Multi-module radio frequency index test system and method

Abstract

The invention provides a multi-module radio frequency index test system and method, and relates to the technical field of module testing, and the system comprises an environment test box which is internally provided with a plurality of modules; a module power supply; the multi-channel gating device is connected with each module and is used for controlling the on-off of the radio frequency channel corresponding to each module; the programmable power supply is connected with the multi-channel gating device and provides test power for each radio frequency channel through the multi-channel gating device; the analysis equipment is connected with the multi-channel gating device and is used for analyzing the radio frequency signal output by the module and obtained by the multi-channel gating device; the upper computer is used for controlling and analyzing the working states of the equipment, the multiplexer, the programmable power supply and the module power supply; the upper computer runs upper computer software, the multi-channel gating device receives an upper computer instruction to control the programmable power supply to supply power to the radio frequency channel of the target module and outputs a radio frequency signal to the signal analyzer to generate a test result, and the problems that an existing multi-module test system is disordered in wiring and complex in structure and affects test efficiency and accuracy are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of module testing, and in particular to a multi-module radio frequency index testing system and method. Background Art

[0002] When the modules are tested at ambient temperature, a batch of modules are often tested at the same time to save costs and improve test efficiency. Since each module has many cables leading out of the test box, there will be some problems. For example, due to the large number of cables, the leads are messy, which makes it easy to make errors in subsequent test indicators. In addition, some existing test structures connect multiple devices, the layout is unreasonable, and the operation is complicated. Manual operation is required to arrange the cables during the test, which affects the test efficiency. Therefore, there is a lack of a test system with simple layout, simple operation and high test efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0003] In order to overcome the above technical defects, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a multi-module radio frequency index testing system and method to solve the problems of chaotic wiring and complex structure of the existing multi-module testing system, which affects the testing efficiency and accuracy.

[0004] The present invention discloses a multi-module radio frequency index testing system, comprising:

[0005] An environmental test chamber, in which a plurality of modules are arranged;

[0006] Module power supply, used to supply power to each module separately;

[0007] A multiplexer, connected to each module, for controlling the on and off of the RF channels corresponding to each module;

[0008] A programmable power supply, connected to the multiplexer, and providing test power to each radio frequency channel through the multiplexer;

[0009] An analysis device, connected to the multiplexer, for analyzing the radio frequency signal output by the module acquired by the multiplexer;

[0010] A host computer controls the working states of the analysis equipment, the multiplexer, the programmable power supply and the module power supply;

[0011] The host computer runs the host computer software, and the multiplexer receives the host computer instruction to control the programmable power supply to supply power to the radio frequency channel of the target module, and outputs the radio frequency signal to the signal analyzer to generate the test result.

[0012] Preferably, the environmental test chamber also includes a clamp for fixing each module.

[0013] Preferably, the multiplexer comprises:

[0014] A first input terminal is connected to a program-controlled power supply via a power supply line;

[0015] A first output terminal connected to a power input terminal of each module;

[0016] A second input terminal connected to a radio frequency output terminal of each module;

[0017] A second output terminal, a radio frequency line connected to the analysis device;

[0018] The control module is used to communicate with the host computer, receive the host computer instruction to control the power supply to the RF channel corresponding to the target module and output the RF signal to the analysis device.

[0019] Preferably, the control module comprises:

[0020] A microprocessor, used to receive instructions from the host computer and run the control algorithm according to the instructions;

[0021] A storage unit is used to store the control algorithm.

[0022] Preferably, the multiplexer is arranged in the environmental test chamber;

[0023] The environmental test box is provided with a lead window, so that the power supply line and the radio frequency line enter the environmental test box through the lead window and are integrated on the multiplexer.

[0024] Preferably, the host computer is connected to the module power supply, program-controlled power supply and analysis equipment via network cables respectively.

[0025] Preferably, the analysis device includes a signal analyzer, an oscilloscope, a spectrum analyzer and / or a radio frequency power device.

