A programmable attenuator for radio frequency signal testing and a testing system

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of radio frequency signal testing, and disclose a programmable attenuator and a testing system for radio frequency signal testing. The programmable attenuator includes a radio frequency circuit module, and the radio frequency circuit module includes a first radio frequency channel, a second radio frequency channel, a third radio frequency channel, and a fourth radio frequency channel; each radio frequency channel includes a first combiner, a second combiner, a first frequency band path, a second frequency band path, a third frequency band path, a plurality of radio frequency attenuator units, and a plurality of switching switches; the first radio frequency channel, the second radio frequency channel, the third radio frequency channel, and the fourth radio frequency channel are connected through a separator; a control circuit module, the control circuit module is connected to the radio frequency circuit module, and is used for sending control signals to control the radio frequency attenuator units and the radio frequency switching switches of the radio frequency circuit module. It can at least solve the technical problem that the attenuation value of radio frequency signal testing cannot be accurately controlled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of radio frequency signal testing, and particularly to a programmable attenuator and a testing system for radio frequency signal testing. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of wireless communication technologies, the testing of radio frequency signals plays a crucial role in the design, production, and debugging of various communication devices. To ensure the reliability and performance of the devices, it is necessary to accurately test the transmission characteristics of radio frequency signals at different frequencies and intensities. During the testing process, the attenuation control of radio frequency signals is a key link, which directly affects the accuracy and consistency of the test results.

[0003] Traditional radio frequency signal attenuators generally achieve signal attenuation through fixed attenuation values or manual adjustment. However, this method has poor flexibility and cannot meet the precise control requirements in modern complex communication environments. Especially in the testing scenarios of multiple frequency bands and multiple signal channels, it is difficult for fixed or manually adjusted attenuators to quickly and accurately perform real-time regulation on radio frequency signals in multiple signal channels, resulting in low testing efficiency and unsatisfactory test results. In addition, with the widespread application of multi-band wireless communication devices, for example, Wi-Fi devices usually operate simultaneously in different frequency bands such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and even 6 GHz, traditional attenuators face challenges when dealing with such multi-band signals. To achieve precise control of signals in these frequency bands, it is necessary to be able to independently and precisely adjust the attenuation of signals in multiple frequency bands.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need in the prior art for a programmable attenuator that can achieve precise attenuation control of multi-channel and multi-band radio frequency signals to improve the flexibility, automation level, and accuracy of radio frequency signal testing, so as to meet the testing requirements of modern wireless communication devices. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One objective of this application is to provide a programmable attenuator and a testing system for radio frequency signal testing, at least to solve the technical problem that the attenuation value of radio frequency signal testing cannot be precisely controlled.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, some embodiments of this application provide the following aspects:

[0007] In a first aspect, some embodiments of the present application further provide a programmable attenuator for radio frequency signal testing, including a radio frequency circuit module, where the radio frequency circuit module includes a first radio frequency channel, a second radio frequency channel, a third radio frequency channel, and a fourth radio frequency channel; each radio frequency channel includes a first combiner, a second combiner, a first frequency band path, a second frequency band path, a third frequency band path, a plurality of radio frequency attenuator units, and a plurality of switching switches; the first radio frequency channel, the second radio frequency channel, the third radio frequency channel, and the fourth radio frequency channel are connected through a separator; a control circuit module, which is connected to the radio frequency circuit module and is configured to send control signals to control the radio frequency attenuator units and the radio frequency switching switches of the radio frequency circuit module.

[0008] In a second aspect, some embodiments of the present application further provide a radio frequency signal testing system, where the radio frequency signal testing system includes: a plurality of the programmable attenuators as described above, the programmable attenuators are designed in a stacked manner, and a plurality of the programmable attenuators are stacked as a whole to form a radio frequency signal testing system; a test control module, which is connected to the programmable attenuator and is configured to perform radio frequency signal testing by controlling the programmable attenuator.

