Automatic test device and test method for frequency synthesizer

Abstract

The application provides an automatic testing device and a testing method of a frequency synthesizer, and the device comprises a host computer, a first testing tool and a second testing tool; the host computer is configured with an automatic testing program, test parameters and test instructions are respectively sent through a serial port, and setting of a testing instrument and capture of test data are completed through an interface; the first testing tool is used for converting and sending the test instructions sent by the host computer to the frequency synthesizer to be tested; the second testing tool is used for switching to a corresponding test mode according to the parameters and the instructions of the host computer, and the radio frequency signal output by the frequency synthesizer to be tested is output to an external testing instrument through the second testing tool; the testing instrument is used for sending test results to the host computer, and the host computer completes data processing and storage of test data through the automatic testing program. The application has multiple test modes for the frequency synthesizer, and mode switching can be realized without rebuilding the environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of frequency synthesizer testing technology, and more particularly to an automatic testing device and method for frequency synthesizers. Background Technology

[0002] An automated testing system is a system that performs measurements and initial fault diagnosis and data processing automatically with little or no human intervention, and then stores or displays the test results using appropriate methods. In recent years, with the development and widespread application of modern electronic and computer technologies, especially driven by strong demands in the defense and military fields, equipment and automated testing systems with automated testing capabilities have developed rapidly.

[0003] However, existing frequency synthesizer testing mainly employs manual testing methods, with the testing environment consisting primarily of a host computer and testing instruments. During testing, relevant parameters need to be set manually on the host computer, and data results need to be read manually. This testing method is inefficient and prone to errors or deviations in the test data due to human oversight. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is how to realize multiple test modes of frequency synthesizers so that mode switching can be easily achieved without rebuilding the environment; in view of this, this invention provides an automatic test device and test method for frequency synthesizers.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is an automatic testing device for a frequency synthesizer, comprising:

[0006] The host computer is equipped with automatic testing software. It sends out test parameters and test commands through the serial port and completes the setting of test instruments and the capture of test data through the interface.

[0007] The first test fixture is used to convert the test command sent by the host computer and send it to the frequency synthesizer under test;

[0008] The second test fixture is used to switch to the corresponding point frequency test mode or frequency hopping test mode according to the test parameters and test instructions of the host computer. The radio frequency signal output by the frequency synthesizer under test is output to the external test instrument through the second test fixture. The test instrument is used to send the test results to the host computer. The host computer completes data processing and test data storage through the automatic test software.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first test fixture, the second test fixture, and the host computer are fixed on the test rack to form an integrated test environment;

[0010] Alternatively, the first test fixture, the second test fixture, and the host computer can be connected in a distributed manner.

[0011] In one embodiment, the host computer uses at least one of a network port, a serial port, and a USB interface to configure the test instrument and capture test data.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first test fixture is further used to: convert the serial instructions sent by the host computer into 10 GPIO signals and 2 PWM signals and send them in parallel to the frequency synthesizer under test.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first test fixture is a frequency code control board; the second test fixture is a test mixing channel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the automated testing software uses the Qt development platform and implements the settings of the testing instruments through SCPI commands and VISAI / O libraries.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention provides a test method using an automatic test apparatus for a frequency synthesizer as described in any one of the above descriptions, comprising:

[0016] Step S1: Preprocess the automatic testing device, testing instruments, and frequency synthesizer under test;

[0017] Step S2: Configure the corresponding test items and test methods according to the frequency synthesizer under test;

[0018] Step S3: Based on the frequency synthesizer under test, set the relevant parameters of the automatic testing device and testing instruments, and feed the parameters back to the host computer;

[0019] Step S4: In response to the test command, the test begins. The host computer reads and displays the measurement results of the test instrument, updates the test result data in real time, and automatically executes the test sequence tasks until all test items are completed.