[0026] Preferably, when the host computer determines that the target module is abnormal according to the test result, it controls the module power supply and / or program-controlled power supply to perform a power-off operation.

[0027] The present invention also provides a multi-module radio frequency index testing method, which uses the multi-module radio frequency index testing system, including:

[0028] The host computer runs the host computer program, generates instructions, controls the module power supply, program-controlled power supply, and analyzes the operation of the equipment;

[0029] The multiplexer receives the instruction sent by the host computer to determine the target module, controls the power supply to the target module to perform the test in the environmental test chamber, and outputs the radio frequency signal to the analysis device through the multiplexer;

[0030] The analysis device generates a test result according to the radio frequency signal and returns it to the host computer.

[0031] Preferably, it also includes:

[0032] The host computer performs data processing according to the test result to determine whether the target module is abnormal;

[0033] When the target module is abnormal, the host computer controls the module power supply and / or program-controlled power supply to perform a power-off operation.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, the above technical solution has the following beneficial effects:

[0035] The multi-module radio frequency index testing system and method provided in the present application integrate an environmental test chamber, a module power supply, a programmable power supply, and an analysis device with multiple modules, and are also configured with a host computer and a multiplexer. By running the host computer, the host computer selects the target module through the multiplexer to conduct the test, thereby realizing radio frequency testing of multiple modules, greatly reducing wiring, simplifying the overall layout, and making the operation convenient, thus solving the problems of chaotic wiring and complex structure of the existing multi-module testing system, which affects the test efficiency and accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the system structure of an embodiment of a multi-module radio frequency index testing system and method according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 The present invention provides a flowchart of a method in an embodiment of a multi-module radio frequency indicator testing system and method.

[0038] Reference numerals:

[0039] 1- Environmental test chamber; 2- Module; 3- Fixture; 4- Multiplexer; 5- Module power supply; 6- Program-controlled power supply; 7- Signal device; 8- Host computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The advantages of the present invention are further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0041] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. Instead, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the present disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0042] The terms used in this disclosure are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. The singular forms of "a", "said" and "the" used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0043] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used in the present disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the same type of information from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first information may also be referred to as the second information, and similarly, the second information may also be referred to as the first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "at the time of" or "when" or "in response to determining".

[0044] In the description of the present invention, it is necessary to understand that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0045] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified and limited, it should be noted that the terms "installed", "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection, or it can be the internal connection between two components. It can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0046] In the following description, the suffixes such as "module", "component" or "unit" used to represent elements are only used to facilitate the description of the present invention, and have no specific meanings. Therefore, "module" and "component" can be used interchangeably.

[0047] Example: This embodiment discloses a multi-module RF index test system, which integrates an environmental test chamber with multiple modules, a module power supply, a programmable power supply, an analysis device, and other devices / components for multi-module RF index testing. It is also equipped with a host computer and a multiplexer. By running a program, the programmable power supply, the analysis device, and a certain / partial / all power modules are connected through the multiplexer to make the RF channels of each power module work, obtain the RF signals output by each module, and perform RF index testing. Therefore, there is no need to arrange complex wiring and other equipment, nor is there any need for complex operations. The interface realizes multi-module RF testing. For details, refer to Figure 1 The system comprises:

[0048] An environmental test chamber, in which multiple modules are arranged; each module can be arranged in sequence at uniform intervals, or in a predetermined manner, as long as it does not affect the test process. Among them, heating and cooling, refrigeration modules, fans, etc. can be set to realize the function of configuring environmental data. The environmental test chamber can be pre-configured with environmental data for testing, and can also communicate with the following host computer and configure after receiving instructions. Furthermore, it can also be selected to adjust / update during the test process to execute the same / different environmental data for the same module / different modules.