[0009] Compared with the related art, in the solution provided by the embodiments of the present application, the attenuation parameters can be flexibly changed through a programmable interface, and three common WiFi signal frequency band paths of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz are provided. A programmable attenuator that can achieve precise attenuation control of multi-channel and multi-band radio frequency signals is used to improve the flexibility, automation level, and accuracy of radio frequency signal testing, so as to meet the testing requirements of modern wireless communication devices. Description of the Drawings

[0010] One or more embodiments are exemplarily illustrated by pictures in the corresponding drawings. These exemplary illustrations do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are represented as similar elements, unless otherwise stated, and the drawings in the figures do not constitute a proportional limitation.

[0011] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a programmable attenuator provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0012] Figure 2 It is a schematic circuit diagram of a radio frequency circuit module provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0013] Figure 3 It is a schematic circuit diagram of a control circuit module provided according to an embodiment of the present application. Detailed Embodiments

[0014] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments in this application without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0015] First Embodiment

[0016] The first embodiment of this application relates to a programmable attenuator for radio frequency signal testing. As Figure 1 shown, the programmable attenuator may include:

[0017] A radio frequency circuit module, which includes a first radio frequency channel, a second radio frequency channel, a third radio frequency channel, and a fourth radio frequency channel; each radio frequency channel includes a first combiner, a second combiner, a first frequency band path, a second frequency band path, a third frequency band path, multiple radio frequency attenuator units, and multiple switching switches; the first radio frequency channel, the second radio frequency channel, the third radio frequency channel, and the fourth radio frequency channel are connected through a separator;

[0018] A control circuit module, which is connected to the radio frequency circuit module and is used to send control signals to control the radio frequency attenuator units and the radio frequency switching switches of the radio frequency circuit module.

[0019] The radio frequency circuit module consists of four radio frequency channels, namely the first radio frequency channel, the second radio frequency channel, the third radio frequency channel, and the fourth radio frequency channel. Each radio frequency channel contains multiple core components. Specifically, the first combiner is used to separate the input radio frequency signal according to the frequency band; the second combiner is used to recombine the radio frequency signals processed by each frequency band path into an output signal. The three frequency band paths, namely the first frequency band path, the second frequency band path, and the third frequency band path, process signals within different frequency ranges respectively. Multiple radio frequency attenuator units are used to attenuate the radio frequency signals passing through each frequency band path to different degrees. Multiple switching switches are used to switch between different frequency band paths, so as to select the signal transmission path according to the test requirements. In addition, the four radio frequency channels are connected in parallel through a separator, so as to realize the synchronous test and control of multi-channel and multi-band radio frequency signals.

[0020] First Combiner: The RF signal test equipment emits an RF signal from the test input end and sends the signal into the first combiner of the corresponding RF channel in the RF circuit module. This combiner is responsible for separating the incoming RF signal according to its frequency characteristics and guiding it to different signal paths of different frequency bands. The first combiner can separate the input signal by frequency band, specifically into three frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz (the three commonly used WiFi signal frequency band paths), and the frequency band can be adjusted accordingly during actual testing. Each frequency band signal corresponds to a frequency band path, namely the first frequency band path (2.4 GHz), the second frequency band path (5 GHz), and the third frequency band path (6 GHz). When the separated signal frequency is 2.4 GHz, the first combiner guides the signal to the first frequency band path; the signal with a frequency of 5 GHz is guided to the second frequency band path; and the signal with a frequency of 6 GHz passes through the third frequency band path.

[0021] Second Combiner: After the frequency separation by the first combiner, the signals of each frequency band enter different frequency band paths respectively and are further processed within each path. Each frequency band path contains multiple RF attenuator units and switching switches for attenuating and adjusting the signal intensity to ensure that the signal meets the test requirements. The processed RF signals will reach the second combiner through their respective paths, and this combiner is responsible for recombining these signals into a complete RF signal. The combined signal is transmitted to the test equipment or the receiving end for further signal analysis or processing.

[0022] The second combiner receives the signals of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz from the first, second, and third frequency band paths respectively and combines these signals into an output signal. This output signal can be used for subsequent RF signal test processes, such as intensity analysis, frequency stability test, etc. The final combined signal is output from the second combiner to the external test system, and subsequent analysis equipment can further measure various parameters of this signal, including frequency response, signal intensity, bandwidth, etc., to ensure the stability and consistency of the signal.