[0020] In one embodiment, the preprocessing includes:

[0021] Step S101: Send a connection establishment command to the frequency synthesizer under test, automatic test device, and test instrument to establish a connection with the frequency synthesizer under test, automatic test device, and test instrument.

[0022] Step S102: Send initialization commands to the frequency synthesizer under test, automatic test device, and test instrument to initialize the frequency synthesizer under test, automatic test device, and test instrument.

[0023] Step S103: Send parameter setting commands for the frequency synthesizer under test, automatic test device, and test instrument to complete the parameter setting of the frequency synthesizer under test, automatic test device, and test instrument.

[0024] Step S104: Send test messages to the frequency synthesizer under test, the automatic test device, and the test instrument. If the feedback information is correct, the connection is successful; otherwise, the connection fails. Check the status of the frequency synthesizer under test, the automatic test device, and the test instrument. If the status is normal, return to the previous step; otherwise, manually correct the connection.

[0025] In one implementation, the test data is stored in text format on a host computer.

[0026] In one implementation, the testing method includes single-point testing, round-robin testing, and cross-inspection testing.

[0027] Using the above technical solution, the automatic testing device for frequency synthesizers provided by the present invention can provide multiple testing modes for frequency synthesizers: point frequency mode and frequency hopping mode. There is no need to rebuild the environment, and mode switching can be easily realized. Moreover, virtual instrument technology can be used to build a virtual instrument panel in software, thereby enabling automated testing by programmably controlling multiple test instruments. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic testing device for a frequency synthesizer in this field.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the composition structure of an automatic testing device for a frequency synthesizer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the data flow of an automated testing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of the frequency code control board according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the test mixer channel structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of various modules of a software system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationships between various modules of a software system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an automated testing process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of the present invention in achieving its intended purpose, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0037] In the accompanying drawings, the thickness, size, and shape of the objects have been slightly exaggerated for ease of illustration. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to scale.

[0038] It should also be understood that the terms "comprising," "including," "having," "containing," and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. Furthermore, when expressions such as "at least one of..." appear after a list of listed features, they modify the entire listed feature, not individual elements in the list. Additionally, when describing embodiments of this application, the word "may" is used to mean "one or more embodiments of this application." And the term "exemplary" is intended to refer to an example or illustration.

[0039] As used herein, the terms “basically,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are intended to describe inherent biases in measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0040] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. It should also be understood that terms (e.g., those defined in common dictionaries) shall be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so specified herein.

[0041] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0042] In some common existing technologies, the test connection principle block diagram of frequency synthesizer is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the main elements for its external interface connection include a host computer, power supply, and test instruments. The host computer needs to have dedicated test software installed and a 25-bit standard LPT parallel port.

[0043] It should be noted that frequency synthesizer testing mainly includes two modes: spot frequency testing and frequency hopping testing.

[0044] Point frequency mode: This means inputting the corresponding test frequency point into the frequency synthesizer under test, and measuring the relevant parameters of the corresponding frequency point through relevant instruments;

[0045] Frequency hopping mode: The starting frequency and the frequency to be hopped are input to the frequency synthesizer under test, and the time of frequency hopping is measured by the debugging analyzer.

[0046] During testing, the testers set the relevant parameters of the module under test in the dedicated test software, sent the relevant parameter data and trigger signals to the module under test through the computer parallel port, measured the spurious emissions, phase noise, power and frequency accuracy of the module under test at different frequency points through relevant instruments, and measured the frequency hopping time of the module under test through a modulation analyzer.

[0047] Existing testing methods for frequency synthesizers have the following main drawbacks:

[0048] 1) The selection of host computer has certain limitations: the host computer for testing must be selected with a parallel port configuration, and the test scalability is poor;

[0049] 2) During the testing process, since the module under test only has one output channel, the test environment needs to be rebuilt when switching between point frequency mode and frequency modulation mode, and simultaneous testing is not possible, resulting in redundancy in the work process.

