A broadband radio frequency rack radio frequency cable assembly performance test tool and method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of radio frequency (RF) testing technology, specifically disclosing a performance testing fixture for RF cable assemblies in a broadband RF rack. The fixture includes a mounting plate installed within the broadband RF rack, several first RF contacts mounted on the mounting plate and capable of engaging with RF contacts mounted on a backplate of the RF cable assembly, a clustered RF connector plug, several second RF contacts mounted in the clustered RF connector plug and capable of engaging with RF contacts mounted in the clustered RF connector socket of the RF cable assembly, and a test host connected to the first and second RF contacts via RF cable wires. The invention also discloses a testing method. This invention can effectively perform performance testing on all RF cable assemblies within the same broadband RF rack, improving the production efficiency of broadband RF racks.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of performance test of radio frequency cable assembly, in particular to a kind of wideband radio frequency rack radio frequency cable assembly performance test tool and method. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, wideband radio frequency rack is widely used to integrate multiple module units with same size and different functions in electronic industry, multiple module units are connected with backplane through LRM connector respectively, and radio frequency signal transmission is realized between different modules through radio frequency cable assembly interconnected on backplane, meanwhile, backplane is connected with cluster radio frequency connector socket on panel through radio frequency cable assembly, thereby realizing input and output of wideband radio frequency rack radio frequency signal.

[0003] In wideband radio frequency rack assembly production, after the installation and laying of radio frequency cable assembly inside wideband radio frequency rack are completed, radio frequency cable assembly interconnected on backplane for different modules and radio frequency cable assembly connected between backplane and cluster radio frequency connector on panel need to be tested for parameters such as short circuit and open circuit state of inner conductor, insulation resistance between inner and outer conductor, dielectric voltage resistance, etc.

[0004] At present, the testing method adopted in actual production is generally to connect and test all radio frequency cable assemblies inside wideband radio frequency rack one by one through test line. Since the density of radio frequency cable assembly inside wideband radio frequency rack is high, the number of radio frequency cable assembly is generally hundreds, and the current testing tool and method are inefficient, which seriously affects the production efficiency of wideband radio frequency rack.

[0005] At present, there is no disclosed tool and method that can assist in high-efficiency testing of parameters of radio frequency cable assembly inside wideband radio frequency rack and thereby improve the production efficiency of wideband radio frequency rack. SUMMARY

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present application is to provide a kind of wideband radio frequency rack radio frequency cable assembly performance test tool and method, which can effectively realize simultaneous testing of all radio frequency cable assemblies in the same wideband radio frequency rack, and thereby improve the production efficiency of wideband radio frequency rack.

[0007] The solution adopted by the present application to solve the technical problem is as follows:

[0008] On the one hand:

[0009] This invention discloses a performance testing fixture for RF cable assemblies in a broadband RF rack, used to test all RF cable assemblies installed in a broadband RF rack. Each RF cable assembly includes a cable and RF contacts connected to both ends of the cable. The broadband RF rack includes a panel with a mounting cavity and a back plate installed in the mounting cavity and provided with mounting holes for RF contacts. A clustered RF connector socket is provided on the panel.

[0010] The test fixture includes a mounting plate installed in a broadband RF rack, several first RF contacts mounted on the mounting plate and capable of engaging with RF contacts mounted on the back panel of the RF cable assembly, a clustered RF connector plug, several second RF contacts mounted in the clustered RF connector plug and capable of engaging with RF contacts mounted in the clustered RF connector socket of the RF cable assembly, and a test host connected to the first RF contacts and second RF contacts via RF cable wires;

[0011] In the RF cable assembly, the RF contacts at both ends of the cable can be both mounted on the backplate, or separately mounted on the backplate and the frontplate; wherein,

[0012] When the RF contacts at both ends of the RF cable assembly are mounted on the backplate, the RF cable assembly serves to connect different module units.

[0013] When the RF contact at one end of the RF cable assembly is mounted on the back panel and the RF contact at the other end is mounted in the clustered RF connector socket on the front panel, the RF cable assembly functions as an RF signal input / output device.

[0014] All RF cable assemblies with RF contacts mounted on the back panel are connected to the test host via the first RF contact in the test fixture and the RF cable. All RF cable assemblies with RF contacts in the clustered RF connector sockets mounted on the front panel are connected to the test host via the second RF contact in the fixture and the RF cable. In this way, the RF contacts at both ends of all RF cable assemblies are connected to the test host via the test fixture. Thus, the test host can simultaneously test all RF cable assemblies in the broadband RF rack, which greatly improves testing efficiency compared to existing technologies.

