Satellite navigation receiver multi-channel radio frequency module automatic testing device and method
By designing automated testing equipment and methods, the problem of manual testing of multi-channel RF modules of satellite navigation receivers was solved, achieving efficient and accurate automated testing, and reducing operational complexity and human error.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHAANXI LINGYUN TECH
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
Smart Images

Figure CN117075152B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of automated testing methods for radio frequency modules, specifically relating to an automated testing device for a multi-channel radio frequency module of a satellite navigation receiver, and also to an automated testing method for a multi-channel radio frequency module of a satellite navigation receiver. Background Technology
[0002] The multi-channel radio frequency module of a satellite navigation receiver is an important component of a satellite navigation receiver with spatiotemporal anti-interference capabilities. It can realize filtering, amplification reception and amplification transmission at the BDS B3 frequency point for all bands of BeiDou-2 and BeiDou-3.
[0003] This type of module typically has four phase-coherent frequency conversion channels. The received RF signal is amplified, mixed, and then fed to a digital processing unit for algorithmic processing. The output is an intermediate frequency (IF) signal with minimal or no interference, which is then processed by the receiver's baseband processing unit to obtain positioning information. Each channel of this module has amplification and mixing functions, as well as clock source output and pass-through functionality. Its test parameters include channel gain, third-order intermodulation, limiting capability, passband characteristics, inter-channel inconsistency, frequency source characteristics, and channel noise conditions, often numbering in the dozens, with over 100 test parameters. Manual testing requires frequent adjustments to instrument settings. Furthermore, testing this type of component requires a high level of expertise. Operators must be proficient in using instruments such as vector signal generators, spectrum analyzers, noise analyzers, network analyzers, frequency counters, and oscilloscopes, and have a thorough understanding of RF testing principles and component operating principles to complete the testing and inspection of a component accurately and completely.
[0004] These modules belong to analog circuits. The accuracy and efficiency of performance indicator testing are the decisive factors in module debugging and are also necessary steps in inspection and testing. However, due to the large number of indicators and the frequent and complex operation of instruments, the testing efficiency and accuracy under manual testing conditions are very low. It is also a great challenge to the energy and physical strength of operators. Long-term operation will increase boredom and work fatigue, which will directly affect the testing efficiency and test results. Especially when conducting batch component testing, any failure in the testing environment can have disastrous consequences. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic testing device for multi-channel radio frequency modules of satellite navigation receivers, which solves the problem that existing technologies can only manually test multi-channel radio frequency modules of satellite navigation receivers, resulting in high testing difficulty.
[0006] Another objective of this invention is to provide an automatic testing method for multi-channel radio frequency modules of satellite navigation receivers.
[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is an automatic testing device for a multi-channel radio frequency module of a satellite navigation receiver, comprising a test cabinet, in which a standard rack-mounted industrial control host is placed. The industrial control host is connected to a switch via a network cable. The switch is connected to a general-purpose device and a radio frequency switch matrix via network cables. The radio frequency switch matrix is also connected to the radio frequency module under test. The switch, general-purpose device, radio frequency switch matrix and radio frequency module under test are all placed inside the test cabinet.
[0008] The invention is further characterized in that: the general-purpose equipment includes an oscilloscope, a vector signal analyzer, a signal spectrum analyzer, a DC regulated power supply, a first signal source, and a second signal source; one end of each of the oscilloscope, vector signal analyzer, signal spectrum analyzer, DC regulated power supply, first signal source, and second signal source is connected to a switch, and the other end is connected to an RF switch matrix; the oscilloscope, vector signal analyzer, signal spectrum analyzer, switch, industrial control host, RF switch matrix, DC regulated power supply, first signal source, and second signal source are arranged sequentially from top to bottom inside the test cabinet.
[0009] The test cabinet is equipped with several evenly distributed AC axial fans on the top, a cabinet power distribution box at the back, heavy-duty omnidirectional casters at the bottom, and a KVM monitor and a 2U drawer inside. The KVM monitor is connected to the industrial control host, and the 2U drawer contains and connects to the radio frequency module under test.
[0010] The test cabinet is equipped with baffles, and cable holes are provided on all sides of the test cabinet.
[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is an automatic testing method for a multi-channel radio frequency module of a satellite navigation receiver, the specific steps of which are as follows:
[0012] Step 1: Power on the industrial control host, switch, RF switch matrix and general equipment in the test cabinet;
[0013] Step 2: The automatic test software and instrument driver inside the industrial control host adjust the input and output settings of the general equipment according to the test items of the RF module under test through the switch, and at the same time analyze the test data, and write the qualified or unqualified result into the data table.
[0014] Step 3: After the industrial control host switches the channels of general equipment and the RF module under test by controlling the RF switch matrix, Step 2 is repeated until all test items are completed, thus completing the automated test of the RF module's channel indicators.
