A multi-channel radio frequency transceiver phase consistency test platform and method

Abstract

The application relates to a multi-channel radio frequency transceiver phase consistency test platform and method, which comprises a signal generator, a power divider, a transceiver, a baseband processing circuit and a multi-channel phase difference calculation module, can test the phase consistency of multiple channels of a single transceiver, and can also test the phase consistency of channels of multiple parallel transceivers; the number of the parallel multiple transceivers depends on the driving capacity of the clock and the logic signal; and the phase consistency of multiple channels of a single transceiver is tested. The application not only satisfies the phase consistency test of multiple channels of a single transceiver, but also can perform the phase consistency test of channels of multiple parallel transceivers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a phase consistency test platform and method for multi-channel radio frequency transceivers, belonging to the field of test technology. Background Technology

[0002] For wideband wireless communication systems, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) operation and RF beamforming have proven to be advantageous techniques for maximizing throughput and efficient spectrum utilization. Current integrated devices, such as multi-channel RF transceivers, with their simultaneous multi-channel RX and TX capabilities, have made developing MIMO systems that incorporate high-performance, high-linearity integrated transceivers and synthesizers a simpler task.

[0003] Some systems may require configurations more complex than simply combining multiple devices. For devices that operate independently without any data timing adjustment mechanisms, attempting to tune individual channels of each device simultaneously is impractical. Successfully achieving this functionality requires data to be synchronized in and out of multiple devices.

[0004] Multichannel RF transceivers can provide the necessary synchronization mechanism to enable multichannel systems. The device includes external control inputs and internal circuitry for synchronizing the baseband sampling clock and data clock, thus enabling the use of multiple devices operating in parallel within a system design to achieve the equivalent performance of a single device.

[0005] Multichannel RF transceiver circuits utilize the fractional-N synthesizer in the baseband PLL module to generate the sampling clock required by the system. The ADC sampling clock, DAC sampling clock, and baseband digital clock are generated using a reference clock that conforms to any specified frequency range of the reference clock input. For MIMO systems requiring more than two inputs and two output channels, multiple multichannel RF transceiver circuits and a common reference oscillator are needed.

[0006] The multi-channel RF transceiver circuit can receive an external reference clock and synchronize with other devices using a simple control logic. The SYNC_IN logic pulse input can be used to adjust the data clock of individual devices that share a common reference source. This achieves baseband PLL synchronization between different devices while maintaining a constant RF phase relationship between the devices throughout operation.

[0007] The multi-channel RF transceiver phase consistency test described above involves multiple synchronization channels, high reference clock requirements, and a massive amount of transmitted data, necessitating a large number of test devices and incurring high costs. Currently, the commonly used phase measurement method involves simultaneously observing the clock signals of each chip using an oscilloscope to verify data synchronization. If synchronization is successful, the waveforms of each channel will overlap. This method requires multiple operations on the instrument, places high demands on the equipment, and the measurement results are significantly affected by the environment. Furthermore, it can only test local phase differences of the signal and cannot simultaneously test multiple signals. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem solved by this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and propose a phase consistency test platform and method for multi-channel radio frequency transceivers, which not only meets the phase consistency test of multiple channels of a common single transceiver, but also allows phase consistency test of each channel of multiple parallel transceivers.

[0009] The solution of the present invention is:

[0010] A multi-channel RF transceiver phase consistency test platform includes a signal generator, a power divider, a transceiver, a baseband processing circuit, and a multi-channel phase difference calculation module.

[0011] It can test the phase consistency of multiple channels of a single transceiver, as well as the phase consistency of each channel of multiple parallel transceivers; the number of parallel transceivers depends on the driving capability of the clock and logic signals.

[0012] For multi-channel phase consistency testing of a single transceiver: the signal generator includes signal generator A and signal generator B. Signal generator A inputs the signal to each receiving channel of the transceiver through a power divider. Signal generator B provides the local oscillator signal to the transceiver. The signal data received by each channel of the transceiver is transmitted to the multi-channel phase difference calculation module.

