Radar module batch test method
By conducting multiple consecutive tests on radar module panels, the stability of the testing system and the test value thresholds were determined, thus solving the problem of low testing efficiency for radar modules and achieving efficient and accurate batch testing.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ICLEGEND MICRO (NANJING) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies have low testing efficiency for radar modules, making batch testing impossible.
Multiple radar modules are arranged into a panel according to a preset position rule. The test system is used to conduct multiple tests continuously, collect test data, determine the stability of the test system and the test value threshold, and evaluate the qualification of the radar module under test based on these data.
This improved the efficiency and quality of radar module testing, reduced errors from subjective human judgment, and achieved accuracy and standardization in batch testing.
Smart Images

Figure CN116699541B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of radar, and in particular to a method for batch testing of radar modules. Background Technology
[0002] With the iterative development of technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT) will inevitably realize the form of "intelligent interconnection of everything." By analyzing and processing data collected by smart terminals through artificial intelligence (AI), the intelligence of products and the user experience can be improved, ultimately changing people's lives. In the rich scenarios of Artificial Intelligence & Internet of Things (AIoT), sensors are the basic units for sensing the environment and state of people and objects. The intelligentization, democratization, and large-scale deployment of sensors are essential for accelerating the deployment of AIoT applications. In particular, millimeter-wave radar sensors, which are highly compatible with AIoT applications, will inevitably see a significant increase in shipment speed and volume in the future.
[0003] Before millimeter-wave radar sensor modules are shipped, they generally need to undergo various performance tests. In the current technology, radar module testing usually only tests one radar module at a time, which is inefficient.
[0004] Therefore, to address the aforementioned technical issues, it is necessary to provide a method for batch testing of radar modules. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a batch testing method for radar modules, which has high testing efficiency and testing quality.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows:
[0007] A method for batch testing of radar modules, comprising:
[0008] Select multiple radar modules that are functioning normally, and arrange the multiple radar modules into a radar module panel according to a preset position rule;
[0009] The radar module panel was tested multiple times using a testing system, and the test data for each test was collected.
[0010] Based on the test data from each test, determine whether the test system is stable;
[0011] If so, the test system is used to test multiple radar module panels and to collect test data for each radar module panel;
[0012] Based on the test data of each radar module panel, the test value threshold is determined;
[0013] The testing system is used to test the radar module panel under test, and based on the test value threshold and the test data of the radar module panel under test, it is determined whether each radar module in the radar module panel under test is qualified.
[0014] In one or more embodiments, the radar module panel is subjected to multiple consecutive tests using a testing system, including:
[0015] Install the radar module panel inside the shielded box of the test system, ensuring that the center of the radar module panel and the center of the corner reflector of the test system are on the same vertical line;
[0016] Burn the radar module panel test firmware;
[0017] Position the corner reflector at the center of the distance gate of the test system;
[0018] The radar module panel was tested multiple times using a testing system.
[0019] In one or more embodiments, the center of the radar module panel and the center of the corner reflector of the test system are aligned on the same vertical line, including:
[0020] Calibration is performed using a laser level to ensure that the center of the radar module panel and the center of the corner reflector of the test system are on the same vertical line.
[0021] In one or more embodiments, positioning the corner reflector at the center of the distance gate of the test system includes:
[0022] Power on the radar module at the center of the radar module panel and use 1dfft data processing to confirm whether the corner reflector is located at the center of the range gate of the test system.
[0023] If not, adjust the height of the corner reflector so that it is located at the center of the distance gate of the test system.
[0024] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes:
[0025] Power on the radar modules in other positions of the radar module panel and detect whether the radar modules in other positions are located at a defined distance threshold.
[0026] In one or more embodiments, determining whether the test system is stable based on test data from each test includes:
[0027] Calculate the mean and range of the test data for each test, and plot a mean-range control chart;
[0028] Based on the mean-range control chart, the stability of the test data from multiple tests of the radar module panel is analyzed.
[0029] Based on the stability of the test data, it is determined whether the test system is stable.