[0015] In some possible implementations, in order to effectively enable the mounting plate and the backplate to be assembled and fitted as required, it is ensured that the RF contacts mounted on the backplate in the RF cable assembly can be fully engaged with the first RF contact in the test fixture.

[0016] The mounting plate is arranged parallel to the back plate, and a guide post is provided on the side of the mounting plate near the back plate; the back plate is provided with guide holes that cooperate with the guide post.

[0017] In some possible implementations, this is to facilitate the assembly of the mounting plate and the back plate;

[0018] A handle is provided on the side of the mounting plate away from the back plate.

[0019] In some possible implementations, in order to enable testing of all RF cable assemblies on the broadband RF rack in one go;

[0020] Mounting holes for mounting the first RF contact are provided on the mounting plate.

[0021] In some possible implementations, in order to enable the RF cable assemblies on different broadband RF racks using the same model of backplane to be connected to the first RF contact provided on the mounting plate;

[0022] The number of mounting holes is equal to the number of RF contact mounting holes on the backplate.

[0023] In some possible implementations,

[0024] The number of the first radio frequency contact is multiple and equal to the number of mounting holes on the mounting plate.

[0025] In some possible implementations,

[0026] The cluster RF connector plug can be plugged into the cluster RF connector socket on the panel.

[0027] In some possible implementations,

[0028] The bundled RF connector plug has multiple RF contact mounting holes, the number of which is equal to the number of RF contact mounting holes in the bundled RF connector socket.

[0029] In some possible implementations,

[0030] The number of the second RF contact is equal to the number of the second RF contact mounting holes.

[0031] on the other hand:

[0032] This invention provides a method for performance testing of broadband radio frequency rack radio frequency cable assemblies, specifically including the following steps:

[0033] Step S1: Connect all the first RF contacts to the test host via RF cables, and connect all the second RF contacts to the test host via RF cables.

[0034] Step S2: Install all the first RF contacts onto the mounting holes of the mounting plate, and install all the second RF contacts onto the RF contact mounting holes in the bundled RF connector plug.

[0035] Step S3: Insert the assembled mounting plate from step S2 into the mounting cavity of the broadband RF rack, and guide it with guide posts so that the RF contacts of the RF cable assembly mounted on the back plate are engaged with the corresponding first RF contacts on the mounting plate.

[0036] Step S4: Connect the assembled cluster RF connector plug from step S2 to the cluster RF connector socket mounted on the panel, so that the RF contact of the RF cable assembly installed in the cluster RF connector socket is engaged with the corresponding second RF contact in the cluster RF connector plug.

[0037] Step S5: Simultaneously perform parameter tests on all RF cable assemblies installed in the broadband RF rack using the test host.

[0038] In some possible implementations,

[0039] The parameters include short-circuit condition, open-circuit condition, insulation resistance, and dielectric withstand voltage.

[0040] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0041] This invention provides a first RF contact on a mounting plate that corresponds to the RF contacts of the RF cable assemblies mounted on the back plate. The first RF contact engages with all RF contacts of the RF cable assemblies mounted on the back plate. A second RF contact is provided in the clustered RF connector plug, corresponding to the RF contacts of the RF cable assemblies mounted in the clustered RF connector sockets on the panel. The second RF contact engages with all contacts of the RF cable assemblies mounted in the clustered RF connector sockets on the panel. Multiple sets of RF cables connect all the first and second RF contacts to the test host. This allows simultaneous testing of all RF cable assemblies within the broadband RF rack, significantly improving testing and production efficiency compared to existing technologies.

[0042] This invention allows for simultaneous testing of all RF cable assemblies installed within a broadband RF rack that uses the same type of backplane, regardless of the number or distribution of RF mounting holes on the backplane.

[0043] For broadband RF racks using different backplane models, the tooling mounting plate can be redesigned according to the mounting cavity size of the broadband RF rack and the number and location distribution of RF contact mounting holes on the backplane. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the usage state during testing in this invention;

[0045] Figure 2 This is a front view of the mounting plate, handle, and first radio frequency contact assembly in the test fixture of this invention.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a top view of the mounting plate, handle, and first radio frequency contact assembly in the test fixture of this invention.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a left view of the assembly of the test fixture mounting plate, handle, and first radio frequency contact of the present invention.