[0023] When the user needs to test the RF signal, first input the RF signal to the input end of the programmable attenuator; the input signal passes through the first combiner and is automatically assigned to the frequency band paths of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz according to its frequency characteristics; the signal is attenuated and adjusted by different amplitudes through the RF attenuator units within each frequency band path, and the adjusted signal is transmitted to the second combiner; finally, the second combiner combines the signals of different frequency bands into a complete output signal for the test equipment to perform subsequent processing.

[0024] The first frequency band path is used to process signals in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. This frequency band is usually used for tests of wireless communications such as WIFI and Bluetooth. Multiple RF attenuator units are equipped in this path to achieve controllable attenuation of 2.4 GHz signals.

[0025] The second frequency band path is used to process signals in the 5 GHz frequency band. 5 GHz frequency band signals are more common in high-speed data transmission or broadband communication tests. Similar to the first frequency band path, the second frequency band path also contains multiple RF attenuator units, which can precisely adjust the signals.

[0026] The third frequency band path is used to process signals in the 6 GHz frequency band. The 6 GHz frequency band belongs to relatively high-frequency signals and is mostly used for tests of next-generation communication systems. RF attenuator units are also configured in this path to meet the attenuation requirements of signals under different test conditions.

[0027] Each frequency band path contains multiple RF attenuator units. The main function of the RF attenuator unit is to attenuate the passing RF signals, and the attenuation range can vary from 2 dB to 30 dB. Users can set the required attenuation value through the control circuit module according to the actual test requirements, so as to achieve flexible adjustment of the signal strength.

[0028] The switching switch is set in each RF channel and is mainly used to switch between different frequency band paths. When the test requirements change, users can control the switching switch through the control circuit module to select the required frequency band path. For example, when testing 2.4 GHz frequency band signals, the switching switch will switch to the first frequency band path, and for tests of 5 GHz or 6 GHz frequency band signals, it will switch to the corresponding paths. The setting of the switching switch ensures the flexibility and efficiency of the test.

[0029] The first RF channel, the second RF channel, the third RF channel, and the fourth RF channel are connected through a separator. In this way, multiple RF signals can be processed simultaneously, meeting the requirements of synchronous testing of multi-channel RF signals. The design of each RF channel is independent of other channels, so multiple frequency band signals can be processed in parallel without interfering with each other. This design greatly improves the test efficiency, especially when multiple devices or multiple frequency band signals need to be tested simultaneously.

[0030] During the actual testing process, the RF signal enters the programmable attenuator from the test equipment and is first separated into multiple frequency band signals by the first combiner. The separated signals enter their respective frequency band paths, and the RF attenuator unit attenuates the signals by different amplitudes. The user sets the attenuation value and path switching for each frequency band through the control circuit module to achieve flexible control of the RF signal. The processed signal is combined into a complete signal by the second combiner and finally output to the test equipment for further processing or analysis.

[0031] It is not difficult to find that, compared with the related technology, in the solution provided by the embodiment of the present application, through the coordinated action of multiple RF channels, frequency band paths, RF attenuator units and switching switches, the intensity and transmission path of the multi-band RF signal can be flexibly and accurately controlled, which is particularly suitable for complex and multi-channel RF signal test scenarios.

[0032] Second Embodiment

[0033] The second embodiment of the present application relates to a programmable attenuator for RF signal testing. The second implementation is an improvement based on the first embodiment. The specific improvements are as follows:

[0034] The RF channel includes: the first switching switch is connected to the first combiner and the second switching switch; the second switching switch is connected to the first combiner and the first frequency band path; the third switching switch is connected to the first frequency band path and the second combiner; the fourth switching switch is connected to the third switching switch and the fifth switching switch; the fifth switching switch is connected to the second combiner and the separator.

[0035] The first frequency band path includes three RF attenuator units; the second frequency band path and the third frequency band path include two RF attenuator units.

[0036] The first combiner separates the RF signal into three frequency bands of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz, corresponding to the first frequency band path, the second frequency band path and the third frequency band path respectively.

[0037] The attenuation value regulation range of the RF attenuator unit is 2 - 30 dB.

[0038] As Figure 2 shown, the programmable attenuator includes four RF channels (A1, A2, A3, A4), and each channel processes the RF signal through an independent path. After the input signal of each RF channel is processed, it is output to the corresponding output terminal (B1, B2, B3, B4), or is aggregated into a unified signal output (B0) through the separator (Splitter).