[0030] In one or more embodiments, based on the test data of each radar module panel, a test value threshold for the radar module panel is determined, including:
[0031] Based on the test data of the radar modules at each position of the radar module panel, the mean and standard deviation of the test data of the radar modules at each position of the radar module panel are calculated.
[0032] Based on the mean and standard deviation of the test data of each radar module, the test value threshold of the radar module at each position of the radar module panel is determined.
[0033] The test value threshold of the radar module at a certain position on the radar module panel is selected as the test value threshold of the radar module panel.
[0034] Based on the difference between the test value threshold of the radar module at the selected location and the test value threshold of the radar module at other locations, compensation parameters for the test value threshold of the radar module at other locations are determined.
[0035] In one or more embodiments, the test data includes at least one of the following: energy received by the radar module in the radar module panel after reflection by the corner reflector, signal-to-noise ratio, energy boundary value, radar module current, and angle measurement error of the normal corner reflector.
[0036] In one or more embodiments, based on the mean and standard deviation of the test data of each radar module, the test value threshold of the radar module at each position of the radar module panel is determined, including:
[0037] The upper limit of the test value of the radar module at each position is the mean of the test data of the radar module at each position plus N times the standard deviation of the test data of the radar module at each position.
[0038] The lower limit of the test values of the radar modules at each location is obtained by subtracting N times the standard deviation of the test data of the radar modules at each location from the mean of the test data of the radar modules at each location.
[0039] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes:
[0040] Based on the signal-to-noise ratio test data of each radar module, the radar modules are sorted according to their signal-to-noise ratio.
[0041] Functional tests were performed on each radar module in order of signal-to-noise ratio from low to high until the function of the radar module under test met the standard. The signal-to-noise ratio of the radar module that met the standard was used as the lower limit of the signal-to-noise ratio test value of the radar module panel.
[0042] False alarm tests were performed on each radar module in descending order of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) until no false alarms were detected. The SNR of the radar module without false alarms was then used as the upper limit of the SNR test value for the radar module panel.
[0043] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes:
[0044] Based on the test data of each radar module panel, the radar module with the median energy test value among the radar module panels is selected as the standard panel, and the median energy test value is used as the standard energy value.
[0045] The test environment of the test system is verified based on the standard board and the energy standard value.
[0046] Compared with existing technologies, the radar module batch testing method provided by this invention determines the stability of the testing system by assembling multiple radar modules into a panel and continuously testing a single radar module panel multiple times. By testing multiple radar module panels, a test value threshold can be determined based on the collected data. This threshold provides a specific criterion for evaluating whether the radar modules in the panel under test are qualified. Based on the test value threshold and the actual test data collected from the radar modules in the panel under test, the qualification of the radar modules in the panel under test can be determined in batches. This method can more accurately evaluate the performance of radar modules, avoid errors that may be caused by subjective human judgment, and improve test quality and efficiency. Furthermore, this method has strong repeatability and is easy to standardize. Attached Figure Description
[0047] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a batch testing method for radar modules according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0048] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it should be understood that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments.
[0049] Unless otherwise expressly stated, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" or its variations such as "including" or "comprises" shall be understood to include the stated elements or components without excluding other elements or other components.
[0050] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of this application, the technical terms that may appear in this invention will be explained in detail below.
[0051] Corner reflector: In radar module testing, a corner reflector is a specific target used to reflect radar signals. Corner reflectors typically consist of two or three mutually perpendicular planes designed to reflect incident radar signals back to their original direction. This design allows corner reflectors to produce a stronger radar reflection signal than a real object, making them extremely useful in radar system testing and calibration.
[0052] Range gating: In radar systems, range gating is a technique used to process echo signals and determine target positions. After the radar sends a pulse, it waits for the echo to return. Based on the return time of the echo, the distance to the target object can be calculated because the speed of radar pulse propagation in the air is known (equal to the speed of light). A range gate is a preset time window corresponding to a specific range of radar pulse propagation. By selecting echoes within a specific range gate, the radar's attention can be focused on targets within a specific range, while ignoring interference from other distances. For example, if only targets within a range of 500 to 600 meters are of interest, a range gate can be set to process only radar echoes returning within this range. Radar systems typically have multiple range gates to simultaneously track targets at different distances or to more precisely locate the same target. These range gates can be statically set or dynamically adjusted according to the radar's needs and the target's behavior.