[0015] Another feature of this invention is that: in step 2, the automatic testing software is used for automated testing of all parameters, and performs data analysis, data storage and report output on the test data.
[0016] The automated testing software and instrument drivers include user management functions, remote instrument control functions, working status indication functions, automated testing functions, and data processing functions.
[0017] In step 2, the instrument driver is used for data exchange between general equipment and industrial control host, providing underlying services for automated testing.
[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are:
[0019] 1. This invention utilizes software mounted on an industrial control host for unified deployment and control, realizing a fully automated, unattended automated testing system that replaces manual testing of multi-channel RF modules of satellite navigation receivers, reducing testing difficulty and improving testing efficiency and accuracy;
[0020] 2. This invention utilizes a test cabinet to integrate various components, thereby enabling the construction of a test device. It comprehensively plans the resources of each part, achieving unified management, use, and maintenance of test resources. It also has the advantages of centralized resource distribution, safe and reliable power supply, improved test efficiency, convenient daily maintenance, and ease of movement and fixation.
[0021] 3. The universal equipment of this invention includes all the test resources required for the test device, and has a full range of test items, which can complete the automated testing of the indicators of each channel of the radio frequency module. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic testing device for multi-channel radio frequency modules of satellite navigation receivers according to the present invention;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal and external connections of the automatic testing device of the present invention;
[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the test cabinet layout of the automatic testing device of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the software functional composition of the automatic testing method of the present invention.
[0026] In the diagram, 1. Test cabinet, 2. Industrial control host, 3. Switch, 4. General equipment, 401. Oscilloscope, 402. Vector signal analyzer, 403. Signal spectrum analyzer, 404. DC regulated power supply, 405. First signal source, 406. Second signal source, 5. RF switch matrix, 6. RF module under test, 7. AC axial fan, 8. Heavy-duty omnidirectional casters, 9. KVM monitor, 10. 2U drawer. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0028] This invention relates to an automatic testing device for multi-channel radio frequency modules of satellite navigation receivers, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the system includes a powered industrial control host 2, a switch 3, a general-purpose device 4, an RF switch matrix 5, and a radio frequency module under test (RF module 6) built on a test cabinet 1. The test cabinet 1 houses the standard rack-mount industrial control host 2, which is connected to the switch 3 via a network cable. The switch 3 is connected to the general-purpose device 4 and the RF switch matrix 5 via network cables. The RF switch matrix 5 is also connected to the RF module under test (RF module 6). The switch 3, general-purpose device 4, RF switch matrix 5, and RF module 6 are all housed inside the test cabinet 1.
[0029] The general-purpose device 4 includes an oscilloscope 401, a vector signal analyzer 402, a signal spectrum analyzer 403, a DC regulated power supply 404, a first signal source 405, and a second signal source 406. The signal excitation uses a dual-signal-source configuration to provide signal input to the module under test (DUT). The signal spectrum analyzer 403 primarily tests parameters such as spectral parameters, noise figure, and phase noise, and is also used for calibrating the test system. The vector signal analyzer 402 is used for voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) testing and also for calibrating the test system. The oscilloscope 401 is used for testing LVTTL levels and duty cycle. The DC regulated power supply 404 is a dual-channel programmable DC regulated power supply that provides power input and enable level input to the DUT, and is used to test input voltage, enable voltage, operating current, and power consumption.
[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, one end of the oscilloscope 401, vector signal analyzer 402, signal spectrum analyzer 403, DC regulated power supply 404, first signal source 405 and second signal source 406 are all connected to the switch 3, and the other end is connected to the RF switch matrix 5.
[0031] like Figure 3As shown, the test cabinet 1 contains, from top to bottom, an oscilloscope 401, a vector signal analyzer 402, a signal spectrum analyzer 403, a switch 3, an industrial control host 2, an RF switch matrix 5, a DC regulated power supply 404, a first signal source 405, and a second signal source 406. The test device uses test cabinet 1 to complete the system integration of each unit. To achieve the construction of the test device, resources for each part were planned in a coordinated manner, realizing unified management, use, and maintenance of test resources. The purpose of the integration work is to achieve centralized management of test system resources, possessing advantages such as centralized resource distribution, reliable power supply, improved testing efficiency, convenient daily maintenance, and ease of movement and fixation. Inside test cabinet 1, the placement of different types of instruments is rationally arranged according to the weight of each device and operating and observation habits. To ensure compatibility with different specifications of general-purpose equipment, the design fully considers the size of each instrument, reserves storage space for the equipment, and adopts a power protection design with an emergency button inside the cabinet.