[0049] Module power supply, used to supply power to each module respectively, the module power supply provides the electric energy to each internal circuit of each module so that it can work normally, and can be connected to each module through the module power supply line;

[0050] The multiplexer is connected to each module and is used to control the on and off of the RF channels corresponding to each module. It can be understood that the multiplexer can select a signal from multiple input signals and forward it to a shared output line. Its working principle is to use a set of control signals (also called selection signals) to determine which input signal is sent to the output end. In this embodiment, it is used to receive the following host computer instructions to control the test conduction of a certain / partial / all modules, and the module under control test is used as the target module;

[0051] The programmable power supply is connected to the multiplexer and is used to provide test power to each RF channel; specifically, the programmable power supply is a programmable power supply, which can adjust the output voltage, current, power and other parameters through the programming interface, can accurately control the power output, and select the module to provide test power through the multiplexer control. The above-mentioned module power supply provides the required electrical energy for the internal circuit of the module, while the test power supply provided by the programmable power supply is the power supply for performance evaluation and fault diagnosis of the module during the test process. Separate power supply can reduce the interference generated during the test process that affects the normal operation of the module, and can simulate different working conditions for more comprehensive testing.

[0052] The analysis device is connected to the multiplexer, and the multiplexer obtains the RF signal of the target module for analyzing the RF signals output by each module. The RF signal output by the corresponding module is selected by the multiplexer to the analysis device. As an option, the analysis device includes but is not limited to a signal analyzer, an oscilloscope, a spectrum analyzer and / or a RF power device, etc. The amplitude, phase, frequency, power, harmonics, clutter, noise, interference distortion, modulation domain analysis, etc. of the RF signal of the signal analyzer; an oscilloscope is an electronic test device for observing and analyzing the waveform of an electrical signal, which can display the voltage level of the electrical signal changing over time as a two-dimensional graph, thereby allowing the user to observe and measure various electrical parameters; a spectrum analyzer can be used to analyze the spectrum characteristics of the electrical signal. In addition to the above, other existing analysis devices can be configured according to the test requirements to conduct a comprehensive test of the RF indicators. As an example, the RF indicators are such as output power, adjacent channel leakage power ratio, power spectrum density, spectrum emission template, occupied channel bandwidth, etc.

[0053] The system also includes a host computer, which controls the working state of the analysis equipment, the multiplexer, the programmable power supply and the module power supply; the host computer runs the host computer software, and the multiplexer receives the host computer command to control the programmable power supply to supply power to the RF channel of the target module, and outputs the RF signal to the signal analyzer to generate the test result. It can be understood that the host computer software can be pre-configured and executed autonomously, or it can be adjusted according to the test requirements. The host computer is connected to the module power supply, the programmable power supply and the analysis equipment through hardware such as network cables; command control can also be achieved by configuring a local area network, Bluetooth and other wireless connections.

[0054] Based on the above, the multi-module RF index test system provided by this embodiment can be controlled by the host computer running program (host computer software) to issue instructions to control the program-controlled power supply and analysis equipment, and the multiplexer determines the target module to turn on its RF channel according to the instructions, receives the RF signal output by it to the analysis equipment, and performs multi-module RF testing for batch testing of the same batch of modules. Further as an option, when the host computer determines that the target module is abnormal according to the test results, it controls the module power supply and / or the program-controlled power supply to perform a power-off operation to improve the safety of the test process, and other programs can also be set to deal with the abnormal situation.

[0055] Specifically, in order to realize the control that the selected target module is turned on while other modules are not tested, the multiplexer can be optionally configured to include: a first input terminal, connected to a programmable power supply through a power supply line; a first output terminal, connected to a power input terminal of each module; a second input terminal, connected to a radio frequency output terminal of each module; a second output terminal, a radio frequency line connected to the analysis device; and a control module, used to communicate with the host computer, receive commands from the host computer to control the power supply to the radio frequency channel corresponding to the target module and output a radio frequency signal to the analysis device.

[0056] Based on the above, the RF channel corresponding to each module can be realized by the power supply line and the RF line. In the scenario of testing a single module, the power supply line and the RF line can be set to one and only one. In the scenario of testing multiple modules simultaneously, the power supply line and the RF line can be set to one or more, and can be arranged according to the actual application scenario. However, it is understandable that there is no need to set a power supply line and a RF line for each module as in the existing method, which will lead to a large number of wires, a chaotic layout, and easy errors.