[0053] Please refer to Figure 1 The flowchart shown is a method for batch testing of radar modules according to an embodiment of the present invention. This method specifically includes the following steps:
[0054] S101: Select multiple radar modules that are functioning normally, and arrange the multiple radar modules into a radar module panel according to a preset position rule.
[0055] It should be noted that a radar module capable of normal testing refers to one that meets basic functional requirements, has no obvious defects or malfunctions, and can smoothly undergo the testing process. This involves multiple aspects, including hardware status, firmware version, connection correctness, and power supply status. Hardware status: All hardware components of the radar module, including sensors, circuit boards, connectors, etc., should be in good physical condition, without obvious damage or wear. Firmware version: The firmware running on the radar module should be the latest version or a version deemed suitable for testing. Connection correctness: The radar module should be correctly connected to the test equipment and system; all wires and interfaces should be in good condition, providing stable power and data transmission. Power supply status: The radar module should receive sufficient power for normal operation.
[0056] It should also be noted that when testing radar modules in batches, the purpose of assembling multiple radar modules into a panel according to preset positional rules is primarily to achieve efficient parallel testing. This organizational method ensures that each radar module has a fixed position within the panel, allowing for accurate identification of each radar module during testing and data analysis, while also optimizing the use of the testing equipment.
[0057] The following are some examples of radar module panel layouts:
[0058] Linear arrangement: Arrange all radar modules linearly at a certain interval. This is the simplest solution, suitable for situations with a small number of radar modules or a narrow test device. The advantage of this method is its simplicity and ease of implementation. For example, if there are 5 radar modules to be tested, they can be arranged in a row at equal intervals.
[0059] Grid arrangement: All radar modules are arranged in a grid according to a certain number of rows and columns. This method is suitable for situations with a large number of radar modules or a large testing equipment area. The advantage of this method is that it can accommodate more radar modules in a limited space. However, it is important to note that a certain distance needs to be maintained between each radar module to avoid interference with the test signals. For example, if there are 16 radar modules to be tested, we can arrange them into a 4x4 grid to form a grid-like panel.
[0060] Circular Arrangement: For certain specialized radar module tests, it may be necessary to arrange the radar modules in a circular pattern. For example, if we need to test the performance of radar modules at different angles, we can arrange them in a circle and then rotate the panel for testing. The advantage of this method is that it facilitates testing of angle variations. For instance, if eight radar modules need to be tested at different angles, we can arrange them in a circular panel with each radar module at a 45-degree angle to the others.
[0061] The above arrangement methods are just some exemplary solutions. The specific panel arrangement can be determined according to the number and size of the radar modules, as well as the configuration of the test equipment and the test requirements.
[0062] S102: Use a testing system to perform multiple tests on the radar module panel and collect the test data for each test.
[0063] It should be noted that before testing the radar module panel, appropriate testing equipment and tools are required, including a shielded box, corner reflectors, and a laser level. The shielded box (also known as an RF shielded box, electromagnetic shielded box, etc.) is a device used to test radar modules. It isolates electromagnetic interference from the external environment, allowing for accurate measurements and tests in a controlled environment. The inside of the shielded box is usually coated with absorbing material to reduce internal reflections and interference. The position of the corner reflectors inside the shielded box is adjustable. The tip of the corner reflector cone should be a certain distance from the plane of the radar module panel (on the full-range gate), and the center cone line of the corner reflector should be on the same vertical line as the center of the radar module panel.
[0064] In one exemplary embodiment, the radar module panel is subjected to multiple tests continuously using a testing system. Specifically, this includes: installing the radar module panel inside the shielded enclosure of the testing system, ensuring that the center of the radar module panel and the center of the corner reflector of the testing system are on the same vertical line; burning the radar module panel test firmware; positioning the corner reflector at the center of the range gate of the testing system; and using the testing system to perform multiple tests continuously on the radar module panel.