[0032] The test cabinet 1 is equipped with several evenly distributed AC axial fans 7 at the top for internal circulating heat dissipation. The back of the test cabinet 1 features a cabinet power distribution box with overcurrent-protected PDU unit sockets to ensure stable power supply to all units within the cabinet. The bottom of the test cabinet 1 is fitted with heavy-duty omnidirectional casters 8 with brakes for easy movement within the laboratory. A KVM monitor 9 is also installed inside the test cabinet 1 for connecting to the industrial control host 2 for display and software operation. The KVM monitor 9 is connected to the industrial control host 2 and placed between the industrial control host 2 and the RF switch matrix 5. The test cabinet 1 also includes a 2U drawer 10, which houses and connects the RF module under test 6 as a test platform, and is fitted with anti-static foam. Cable trays and aluminum alloy cable management devices are provided within the cabinet to secure connecting cables and ensure neat and consistent wiring. A baffle is installed on the front panel of the cabinet for general equipment, and cable holes are provided on the sides of the cabinet for easy cable routing for environmental testing of the module under test.
[0033] The present invention provides an automatic testing method for a multi-channel radio frequency module of a satellite navigation receiver, the specific steps of which are as follows:
[0034] Step 1: Power on the industrial control host 2, switch 3, RF switch matrix 5 and general equipment 4 in test cabinet 1;
[0035] Step 2: The automatic test software and instrument driver inside the industrial control host 2 adjust the input and output settings of the general equipment 4 according to the test items of the radio frequency module under test 6 through the switch 3, and at the same time analyze the test data, and write the qualified or unqualified result into the data table.
[0036] The automated testing software is used for automated testing of all parameters, and performs data analysis, data storage, and report output on the test data. The instrument driver is used for data exchange between the general-purpose device 4 and the industrial control host 2, providing underlying services for automated testing.
[0037] The automated testing software and instrument drivers include user management functions, remote instrument control functions, working status indication functions, automated testing functions, and data processing functions.
[0038] The system includes user management functions, allowing users to register, log in, modify, and log out. User information is stored in a database, and different user permissions allow for different levels of system operation. The remote instrument control function supports remote control of the first signal source 405, the second signal source 406, the signal spectrum analyzer 403, the vector signal analyzer 402, the oscilloscope 401, the DC regulated power supply 404, and the RF switch matrix 5. The system also includes a working status indication function, where the RF switch matrix displays the working status of the matrix power amplifier. Finally, the equipment testing software includes a working status indication function, such as… Figure 4 As shown, the UI interface displays the connection status of each instrument, the RF switch matrix, and the power supply operating status. The automated testing function provides fully automated testing of the electrical performance indicators of the multi-channel RF module of the satellite navigation receiver. It can test the frequency conversion channel, repeater channel, clock signal, and power supply indicators of the RF module BDSB3, and can determine the pass / fail status of the measured indicators. It also has a test error adjustment function, can calibrate test cables and instruments, correct test data, and save and read configuration files. The data processing function includes test data generation, display, and export functions, as well as data table reset, test log export, and clearing functions.
[0039] Step 3: The industrial control host 2 controls the RF switch matrix 5 to switch the channels of the general equipment 4 and the RF module under test 6, and then repeats step 2 until all test items are completed, thus completing the automated test of the RF module's channel indicators.
[0040] The automated test items for each channel indicator of the RF module in this invention are shown in Table 1.
[0041] Table 1
[0042]
[0043]
[0044] Example 1
[0045] This embodiment provides an automatic testing device for a multi-channel radio frequency module of a satellite navigation receiver, including a test cabinet 1. A standard rack-mounted industrial control host 2 is placed inside the test cabinet 1. The industrial control host 2 is connected to a switch 3 via a network cable. The switch 3 is connected to a general-purpose device 4 and a radio frequency switch matrix 5 via network cables. The radio frequency switch matrix 5 is also connected to the radio frequency module under test 6. The switch 3, the general-purpose device 4, the radio frequency switch matrix 5, and the radio frequency module under test 6 are all placed inside the test cabinet 1.
[0046] Example 2
[0047] This embodiment provides an automatic testing device for a multi-channel radio frequency module of a satellite navigation receiver, including a test cabinet 1. A standard rack-mounted industrial control host 2 is placed inside the test cabinet 1. The industrial control host 2 is connected to a switch 3 via a network cable. The switch 3 is connected to a general-purpose device 4 and a radio frequency switch matrix 5 via network cables. The radio frequency switch matrix 5 is also connected to the radio frequency module under test 6. The switch 3, the general-purpose device 4, the radio frequency switch matrix 5, and the radio frequency module under test 6 are all placed inside the test cabinet 1.
