A comprehensive test device for radio frequency modules

Abstract

This invention provides a comprehensive testing device for radio frequency (RF) modules, belonging to the field of RF module and testing technology. It solves the problem in existing technologies of lacking a testing device capable of simultaneously connecting multiple RF modules. The device includes a housing containing an RF signal switching network. This network connects to multiple RF signal input interfaces and multiple RF signal output interfaces. The RF signal input interfaces connect to RF modules for receiving and inputting RF signals emitted by the modules. The RF signal switching network selects from the multiple input RF signals and directs the selected signal to the RF signal output interface. The RF signal output interface connects to a testing instrument for outputting the directed RF signal to the instrument for testing. This invention features multi-channel power and signal selection, enabling simultaneous connection of multiple RF modules under test, efficiently completing testing tasks, and saving testing costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of radio frequency module and testing technology, and is applied to the testing process of radio frequency modules, specifically a comprehensive testing device for radio frequency modules. Background Technology

[0002] Radio frequency (RF) modules must be tested before subsequent product assembly and use. In existing technologies, testing devices can only test one RF module at a time, and the RF signal switching function requires repeated tightening and loosening of connecting cables, a process that incurs significant time costs. Since the debugging, self-testing, and acceptance stages of equipment involve a large number and variety of RF modules, existing technologies lack devices that can improve time efficiency and provide comprehensive testing of RF modules. Therefore, designing a testing device that balances economic costs, is suitable for simultaneous use of multiple RF modules under test, enables targeted testing, and facilitates intelligent and information-based processing of test data has become a key research focus for those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the problems mentioned in the background art and provide technical support for the development of RF modules and their subsequent automated testing, this invention designs a device specifically for testing RF modules. This device has multiple power supply and signal selection functions and can simultaneously connect to multiple RF modules under test to complete the required testing work.

[0004] The present invention employs the following technical solutions to achieve its objective:

[0005] A comprehensive testing device for an RF module includes a housing. An RF signal switching network is installed inside the housing. The RF signal switching network is connected to multiple RF signal input interfaces and multiple RF signal output interfaces. The RF signal input interfaces are connected to the RF module and are used to receive and input RF signals emitted by the RF module. The RF signal switching network is used to select from the multiple input RF signals and conduct the selected RF signal to the RF signal output interface. The RF signal output interface is connected to a testing instrument and is used to output the conducted RF signal to the testing instrument for testing.

[0006] Specifically, the radio frequency signal switching network is connected to 16 radio frequency signal input interfaces and 2 radio frequency signal output interfaces. Each radio frequency signal input interface is divided into 8 first input interfaces and 8 second input interfaces. The device is connected to 8 radio frequency modules, each radio frequency module is connected to 1 first input interface and 1 second input interface. The radio frequency signal output interface includes 1 first output interface and 1 second output interface.

[0007] Furthermore, the radio frequency signal switching network includes four 4-to-1 signal switches, two 2-to-1 signal switches, and a set of mutually exclusive output switches; the input terminal of the 4-to-1 signal switch is connected to the radio frequency signal input interface, the output terminal of the 4-to-1 signal switch is connected to the input terminal of the 2-to-1 signal switch, and the output terminal of the 2-to-1 signal switch is connected to the radio frequency signal output interface through the mutually exclusive output switches.

[0008] Furthermore, the output terminals of the mutual exclusion output switch include a first network output terminal and a second network output terminal. The mutual exclusion output switch is used to enable the first network output terminal and the second network output terminal to receive different radio frequency signals at the same time. The first network output terminal is connected to the first output interface through three attenuators, and the second network output terminal is connected to the second output interface through one attenuator.

[0009] Preferably, the radio frequency signal input interface is located on the back panel of the enclosure, and the radio frequency signal output interface is located on the front panel of the enclosure.

[0010] Furthermore, the enclosure is also equipped with a multi-power supply network; the multi-power supply network is connected to one external power input interface and eight sets of power output interfaces, each set of power output interfaces is connected to a corresponding radio frequency module for powering the radio frequency module; the external power input interface is located on the back panel of the enclosure, the power output interfaces are located on the top panel of the enclosure, and the top panel is detachably mounted on the enclosure.