[0065] It's important to note that the step of burning the radar module panel test firmware is a process of firmware programming the radar module panel during the testing and calibration of the radar module. This process typically involves uploading pre-written firmware code (i.e., test firmware) to the radar module's internal memory within the panel. Firmware is a special type of software programmed into the non-volatile memory (such as flash memory) of a hardware device to control and manage its functions. In this case, the test firmware may contain code used to control the operation of the radar module and perform tests. The firmware burning process usually requires a programmer or other specialized hardware tools to transfer the firmware code from the computer to the radar module's memory. This process may also require specialized software tools, such as programming software or firmware update tools. After the firmware burning is complete, the radar module can run and perform tests according to the instructions in the firmware.
[0066] Specifically, ensuring that the center of the radar module assembly and the center of the corner reflector of the test system are on the same vertical line includes calibrating using a laser level to ensure that the center of the radar module assembly and the center of the corner reflector of the test system are on the same vertical line.
[0067] It should be noted that during the calibration process of the radar module panel, it is necessary to ensure that the center of the radar module panel and the center of the corner reflector are on the same vertical line. This is mainly because the measurement accuracy of the radar module is affected by the relative position of the two. In practice, the specific steps to ensure that the center of the radar module panel and the center of the corner reflector of the test system are on the same vertical line include:
[0068] First, the radar module panel and corner reflector need to be set up in the test environment. In this step, the radar module panel should be installed inside a shielded enclosure, and the corner reflector should be installed on the top or bottom of the shielded enclosure, perpendicular to the radar module panel.
[0069] Next, a laser level is needed to determine the relative positions of the radar module panel and the corner reflector. A laser level is a precise measuring tool that emits a laser line that can be used to define a straight line between two points. The laser level needs to be placed at the center of the radar module panel, pointing towards the center of the corner reflector. If the laser line is not pointing towards the center of the corner reflector, the position of the radar module panel or the corner reflector needs to be adjusted until the laser line points precisely to the center of the corner reflector. In practice, this process may need to be repeated until the center of the radar module panel and the center of the corner reflector are precisely aligned on a vertical line.
[0070] Furthermore, positioning the corner reflector at the center of the range gate of the test system specifically includes: powering on the radar module at the center of the radar module panel, and confirming whether the corner reflector is positioned at the center of the range gate of the test system through 1dfft data processing; if not, adjusting the height of the corner reflector to position it at the center of the range gate of the test system.
[0071] It's important to clarify that confirming whether a corner reflector is located at the center of a range gate through 1DFFT data processing refers to the step of using a 1D Fast Fourier Transform (1DFFT) to process the radar signal to determine if the corner reflector is within a predetermined range. The 1D Fast Fourier Transform (1DFFT) is an efficient algorithm used to transform signals from the time domain to the frequency domain. This transformation reveals the frequency composition of the signal and is a common technique in radar signal processing. In a radar system, transmitted radar signals are reflected back by targets (such as corner reflectors) and then received by the radar. The time delay of these echoes can be used to determine the target's distance; the longer the signal propagates, the farther the target is. The radar system processes these echoes to obtain information such as the target's distance, velocity, and direction. Therefore, the purpose of the step "confirming whether a corner reflector is located at the center of a range gate through 1DFFT data processing" is to determine, by processing the radar signal, whether the reflected signal originates from a corner reflector within a predetermined range.
[0072] Furthermore, the radar modules in other positions of the radar module panel are powered on, and it is detected whether the radar modules in other positions are located at a certain range gate, thereby determining that all test modules are located at the same range gate, which facilitates subsequent test data statistics.
[0073] Furthermore, the radar module assembly can be tested repeatedly using a testing system, either at regular intervals or every hour for a total of 10 tests.
[0074] S103: Based on the test data from each test, determine whether the test system is stable.
[0075] In one exemplary embodiment, determining whether the testing system is stable based on the test data from each test includes: calculating the mean and range of the test data from each test, and plotting a mean-range control chart; analyzing the stability of the test data from multiple tests of the radar module panel based on the mean-range control chart; and determining whether the testing system is stable based on the stability of the test data.