[0039] Each RF channel contains the following main components: The triplexer, also known as a diplexer filter, is where the RF signal within each channel first passes through. The input RF signal is divided into three paths according to frequency, corresponding to three different frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. The signals of each frequency band will enter their respective RF attenuator units separately. The RF attenuator unit contains multiple RF attenuator units in each frequency band path, and the attenuation value of each unit can be adjusted within the range of 2 dB to 30 dB. By attenuating the signal to different degrees through the attenuator unit, precise signal control can be achieved to simulate different test environments and conditions.

[0040] After the signal of each channel undergoes attenuation processing, the signals of each frequency band are recombined into one RF signal through a second triplexer. The synthesized signal can be directly output to the splitter to aggregate all channel signals and synthesize them into a unified signal, which is output from the output terminal (B0). It can also bypass the diplexer and, through the switching switch, switch the processing path to directly output from the output terminals (B1, B2, B3, and B4) after the attenuation processing in the first frequency band path.

[0041] The specific working process includes: The RF signal enters the programmable attenuator through the input terminals A1 to A4. Each input signal is processed through its independent RF channel, and different input signals work independently on different channels.

[0042] Each input signal first passes through the triplexer, which divides the RF signal into three frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. The signals of each frequency band are separated and enter the corresponding frequency band paths for further processing. In each frequency band path, the RF signal will pass through multiple RF attenuator units. Each attenuator unit can be adjusted according to the control command to adjust the intensity of the signal to the required attenuation value (adjustable between 2 dB and 30 dB). The user can select the settings of the attenuator unit according to the test requirements to simulate different signal transmission conditions.

[0043] The signal after attenuation processing is recombined into one signal through the triplexer and input into the splitter. Through the splitter, the signals of the four channels are combined into one signal and output from the output terminal (B0).

[0044] The first frequency band path is used to process signals in the frequency band and is configured with three RF attenuator units. The attenuation range of each attenuator unit can be adjusted between 2 dB and 30 dB. Through the combination of the three RF attenuator units, multi-level signal attenuation can be achieved. For example, in some test scenarios, it can be selected to let the signal pass through only one attenuator unit to produce a small attenuation effect. In other cases, the signal can pass through multiple attenuator units for combined attenuation to achieve a larger total attenuation, which is particularly important for simulating different transmission distances and signal losses. This multi-level attenuation design can adapt to complex test scenarios, especially in wireless communication tests that require simulating the signal strength change of 2.4 GHz signals, such as RF tests of WIFI or Bluetooth devices. The multi-level attenuator can provide precise signal control through flexible combination.

[0045] The second frequency band path and the third frequency band path are respectively used to process signals in the 5 GHz and 6 GHz frequency bands. Each path is configured with two RF attenuator units, and the attenuation value range is also 2 dB to 30 dB. The two RF attenuator units in each path allow precise attenuation control of 5 GHz and 6 GHz signals. By adjusting the attenuator units, users can control the signal strength to fluctuate within an appropriate range according to the test requirements to ensure the accuracy of the test results. 5 GHz and 6 GHz frequency band signals are widely used in high-speed data transmission and the testing of next-generation communication technologies (such as Wi-Fi 6 or future 6 GHz frequency band technologies). In these scenarios, the signal strength needs to be adjusted according to specific transmission conditions. Through the combined adjustment of the attenuator units, different transmission environments can be simulated to help test the performance of the test device, such as anti-interference ability and signal reception ability.

[0046] Each RF attenuator unit is controlled by a control circuit module through instructions. Users can adjust the attenuation value of each attenuator unit through an external test system (such as sending commands through the UART interface). The control module will issue corresponding instructions according to the test requirements to change the settings of each attenuator unit to ensure that the signal attenuation amount is accurate to the specified dB value. The attenuator units within each frequency band path can not only be adjusted independently but also be used in combination to achieve more complex signal attenuation effects. This enables the system to meet a variety of test requirements, including simulating long-distance communication, signal attenuation testing, and testing the impact of signal strength changes on communication quality.

