Power amplifier test method, apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of power amplifier test method, device and storage medium, wherein the method comprises: according to the gain value range of the power amplifier to be tested, the estimated gain value is determined;According to target power value and estimated gain value, estimated input power value is calculated;According to target power value, the estimated optimal attenuation value of spectrum analyzer is calculated;Drive signal source is based on estimated input power value and inputs modulated signal to the power amplifier to be tested, and setting and driving frequency analyzer is based on estimated optimal attenuation value and the output power of the power amplifier to be tested received is detected to obtain the measured output power value of the power amplifier to be tested;Measured output power value is compared with target power value to test the power amplifier to be tested.The technical scheme provided by the application can solve the technical problems of long power amplifier measurement time caused by power amplifier gain nonlinearity and low measurement accuracy caused by fixed attenuation value of spectrum analyzer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a power amplifier testing method, apparatus, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the development of communication technology has changed people's lives, especially the widespread use of electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets. Among them, the power amplifier (PA) is an important component of electronic devices. Its function is to amplify the weak signal from the signal source to drive the transmitter to transmit the signal or the receiver to receive the signal.

[0003] Power amplifiers are primarily responsible for transmitting signals from electronic devices to base stations. When these devices transmit signals, their output power needs to remain at a stable and fixed value to ensure stable signal transmission. Therefore, determining the output power of the power amplifier during operation and measuring its performance parameters such as gain, efficiency, and linearity are crucial for ensuring stable signal transmission.

[0004] In existing technologies, automated testing methods for power amplifier modules used in electronic devices such as tablets and mobile phones struggle to simultaneously achieve both measurement speed and accuracy. Generally, power amplifier testing for electronic devices requires measuring indicators such as gain, efficiency, and linearity at a target output power to evaluate the performance of the power amplifier.

[0005] In existing technologies, traditional measurement methods typically measure the actual output power given an initial small signal input, then compare the actual output power with the target output power. If the comparison result does not meet preset conditions, the input power is modified, and the test continues cyclically until the target power is met. Since the gain of a power amplifier under large signals is generally non-linear, compression occurs during measurement, resulting in a lengthy measurement process that usually requires multiple iterations to achieve the desired output power. Therefore, the automated measurement process for power amplifiers in electronic devices in existing technologies is very time-consuming.

[0006] On the other hand, traditional measurement methods typically set a fixed attenuation value for the spectrum analyzer used to measure power based on testing experience. However, this fixed value is not intelligently set according to the actual conditions of the power amplifier, spectrum analyzer, and signal source, as well as the target power. Therefore, it is difficult to guarantee that the mixer inside the spectrum analyzer remains within the optimal power measurement range during the measurement process. When the level of the spectrum analyzer's mixer is not within the optimal power measurement range, the measurement accuracy will be reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention provides a power amplifier testing method, apparatus, and storage medium, aiming to effectively solve the technical problems in the prior art where the gain of power amplifiers is generally nonlinear, the measurement process requires multiple cycles, the measurement time is long, and the attenuation value of the spectrum analyzer is set to a fixed value in traditional measurement methods, which reduces the measurement accuracy.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a power amplifier testing method is provided, the method comprising:

[0009] Determine the estimated gain value based on the gain range of the power amplifier under test;

[0010] Calculate the estimated input power value for the signal source based on the target power value and the estimated gain value;

[0011] The estimated optimal attenuation value of the spectrum analyzer is calculated based on the target power value;

[0012] The signal source is driven to input a modulation signal to the power amplifier under test based on the estimated input power value, and the frequency analyzer is set and driven to detect the received output power of the power amplifier under test based on the estimated optimal attenuation value to obtain the measured output power value of the power amplifier under test.

[0013] The measured output power value is compared with the target power value to test the power amplifier under test.

[0014] Further, the step of calculating the estimated input power value for the signal source based on the target power value and the estimated gain value includes:

[0015] The estimated input power value is calculated using the following formula:

[0016] Pin = T – G,

[0017] Wherein, Pin represents the estimated input power value, T represents the target power, and G represents the estimated gain value.

[0018] Furthermore, the calculation of the estimated optimal attenuation value of the spectrum analyzer based on the target power value includes:

[0019] Obtain the optimal level value of the mixer in the spectrum analyzer;

[0020] Obtain the peak-to-average power ratio of the modulated signal;

[0021] The estimated optimal attenuation value is calculated based on the target power, the peak-to-average power ratio, and the optimal level value.