[0076] It should be noted that this embodiment primarily uses the calculation of the mean and range, as well as the plotting and analysis of a mean-range control chart (also known as an XR chart), to determine whether the test system is stable. After each test, the mean (i.e., the average of all test data) and range (i.e., the difference between the maximum and minimum values in the test data) are calculated. These two values can be used to describe the central location and variation of the test data. For each test, its mean and range are treated as a single data point and plotted on a mean-range control chart. This chart can be used to visually display the trend and variation of the test data. By observing and analyzing the mean-range control chart, the stability of the test data can be understood. If the data points are randomly distributed in the chart without obvious trends or outliers, then the test data (and the test system) can be considered stable. If the test data is stable, then the test system can be considered stable. Conversely, if the test data is unstable, the test system needs to be adjusted or calibrated.
[0077] S104: If so, use the test system to test multiple radar module panels and collect test data for each radar module panel.
[0078] Understandably, when the testing system is stable, it can be used to test multiple radar module panels. In this case, the multiple radar module panels can be considered to be tested in a relatively stable testing environment, and the obtained test data can be considered reliable.
[0079] S105: Determine the test value threshold based on the test data of each radar module panel.
[0080] It should be noted that the test data includes at least one of the following: energy received by the radar module after reflection by the corner reflector in the radar module panel, signal-to-noise ratio, energy boundary value, radar module current, and angle measurement error of the normal corner reflector.
[0081] In one exemplary embodiment, determining the test value threshold of the radar module panel based on the test data of each radar module panel specifically includes: calculating the mean and standard deviation of the test data of the radar modules at each position of the radar module panel based on the test data of the radar modules at each position of the radar module panel; determining the test value threshold of the radar modules at each position of the radar module panel based on the mean and standard deviation of the test data of each radar module; selecting the test value threshold of the radar module at a certain position of the radar module panel as the test value threshold of the radar module panel; and determining the compensation parameter of the test value threshold of the radar modules at other positions based on the difference between the test value threshold of the radar module at the selected position and the test value threshold of the radar modules at other positions.
[0082] Understandably, statistical analysis of the collected radar module test data from various locations, including calculating the mean and standard deviation, helps to understand the average level and data dispersion of the radar module test data at each location. For the test data of the radar modules at each location, the mean and standard deviation are calculated. The mean, or average value, describes the central tendency of the data, while the standard deviation describes the dispersion of the data. In other words, the mean represents the average level of the data, while the standard deviation represents the fluctuation of the data. Then, a threshold for the test value is determined based on these means and standard deviations. In practical applications, the determination of the test value threshold may depend on specific requirements or standards. For example, the threshold may be set within a range of several standard deviations above and below the mean, so that the test data can be covered in most cases (the specific percentage depends on the number of standard deviations set). This embodiment provides a statistical approach to developing test standards by calculating the mean and standard deviation and determining the test value threshold based on them. This helps to understand the data variation and set reasonable thresholds for subsequent testing and evaluation.
[0083] Among all radar modules in various locations, a test value threshold is selected as the test value threshold for the entire radar module panel. This location can be the center location or any other location, depending on the test requirements and actual conditions.
[0084] Considering that the distance between the radar modules at different positions on the radar module panel and the corner reflector varies, and since the signal attenuation of the radar module is related to the distance, the test data of the radar modules at different positions may differ. By calculating compensation parameters, these differences can be corrected to ensure that the radar modules at all positions can be subject to the same test threshold.
[0085] For example, when testing a grid-arranged radar module panel, the radar module at the center of the grid can be selected as the chosen position. The test value threshold of the radar module at this position is set as the panel's test value threshold. Assuming a millimeter-wave radar module signal strength test is being performed, all radar modules are first tested, and the signal strength test value for each position is calculated. Using the test value of the center radar module as a reference, the difference between the test values of other radar modules and the center radar module can be obtained. This difference is the compensation parameter, used to correct test deviations caused by different distances. For example, if the test value of a radar module located at the edge of the panel is 10% higher than that of the center radar module, then the compensation parameter for that radar module is 10%. In subsequent tests, this compensation parameter can be used to correct the test value of the radar module at that position. Specifically, if the test value of the radar module at this position is X in a subsequent test, then after compensation, its test value should be X / (1-10%). This ensures that radar modules in different locations will not have significantly different test results due to their different locations.
