in a real power communication application environment. The communication methods between the shielding boxes include carrier communication, wireless communication, and Bluetooth communication.

6. The simulation test platform capable of automated testing of multiple modules as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The network layer equipped with the spectrum analyzer, the listening station, and the transparent physical device is the first network layer formed between the first shielded box and the second shielded box. The spectrum analyzer is used to capture signal data sent by the module under test, the listening station is used to monitor the interaction messages between the shielded boxes, and the transparent physical device is used to send low-level test messages to the shielded boxes.

7. The simulation test platform capable of realizing automated testing of multiple modules as described in claim 6, characterized in that: An attenuator is added between the 4th and 13th shielding boxes; an attenuator is added between the 10th and 15th shielding boxes; an impedance unit is mounted between the 3rd and 4th shielding boxes; an impedance unit is mounted between the 13th and 14th shielding boxes; a noise generator is mounted between the 4th and 5th shielding boxes; a noise generator is mounted between the 12th and 13th shielding boxes; a noise generator and an impedance unit are mounted between the 7th and 8th shielding boxes; and a noise generator and an impedance unit are mounted between the 9th and 10th shielding boxes.

8. The simulation test platform capable of realizing automated testing of multiple modules as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The test plan includes interoperability testing, operational performance testing, communication protocol consistency testing, and in-depth application testing of the module under test. The test modes are divided into broadband carrier test mode, wireless module test mode, and carrier-wireless dual-mode test mode.

9. The simulation test platform capable of realizing automated testing of multiple modules as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The communication protocol consistency test supports the State Grid HPLC protocol, China Southern Power Grid HPLC protocol, State Grid wireless protocol, China Southern Power Grid wireless protocol, State Grid 1376.2 concentrator local communication module interface protocol, and China Southern Power Grid metering automation terminal local communication module interface protocol. The interoperability test and the operational performance test both support testing between State Grid's broadband power line carrier module, low-power wireless module, Bluetooth module, carrier wireless dual-mode module, and carrier Bluetooth dual-mode module.

10. The simulation test platform capable of realizing automated testing of multiple modules as described in claim 9, characterized in that: It is also equipped with an intelligent communication terminal, which can obtain the status information of the module under test and the analog meter inside the shielded box through wireless communication.

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