[0022] Further, calculating the estimated optimal attenuation value based on the target power, the peak-to-average power ratio, and the optimal level value includes:

[0023] The estimated optimal attenuation value is calculated using the following formula:

[0024] Att = T + PAPR + L

[0025] Where Att represents the estimated optimal attenuation value, T represents the target power, PAPR represents the peak-to-average power ratio of the modulated signal, and L represents the optimal level value of the mixer.

[0026] Further, the step of driving the signal source to input a modulation signal to the power amplifier under test based on the estimated input power value, and setting and driving the frequency analyzer to process the received output power of the power amplifier under test based on the estimated optimal attenuation value to obtain the measured output power value of the power amplifier under test includes:

[0027] Set the power of the modulated signal to the estimated input power value, and set the attenuation value of the spectrum analyzer to the optimal attenuation value;

[0028] Within the spectrum analyzer, the received output power of the power amplifier under test is attenuated according to the optimal attenuation value to obtain the attenuated signal;

[0029] The actual power value of the attenuated signal is detected, and power compensation is performed on the detected actual power value according to the optimal attenuation value to obtain the measured output power value of the power amplifier under test.

[0030] Furthermore, the step of comparing the measured output power value with the target power value to test the power amplifier under test includes:

[0031] (1) Calculate the difference between the measured output power value and the target power value;

[0032] (2) Determine whether the difference is less than a preset threshold;

[0033] (3) If the difference is not less than the preset threshold, the power of the modulation signal is reset based on the preset adjustment value, and the frequency analyzer is driven to detect the output power of the power amplifier under test after the input power is reset to obtain the new measured output power value, and then return to step (1).

[0034] (4) If the difference is less than the preset threshold, the gain, efficiency and linearity of the power amplifier under test are determined based on the measured output power value to complete the detection process for the current target power value.

[0035] Furthermore, the preset threshold is 0.05 dB.

[0036] Furthermore, the step of resetting the power of the modulation signal based on a preset adjustment value includes:

[0037] When the measured output power value is less than the target power value, the power of the modulation signal is increased by the adjustment value;

[0038] When the measured output power value is greater than the target power value, the power of the modulation signal is reduced by the adjustment value.

[0039] Furthermore, determining the gain, efficiency, and linearity of the power amplifier under test based on the measured output power value includes:

[0040] The gain, efficiency, and linearity of the power amplifier under test are determined based on the measured output power value, combined with the adjacent channel leakage suppression ratio and vector amplitude error.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention also provides a power amplifier testing apparatus, characterized in that the apparatus comprises:

[0042] The estimated gain value determination module is used to determine the estimated gain value based on the gain value range of the power amplifier under test.

[0043] The estimated input power value calculation module is used to calculate the estimated input power value for the signal source based on the target power value and the estimated gain value;

[0044] The estimated optimal attenuation value calculation module is used to calculate the estimated optimal attenuation value of the spectrum analyzer based on the target power value;

[0045] A power detection module is used to drive the signal source to input a modulation signal to the power amplifier under test based on the estimated input power value, and to set and drive the frequency analyzer to detect the received output power of the power amplifier under test based on the estimated optimal attenuation value to obtain the measured output power value of the power amplifier under test.

[0046] The test module is used to compare the measured output power value with the target power value to test the power amplifier under test.

[0047] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention also provides a storage medium storing a plurality of instructions adapted to be loaded by a processor to execute any of the power amplifier test methods described above.

[0048] Through one or more embodiments of the above embodiments of the present invention, at least the following technical effects can be achieved:

[0049] In the technical solution disclosed in this invention, when measuring a power amplifier, an estimated gain value is determined based on the gain range of the power amplifier under test, and then the estimated input power value and the estimated optimal attenuation value of the spectrum analyzer are calculated. Compared with traditional measurement methods, pre-calculating the estimated input power value for measuring the power amplifier using the estimated gain value of the power amplifier can reduce the number of automated measurement cycles and improve the speed and accuracy of automated measurement of power amplifier modules in electronic devices. Furthermore, by estimating the optimal attenuation value, the mixer of the frequency analyzer can always be kept within an optimal power measurement range, improving the accuracy of power amplifier measurement. Attached Figure Description

[0050] The technical solution and other beneficial effects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the steps of a power amplifier testing method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a power amplifier testing device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0054] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the term "and / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document, unless otherwise specified, generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0055] In electronic devices, a power amplifier is an amplifier that can produce maximum power output to drive a load (such as a loudspeaker) under a given distortion rate. The power amplifier plays a pivotal role in organizing and coordinating the entire audio system, and to a certain extent determines whether the entire system can provide good sound quality output.