[0086] Specifically, based on the mean and standard deviation of the test data of each radar module, the test value thresholds of the radar modules at each position of the radar module panel are determined. This includes: adding N times the standard deviation of the test data of the radar modules at each position to the mean of the test data of the radar modules at each position as the upper limit of the test value of the radar modules at each position; and subtracting N times the standard deviation of the test data of the radar modules at each position from the mean of the test data of the radar modules at each position as the lower limit of the test value of the radar modules at each position.
[0087] For example, for test data such as the energy received by the radar module after reflection by the corner reflector, the energy boundary value, the radar module current, and the angle measurement error of the normal corner reflector, the test value threshold can be set at the mean ± N times the standard deviation.
[0088] Specifically, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is a core performance indicator of the radar module. The following approach can be used to determine the threshold for SNR test data: Based on the SNR test data of each radar module, sort the modules according to their SNR; select radar modules with SNR from low to high and perform functional tests on each module until the tested radar module meets the functional requirements, using the SNR of the module that meets the requirements as the lower limit of the SNR test value; perform false alarm tests on each radar module with SNR from high to low until the tested radar module has no false alarms, using the SNR of the module with no false alarms as the upper limit of the SNR test value.
[0089] It should be noted that in this embodiment, firstly, based on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) test data of all radar modules, these radar modules are sorted from low to high SNR. Then, starting with the radar module with the lowest SNR, functional tests are performed on each radar module; and starting with the radar module with the highest SNR, false alarm tests are performed on each radar module. The functional test mainly checks whether the basic functions of the radar module are normal, while the false alarm test checks whether the radar module will produce any alarms or warnings that should not occur. Finally, testing is continued from low to high SNR until a radar module that meets the functional requirements is found. At this point, the SNR value of this radar module is determined as the lower limit of the SNR test value; and testing is continued from high to low SNR until a radar module without false alarms is found. At this point, the SNR value of this radar module is determined as the upper limit of the SNR test value. In other words, only radar modules with an SNR higher than this lower limit and lower than this upper limit are considered qualified. This embodiment, through step-by-step testing and comparison of SNR, empirically determines a reasonable SNR test threshold. This threshold can be used to evaluate the quality of radar modules and can also provide a reference for subsequent testing and manufacturing.
[0090] S106: Use the test system to test the radar module panel under test, and based on the test value threshold and the test data of the radar module panel under test, determine whether each radar module in the radar module panel under test is qualified.
[0091] Understandably, in practice, the radar module panel under test will be placed in the testing system and subjected to a series of tests to collect test data for each item. Once the test data for each item is collected, the performance of each radar module within the radar module panel under test can be evaluated. During this process, the previously determined test thresholds serve as a reference. Specifically, if all test data for a radar module within the radar module panel under test meets the test threshold requirements, then that radar module is judged to be qualified; conversely, if any test data for that radar module fails to meet the threshold, then that radar module is judged to be unqualified.
[0092] In one exemplary embodiment, the radar module testing method provided by the present invention further includes: selecting a radar module with a median energy test value from the radar module panel based on the test data of each radar module panel, and using the median energy test value as the energy standard value; and verifying the test environment of the test system based on the standard panel and the energy standard value.
[0093] It should be noted that in this embodiment, based on the energy test values of all radar modules, the radar module with the median energy test value is selected as the standard board. The median is the value in the middle after all values are arranged from smallest to largest; it represents the central position of a set of data. Selecting the median as the energy standard value ensures that the standard board is in a relatively central position among all tested radar modules, thus more likely to represent the actual performance of most products. Using the selected median energy test value as the energy standard value, this energy standard value can be regarded as the "benchmark" for the energy test values of all radar modules, and subsequent test environment verification will use this standard value as a reference. Based on the selected standard board radar module and its corresponding energy standard value, the test environment is verified. This verification mainly checks whether the test environment's measurement of the radar module is accurate and stable, thereby ensuring the quality of the test system's test environment and the accuracy of the test results. This embodiment, by selecting a representative standard board radar module and energy standard value, can more effectively verify and adjust the test environment to ensure the quality of the test system's test environment and the accuracy of the test results, thus making it applicable to subsequent mass production testing.