[0050] 3) Limited selectivity of test instruments: The modulation analyzer cannot currently be replaced by other test instruments;

[0051] 4) Both testing operations and data acquisition rely on manual methods, resulting in low testing efficiency.

[0052] Based on the current testing situation, this invention proposes a testing device and testing method for frequency synthesizers.

[0053] In the first embodiment of the present invention, an automatic testing device for a frequency synthesizer is provided, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it includes:

[0054] The host computer is equipped with automatic testing software. It sends out test parameters and test commands through the serial port and completes the setting of test instruments and the capture of test data through the interface.

[0055] The first test fixture is used to convert the test commands sent by the host computer and send them to the frequency synthesizer under test;

[0056] The second test fixture is used to switch to the corresponding point frequency test mode or frequency hopping test mode according to the test parameters and test instructions of the host computer. The radio frequency signal output by the frequency synthesizer under test is output to the external test instrument through the second test fixture. The test instrument is used to send the test results to the host computer. The host computer completes data processing and test data storage through automatic test software.

[0057] In other words, the automatic testing system proposed in this invention mainly consists of two parts: hardware and software, including automatic testing software, a host computer, and testing fixtures, such as... Figure 2 As shown. The automatic test software is installed in the host computer and is the central processing unit of the entire test system. It is responsible for functions such as issuing test commands, setting test modes, setting instrument parameters, processing test data, and storing data. The test fixture mainly consists of two parts: the first test fixture and the second test fixture. It completes the mutual conversion of different interface signals during the test and assists the automatic test software in completing the automatic test.

[0058] Furthermore, the test fixture can be fixed to the test host computer on the test rack to form a structurally integrated test environment, or it can be distributed and connected according to actual test requirements.

[0059] The components of an automated testing system are as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the host computer sends test parameters and test commands to the first and second test fixtures via serial port. The test instrument can be configured and test data captured via Ethernet / serial / USB interfaces. The first test fixture converts the serial commands sent by the host computer into 10 GPIO signals and 2 PWM signals, which are then sent in parallel to the frequency synthesizer under test. The second test fixture switches to the corresponding point-frequency or frequency-hopping test mode according to the host computer's settings. The RF signal output by the frequency synthesizer under test is output to the test instrument via the second test fixture. The test instrument finally sends the test results back to the host computer, where automatic test software completes data processing and test data storage. The data flow of the automatic test system is as follows: Figure 3 As shown.

[0060] In this embodiment, the test fixture completes the mutual conversion of different interface signals in the test system, assisting the automatic test software in completing automatic testing.

[0061] Specifically, the test fixture mainly consists of two parts: the first test fixture, a frequency code control board, and the second test fixture, a test mixing channel. The frequency code control board converts the serial port data sent by the host computer into 10 I / O signals and 2 chip select PWM signals, which are then sent in parallel to the module under test (DUT). This triggers the DUT to emit RF signals at the corresponding frequency points. The test mixing channel is controlled by the host computer via a serial port, enabling the switching of the frequency band of the output signal from the DUT, thus allowing the frequency hopping rate test to be matched with the corresponding test instruments or equipment.

[0062] Furthermore, the frequency code control board is responsible for converting the serial data sent by the host computer into 10 GPIO signals and 2 PWM signals. The 10 GPIO signals are high and low level signals with voltage values ​​of 5V / 0V, and the 2 PWM signals are differential signals with the same period and complementary duty cycles. When the module under test receives the PWM signal, it will read the 10 GPIO signals, convert the GPIO signals into the corresponding frequency points, and output the radio frequency signals of the corresponding frequency points.

[0063] The principle block diagram of the frequency code control board is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the frequency code control board uses an STM32 chip as its core. It generates the operating voltage required by each component on the control board through a voltage regulator module, generates the clock signal required by the STM32 to synthesize the corresponding frequency pulse through an external clock, and realizes the mutual conversion between the host computer's USB signal and the STM32's TTL signal through a USB / TTL driver circuit. The 3.3V / 5V level driver circuit realizes the signal level conversion between the STM32 and the module under test.