[0056] Power amplifiers have several performance metrics, including gain, linearity, and efficiency. Gain refers to the power amplifier's ability to amplify power without distortion, measured in dB. It is defined as the ratio of output power to input power, calculated using the common logarithm, and then multiplied by 10 to obtain the power gain in decibels. Output power is the actual output of the amplifier after amplification. Linearity characterizes the degree of distortion in the amplified signal; lower distortion is better. In terms of efficiency, higher efficiency means more energy-efficient power amplifiers.

[0057] Measuring a power amplifier involves measuring parameters such as amplification gain, power amplifier linearity, and power amplifier efficiency. The measurement process requires various measuring devices, including a preset power supply, a signal source, and a spectrum analyzer. The measurement process of a power amplifier is briefly introduced below.

[0058] First, initialize the test instruments by setting the relevant data to default values. Instrument initialization is a necessary step for the first test in automated testing. The purpose of initialization is to restore all instruments to their optimal state.

[0059] Secondly, the test instruments are pre-set. The three essential instruments for testing power amplifiers in electronic equipment are a power supply, a signal generator, and a spectrum analyzer. The power supply provides DC power to the power amplifier and measures the current and voltage during operation. The signal generator provides AC signals to the input of the power amplifier. The spectrum analyzer measures the power amplifier's output signal power, adjacent channel leakage rejection ratio, vector amplitude error, and other parameters. By converting the measurements from these three instruments, the gain and efficiency of the power amplifier can be obtained. Gain and efficiency are the most important indicators for evaluating the performance of a power amplifier.

[0060] After instrument initialization and pre-setting, automated testing of the power amplifier in the electronic device is performed. First, a fixed input attenuation value is preset for the spectrum analyzer, one or more target powers to be measured are set, and a fixed input signal power is set for the signal source. During automated testing, the output power of the input signal is measured, compared with the target power, and then the input signal is adjusted based on the comparison result until an input power with a small difference between the output power and the target power is achieved, thereby determining the performance parameters of the power amplifier. However, in existing technologies, data such as input attenuation value, target power, and input signal power are set based on experience and are not intelligently tested according to the specific parameters of the power amplifier and measuring instruments. Therefore, repeated cyclical testing is required during the measurement process, which is time-consuming. For example, when the input power of the input signal is -20 dBm, assuming the measured actual output power is 31.5 dBm and the target output power is 29 dBm, the input power can be modified to -20 - (31.5 - 29) = 17.5 dBm. The input power may then be measured again as 28 dBm. This is because the gain of a power amplifier under large signals is generally compressed and not linear. Therefore, this process typically requires 3 to 4 cycles. When the number of devices under test is in the tens of thousands, this can lead to excessively long measurement times and increased measurement costs.

[0061] In the technical solution disclosed in this invention, when measuring a power amplifier, an estimated gain value is determined based on the gain range of the power amplifier under test, and then the estimated input power value and the estimated optimal attenuation value of the spectrum analyzer are calculated. Compared with traditional measurement methods, pre-calculating the estimated input power value for measuring the power amplifier using the estimated gain value of the power amplifier can reduce the number of automated measurement cycles and improve the speed and accuracy of automated measurement of power amplifier modules in electronic devices. Furthermore, by estimating the optimal attenuation value, the mixer of the frequency analyzer can always be kept within an optimal power measurement range, improving the accuracy of power amplifier measurement.