[0057] It can be understood that the above-mentioned multiplexer arranges the corresponding test power supply channel and RF output channel in the RF channel of each module separately, the programmable power supply supplies power to the first input terminal, and the control module selects the input to a certain module (i.e., the target module). The target module works to output a RF signal, and the control module selects to receive the RF signal from the second input terminal and outputs it to the analysis device through the second output terminal. The analysis device analyzes the RF signal and sends the test result to the host computer. The test power supply channel and the RF output channel in the multiplexer can also be set to be integrated into one channel without affecting signal transmission and power supply.

[0058] Further, based on the above, the control module includes: a microprocessor for receiving instructions from a host computer and running a control algorithm according to the instructions; a storage unit for storing the control algorithm, and by running the control algorithm, the test power supply is input to the first output terminal corresponding to which module, and the RF signal corresponding to which module is received from the second input terminal is selected. The control algorithm is usually relatively simple and only needs to process binary signals. As an example, a 2-to-1 digital multiplexer may have 1 control signal set. When the control signal is 0, it corresponds to a module, and when it is 1, it selects to input another module. 8-to-1 sets 3 control signals, and 3 binary bits can provide up to 8 different combinations (000 to 111), corresponding to 8 modules.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the environmental test chamber also includes a clamp for fixing each module. Existing general clamps can be used. One clamp can be used to fix all modules, or a clamp can be set for each module. Further, as an option, the clamp can be arranged between the multiplexer and each module to cooperate with the multiplexer to achieve integrated connection with multiple modules.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the multiplexer is arranged in the environmental test chamber, and the programmable power supply, analysis equipment, etc. are arranged outside the environmental test chamber; a lead window is provided on the environmental test chamber, so that the power supply line and the radio frequency line enter the environmental test chamber through the lead window and are integrated on the multiplexer. As mentioned above, due to the presence of the multiplexer, the number of power supply lines and radio frequency lines is relatively small, so there is no need to limit the area of ​​the lead window to meet the usage requirements, and the module power supply line or the line connecting other modules / devices can also enter the environmental test chamber through the lead window.

[0061] This embodiment also provides a multi-module radio frequency index testing method, using the multi-module radio frequency index testing system (such as Figure 1 shown), specific, involved Figure 2 ,include:

[0062] S1: The host computer runs the host computer program, generates instructions, and controls the module power supply, program-controlled power supply, and analysis equipment; that is, the working parameters of the module power supply, program-controlled power supply, and analysis equipment are configured according to the instructions of the host computer, such as enabling the module power supply to supply power to each module, configuring the voltage and current of the program-controlled power supply, etc., and configuring the analysis equipment initialization for subsequent analysis of the RF signal.

[0063] S2: The multiplexer receives the instruction sent by the host computer to determine the target module, controls the power supply to the target module to perform the test in the environmental test chamber, and outputs the radio frequency signal to the analysis device through the multiplexer;

[0064] Specifically, the multiplexer receives an instruction sent by the host computer containing a module to be tested, i.e., a target module. The control unit in the multiplexer runs a control algorithm to determine the target module. Each module may be marked in advance and then matched with predetermined information, or a binary signal may be selected as in the previous example. The feedback of the RF signal is also obtained by the multiplexer based on the selection after the target module is determined by the received instruction.

[0065] S3: The analysis device generates a test result based on the RF signal and returns it to the host computer. Specifically, as mentioned above, the analysis device may include but is not limited to an analyzer, etc., which analyzes the RF signal output power, power spectrum density, etc. to generate a test result.

[0066] Further optionally, it also includes S4: the host computer performs data processing according to the test results to determine whether the target module is abnormal; when the target module is abnormal, the host computer controls the module power supply and / or the programmable power supply to perform a power-off operation.

[0067] As an example, to determine whether a target module (which can be one, multiple or even all) is abnormal, the test value of each RF indicator contained in the generated test result can be compared with a preset reference value. If it exceeds the preset error range, it is abnormal.