[0094] In summary, the batch testing method for radar modules provided by this invention determines the stability of the testing system by assembling multiple radar modules into a panel and continuously testing a single radar module panel multiple times. By testing multiple radar module panels, a test value threshold can be determined based on the collected data. This threshold provides a specific criterion for evaluating the qualification of radar modules in the panel under test. Based on the test value threshold and the actual test data collected from the radar modules in the panel under test, the qualification of radar modules in the panel under test can be determined in batches. This method can more accurately evaluate the performance of radar modules, avoid errors that may be caused by subjective human judgment, and improve test quality and efficiency. Furthermore, this method has strong repeatability and is easy to standardize.
[0095] The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the invention is for illustrative and explanatory purposes. These descriptions are not intended to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and it will be apparent that many changes and variations can be made in accordance with the foregoing teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the specific principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to implement and utilize various different exemplary embodiments of the invention, as well as various different choices and variations. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A method for batch testing of radar modules, characterized in that, include: Select multiple radar modules that can be tested normally, and arrange the multiple radar modules into a radar module panel according to the preset position rules; The radar module panel is installed inside the shielded box of the test system, and the center of the radar module panel is aligned with the center of the corner reflector of the test system using a laser level. Burn the radar module panel test firmware; Power on the radar module at the center of the radar module panel and use 1D Fast Fourier Transform data processing to confirm whether the corner reflector is located at the center of the range gate of the test system; if the corner reflector is not located at the center of the range gate, adjust the height of the corner reflector to make the corner reflector located at the center of the range gate; and power on the radar modules at other positions on the radar module panel to detect whether the radar modules at other positions are located at the determined range gate. After the corner reflector is located at the center of the range gate and the radar modules at each position are located at the determined range gate, the radar module panel is continuously tested multiple times using the test system and the test data of each test is collected. Calculate the mean and range of the test data for each test and plot the mean-range control chart. Determine whether the test system is stable based on the mean-range control chart. Once the test system is stable, it is used to test multiple radar module panels and collect test data for each radar module panel. The mean and standard deviation of the radar modules at each position on each radar module panel are calculated, and the test value threshold of the radar modules at each position is determined based on the mean and standard deviation. The test value threshold of the radar module at a certain position of the radar module panel is selected as the test value threshold of the radar module panel. The compensation parameters of the test value threshold of the radar module at other positions are determined based on the difference between the test value threshold of the radar module at this position and the test value threshold of the radar module at other positions. The test system is used to test the radar module panel under test, and based on the test value threshold, the compensation parameters, and the test data of the radar module panel under test, it is determined whether each radar module in the radar module panel under test is qualified.
2. The batch testing method for radar modules as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The test data includes at least one of the following: energy received by the radar module after reflection by the corner reflector in the radar module panel; signal-to-noise ratio; energy boundary value; radar module current; and angle measurement error of the normal corner reflector.
3. The method for batch testing radar modules as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the mean and standard deviation of the test data of each radar module, the test value thresholds for the radar modules at each position in the radar module panel are determined, including: The upper limit of the test value of the radar module at each position is the mean of the test data of the radar module at each position plus N times the standard deviation of the test data of the radar module at each position. The lower limit of the test values of the radar modules at each location is obtained by subtracting N times the standard deviation of the test data of the radar modules at each location from the mean of the test data of the radar modules at each location.
4. The method for batch testing radar modules as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the signal-to-noise ratio test data of each radar module, the radar modules are sorted according to their signal-to-noise ratio. Functional tests were performed on each radar module in order of signal-to-noise ratio from low to high until the function of the radar module under test met the standard. The signal-to-noise ratio of the radar module that met the standard was used as the lower limit of the signal-to-noise ratio test value of the radar module panel. False alarm tests were performed on each radar module in descending order of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) until no false alarms were detected. The SNR of the radar module without false alarms was then used as the upper limit of the SNR test value for the radar module panel.
5. The batch testing method for radar modules as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the test data of each radar module panel, the radar module with the median energy test value among the radar module panels is selected as the standard panel, and the median energy test value is used as the standard energy value. The test environment of the test system is verified based on the standard board and the energy standard value.