[0062] The following is based on Figure 1 The power amplifier testing method of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0063] Figure 1 The diagram shows a flowchart of the power amplifier testing method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The power amplifier testing method includes:

[0064] Step 101: Determine the estimated gain value based on the gain range of the power amplifier under test;

[0065] Step 102: Calculate the estimated input power value for the signal source based on the target power value and the estimated gain value;

[0066] Step 103: Calculate the estimated optimal attenuation value of the spectrum analyzer based on the target power value;

[0067] Step 104: Drive the signal source to input a modulation signal to the power amplifier under test based on the estimated input power value, and set and drive the frequency analyzer to detect the received output power of the power amplifier under test based on the estimated optimal attenuation value to obtain the measured output power value of the power amplifier under test;

[0068] Step 105: Compare the measured output power value with the target power value to test the power amplifier under test.

[0069] The following is a detailed description of steps 101 to 105 above.

[0070] In step 101 above, the estimated gain value is determined based on the gain range of the power amplifier under test.

[0071] For example, gain refers to the degree of increase in current, voltage, or power in a component, circuit, device, or system. The gain value specifically refers to the ratio of an amplifier's output to its input, characterizing the degree of signal amplification. The higher the gain value, the stronger the signal amplification. Its unit is decibels (dB), with zero as the axis. When the gain is zero, the ratio of the power amplifier's output power to its input power is 1:1.

[0072] Power amplifier specifications include a gain range. Pre-calculating the gain value during measurement based on this range yields an estimated gain, reducing the error of the initial measurement. For example, the maximum and minimum gain values ​​of the power amplifier under test can be obtained, and the estimated gain value can be determined based on these values, such as by calculating the average of the maximum and minimum gain values ​​as the estimated gain.

[0073] In step 102 above, the estimated input power value for the signal source is calculated based on the target power value and the estimated gain value.

[0074] For example, before measuring the power amplifier under test, one or more target power values ​​are set to be measured. During measurement, an estimated input power value for the signal source is calculated based on the target power value and the estimated gain value. The signal source provides the modulation signal required for the measurement to the input of the power amplifier under test; this modulation signal is an AC signal. When the signal source provides the modulation signal, the test results of the power amplifier will differ depending on the input power.

[0075] The target power is used to compare with the measured actual output power. If the deviation between the actual output power and the target power is too large, the estimated input power is modified and the test continues until the actual output power meets the preset conditions. For each target power, it is necessary to test according to the test method to obtain the performance index of the power amplifier under that target power.

[0076] Calculating the estimated input power value based on the target power value and the estimated gain value can reduce the deviation of the output power during the first measurement, ensuring that the actual output power is close to the target output power of the power amplifier. Without this estimated gain value, multiple tests might be required to achieve the same measurement result as in this solution. This solution reduces the measurement time and improves measurement efficiency.

[0077] In step 103 above, the estimated optimal attenuation value of the spectrum analyzer is calculated based on the target power value.

[0078] For example, a spectrum analyzer is an instrument used to study the spectral structure of electrical signals. It is used to measure signal parameters such as signal distortion, modulation, spectral purity, frequency stability, and intermodulation distortion, and can be used to measure parameters of circuit systems such as amplifiers and filters. The input port of a spectrum analyzer can only accept small signals, and its internal attenuator also supports low-power signals. When measuring high-power signals, excessively high input signal levels can easily cause intermodulation and distortion in the spectrum analyzer's signal processing circuit, resulting in spurious signals and affecting measurement accuracy. Therefore, an external, independent high-power attenuator is required. The accuracy of the spectrum analyzer's measurement results is highest when the attenuation value is at its optimal value. Therefore, calculating the estimated optimal attenuation value of the spectrum analyzer can improve the testing accuracy of automated power amplifier testing.

[0079] In step 104 above, the signal source is driven to input a modulation signal to the power amplifier under test based on the estimated input power value, and the frequency analyzer is set and driven to detect the received output power of the power amplifier under test based on the estimated optimal attenuation value to obtain the measured output power value of the power amplifier under test.

[0080] For example, after calculating the relevant parameter values ​​of the test instrument, the power amplifier under test is measured. With the input power of the signal source at the estimated input power value, the signal source inputs a modulation signal to the power amplifier under test. Simultaneously, the frequency analyzer measures the output power of the power amplifier under test with the attenuation value at the estimated optimal attenuation value, to obtain the measured output power value of the power amplifier under test in the current state.

[0081] In step 105 above, the measured output power value is compared with the target power value to test the power amplifier under test.