[0013] For phase consistency testing of two or more transceivers (N): The signal generator includes signal generator A, signal generator B, and signal generator C. A synchronization control module is installed in the transceiver. Signal generator A is connected to each receiving channel of the transceiver via a power divider. Signal generator B is divided into N paths via a power divider and connected to the local oscillator receiving channel of the transceiver. Signal generator C divides the transmitted signal into N+1 paths via a power divider. N of these paths are input to the transceiver's phase-locked loop (PLL), and the remaining path is input to the baseband processing circuit as the system clock. The output of the baseband processing circuit is connected to the synchronization control module of each transceiver to achieve synchronization of multiple transceivers. The signal data received by multiple channels of the N transceivers are transmitted to a multi-channel phase difference calculation module.

[0014] Furthermore, the multi-channel phase difference calculation module is used to process the I / Q data received by the transceiver through multiple channels, calculate the phase difference between any two channels, and quantitatively reflect the phase consistency performance of the multi-channel RF transceiver.

[0015] Furthermore, signal generator B and signal generator C share the same reference oscillator, enabling them to generate synchronization signals.

[0016] Furthermore, the workflow of the multi-channel phase difference calculation module includes the following steps:

[0017] Step 1: Import I / Q data from each channel. Convert the signal data files received by each channel of the transceiver receiver into I data and Q data. Import the Q data into the multi-channel phase difference test module. Extract the signal at a certain moment for data sampling or periodically or non-periodically extract the signal at multiple moments, keeping the number of sampled data at each moment consistent.

[0018] Step 2, for channel N's I N / Q N The data undergoes spectral analysis, and a Fast Fourier Transform is performed on the I / Q data groups of each channel.

[0019] Step 3: Based on the amplitude of each I / Q group in each channel, obtain the maximum amplitude difference between multiple channels;

[0020] Step 4: Process each group of I / Q data for each channel to obtain the associated I / Q data groups between every two channels;

[0021] Step 5: Calculate the phase difference between each pair of channels based on the associated I / Q data set values ​​between each pair of channels.

[0022] Furthermore, in step 3, the amplitude of each group of I / Q values ​​for each channel is calculated, and the maximum value is taken as the amplitude abs1, abs2, ..., absN for each channel;

[0023] The maximum gain difference between the transceiver channels is obtained as follows:

[0024] Diff_Gain=Max(abs1,abs2,...,absN)-Min(abs1,abs2,...,absN).

[0025] Furthermore, in step 4, the method used to obtain the associated I / Q data set between every two channels is as follows: for the associated I / Q data set ddc_ab between channels a and b,

[0026] ddc_ab=(I a +j*Q a ).*(I b -j*Q b), where I a For channel a, I data, I b For channel b, I and Q data a Let Q be the Q data of channel a. b Let be the Q data of channel b, and j be a complex number.

[0027] Furthermore, in step 5, the phase difference between any two channels a and b is defined as Diff_Phase.

[0028]

[0029]

[0030] A method for testing the phase consistency of a multi-channel RF transceiver, using the multi-channel RF transceiver phase consistency test platform described in claim 1, specifically includes the following steps:

[0031] S1, connect all the receiving channels of the transceivers to the same signal generator A through a power divider;

[0032] S2, connect all the local oscillator receiving channels of all transceivers to the same signal generator B through a power divider;

[0033] S3, connect the clock inputs of all transceivers to the same signal generator C;

[0034] S4, the multi-channel RF transceiver phase consistency test platform is powered on, and the same frequency is configured for the phase-locked loop of each transceiver through the baseband processing circuit.

[0035] S5 performs standard register configuration to generate the same internal sampling clock and writes it to each transceiver;

[0036] S6, enable the synchronization bit of each transceiver and activate the synchronization control module in the transceiver;

[0037] S7, signal generator C is connected to the baseband processing circuit, which provides the first rising edge pulse to the synchronization input of each transceiver;

[0038] S8, each transceiver transmits the received clock signal data to the multi-channel phase difference calculation module, and uses the phase difference output by the multi-channel phase difference calculation module as the test reference value;

[0039] S9, configure the register to synchronize the digital clock dividers of each transceiver, thus completing the phase-locked loop synchronization of each transceiver under test;

[0040] S10, transmit a second rising edge pulse to the synchronization input terminal of each transceiver, the pulse being the same as the rising edge described in S7;

[0041] S11, each transceiver transmits the received signal data to the multi-channel phase difference calculation module, and uses the phase difference output by the multi-channel phase difference calculation module as the test result value;

[0042] S12 compares the phase difference of the control test and the phase difference of the test result. The difference is the phase consistency index of multiple transceivers, which is used to determine the synchronization effect.