[0011] Preferably, each power supply network is equipped with an independent fuse and ammeter / voltmeter between itself and each power output interface, and a master fuse is provided between the power supply network and the external power input interface.

[0012] Furthermore, the enclosure is also equipped with a control circuit network, which includes a microcontroller. The microcontroller outputs a TTL level signal to control the switching of the four-to-one signal switch, the two-to-one signal switch, and the mutual exclusion output switch in the radio frequency signal switching network, as well as to control the stepping of the attenuator, so as to realize the selection of the radio frequency signal emitted by the radio frequency module.

[0013] Preferably, a touch screen is provided on the front panel of the enclosure, and the touch screen is connected to the control circuit network and the radio frequency signal switching network; the touch screen is used to display the selected and activated radio frequency signal, and the selection and attenuation value of the radio frequency signal are controlled by accepting the user's touch.

[0014] Preferably, the front panel of the enclosure is also provided with a network input interface, a switch port, and a host computer serial port; the network input interface is used to realize the automatic network address identification and matching function of the device; the switch port is connected to a switch; the host computer serial port is connected to a host computer for receiving pre-reserved host computer software control.

[0015] In summary, due to the adoption of this technical solution, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0016] The integrated testing device of this invention can simultaneously connect to multiple RF modules, enabling selective testing of RF signals and power supply, and continuous testing. During testing, for multiple RF modules, the input of their RF signals and the requirements of test data are selected to perform attenuation control testing and power supply testing, etc. Since it can directly accept the selection of control switches and signal conduction, the testing process does not require repeated tightening or untightening of cables connecting RF modules and testing instruments. Moreover, after connecting multiple RF modules at once, subsequent equipment debugging and acceptance work can be carried out continuously, thus greatly saving time and costs, achieving the effects of doubling production capacity, improving testing efficiency, and increasing the utilization rate of testing instruments. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the composition and connection of the integrated testing device;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the correspondence between the radio frequency module and the radio frequency signal input interface;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the test instrument and the radio frequency signal output interface;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the main connection structure and relationships of the RF signal switching network of the integrated test device.

[0021] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a three-stage attenuation structure connected to the first output interface;

[0022] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the first-stage attenuation structure connected to the second output interface;

[0023] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the main connection structure and relationships of the multi-channel power supply network for the integrated test device;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the interface layout for a touch screen display. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0026] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0027] This embodiment will provide a detailed description of the optimal structural design, interface arrangement, and quantity selection of a comprehensive testing device for an RF module according to the present invention.

[0028] Typically, an RF module is connected to a test instrument during testing, and the test instrument tests the RF signals emitted by the RF module. In this embodiment, the device connects to eight RF modules simultaneously, which can be numbered sequentially from 1 to 8. Each RF module can output two RF signals. The device in this embodiment is also connected to one test instrument. By selectively turning on the device, selective testing of the eight RF modules can be achieved.

[0029] The device includes a housing. In this embodiment, the housing dimensions are 450×450×160 (mm). The housing has a front panel, a back panel, and a top panel. The front and back panels are the same size, 450×160 (mm), and the top panel is 450×450 (mm). The overall weight of the device is no more than 6 kg. An RF signal switching network is installed inside the housing, connecting 16 RF signal input interfaces and 2 RF signal output interfaces. The RF signal input interfaces are evenly distributed on the back panel of the housing, and the RF signal output interfaces are evenly distributed on the front panel of the housing.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the 16 radio frequency signal input interfaces are divided into 8 first input interfaces and 8 second input interfaces. The first input interfaces can be sequentially numbered A1 to A8, and the second input interfaces can be sequentially numbered B1 to B8. When connecting, the radio frequency module numbered 1 can connect to both interfaces A1 and B1, and so on. In this embodiment, the frequency characteristics of the radio frequency signals are all 0 to 2 GHz, where the signal power related to number A is ≤30 dBW, and the signal power related to number B is <45 W.