[0082] For example, the measured actual output power is compared with the current target power. If the deviation between the actual output power and the target power is too large, the estimated input power is modified and the test continues until the actual output power meets the preset conditions. For each target power, the test needs to be performed according to the test method to obtain the performance index of the power amplifier under the target power.

[0083] Furthermore, in the technical solution of the present invention, the step of calculating the estimated input power value for the signal source based on the target power value and the estimated gain value includes:

[0084] The estimated input power value is calculated using the following formula:

[0085] Pin = T – G,

[0086] Wherein, Pin represents the estimated input power value, T represents the target power, and G represents the estimated gain value.

[0087] Furthermore, the calculation of the estimated optimal attenuation value of the spectrum analyzer based on the target power value includes:

[0088] Obtain the optimal level value of the mixer in the spectrum analyzer;

[0089] Obtain the peak-to-average power ratio of the modulated signal;

[0090] The estimated optimal attenuation value is calculated based on the target power, the peak-to-average power ratio, and the optimal level value.

[0091] For example, in the processing of input signals by a commonly used spectrum analyzer, the input signal first enters the RF attenuator. The function of the RF attenuator is to ensure that the signal is at an appropriate level when it enters the mixer, thereby preventing abnormal situations such as overload, gain compression, or distortion. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the estimated optimal attenuation value based on the optimal level value of the mixer in the spectrum analyzer, so that the mixer level is at the optimal value.

[0092] Furthermore, the modulation signal input to the spectrum analyzer is an AC signal. AC signals have peak and average values, and correspondingly, power has peak power and average power. Peak power is the instantaneous maximum output power, which is the limit value, while average power is the normal power under normal conditions. The peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) is abbreviated as PAPR. Since the dynamic range of a typical power amplifier is limited, a large PAPR makes the signal prone to entering the nonlinear region of the power amplifier, causing nonlinear distortion, resulting in significant spectral spread interference and in-band signal distortion, leading to a degrade in the overall system performance. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the estimated optimal attenuation value based on the PAPR.

[0093] Therefore, in order to ensure the accuracy of power measurement and determine the appropriate input attenuation, it is necessary to calculate and estimate the optimal attenuation value based on the target power, peak-to-average power ratio, and optimal level value.

[0094] Further, calculating the estimated optimal attenuation value based on the target power, the peak-to-average power ratio, and the optimal level value includes:

[0095] The estimated optimal attenuation value is calculated using the following formula:

[0096] Att = T + PAPR + L

[0097] Where Att represents the estimated optimal attenuation value, T represents the target power, PAPR represents the peak-to-average power ratio of the modulated signal, and L represents the optimal level value of the mixer.

[0098] For example, when setting the optimal attenuation in the program, the power entering the mixer is calculated according to the following formula:

[0099] Mixer level=Input Level-Input Attenuation,

[0100] Where Mixer level is the mixer level, Input Level is the input power of the spectrum analyzer, and Input Attenuation is the attenuation value.

[0101] Generally, the optimal level of a mixer is around -6dBm. The input power of the spectrum analyzer is the target power of the power amplifier. The peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of the modulation signal supplied to the power amplifier by the signal source is given by PAPR. Thus, the maximum input power of the spectrum analyzer is the sum of the target power of the power amplifier under test and the PAPR. Therefore, the estimated optimal attenuation value is the sum of the output power of the power amplifier under test, the PAPR, and the optimal level of the mixer.

[0102] Further, the step of driving the signal source to input a modulation signal to the power amplifier under test based on the estimated input power value, and setting and driving the frequency analyzer to process the received output power of the power amplifier under test based on the estimated optimal attenuation value to obtain the measured output power value of the power amplifier under test includes:

[0103] Set the power of the modulated signal to the estimated input power value, and set the attenuation value of the spectrum analyzer to the optimal attenuation value;

[0104] Within the spectrum analyzer, the received output power of the power amplifier under test is attenuated according to the optimal attenuation value to obtain the attenuated signal;

[0105] The actual power value of the attenuated signal is detected, and power compensation is performed on the detected actual power value according to the optimal attenuation value to obtain the measured output power value of the power amplifier under test.

[0106] For example, the three instruments required for power amplifier testing are a power supply, a signal source, and a spectrum analyzer. During testing, the power value of the signal source outputting the modulated signal is set to the estimated input power value, and the attenuation value of the spectrum analyzer during operation is set to the optimal attenuation value, so that the test equipment reaches the best state and the measurement accuracy is improved.