[0043] Furthermore, in S3, the electrical path lengths connecting each transceiver are equal to avoid clock phase deviations.

[0044] Furthermore, in S7, the synchronization input signal pulse has a delay relative to the clock input signal to ensure synchronization.

[0045] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are:

[0046] The multi-channel phase difference calculation module of the present invention can replace the oscilloscope test in the traditional solution, and is not limited to the number of channels under test. It can not only meet the phase consistency test of multiple channels of a single transceiver, but also perform phase consistency test of each channel of multiple parallel transceivers. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of a multi-channel RF transceiver phase consistency test platform in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the implementation of the multi-channel phase difference test module in this embodiment of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the embodiments.

[0050] Traditional phase measurement methods use an oscilloscope to simultaneously observe the clock signals of each chip to verify data synchronization. If synchronization is successful, the waveforms of each channel will overlap. This method requires multiple operations on the instrument, places high demands on the equipment, the measurement results are greatly affected by the environment, and it can only test the local phase difference of the signal, unable to test multiple signals simultaneously.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, in order to overcome the shortcomings of existing testing methods, this invention provides a multi-channel RF transceiver phase consistency testing platform, including a signal generator, a power divider, a transceiver, a baseband processing circuit, and a multi-channel phase difference calculation module.

[0052] For phase consistency testing of two multi-channel transceivers under test, signal generator A is connected to each receiving channel of the transceiver under test via a power divider; signal generator B is divided into N paths via a power divider and connected to the local oscillator receiving channel of the transceiver under test; signal generator C is divided into N+1 paths via a power divider, with N paths connected to the phase-locked loop of each transceiver under test and the other path connected to the baseband processing circuit; the output of the baseband processing circuit is connected to the synchronization control module of each transceiver under test; the signal data received by multiple channels of the N transceivers under test are transmitted to the multi-channel phase difference calculation module.

[0053] The aforementioned multi-channel RF transceiver phase consistency test platform can test the phase consistency of multiple channels of a single transceiver, as well as the phase consistency of each channel of multiple parallel transceivers. The number of parallel transceivers depends solely on the driving capability of the clock and logic signals.

[0054] The aforementioned signal generator A uses a power divider to input the baseband signal into each receiving channel of the transceiver under test.

[0055] The aforementioned signal generator B provides the local oscillator signal to each transceiver under test via a power divider;

[0056] The aforementioned signal generator C is divided into N+1 signals by a power divider. Among them, N signals are configured with the same frequency for the phase-locked loops of each transceiver under test, and the other signal is input to the baseband processing circuit as the system clock.

[0057] The signal generators B and C mentioned above must share the same reference oscillator.

[0058] The aforementioned baseband processing circuit outputs a synchronization control signal, which is connected to the synchronization control module of each transceiver under test to achieve synchronization of multiple transceivers under test.

[0059] Figure 2 The flowchart for the multi-channel phase difference calculation module is shown in the figure. The multi-channel phase difference test process includes the following steps:

[0060] Step 201: Import the I / Q data for each channel;

[0061] In practice, the signal data files received by each channel of the transceiver receiver are converted into I and Q data groups and imported into the multi-channel phase difference test module. This allows for the sampling of signals at a specific moment, with sampled data values ​​not less than 10,000. Alternatively, signals can be sampled periodically or non-periodically at multiple moments, ensuring a consistent number of sampled data points at each moment.

[0062] Step 202: Perform FFT spectrum analysis on the IN / QN of channel N;

[0063] In practice, a Fast Fourier Transform needs to be performed on the I / Q data sets of each channel separately:

[0064] Channel 1: FFT(I1+J*Q1)

[0065] Channel 2: FFT(I² + J*Q²)

[0066] …

[0067] Channel N: FFT(IN+J*QN)

[0068] Step 203: Based on the amplitude of each I / Q group in each channel, obtain the maximum amplitude difference between multiple channels;

[0069] In a preferred implementation, the amplitude of each group of I / Q values ​​for each channel is first calculated, and then the maximum value is taken as the amplitude abs1, abs2, ..., absN for each channel. The maximum gain difference between the transceiver channels can then be obtained as:

[0070] Diff_Gain=Max(abs1,abs2,...,absN)-Min(abs1,abs2,...,absN)

[0071] Step 204: Process each group of I / Q data for each channel to obtain the associated I / Q data groups between every two channels;

[0072] In specific implementation, preferably, the following method is used to obtain the associated I / Q data set between every two channels: For the associated I / Q data set ddc_ab between channel a and channel b,

[0073] ddc_ab=(Ia+j*Qa).*(Ib-j*Qb)

[0074] Step 205: Calculate the phase difference between each pair of channels based on the associated I / Q data set values ​​between each pair of channels;

[0075] In specific implementation, preferably, the phase difference between any two channels a and b is Diff_Phase.