[0068] It can be understood that the present embodiment can preset or adjust the execution of the upper computer software according to the test requirements. As an example, according to the engineering time corresponding to the ambient temperature test chamber, the RF channel corresponding to the module to be tested can be powered on at the corresponding temperature / time point according to the test requirements, and the power-on voltage and current can also be configured. Verification can also be performed, or multiple modules can be tested synchronously / asynchronously, and other analysis equipment can be added to improve the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the test results.

[0069] In this embodiment, based on the above-mentioned multi-module RF index test system and test method, the RF lines / power supply lines of multiple modules are integrated through a multiplexer to introduce into the test box, thereby reducing the situation where misoperation caused by complex wiring is reduced. The host computer runs a program to send instructions to the multiplexer to control the test of the target module. The layout is simple, and the operation is simple, and it can be applied to different implementation scenarios.

[0070] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention have better practicability and do not impose any form of limitation on the present invention. Any technician familiar with the field may use the technical content disclosed above to change or modify it into an equivalent effective embodiment. However, any modification or equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention are still within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-module radio frequency index test system, characterized in that: include: An environmental test chamber, in which a plurality of modules are arranged; Module power supply, used to supply power to each module separately; A multiplexer, connected to each module, for controlling the on and off of the RF channels corresponding to each module; A programmable power supply, connected to the multiplexer, and providing test power to each radio frequency channel through the multiplexer; An analysis device, connected to the multiplexer, for analyzing the radio frequency signal output by the module acquired by the multiplexer; A host computer controls the working states of the analysis equipment, the multiplexer, the programmable power supply and the module power supply; The host computer runs the host computer software, and the multiplexer receives the host computer instruction to control the programmable power supply to supply power to the radio frequency channel of the target module, and outputs the radio frequency signal to the signal analyzer to generate the test result.

2. The multi-module radio frequency index test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The environmental test box also includes a fixture for fixing each module.

3. The multi-module radio frequency index test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multiplexer comprises: a first input terminal connected to a programmable power supply via a power supply line; A first output terminal connected to a power input terminal of each module; A second input terminal connected to a radio frequency output terminal of each module; A second output terminal, a radio frequency line connected to the analysis device; The control module is used to communicate with the host computer, receive the host computer instruction to control the power supply to the RF channel corresponding to the target module and output the RF signal to the analysis device.

4. The multi-module radio frequency index test system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The control module includes: a microprocessor for receiving instructions from a host computer and running a control algorithm according to the instructions; A storage unit is used to store the control algorithm.

5. The multi-module radio frequency index test system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The multiplexer is arranged in the environmental test chamber; The environmental test box is provided with a lead window, so that the power supply line and the radio frequency line enter the environmental test box through the lead window and are integrated on the multiplexer.

6. The multi-module radio frequency index test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The host computer is connected to the module power supply, program-controlled power supply and analysis equipment through network cables respectively.

7. The multi-module radio frequency index test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The analysis equipment includes a signal analyzer, an oscilloscope, a spectrum analyzer and / or a radio frequency power device.

8. The multi-module radio frequency index test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the host computer determines that the target module is abnormal according to the test result, it controls the module power supply and / or program-controlled power supply to perform a power-off operation.

9. A multi-module radio frequency index testing method, characterized in that: A multi-module radio frequency index test system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: The host computer runs the host computer program, generates instructions, and controls the module power supply, program-controlled power supply, and analysis equipment to work; the multiplexer receives the instructions sent by the host computer to determine the target module, controls the power supply to the target module, performs the test in the environmental test chamber, and outputs the radio frequency signal to the analysis equipment through the multiplexer; The analysis device generates a test result according to the radio frequency signal and returns it to the host computer.

10. The multi-module radio frequency index testing method according to claim 9, further comprising: The host computer performs data processing according to the test result to determine whether the target module is abnormal; When the target module is abnormal, the host computer controls the module power supply and / or program-controlled power supply to perform a power-off operation.

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