[0107] Meanwhile, within the spectrum analyzer, the received output power of the power amplifier under test is attenuated according to the optimal attenuation value, so that the level of the mixer in the frequency analyzer is at the optimal level.

[0108] The actual power value of the attenuated signal in the current state is obtained by detection. Since this actual power value is obtained with attenuation, the true output power needs to be obtained after compensation. Specifically, the detected actual power value is compensated according to the optimal attenuation value to obtain the measured output power value of the power amplifier under test.

[0109] Furthermore, the step of comparing the measured output power value with the target power value to test the power amplifier under test includes:

[0110] (1) Calculate the difference between the measured output power value and the target power value;

[0111] (2) Determine whether the difference is less than a preset threshold;

[0112] (3) If the difference is not less than the preset threshold, the power of the modulation signal is reset based on the preset adjustment value, and the frequency analyzer is driven to detect the output power of the power amplifier under test after the input power is reset to obtain the new measured output power value, and then return to step (1).

[0113] (4) If the difference is less than the preset threshold, the gain, efficiency and linearity of the power amplifier under test are determined based on the measured output power value to complete the detection process for the current target power value.

[0114] For example, each time an automated test of a power amplifier is performed, the test begins by setting one or more target powers, and for each target power, the test steps in steps (1) to (4) are performed.

[0115] In step (1), the difference between the measured output power value and the target power value is calculated. Specifically, multiple target power values ​​are set at the beginning of the test, and the measured output power value and the target power are compared at each test to obtain the difference between the two. This difference represents the magnitude of the deviation between the two.

[0116] In step (2), it is determined whether the difference is less than a preset threshold. At the start of the test, a preset threshold is set in advance. The difference between the measured output power value and the target power value is compared with this threshold. If the difference is greater than the preset threshold, it indicates that the difference between the two is large, and the test result does not meet the conditions. If the difference is not less than the preset threshold, it indicates that the difference between the two is small, and the test result meets the conditions.

[0117] In step (3), if the difference is not less than the preset threshold, it indicates that the deviation between the two is too large. The power of the modulation signal needs to be reset based on the preset adjustment value, and the previous test steps are repeated. Specifically, the frequency analyzer is driven to detect the output power of the power amplifier under test after the input power is reset in order to obtain the new measured output power value, and then the process returns to step (1).

[0118] In step (4), if the difference is less than the preset threshold, it indicates that the deviation between the two is small and the current output power of the power amplifier is basically consistent with the target power. Then, based on the measured output power value, the gain, efficiency and linearity of the power amplifier under test are determined to complete the detection process for the current target power value.

[0119] Furthermore, the preset threshold is 0.05 dB.

[0120] For example, in order to achieve measurement accuracy, the preset threshold is determined to be 0.05 dB based on the parameters of commonly used equipment and testing experience. In practical applications, the preset threshold can be set according to the specific application situation. This invention does not limit the preset threshold.

[0121] Furthermore, the step of resetting the power of the modulation signal based on a preset adjustment value includes:

[0122] When the measured output power value is less than the target power value, the power of the modulation signal is increased by the adjustment value;

[0123] When the measured output power value is greater than the target power value, the power of the modulation signal is reduced by the adjustment value.

[0124] For example, the power of the new modulation signal is adjusted based on the difference between the measured output power value and the target power value. If the power set in the original test was too low, the adjustment value is added to the original value. If the power set in the original test was too high, the adjustment value is subtracted from the original value.

[0125] Furthermore, determining the gain, efficiency, and linearity of the power amplifier under test based on the measured output power value includes:

[0126] The gain, efficiency, and linearity of the power amplifier under test are determined based on the measured output power value, combined with the adjacent channel leakage suppression ratio and vector amplitude error.

[0127] For example, a power amplifier has several performance indicators, including gain, efficiency, and linearity. Gain refers to the power amplification capability of the power amplifier without distortion; in terms of efficiency, higher efficiency means more power saving; linearity characterizes the degree of distortion in the amplified signal, with lower distortion being better. The gain, efficiency, and linearity of the power amplifier under test are determined based on the measured output power value, combined with the adjacent channel leakage rejection ratio and vector amplitude error.