[0047] The RF attenuator units within each frequency band path can provide precise attenuation in the range of 2dB to 30dB, ensuring the accuracy of signal strength adjustment and being suitable for high-precision RF testing. Through the combined adjustment of multiple attenuator units, each path can achieve flexible attenuation value settings, supporting a variety of test scenarios and requirements. This flexibility is particularly important when dealing with high-frequency band (5GHz and 6GHz) signals. It is applicable to the RF signal testing of various wireless communication devices, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G communication, etc., and can meet the signal processing requirements of different frequency bands.

[0048] In this embodiment, through the combined operation of the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch, it is possible to bypass the processing of the first combiner and the second combiner for the RF signal, directly enter the first frequency band path, and process the signal through three RF attenuator units in this path. Finally, the signal does not need to pass through the second combiner and is directly output from the first frequency band path.

[0049] The RF signal enters the programmable attenuator from the input port. Under normal circumstances, the signal will first pass through the first combiner, which divides the RF signal into multiple frequency bands and enters the corresponding frequency band paths for processing respectively. However, this embodiment allows, through the combined operation of the switches, the input signal to bypass the first combiner and directly enter the first frequency band path (to process 2.4GHz signals).

[0050] The first switch is used to determine whether the RF signal needs to enter the first combiner for frequency band separation. When it is necessary to bypass the first combiner, the first switch directs the signal directly to the second switch. The second switch further controls whether the signal directly enters the first frequency band path. When the bypass operation takes effect, the second switch will directly introduce the signal into the first frequency band path without passing through the separation of the first combiner.

[0051] After the input signal bypasses the first combiner, it directly enters the first frequency band path. There are three RF attenuator units configured in this path, and the attenuation value of each attenuator unit can be adjusted between 2dB and 30dB. After the signal enters the first frequency band path, it is processed in multiple stages through the three attenuator units. The system can adjust the attenuation value of each attenuator unit according to the test requirements, thereby precisely controlling the signal strength. For example, the signal can be attenuated slightly through one attenuator unit, or the three attenuator units can be combined to achieve a maximum attenuation of 30dB.

[0052] The combined operation of the third switching switch and the fourth switching switch enables the signal to bypass the combining process of the second combiner and be directly output from the first frequency band path. Under normal circumstances, after the signal is processed in each frequency band path, it will pass through the second combiner and be recombined into an integrated signal for output. However, in this embodiment, through the operation of the third and fourth switching switches, the signal can be directly output to the external test equipment without being combined.

[0053] This bypass processing can more flexibly control the signal path. The signal can be processed through the complete first frequency band path (including the adjustment of the attenuator unit) and directly output to the test equipment, eliminating the combining process and reducing unnecessary signal loss. It is applicable to test environments that require independent processing of radio frequency signals. For example, in scenarios such as WIFI testing and Bluetooth signal testing, only the attenuation test of the signal in this frequency band is required. The bypass combiner processing can reduce unnecessary signal operations and improve the efficiency and accuracy of testing. In addition, this bypass mode allows for flexible selection of the signal path, avoiding mutual interference between frequency band signals and ensuring independent and precise signal processing for each frequency band.

[0054] The Third Embodiment

[0055] The third embodiment of this application relates to a programmable attenuator for radio frequency signal testing. The third implementation is an improvement based on the first embodiment. The specific improvements are as follows:

[0056] The control circuit module uses an ATmega328 chip as the main control chip. The main control chip of the control circuit module receives commands from the UART interface, generates control signals for controlling the radio frequency attenuator unit and the switching switch, and sets the test path and adjusts the attenuation value of the path according to the control signals.

[0057] The core of the control circuit module is the ATmega328 chip, which has rich input and output interfaces and good processing capabilities. It can process instructions from external test equipment and generate control signals.

[0058] The control circuit module communicates with the external test system through the UART interface. The UART interface is used to receive external test commands, which include control information such as setting the attenuation value of the radio frequency attenuator, selecting the signal path, and switching different frequency bands. Users can send commands through a computer or other test systems to instruct the control circuit module to adjust the radio frequency signal.

[0059] When the control circuit module receives a command from the UART interface, the main control chip will parse the command and generate corresponding control signals. These control signals will be used to adjust the RF attenuator unit and the switch in the RF path. For example, when the command requires adjusting the signal attenuation, the main control chip will convert the command into a signal, instructing a certain RF attenuator unit to set the attenuation value to the specified dB value.