[0031] like Figure 3As shown, the RF signal output interface includes one first output interface and one second output interface, which can be numbered O1 and O2; the following is a detailed description of the structure of the RF signal switching network.

[0032] like Figure 4 As shown, the RF signal switching network includes four 4-to-1 multiplexers, two 2-to-1 multiplexers, and one set of mutually exclusive output switches. The input terminals of the 4-to-1 multiplexers are connected to the RF signal input interface, their output terminals are connected to the input terminals of the 2-to-1 multiplexers, and the output terminals of the 2-to-1 multiplexers are connected to the RF signal output interface via the mutually exclusive output switches. For detailed connection information, please refer to [link to documentation / reference]. Figure 4 The diagram illustrates that after passing through a 4-to-1 multiplexer, 4 signals are selected from the 16 RF signal input interfaces, such as... Figure 4 The schematic signals A1, A5, B1, and B5 given in the diagram are then passed through a two-to-one signal switch to obtain A5 and B1. These two signals are then passed through a mutual exclusion output switch. According to actual test requirements, A5 is connected to the first output interface O1, and B1 is connected to the second output interface O2, thus realizing signal selection and conduction, and enabling corresponding tests.

[0033] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, the output terminals of the mutual exclusion output switch include a first network output terminal and a second network output terminal. The mutual exclusion output switch is used to enable the first network output terminal and the second network output terminal to receive different radio frequency signals at the same time; please refer to... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram shows that the first network output is connected to the first output interface O1 through three attenuators (two of which are fixed attenuators and one is connected in series with a programmable attenuator), and the second network output is connected to the second output interface O2 through one attenuator, so as to realize the function of selecting the attenuation level of the radio frequency signal according to the test requirements.

[0034] Next, in addition to providing testing support for the radio frequency signal-related parts, the device in this embodiment also has multiple power supply networks inside the housing, which can provide power support for the radio frequency module during testing and perform power supply-related data testing for the radio frequency module.

[0035] like Figure 7 As shown, the multi-power supply network has one external power input interface and eight power output interfaces. Each power output interface is connected to a corresponding RF module to power the RF module. The external power input interface is located on the back panel of the enclosure, and the power output interfaces are located on the top panel of the enclosure. The top panel is detachably mounted on the enclosure.

[0036] In order to separate the radio frequency signal and the power supply signal to avoid interference, the top panel of this embodiment is detachable. At the same time, since it is designed with an independent power supply, the radio frequency signal selection function is not affected after the top panel is removed from the housing.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 7 As illustrated, each power supply network is equipped with an independent fuse and ammeter / voltmeter between itself and each power output interface, and a main fuse is installed between the power supply network and the external power input interface. Therefore, while ensuring power supply safety, the top panel and its connected power supply network can be used to test the RF modules connected to each power output interface for power supply-related information data such as current and voltage, and to monitor the power-on control data in real time during RF signal testing.

[0038] In this embodiment, the comprehensive test device mainly consists of a control circuit network installed inside the enclosure. The control circuit network includes a microcontroller, which outputs a TTL level to control the switching of the four-to-one signal switch, the two-to-one signal switch, and the mutual exclusion output switch in the RF signal switching network, as well as control the stepping of the attenuator, so as to select the RF signal emitted by the RF module.

[0039] Based on the control circuit network, a touch screen is installed on the front panel of the enclosure. The touch screen connects to the control circuit network and the RF signal switching network. The touch screen displays the selected and activated RF signals, and the selection and attenuation values ​​of the RF signals are controlled by the user's touch. The layout of the touch screen interface can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 8 The specific selection process is illustrated below:

[0040] 1. Select a button by touching the module; the button will turn green (e.g., if module 1 turns green, then module 1 is currently selected, and so on).

[0041] 2. Touch the "A" or "B" button to turn it green (if signal A turns green, then signal A of the currently selected module is selected, and so on).

[0042] 3. Select whether to connect "A" to third-level attenuation or first-level attenuation by touching "third-level attenuation" or "first-level attenuation" in combination with "A" / "B";

[0043] 4. Use the "+" or "-" keys to control the amount of programmable attenuation in the current three-level attenuation, and the current programmable attenuation value will be displayed on the interface.