[0128] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention also provides a power amplifier testing apparatus, characterized in that the apparatus comprises:

[0129] The estimated gain value determination module 201 is used to determine the estimated gain value based on the gain value range of the power amplifier under test.

[0130] The estimated input power value calculation module 202 is used to calculate the estimated input power value for the signal source based on the target power value and the estimated gain value;

[0131] The estimated optimal attenuation value calculation module 203 is used to calculate the estimated optimal attenuation value of the spectrum analyzer based on the target power value;

[0132] The power detection module 204 is used to drive the signal source to input a modulation signal to the power amplifier under test based on the estimated input power value, and to set and drive the frequency analyzer to detect the received output power of the power amplifier under test based on the estimated optimal attenuation value to obtain the measured output power value of the power amplifier under test.

[0133] The test module 205 is used to compare the measured output power value with the target power value to test the power amplifier under test.

[0134] For example, the estimated input power value calculation module 202 is further used for:

[0135] The estimated input power value is calculated using the following formula:

[0136] Pin = T – G,

[0137] Wherein, Pin represents the estimated input power value, T represents the target power, and G represents the estimated gain value.

[0138] For example, the estimated optimal attenuation value calculation module 203 is further used for:

[0139] Obtain the optimal level value of the mixer in the spectrum analyzer;

[0140] Obtain the peak-to-average power ratio of the modulated signal;

[0141] The estimated optimal attenuation value is calculated based on the target power, the peak-to-average power ratio, and the optimal level value.

[0142] For example, the estimated optimal attenuation value calculation module 203 is further used for:

[0143] The estimated optimal attenuation value is calculated using the following formula:

[0144] Att = T + PAPR + L

[0145] Where Att represents the estimated optimal attenuation value, T represents the target power, PAPR represents the peak-to-average power ratio of the modulated signal, and L represents the optimal level value of the mixer.

[0146] For example, the power detection module 204 is further configured to:

[0147] Set the power of the modulated signal to the estimated input power value, and set the attenuation value of the spectrum analyzer to the optimal attenuation value;

[0148] Within the spectrum analyzer, the received output power of the power amplifier under test is attenuated according to the optimal attenuation value to obtain the attenuated signal;

[0149] The actual power value of the attenuated signal is detected, and power compensation is performed on the detected actual power value according to the optimal attenuation value to obtain the measured output power value of the power amplifier under test.

[0150] For example, the test module 205 is further configured to:

[0151] (1) Calculate the difference between the measured output power value and the target power value;

[0152] (2) Determine whether the difference is less than a preset threshold;

[0153] (3) If the difference is not less than the preset threshold, the power of the modulation signal is reset based on the preset adjustment value, and the frequency analyzer is driven to detect the output power of the power amplifier under test after the input power is reset to obtain the new measured output power value, and then return to step (1).

[0154] (4) If the difference is less than the preset threshold, the gain, efficiency and linearity of the power amplifier under test are determined based on the measured output power value to complete the detection process for the current target power value.

[0155] For example, the preset threshold is 0.05 dB.

[0156] For example, the test module 205 is further configured to:

[0157] When the measured output power value is less than the target power value, the power of the modulation signal is increased by the adjustment value;

[0158] When the measured output power value is greater than the target power value, the power of the modulation signal is reduced by the adjustment value.

[0159] For example, the test module 205 is further configured to:

[0160] The gain, efficiency, and linearity of the power amplifier under test are determined based on the measured output power value, combined with the adjacent channel leakage suppression ratio and vector amplitude error.

[0161] Other aspects and implementation details of the power amplifier test device are the same as or similar to the power amplifier test method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0162] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention also provides a storage medium storing a plurality of instructions adapted to be loaded by a processor to execute any of the power amplifier test methods described above.