[0064] Furthermore, the test mixing channel is responsible for directly outputting or down-converting the RF signal generated by the test module, enabling frequency conversion rate testing to be performed using oscilloscopes or modulation analyzers across multiple test frequency bands. During testing, the host computer selects the test mixing channel by controlling the RF switch. In point-frequency mode testing, the RF signal does not require mixing and is directly output to the test instrument via channel 2. In frequency-hopping mode testing, the test can be performed via channel 1 or channel 2 depending on the actual instrument conditions. The use of the test mixing channel allows the frequency combiner to complete both modes of testing simultaneously without changing the test environment, while also reducing the limitations of the test instrument.

[0065] The working principle block diagram of the test mixer channel is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, it mainly consists of an RF switch, a power divider, a mixer, an L-band signal source, an intermediate frequency filter, an amplifier, and a detector.

[0066] In this embodiment, the automated testing software uses the Qt development platform and implements instrument control settings through SCPI commands and the VISA I / O library. The automated testing software supports multiple operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and Kylin, enabling cross-platform operation.

[0067] Based on the different functions they perform, automated testing software can be modularized, such as... Figure 6 As shown, this software system can be composed of an interface module, an initialization module, a test instruction generation module, an instrument instruction generation module, a storage module, and a graphics display module.

[0068] Interface module: Composed of an STM32 development board, a frequency synthesizer, and a test instrument module, enabling the host computer to communicate and control the STM32 development board, the frequency synthesizer, and the test instruments.

[0069] Initialization module: Responsible for the initialization settings of the STM32 development board, frequency synthesizer, and test instruments;

[0070] Test instruction generation module: After the host computer establishes a connection with the device under test and the instruments, it is responsible for checking whether the connection status is normal.

[0071] Instrumentation instruction generation module: After selecting the corresponding test items and test modes according to the device under test, it realizes the parameter setting function of the instrumentation.

[0072] Storage module: After the test is completed, it is responsible for storing all test results;

[0073] Graphics display module: Processes the stored test data and visualizes the results in the form of charts.

[0074] For example, the connection relationships between the modules of an automated testing software system are as follows: Figure 7 As shown.

[0075] The second embodiment of the present invention is a test method using the apparatus provided in the first embodiment, referred to [reference needed]. Figure 8 This includes the following steps:

[0076] a) Send a connection establishment command to the frequency synthesizer and instrument to establish a connection with the frequency synthesizer and instrument under test;

[0077] b) Send initialization commands for the frequency synthesizer and instruments to initialize the frequency synthesizer and instruments;

[0078] c) Send commands to set parameters for the frequency synthesizer and instruments, and complete the setting of relevant parameters for the frequency synthesizer and instruments;

[0079] d) Send test messages to the frequency synthesizer and instruments, and observe the feedback information. If the feedback information is correct, the connection is successful; otherwise, the connection has failed. Check the status of the frequency synthesizer and instruments. If the status is normal, return to the previous step; otherwise, manually correct the connection.

[0080] e) After the frequency synthesizer and instruments are successfully connected, select the corresponding test items according to the module under test;

[0081] f) Set the test mode (including single-point test, round-robin test, and acceptance test) according to the test requirements;

[0082] g) Based on the module under test, set the relevant parameters of the instrument. After successful setting, the instrument setting parameters need to be fed back to the host computer and wait for the tester to confirm.

[0083] h) After all preparations are complete, click "Start Test". Wait until the performance of the frequency synthesizer under test is basically stable and reaches a measurable state, and until the instrument test results are stable. Then, the host computer reads the instrument measurement results and displays them visually on the software system interface, updating the test result data in real time. The test can be paused at any time during the test. If the user does not issue a pause command, the system automatically executes the test sequence tasks until all test items are completed. Finally, the test data is stored as a .txt file.