[0076]

[0077]

[0078] Furthermore, this invention also provides a method for testing the phase consistency of multiple radio frequency transceivers. This method employs the multi-channel radio frequency transceiver phase consistency test platform described above, and specifically includes the following steps:

[0079] Step 1: Connect the receiving channels of all transceivers under test to the same signal generator A through a power divider.

[0080] Step 2: Connect the local oscillator receiving channels of all transceivers under test to the same signal generator B through a power divider.

[0081] Step 3: Connect the clock inputs of all transceivers under test to the same signal generator C. Furthermore, ensure that the electrical path lengths connecting each transceiver under test are equal to avoid clock phase deviations.

[0082] Step 4: Power on the multi-channel RF transceiver phase consistency test platform and configure the same frequency for the phase-locked loop of each transceiver through the baseband processing circuit.

[0083] Step 5: Configure the standard registers to generate the same internal sampling clock and write it to each transceiver under test.

[0084] Step 6: Configure the standard registers, enable the synchronization bits of each transceiver, and enable the multi-chip synchronization module.

[0085] Step 7: Signal generator C is connected to the baseband processing circuit, which provides the first rising edge pulse to the synchronization input of each transceiver under test. The synchronization input signal pulse has a delay relative to the clock input signal to ensure synchronization.

[0086] Step 8: Each transceiver under test transmits the received clock signal data to the multi-channel phase consistency calculation module to calculate the phase difference of the multi-chip phase synchronization test as the test reference value.

[0087] Step 9: Configure the registers to synchronize the digital clock dividers of each transceiver under test. At this point, the phase-locked loop synchronization of each transceiver under test is complete.

[0088] Step 10: Transmit a second rising edge pulse to the synchronization input terminal of each transceiver under test. This pulse is the same as the rising edge described in step 7.

[0089] Step 11: Each transceiver under test transmits the received clock signal data to the multi-channel phase consistency calculation module to calculate the phase difference of the multi-chip phase synchronization test as the test result value.

[0090] Step 12: Compare the phase difference of the test control with the phase difference of the test result. The difference is the phase consistency index of multiple transceivers under test.

[0091] The multi-channel phase difference calculation module of the present invention can replace the oscilloscope test in the traditional solution, and is not limited in the number of channels to be tested. It not only meets the phase consistency test of multiple channels of a common single transceiver, but also performs phase consistency test of each channel of multiple parallel transceivers.

[0092] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make possible changes and modifications to the technical solutions of the present invention by utilizing the methods and techniques disclosed above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solutions of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A phase consistency test platform for multi-channel radio frequency transceivers, characterized in that, Includes a signal generator, power divider, transceiver, baseband processing circuit, and multi-channel phase difference calculation module. The multi-channel phase difference calculation module is used to process the I / Q data received by the transceiver through multiple channels, calculate the phase difference between any two channels, and quantitatively reflect the phase consistency performance of the multi-channel RF transceiver. For multi-channel phase consistency testing of a single transceiver: the signal generator includes signal generator A and signal generator B. Signal generator A inputs the signal to each receiving channel of the transceiver through a power divider. Signal generator B provides the local oscillator signal to the transceiver. The signal data received by each channel of the transceiver is transmitted to the multi-channel phase difference calculation module. For phase consistency testing of two or more transceivers: The signal generator includes signal generator A, signal generator B, and signal generator C. A synchronization control module is installed in the transceiver. Signal generator A is connected to each receiving channel of the transceiver via a power divider. Signal generator B is divided into N paths via a power divider and connected to the local oscillator receiving channel of the transceiver. Signal generator C is divided into N+1 paths via a power divider. N of these paths are input to the transceiver's phase-locked loop (PLL), and the remaining path is input to the baseband processing circuit as the system clock. The output of the baseband processing circuit is connected to the synchronization control module of each transceiver to achieve synchronization of multiple transceivers. The signal data received by multiple channels of the N transceivers are transmitted to a multi-channel phase difference calculation module. The workflow of the multi-channel phase difference calculation module includes the following steps: Step 1: Import I / Q data from each channel. Convert the signal data files received by each channel of the transceiver receiver into I data and Q data. Import the Q data into the multi-channel phase difference test module. Extract the signal at a certain moment for data sampling or periodically or non-periodically extract the signal at multiple moments, keeping the number of sampled data at each moment consistent. Step 2, for channel N's I N / Q N The data undergoes spectral analysis, and a Fast Fourier Transform is performed on the I / Q data groups of each channel. Step 3: Based on the amplitude of each I / Q group in each channel, obtain the maximum amplitude difference between multiple channels; Step 4: Process each group of I / Q data for each channel to obtain the associated I / Q data groups between every two channels; Step 5: Calculate the phase difference between each pair of channels based on the associated I / Q data set values ​​between each pair of channels.