[0044] Finally, to further improve the functional interfaces and configurations of the integrated testing device, in this embodiment, a network input interface, a switch port, and a host computer serial port are also provided on the front panel of the enclosure. The network input interface is used to realize the device's automatic network address identification and matching function. Regarding the network address selection process, the control signal is extracted in real time and sent to the network matching unit, and then routed to the network control terminal through network routing technology. Therefore, the network information and communication data related to the RF module being tested can be clearly obtained, and the control signal can be determined. The switch port is connected to the switch. The host computer serial port is connected to the host computer and is used to receive the reserved host computer software control.

Claims

1. An integrated test apparatus for radio frequency modules, characterized by: The device includes a housing, within which is installed an RF signal switching network. This network connects to multiple RF signal input interfaces and multiple RF signal output interfaces. The RF signal input interfaces connect to an RF module for receiving and inputting RF signals emitted by the module. The RF signal switching network selects from the multiple input RF signals and directs the selected signal to the RF signal output interface. The RF signal output interface connects to a testing instrument for outputting the directed RF signal to the instrument for testing. The radio frequency signal switching network is connected to 16 radio frequency signal input interfaces and 2 radio frequency signal output interfaces. Each radio frequency signal input interface is divided into 8 first input interfaces and 8 second input interfaces. The device is connected to 8 radio frequency modules, each radio frequency module is connected to 1 first input interface and 1 second input interface. The radio frequency signal output interface includes 1 first output interface and 1 second output interface. The radio frequency signal switching network includes four 4-to-1 signal switches, two 2-to-1 signal switches, and one set of mutually exclusive output switches. The input terminal of the 4-to-1 signal switch is connected to the radio frequency signal input interface, the output terminal of the 4-to-1 signal switch is connected to the input terminal of the 2-to-1 signal switch, and the output terminal of the 2-to-1 signal switch is connected to the radio frequency signal output interface through the mutually exclusive output switches. The output terminals of the mutual exclusion output switch include a first network output terminal and a second network output terminal. The mutual exclusion output switch is used to enable the first network output terminal and the second network output terminal to receive different radio frequency signals at the same time. The first network output terminal is connected to the first output interface through three attenuators, and the second network output terminal is connected to the second output interface through one attenuator. The enclosure also houses a control circuit network, which includes a microcontroller. The microcontroller outputs a TTL level signal to control the switching of the four-to-one signal switch, the two-to-one signal switch, and the mutual exclusion output switch in the RF signal switching network, as well as to control the stepping of the attenuator, thereby enabling the selection of the RF signal emitted by the RF module.

2. The integrated test apparatus for radio frequency modules of claim 1, wherein: The radio frequency signal input interface is located on the back panel of the enclosure, and the radio frequency signal output interface is located on the front panel of the enclosure.

3. The integrated test apparatus for radio frequency modules of claim 2, wherein: The enclosure is also equipped with a multi-power supply network; the multi-power supply network is connected to one external power input interface and eight sets of power output interfaces, each set of power output interfaces is connected to a corresponding radio frequency module for powering the radio frequency module; the external power input interface is located on the back panel of the enclosure, the power output interfaces are located on the top panel of the enclosure, and the top panel is detachably mounted on the enclosure.

4. The comprehensive testing apparatus for an RF module according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each power supply network is equipped with an independent fuse and ammeter / voltmeter between itself and each power output interface, and a master fuse is provided between the power supply network and the external power input interface.

5. The comprehensive testing apparatus for an RF module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front panel of the enclosure is equipped with a touch screen, which is connected to the control circuit network and the radio frequency signal switching network. The touch screen is used to display the selected and activated radio frequency signal, and the selection and attenuation value of the radio frequency signal are controlled by the user's touch.

6. The comprehensive testing apparatus for an RF module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front panel of the enclosure is also provided with a network input interface, a switch port, and a host computer serial port; the network input interface is used to realize the automatic identification and matching function of the network address of the device; the switch port is connected to a switch; the host computer serial port is connected to a host computer for receiving pre-reserved host computer software control.

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