[0048] The components are: 1-mounting plate, 11-mounting hole, 2-handle, 3-guide post, 4-first RF contact, 5-wideband RF rack, 6-RF cable, 7-cluster RF connector plug, 8-second RF contact, and 9-test host. Detailed Implementation

[0049] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, "a" or "one," etc., do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the existence of at least one. In the implementation of this application, "and / or" describes the association relationship of related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. For example, multiple positioning posts refer to two or more positioning posts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] The present invention will now be described in detail.

[0051] like Figures 1-4 As shown:

[0052] on the one hand:

[0053] This invention discloses a performance testing fixture for radio frequency cable assemblies in a broadband radio frequency rack 5, used to test all radio frequency cable assemblies installed in the broadband radio frequency rack 5; each radio frequency cable assembly includes a cable and radio frequency contacts installed at both ends of the cable; the broadband radio frequency rack 5 includes a panel with a mounting cavity and a back plate installed in the mounting cavity and provided with mounting holes for radio frequency contacts;

[0054] The test fixture includes a mounting plate 1, several first RF contacts 4 mounted on the mounting plate 1 and capable of engaging with RF contacts mounted on the back panel of the RF cable assembly, a clustered RF connector plug 7, several second RF contacts 8 mounted in the clustered RF connector plug 7 and capable of engaging with RF contacts mounted on the panel of the RF cable assembly, RF cable 6, and a test host 9; a clustered RF connector socket is provided on the panel, and the RF contact at the other end of the RF cable assembly (not mounted on the back panel) will be mounted on the clustered RF connector socket;

[0055] The first RF contact 4 and the RF cable 6 enable the connection between the RF contacts mounted on the back panel of the broadband RF rack 5 and the test host 9 in all RF cable assemblies. The second RF contact 8 and the RF cable 6 enable the connection between the RF contacts in the cluster RF connector sockets mounted on the front panel of the broadband RF rack 5 and the test host 9 in all RF cable assemblies. This allows the contacts at both ends of all RF cable assemblies to be connected to the test host 9, enabling simultaneous testing of all RF cable assemblies within the broadband RF rack 5 through the test host 9. Compared with existing technologies, this greatly improves testing efficiency.

[0056] In use, the first RF contact 4 is installed on the mounting plate 1, so that the RF contact on the back plate of the broadband RF rack 5 on the RF cable assembly is inserted with the first RF contact 4; further, the number of the first RF contact 4 will be equal to the number of mounting holes 11 on the mounting plate 1, and the number and position of the mounting holes 11 on the mounting plate 1 correspond one-to-one with the number and position of the RF contact mounting holes on the back plate of the broadband RF rack 5.

[0057] In some possible implementations, in order to effectively enable the mounting plate 1 and the backplate of the broadband RF rack 5 to be assembled and matched as required, it is ensured that the RF contacts in the RF cable assembly mounted on the backplate of the broadband RF rack 5 can be fully plugged into the first RF contact 4 in the test fixture.

[0058] The mounting plate 1 is arranged parallel to the back plate of the broadband RF rack 5. A guide post 3 is provided on the side of the mounting plate 1 near the back plate of the broadband RF rack 5. A guide hole that cooperates with the guide post 3 is provided on the back plate of the broadband RF rack 5.

[0059] In some possible implementations, in order to facilitate the assembly of mounting plate 1 with the backplane of broadband RF rack 5;

[0060] A handle 2 is provided on the side of the mounting plate 1 away from the back plate of the broadband radio frequency rack 5.

[0061] In some possible implementations, in order to enable testing of all RF cable assemblies on the broadband RF rack 5 at once;

[0062] Mounting holes 11 for mounting the first radio frequency contact 4 are provided on the mounting plate 1.

[0063] In some possible implementations, in order to enable the RF cable assemblies on different broadband RF racks 5 using the same model of backplane to be connected to the first RF contact 4 provided on the mounting plate 1, the RF contacts on the backplane can be connected to the first RF contact 4 provided on the mounting plate 1.

[0064] The number of mounting holes 11 is equal to the number of RF contact mounting holes on the backplate of the broadband RF rack 5.

[0065] In some possible implementations,

[0066] The number of the first radio frequency contact 4 is multiple sets and equal to the number of mounting holes 11.