2. The multi-channel RF transceiver phase consistency test platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, It can test the phase consistency of multiple channels of a single transceiver, as well as the phase consistency of each channel of multiple parallel transceivers; the number of parallel transceivers depends on the driving capability of the clock and logic signals.

3. The multi-channel RF transceiver phase consistency test platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, Signal generator B and signal generator C share the same reference oscillator, enabling them to generate synchronization signals.

4. The multi-channel RF transceiver phase consistency test platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 3, the amplitude of each group of I / Q values ​​for each channel is calculated, and the maximum value is taken as the amplitude abs1, abs2, ..., absN for each channel; The maximum gain difference between the transceiver channels is obtained as follows: Diff_Gain=Max(abs1,abs2,...,absN)-Min(abs1,abs2,...,absN).

5. The multi-channel RF transceiver phase consistency test platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 4, the method used to obtain the associated I / Q data set between every two channels is as follows: for the associated I / Q data set ddc_ab between channels a and b, ddc_ab=(I a +j*Q a ).*(I b -j*Q b ), where I a For channel a, I data, I b For channel b, I and Q data a Let Q be the Q data of channel a. b Let be the Q data of channel b, and j be a complex number.

6. The multi-channel RF transceiver phase consistency test platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 5, the phase difference between any two channels a and b is defined as Diff_Phase. This means taking the imaginary part of ddc_ab, real(ddc_ab) means taking the real part of ddc_ab, mean(·) means taking the average value, and ddc_ab is the associated I / Q data set of channel a and channel b.

7. A method for testing the phase consistency of a multi-channel radio frequency transceiver, characterized in that, The multi-channel RF transceiver phase consistency test platform described in claim 1 specifically includes the following steps: S1, connect all the receiving channels of the transceivers to the same signal generator A through a power divider; S2, connect all the local oscillator receiving channels of all transceivers to the same signal generator B through a power divider; S3, connect the clock inputs of all transceivers to the same signal generator C; S4, the multi-channel RF transceiver phase consistency test platform is powered on, and the same frequency is configured for the phase-locked loop of each transceiver through the baseband processing circuit. S5 performs standard register configuration to generate the same internal sampling clock and writes it to each transceiver; S6, enable the synchronization bit of each transceiver and activate the synchronization control module in the transceiver; S7, signal generator C is connected to the baseband processing circuit, which provides the first rising edge pulse to the synchronization input of each transceiver; S8, each transceiver transmits the received clock signal data to the multi-channel phase difference calculation module, and uses the phase difference output by the multi-channel phase difference calculation module as the test reference value; S9, configure the register to synchronize the digital clock dividers of each transceiver, thus completing the phase-locked loop synchronization of each transceiver under test; S10, transmit a second rising edge pulse to the synchronization input terminal of each transceiver, the pulse being the same as the rising edge described in step S7; S11, each transceiver transmits the received signal data to the multi-channel phase difference calculation module, and uses the phase difference output by the multi-channel phase difference calculation module as the test result value; S12 compares the phase difference of the control test and the phase difference of the test result. The difference is the phase consistency index of multiple transceivers, which is used to determine the synchronization effect.

8. The method for testing phase consistency of a multi-channel RF transceiver according to claim 7, characterized in that, In S3, the electrical path lengths connecting each transceiver are equal to avoid clock phase deviation.

9. The method for testing phase consistency of a multi-channel RF transceiver according to claim 7, characterized in that, In S7, the synchronization input signal pulse has a delay relative to the clock input signal to ensure synchronization.

Images