[0163] In summary, although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, the above preferred embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A power amplifier testing method, characterized in that, The method includes: Determine the estimated gain value based on the gain range of the power amplifier under test; Calculate the estimated input power value for the signal source based on the target power value and the estimated gain value; The estimated optimal attenuation value of the spectrum analyzer is calculated based on the target power value; The signal source is driven to input a modulation signal to the power amplifier under test based on the estimated input power value, and the frequency analyzer is set and driven to detect the received output power of the power amplifier under test based on the estimated optimal attenuation value to obtain the measured output power value of the power amplifier under test. The measured output power value is compared with the target power value to test the power amplifier under test; The step of comparing the measured output power value with the target power value to test the power amplifier under test includes: (1) Calculate the difference between the measured output power value and the target power value; (2) Determine whether the difference is less than a preset threshold; (3) If the difference is not less than the preset threshold, the power of the modulation signal is reset based on the preset adjustment value, and the frequency analyzer is driven to detect the output power of the power amplifier under test after the input power is reset to obtain the new measured output power value, and then return to step (1). (4) If the difference is less than the preset threshold, the gain, efficiency and linearity of the power amplifier under test are determined based on the measured output power value to complete the detection process for the current target power value.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The calculation of the estimated input power value for the signal source based on the target power value and the estimated gain value includes: The estimated input power value is calculated using the following formula: Pin = T – G, Wherein, Pin represents the estimated input power value, T represents the target power, and G represents the estimated gain value.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The calculation of the estimated optimal attenuation value of the spectrum analyzer based on the target power value includes: Obtain the optimal level value of the mixer in the spectrum analyzer; Obtain the peak-to-average power ratio of the modulated signal; The estimated optimal attenuation value is calculated based on the target power, the peak-to-average power ratio, and the optimal level value.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The step of calculating the estimated optimal attenuation value based on the target power, the peak-to-average power ratio, and the optimal level value includes: The estimated optimal attenuation value is calculated using the following formula: Att = T + PAPR + L, Where Att represents the estimated optimal attenuation value, T represents the target power, PAPR represents the peak-to-average power ratio of the modulated signal, and L represents the optimal level value of the mixer.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The step of driving the signal source to input a modulation signal to the power amplifier under test based on the estimated input power value, and setting and driving the frequency analyzer to process the received output power of the power amplifier under test based on the estimated optimal attenuation value to obtain the measured output power value of the power amplifier under test includes: Set the power of the modulated signal to the estimated input power value, and set the attenuation value of the spectrum analyzer to the optimal attenuation value; Within the spectrum analyzer, the received output power of the power amplifier under test is attenuated according to the optimal attenuation value to obtain the attenuated signal; The actual power value of the attenuated signal is detected, and power compensation is performed on the detected actual power value according to the optimal attenuation value to obtain the measured output power value of the power amplifier under test.

6. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The preset threshold is 0.05dB.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The process of resetting the power of the modulation signal based on a preset adjustment value includes: When the measured output power value is less than the target power value, the power of the modulation signal is increased by the adjustment value; When the measured output power value is greater than the target power value, the power of the modulation signal is reduced by the adjustment value.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The determination of the gain, efficiency, and linearity of the power amplifier under test based on the measured output power value includes: The gain, efficiency, and linearity of the power amplifier under test are determined based on the measured output power value, combined with the adjacent channel leakage suppression ratio and vector amplitude error.

9. A power amplifier testing device, characterized in that, The device includes: The estimated gain value determination module is used to determine the estimated gain value based on the gain value range of the power amplifier under test. The estimated input power value calculation module is used to calculate the estimated input power value for the signal source based on the target power value and the estimated gain value; The estimated optimal attenuation value calculation module is used to calculate the estimated optimal attenuation value of the spectrum analyzer based on the target power value; A power detection module is used to drive the signal source to input a modulation signal to the power amplifier under test based on the estimated input power value, and to set and drive the frequency analyzer to detect the received output power of the power amplifier under test based on the estimated optimal attenuation value to obtain the measured output power value of the power amplifier under test. The test module is used to compare the measured output power value with the target power value to test the power amplifier under test; The testing module is also used for: (1) Calculate the difference between the measured output power value and the target power value; (2) Determine whether the difference is less than a preset threshold; (3) If the difference is not less than the preset threshold, the power of the modulation signal is reset based on the preset adjustment value, and the frequency analyzer is driven to detect the output power of the power amplifier under test after the input power is reset to obtain the new measured output power value, and then return to step (1). (4) If the difference is less than the preset threshold, the gain, efficiency and linearity of the power amplifier under test are determined based on the measured output power value to complete the detection process for the current target power value.

10. A storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a plurality of instructions adapted to be loaded by a processor to execute the power amplifier test method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images