[0067] In some possible implementations,

[0068] The cluster RF connector plug 7 is connected to the cluster RF connector socket on the panel of the broadband RF rack 5.

[0069] In some possible implementations,

[0070] The bundled RF connector plug 7 is provided with a plurality of RF contact mounting holes, the number of which is equal to the number of RF contact mounting holes in the bundled RF connector socket.

[0071] In some possible implementations,

[0072] The number of the second RF contact 8 is equal to the number of the RF contact mounting holes 2.

[0073] The radio frequency cable assembly has two installation configurations:

[0074] 1. The RF contacts at both ends of the RF cable assembly are mounted on the back panel. In this case, the RF cable assembly serves to connect different module units. During testing, it will be inserted with the two sets of first RF contacts, and the test host will be connected to the two sets of first RF contacts through the RF cable.

[0075] 2. The RF contact at one end of the RF cable assembly is mounted on the back panel, and the RF contact at the other end is mounted in the cluster RF connector socket on the front panel. In this case, the RF cable assembly serves as the input and output of RF signals. During testing, it will be inserted with a set of first RF contacts and a set of second RF contacts. At the same time, the test host is connected to the first RF contact and the second RF contact respectively through the RF cable.

[0076] Preferably, the length and width dimensions of the mounting plate 1 are slightly smaller than the length and width dimensions of the mounting cavity inside the broadband RF rack 5, to ensure that the mounting plate 1 can be flexibly inserted into and removed from the broadband RF rack 5;

[0077] In use, first connect the first RF contact 4 to the RF cable 6 and then to the test host 9; then connect the second RF contact 8 to the RF cable 6 and then to the test host 9.

[0078] The first RF contact 4 is then installed in the mounting hole 11 of the mounting plate 1, ensuring that the first RF contact 4 with the RF cable 6 is installed in all the mounting holes 11 on the mounting plate 1.

[0079] Then, the mounting plate 1 is inserted into the mounting cavity as a whole. Guided by the guide post 3, the first RF contact 4 is inserted into the corresponding RF hole on the back plate of the broadband RF rack 5 and engages with the RF contact of the RF cable assembly at that position. When the first RF contact 4 is inserted into the back plate of the broadband RF rack 5, the RF contacts of all RF cable assemblies in the broadband RF rack 5 mounted on the back plate of the broadband RF rack 5 are engaged with the first RF contact 4.

[0080] Insert the second RF contact 8 into the bundled RF connector plug 7, ensuring that the second RF contact 8 is installed in all the RF contact mounting holes in the bundled RF connector plug 7.

[0081] Connect the clustered RF connector plug 7 to the clustered RF connector socket on the panel of the broadband RF rack 5, thereby enabling the second RF contact 8 to be inserted into the RF contact of all RF cable assemblies in the broadband RF rack 5 installed in the clustered RF connector socket;

[0082] The test host 9 simultaneously tests all RF cable assemblies installed in the broadband RF rack 5 for parameters such as short circuit and open circuit states of the inner conductor, insulation resistance between the inner and outer conductors, and dielectric withstand voltage.

[0083] on the other hand:

[0084] This invention provides a method for performance testing of broadband radio frequency rack radio frequency cable assemblies, specifically including the following steps:

[0085] Step S1: Connect all first RF contacts 4 to the test host 9 via RF cables 6, and connect all second RF contacts 8 to the test host 9 via RF cables 6.

[0086] Step S2: Install all the first RF contacts 4 on the mounting holes 11 of the mounting plate 1 respectively, and install all the second RF contacts 8 on the RF contact mounting holes 2 in the bundled RF connector plug 7 respectively;

[0087] Step S3: Insert the mounting plate 1 assembled in step S2 into the mounting cavity of the broadband RF rack 5, and guide it with the guide post 3 so that the RF contact of the RF cable assembly mounted on the back plate is engaged with the corresponding first RF contact 4 on the mounting plate 1.

[0088] Step S4: Connect the bundled RF connector plug 7 assembled in step S2 to the bundled RF connector socket mounted on the panel, so that the RF contact of the RF cable assembly installed in the bundled RF connector socket is engaged with the corresponding second RF contact 8 in the bundled RF connector plug 7.

[0089] Step S5: Simultaneously perform parameter tests on all RF cable assemblies installed in the broadband RF rack 5 using the test host 9.