[0060] The control circuit module can control the transmission of RF signals in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency band paths. The main control chip determines which frequency band path the signal enters based on the received command, and precisely adjusts the signal strength in that path through the RF attenuator unit. To increase the flexibility of the programmable attenuator, a RF path selection switch is also designed inside the control circuit module to implement signal path switching. For example, the user can send a command to indicate that the signal bypasses the first combiner and directly enters a certain frequency band path for signal strength adjustment without going through other unnecessary processes. This flexible path selection function greatly improves the applicable range of the programmable attenuator, especially suitable for general attenuator scenarios with a wide range of frequencies.

[0061] Multiple RF attenuator units are configured in each RF frequency band path, and the attenuation values of these attenuator units can be precisely adjusted through the control circuit module. The control circuit module adjusts the attenuation value according to the test command to precisely set it within the range of 2 dB to 30 dB. The user can send commands through an external system to set different test schemes. For example, in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, set the signal attenuation value to 10 dB, and in the 5 GHz frequency band, set the signal attenuation value to 20 dB. The main control chip will automatically adjust the attenuator units in each path to ensure that the signal is transmitted within the specified intensity range.

[0062] In addition to the regular signal path adjustment, it also includes the function of bypassing the three-band combiner. Through the control circuit module, the three-band combiner can be bypassed, and the RF signal can be directly introduced into the RF attenuator unit for processing. This bypass function is applicable to scenarios that require a wider frequency support. Especially when it is not necessary to synthesize signals of multiple frequency bands, a single frequency band signal can be directly processed.

[0063] As Figure 3 shown, this control circuit module uses the ATmega328P microcontroller as the main control chip to control the RF signal path and attenuation value by receiving external instructions. The figure shows the complete circuit connection, including the clock circuit, reset circuit, UART communication interface, etc.

[0064] Main control chip ATmega328P: As the core control unit, the core part of the circuit is the ATmega328P microcontroller. Its pin configuration and peripheral circuits support various control functions of the system. The ATmega328P can communicate with external devices through the UART interface, thereby receiving external commands and controlling the RF attenuator unit and the switching switch of the RF signal test system through its pins.

[0065] Power input: The control circuit module is powered by a +5V power supply. The power supply is filtered by capacitors C1 and C7 to ensure voltage stability. After regulation, the power supply provides voltage supply for the ATmega328P microcontroller.

[0066] Capacitor filtering: Multiple capacitors configured in the circuit (such as C1, C7, C3, C5) are used to filter out high-frequency noise in the power supply, ensure power supply stability, and avoid signal interference affecting system performance.

[0067] Clock circuit: Crystal oscillator circuit. The control circuit module uses a 16MHz crystal oscillator (Y1) to provide a clock signal for the microcontroller. The crystal oscillator is connected to the ground through capacitors C2 and C3 at both ends to form a stable clock oscillation circuit, ensuring the normal operating frequency of the ATmega328P chip; Clock frequency, the 16MHz clock frequency ensures that the ATmega328P can operate at a high speed to meet the requirements of real-time signal control and test data processing.

[0068] Reset circuit: Reset button (SW1). When the user presses this button, the control circuit module will restart. The function of the reset button is to make the ATmega328P chip re-enter the initialization state, which is suitable for debugging or emergency recovery in case of circuit failures.

[0069] Reset resistor (R1): A 10kΩ resistor (R1) is connected beside the reset button to ensure the stability of the reset signal and prevent the system from being accidentally reset due to external interference.

[0070] UART communication interface: Two pins (TX and RX) are used as the UART interface in the circuit for communication with an external test system or a computer. The UART interface can receive control commands from the external test system and input them into the ATmega328P chip through the RX pin.

[0071] Communication resistors (R9, R10): 1kΩ resistors are respectively connected to the TX and RX pins. These resistors are used to limit the current and protect the chip from being damaged by high current impact.

[0072] LED Indicator: The LED lamp connected to the D13 pin in the figure is used to indicate the circuit status. The LED lamp is connected in series with a 1kΩ resistor and is used to display the operating status of the circuit or the feedback information during debugging. The on / off state of the LED can indicate whether the system is in the working state, which is convenient for the operator to monitor.