[0048] The general-purpose equipment 4 includes an oscilloscope 401, a vector signal analyzer 402, a signal spectrum analyzer 403, a DC regulated power supply 404, a first signal source 405, and a second signal source 406. One end of each of the oscilloscope 401, the vector signal analyzer 402, the signal spectrum analyzer 403, the DC regulated power supply 404, the first signal source 405, and the second signal source 406 is connected to the switch 3, and the other end is connected to the RF switch matrix 5. Inside the test cabinet 1, from top to bottom, are arranged the oscilloscope 401, the vector signal analyzer 402, the signal spectrum analyzer 403, the switch 3, the industrial control host 2, the RF switch matrix 5, the DC regulated power supply 404, the first signal source 405, and the second signal source 406.
[0049] The test cabinet 1 is equipped with several evenly distributed AC axial fans 7 on the top. The back of the test cabinet 1 is equipped with a cabinet power distribution box. The bottom of the test cabinet 1 is equipped with heavy-duty universal casters 8. The test cabinet 1 is also equipped with a KVM monitor 9 and a 2U drawer 10. The KVM monitor 9 is connected to the industrial control host 2. The 2U drawer 10 is used to place and connect the radio frequency module under test 6. The test cabinet 1 is equipped with a baffle. Cable holes are opened on all sides of the test cabinet 1.
[0050] Example 3
[0051] This embodiment provides an automatic testing method for a multi-channel radio frequency module of a satellite navigation receiver. The specific steps are as follows:
[0052] Step 1: Power on the industrial control host 2, switch 3, RF switch matrix 5 and general equipment 4 in test cabinet 1;
[0053] Step 2: The automatic test software and instrument driver inside the industrial control host 2 adjust the input and output settings of the general equipment 4 according to the test items of the radio frequency module under test 6 through the switch 3, and at the same time analyze the test data, and write the qualified or unqualified result into the data table.
[0054] Step 3: The industrial control host 2 controls the RF switch matrix 5 to switch the channels of the general equipment 4 and the RF module under test 6, and then repeats step 2 until all test items are completed, thus completing the automated test of the RF module's channel indicators.
Claims
1. An automatic testing device for multi-channel radio frequency modules of satellite navigation receivers, characterized in that, The test cabinet (1) contains a standard rack-mounted industrial control host (2), which is connected to a switch (3) via a network cable. The switch (3) is connected to a general-purpose device (4) and an RF switch matrix (5) via network cables. The RF switch matrix (5) is also connected to a radio frequency module under test (6). The switch (3), general-purpose device (4), RF switch matrix (5) and radio frequency module under test (6) are all placed inside the test cabinet (1). The general-purpose equipment (4) includes an oscilloscope (401), a vector signal analyzer (402), a signal spectrum analyzer (403), a DC regulated power supply (404), a first signal source (405), and a second signal source (406). One end of each of the oscilloscope (401), the vector signal analyzer (402), the signal spectrum analyzer (403), the DC regulated power supply (404), the first signal source (405), and the second signal source (406) is connected to the switch (3), and the other end is connected to the radio frequency switch matrix (5). The test cabinet (1) contains, from top to bottom, the oscilloscope (401), the vector signal analyzer (402), the signal spectrum analyzer (403), the switch (3), the industrial control host (2), the radio frequency switch matrix (5), the DC regulated power supply (404), the first signal source (405), and the second signal source (406). The test cabinet (1) is equipped with several evenly distributed AC axial flow fans (7) on the top. The back of the test cabinet (1) is equipped with a cabinet power distribution box. The bottom of the test cabinet (1) is equipped with heavy-duty universal casters (8). The test cabinet (1) is also equipped with a KVM monitor (9) and a 2U drawer (10). The KVM monitor (9) is connected to the industrial control host (2). The 2U drawer (10) is used to place and connect the radio frequency module under test (6). The test cabinet (1) is equipped with a baffle, and cable holes are provided on the sides of the test cabinet (1).
2. An automatic testing method for multi-channel radio frequency modules of satellite navigation receivers, characterized in that, This method uses the automatic testing device described in claim 1, and the specific steps are as follows: Step 1: Power on the industrial control host (2), switch (3), RF switch matrix (5) and general equipment (4) in the test cabinet (1); Step 2: The automatic test software and instrument driver inside the industrial control host (2) adjust the input and output settings of the general equipment (4) according to the test items of the radio frequency module (6) under test through the switch (3), and analyze the test data to determine whether it is qualified or unqualified and write it into the data table. In step 2, the automatic testing software is used for automated testing of all parameters and performs data analysis, data storage and report output of the test data; the automatic testing software and instrument driver include user management function, instrument remote control function, working status indication function, automated testing function and data processing function; in step 2, the instrument driver is used for data exchange between the general equipment (4) and the industrial control host (2) to provide underlying services for automatic testing; Step 3: The industrial control host (2) controls the RF switch matrix (5) to switch the channels of the general equipment (4) and the RF module under test (6), and then repeats step 2 until all test items are completed, thus completing the automated test of each channel index of the RF module.