[0090] During testing, if the number of mounting holes 11 exceeds the number of RF contacts on the backplane of the RF cable assembly, some of the first RF contacts 4 will not be connected to the RF contacts on the backplane of the RF cable assembly. For the entire testing process, the first RF contacts 4 that are not connected to the RF contacts on the backplane of the RF cable assembly will not affect the testing of other connected first RF contacts 4 and RF contacts. By installing all the first RF contacts 4 in the mounting holes 11, it is not necessary to selectively install them based on the actual number and distribution of RF contacts on the backplane during assembly, thus improving installation efficiency. Simultaneously, when broadband RF racks 5 with the same backplane model are tested separately, regardless of the specific number and location of RF contacts on their backplanes, this fixture can be used to test the short-circuit and open-circuit states of the inner conductors, the insulation resistance between the inner and outer conductors, and the dielectric withstand voltage of all RF cable assemblies installed in the broadband RF rack 5; achieving one-to-many testing.

[0091] For broadband RF racks 5 using different backplane models, the test fixture mounting plate 1 can be redesigned according to the size of the mounting cavity in the broadband RF rack 5 and the number and position distribution of the RF contact mounting holes on the backplane.

[0092] This invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The invention extends to any new feature or combination disclosed in this specification, as well as any new method or process step or combination disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A performance testing fixture for RF cable assemblies in a broadband RF rack, used to test all RF cable assemblies installed in a broadband RF rack; the broadband RF rack includes a panel with a mounting cavity and a back plate installed in the mounting cavity and provided with RF contact mounting holes; a clustered RF connector socket is provided on the panel; characterized in that, The device includes a mounting plate installed in a broadband RF rack, several first RF contacts mounted on the mounting plate and capable of engaging with RF contacts mounted on the back panel of the RF cable assembly, a clustered RF connector plug, several second RF contacts mounted in the clustered RF connector plug and capable of engaging with RF contacts mounted in the clustered RF connector socket of the RF cable assembly, and a test host connected to the first RF contacts and second RF contacts via RF cable wires.

2. The broadband RF rack RF cable assembly performance testing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting plate is arranged parallel to the back plate, and a guide post is provided on the side of the mounting plate near the back plate; the back plate is provided with guide holes that cooperate with the guide post.

3. The broadband RF rack RF cable assembly performance testing fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that, A handle is provided on the side of the mounting plate away from the back plate.

4. The broadband RF rack RF cable assembly performance testing fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that, Mounting holes for mounting the first radio frequency contact are provided on the mounting plate.

5. The broadband RF rack RF cable assembly performance testing fixture according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of mounting holes is equal to the number of RF contact mounting holes provided on the back plate.

6. The broadband RF rack RF cable assembly performance testing fixture according to claim 5, characterized in that, The panel is provided with a clustered RF connector socket for mounting RF contacts at one end of an RF cable assembly; the clustered RF connector plug is provided with multiple RF contact mounting holes, the number of which is equal to the number of RF contact mounting holes in the clustered RF connector socket.

7. The broadband RF rack RF cable assembly performance testing fixture according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of the second RF contact is equal to the number of the second RF contact mounting holes.

8. The broadband RF rack RF cable assembly performance testing fixture according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of the first radio frequency contact is multiple and equal to the number of mounting holes on the mounting plate.

9. The test method for a broadband RF rack RF cable assembly performance testing fixture according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Specifically, the following steps are included: Step S1: Connect all the first RF contacts to the test host via RF cables, and connect all the second RF contacts to the test host via RF cables. Step S2: Install all the first RF contacts onto the mounting holes of the mounting plate, and install all the second RF contacts onto the RF contact mounting holes in the bundled RF connector plug. Step S3: Insert the assembled mounting plate from step S2 into the mounting cavity of the broadband RF rack, and guide it with guide posts so that the RF contacts of the RF cable assembly mounted on the back plate are engaged with the corresponding first RF contacts on the mounting plate. Step S4: Connect the assembled cluster RF connector plug in step S2 to the cluster RF connector socket mounted on the panel, so that the RF contact of the RF cable assembly installed in the cluster RF connector socket is engaged with the corresponding second RF contact in the cluster RF connector plug. Step S5: Simultaneously perform parameter tests on all RF cable assemblies installed in the broadband RF rack using the test host.

10. The test method for a broadband RF rack RF cable assembly performance testing fixture according to claim 9, characterized in that, The parameters include short-circuit condition, open-circuit condition, insulation resistance, and dielectric withstand voltage.

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