[0073] Other Components: Reference Voltage (AREF), this pin is used to provide a reference voltage. The AREF pin is filtered through capacitor C1 (100nF) to ensure the stability of analog signal processing. GND and VCC pins, the ATmega328P chip is connected to the ground and power supply through multiple pairs of GND and VCC pins to ensure stable power supply and signal grounding.

[0074] Working Process: Power Supply and Startup, when the circuit is powered on, the 5V power supply enters the circuit through the filter capacitor, and the ATmega328P chip starts to run. With the 16MHz clock signal provided by the crystal oscillator circuit, the ATmega328P can process external commands at high speed. Reset Function, pressing the reset button (SW1) can manually restart the microcontroller, which is suitable for circuit faults or re-initialization during debugging. UART Communication and Control, the ATmega328P chip receives commands sent by external devices (such as commands from a computer or a test system) through the RX pin, parses the commands, and generates corresponding control signals. These control signals can be used to adjust the attenuation value of the RF attenuator or switch the path of the RF signal.

[0075] Status Feedback, the ATmega328P can send feedback information to external devices through the TX pin, such as sending data such as the current signal attenuation value and path selection status. In addition, the status indicator will display the working status of the circuit in real time.

[0076] Through the control circuit module, the path selection and attenuation value adjustment of the RF signal can be accurately controlled, which is suitable for RF signal testing in multiple frequency bands. Automated Testing: This control module can also be connected to an external automated testing system, receive control commands and perform automated operations, which is suitable for large-scale and long-term automated RF signal testing.

[0077] The step division of the above various methods is only for clear description. When implemented, they can be combined into one step or some steps can be split into multiple steps. As long as the same logical relationship is included, it is within the protection scope of this application; adding insignificant modifications to the algorithm or process or introducing insignificant designs, but not changing the core design of its algorithm and process, are all within the protection scope of this application.

[0078] Fourth Embodiment

[0079] The fourth embodiment of this application relates to a radio frequency signal testing system / apparatus. The system includes:

[0080] Multiple of the above-mentioned programmable attenuators, which adopt a stacked design. Multiple of the programmable attenuators are stacked as a whole to form a radio frequency signal testing system; a test control module, which is connected to the programmable attenuator and conducts radio frequency signal testing by controlling the programmable attenuator.

[0081] In the radio frequency signal testing system, each programmable attenuator is assigned a number, and a common external communication interface is used. The firmware is used to identify the number of the programmable attenuator, and the programmable attenuator is controlled respectively according to the number.

[0082] The test control module conducts centralized management and operation on the programmable attenuator through a dedicated software platform; the dedicated software platform automatically generates test commands according to a preset test plan and sends them to the programmable attenuator, monitors the signal attenuation status of each radio frequency channel in real time, and generates corresponding test reports.

[0083] Each programmable attenuator is used to independently control and adjust the path and attenuation value of the radio frequency signal. The stacked design of the programmable attenuator allows multiple attenuator modules to be combined together to form an overall radio frequency signal testing system. Through stacking, each attenuator module can be tested simultaneously and without interference from each other.

[0084] The test control module, as the core control unit of the system, is responsible for managing multiple programmable attenuators. The control module communicates with the programmable attenuator through a unified external communication interface, sends control commands and obtains real-time feedback. Each programmable attenuator is distinguished by a number, and the test control module can accurately identify and control each attenuator according to the number.

[0085] The programmable attenuators are combined through physical stacking or modular design, enabling multiple attenuators to process radio frequency signals of different channels simultaneously. This stacked structure can maximize the use of space and support parallel testing of multi-channel signals, and is suitable for large equipment or complex test environments. Each programmable attenuator is assigned a unique number in the system, and the test control module interacts with each attenuator through a common external communication interface. The numbering system ensures the independence of each attenuator module, and the control module can identify different attenuators through the number for independent control or synchronous control.

[0086] The test control module realizes centralized management and operation through a dedicated software platform. The software platform can automatically generate test commands according to a preset test plan and send these commands to the corresponding programmable attenuators. This software platform not only simplifies the management of complex tests but also supports real-time data monitoring and processing. The dedicated software platform executes the test plan through automated scripts, can automatically generate test commands according to the parameters set by the user, and control the signal path selection, attenuation value adjustment, etc. of the programmable attenuator. The data during the test (such as the attenuation state of each RF channel) will be fed back to the software platform in real time, facilitating the operator to monitor the test progress.