[0084] The third embodiment of the present invention is an application example based on the above embodiments. The specific automatic testing method is as follows:

[0085] Step S1: The tester connects the host computer, control board, frequency synthesizer, and instruments using a network / serial / USB cable.

[0086] Step S2: Power-on complete. Click the connection test buttons in sequence (control board, frequency synthesizer, instrumentation).

[0087] Step S3: Load initialization information and instrument settings, write and send test messages to the instruments and frequency synthesizer. If the connection is successful, the status light will be green. The host computer will provide feedback on successful connection, instrument and frequency synthesizer parameters, successful initialization, and successful instrument settings. If the connection fails, the status light will be red. The host computer will provide feedback on connection failure and that no device was found.

[0088] Step S4: The tester selects the corresponding test item based on the device under test, clicks the single-point test button, manually selects the test frequency, and the host computer displays the test results visually. Clicking the polling test button automatically executes all frequency tests. After the test ends, the test results are displayed visually and stored. Clicking the inspection test button automatically executes a specific frequency test. After the test ends, the test results are displayed visually and stored.

[0089] Step S5: After all devices under test have been tested, the host computer will disconnect the connection buttons in sequence, all devices and instruments will be powered off, and the test personnel will manually disconnect all physical connections.

[0090] In summary, compared to manual testing, automated testing has the following characteristics:

[0091] 1) High testing efficiency: Because automated testing is mostly under the control of software, it uses pre-written test code to automatically perform tests, and its efficiency is about 50 to 100 times that of manual testing.

[0092] 2) High accuracy of testing: Because the operation control and data reading of automated testing are completed by the software itself, there are no human oversights or errors. To a certain extent, it avoids the influence of data errors and environmental factors, so its accuracy is higher than that of manual testing.

[0093] 3) Powerful Testing Functionality: Because some parameters can be calculated using formulas based on already measured parameters, the software can directly calculate the results through programming, reducing omissions and errors caused by extracting data and then performing calculations. This not only reduces the time required to obtain parameters but also allows for the direct acquisition of parameters that would normally require complex or tedious calculations. The software can also perform preliminary analysis and judgment of test results and data, and even change the measurement threshold, making switching between various tests more convenient.

[0094] 4) Diversity of data display, recording, and test results: Automated testing software can provide multiple ways to display test results and save data, such as: charts, pictures, curves, numbers, WORD documents, TXT documents, etc., and can also be printed and copied.

[0095] 5) Self-testing, self-calibration, and self-diagnosis: The software can perform self-testing, self-calibration, and self-diagnosis based on the feedback information from the tested component.

[0096] 6) Ease of operation: The automated testing system can complete most of the testing work, and the operator only needs to operate it through a PC. This simplifies the operation of the instruments and meters for the testers, and it can also test multiple products at the same time.

[0097] In short, compared to manual testing, testing products under the control of the automated testing system provided by this invention can automatically process data, display and output test data in the required manner, saving time and manpower, improving production efficiency, reducing production errors, and thus improving product quality. Therefore, it plays an important role in production, scientific research, and national defense.

[0098] Furthermore, compared to existing technologies, this invention offers multiple testing modes for frequency synthesizers: point frequency mode and frequency hopping mode, eliminating the need for environment rebuilding and allowing for easy mode switching. It also utilizes virtual instrument technology, with software constructing a virtual instrument panel to programmatically control various testing instruments for automated testing. Test results can be displayed in various visual formats such as tables and charts. The system provides persistent data storage and supports real-time data retrieval. Simultaneously, test results can directly generate test reports with printing capabilities.

[0099] Through the description of specific embodiments, a more in-depth and specific understanding should be gained of the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the intended purpose. However, the accompanying drawings are only provided for reference and illustration and are not intended to limit the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic testing device for a frequency synthesizer, characterized in that, include: The host computer is equipped with automatic testing software, which sends out test parameters and test commands through the serial port, and completes the setting of test instruments and the capture of test data through the interface. The first test fixture is used to convert the test commands sent by the host computer and send them to the frequency synthesizer under test; The second test fixture is used to switch to the corresponding point frequency test mode or frequency hopping test mode according to the test parameters and test instructions of the host computer. The radio frequency signal output by the frequency synthesizer under test is output to the external test instrument through the second test fixture. The test instrument is used to send the test results to the host computer. The host computer completes data processing and test data storage through the automatic test software. The first test fixture is a frequency code control board; the second test fixture is a test mixing channel. The frequency code control board is used to convert the serial port data sent by the host computer into 10 I / O signals and 2 chip select PWM signals and send them in parallel to the module under test, triggering the module under test to emit radio frequency signals at the corresponding frequency points. The test mixing channel is controlled by the host computer through the serial port to realize the switching of the frequency band of the output signal of the module under test, so that the frequency hopping rate test can be matched with the corresponding test instrument or test equipment. The test mixing channel is used to directly output or down-convert the generated radio frequency signal, enabling frequency conversion rate testing to be performed using oscilloscopes or modulation analyzers with multiple test frequency bands. During testing, the host computer selects the test mixing channel by controlling the radio frequency switch. In point frequency mode testing, the radio frequency signal does not need to be mixed and is directly output to the test instrument through channel 2. In frequency hopping mode testing, the test can be performed through channel 1 or channel 2 depending on the actual instrument conditions. The use of the test mixing channel allows the frequency combiner to complete the tests in both modes simultaneously without changing the test environment.

2. The automatic testing device for the frequency synthesizer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first test fixture, the second test fixture, and the host computer are fixed on the test frame to form an integrated test environment; Alternatively, the first test fixture, the second test fixture, and the host computer can be connected in a distributed manner.

3. The automatic testing device for the frequency synthesizer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The host computer uses at least one of the following interfaces: network port, serial port, and USB interface, to configure the test instrument and capture test data.

4. The automatic testing device for the frequency synthesizer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automated testing software uses the Qt development platform and employs SCPI commands and VISA I / O libraries to configure the testing instruments.

5. A test method using an automatic test apparatus for a frequency synthesizer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, include: Step S1: Preprocess the automatic testing device, testing instruments, and frequency synthesizer under test; Step S2: Configure the corresponding test items and test methods according to the frequency synthesizer under test; Step S3: Based on the frequency synthesizer under test, set the relevant parameters of the automatic testing device and testing instruments, and feed the parameters back to the host computer; Step S4: In response to the test command, the test begins. The host computer reads and displays the measurement results of the test instrument, updates the test result data in real time, and automatically executes the test sequence tasks until all test items are completed.

6. The test method of the automatic test device for the frequency synthesizer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The preprocessing includes: Step S101: Send a connection establishment command to the frequency synthesizer under test, automatic test device, and test instrument to establish a connection with the frequency synthesizer under test, automatic test device, and test instrument. Step S102: Send initialization commands to the frequency synthesizer under test, automatic test device, and test instrument to initialize the frequency synthesizer under test, automatic test device, and test instrument. Step S103: Send parameter setting commands for the frequency synthesizer under test, automatic testing device, and testing instrument to complete the parameter setting of the frequency synthesizer under test, automatic testing device, and testing instrument. Step S104: Send test messages to the frequency synthesizer under test, the automatic test device, and the test instrument. If the feedback information is correct, the connection is successful; otherwise, the connection fails. Check the status of the frequency synthesizer under test, the automatic test device, and the test instrument. If the status is normal, return to the previous step; otherwise, manually correct the connection.

7. The test method of the automatic test device for the frequency synthesizer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The test data is stored in text format on the host computer.

8. The test method of the automatic test device for the frequency synthesizer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The testing methods include single-point testing, round-robin testing, and cross-inspection testing.

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