[0087] The test system tests multi-band RF signals through programmable attenuators. Each attenuator module can adjust the signal attenuation value and select the signal path through a switching switch to test the transmission effects of different band signals in various environments. During the test, the system can monitor the signal status of each RF channel in real time, including the attenuation value, signal strength, and path selection, etc. All monitored data will be fed back to the software platform in real time, and the operator can view the test progress in real time to ensure that the test process meets expectations. After the test is completed, the system automatically generates a test report, detailing each test step and result.

[0088] Through the dedicated software platform, all programmable attenuators and signal channels can be centrally managed. The user can view the status of multiple programmable attenuators through the software interface and adjust the attenuation value and path selection of the attenuators simultaneously or separately as needed. The system supports expansion and can expand the test scope by adding programmable attenuator modules. The combination of multiple attenuator modules enables the system to flexibly adapt to different scales of RF test requirements, from single-signal tests to multi-channel, full-band complex tests.

[0089] It is not difficult to find that this embodiment is a system embodiment corresponding to the first embodiment, and this embodiment can be implemented in cooperation with the first embodiment. The relevant technical details mentioned in the first embodiment are still valid in this embodiment. To avoid repetition, they are not elaborated here. Correspondingly, the relevant technical details mentioned in this embodiment can also be applied to the first embodiment.

[0090] It is worth mentioning that each module involved in this embodiment is a logical module. In actual applications, a logical unit can be a physical unit, a part of a physical unit, or a combination of multiple physical units. In addition, to highlight the innovative part of this application, units not closely related to solving the technical problems proposed in this application are not introduced in this embodiment, but this does not mean that there are no other units in this embodiment.

[0091] As described above, this is only the specific implementation manner of the present application. However, the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present application can easily make changes or substitutions, which should all be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims, and the above embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-restrictive.

Claims

1. A programmable attenuator for radio frequency signal testing, characterized in that: The programmable attenuator comprises: A radio frequency circuit module, the radio frequency circuit module includes a first radio frequency channel, a second radio frequency channel, a third radio frequency channel and a fourth radio frequency channel; each radio frequency channel includes a first combiner, a second combiner, a first frequency band path, a second frequency band path, a third frequency band path, a plurality of radio frequency attenuator units and a plurality of switching switches; the first radio frequency channel, the second radio frequency channel, the third radio frequency channel and the fourth radio frequency channel are respectively connected through a separator; the first radio frequency channel, the second radio frequency channel, the third radio frequency channel and the fourth radio frequency channel respectively include: The first switching switch is connected to the first combiner and the second switching switch; A second switch is connected to the first combiner and the first frequency band path; A third switch is connected to the first frequency band path and the second combiner; The fourth switch is connected to the third switch and the fifth switch; A fifth switch is connected to the second combiner and the separator; A control circuit module, wherein the control circuit module is connected to the radio frequency circuit module and is used to send a control signal to control the radio frequency attenuator unit and the switching switch of the radio frequency circuit module.

2. The programmable attenuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first frequency band path includes three RF attenuator units; the second frequency band path and the third frequency band path include two RF attenuator units.

3. The programmable attenuator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first combiner separates the radio frequency signal into three frequency bands of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz, which correspond to the first frequency band path, the second frequency band path and the third frequency band path respectively.

4. The programmable attenuator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The attenuation value of the radio frequency attenuator unit can be adjusted in the range of 2-30dB.

5. The programmable attenuator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The control circuit module uses ATmega328 chip as the main control chip.

6. The programmable attenuator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The main control chip of the control circuit module receives commands from the UART interface, generates control signals for controlling the RF attenuator unit and the switching switch, and sets the test path and adjusts the path attenuation value according to the control signal.

7. A radio frequency signal testing system, characterized in that: The system comprises: A plurality of programmable attenuators according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the programmable attenuators are stacked to form a whole radio frequency signal testing system; A test control module is connected to the programmable attenuator and performs a test on a radio frequency signal by controlling the programmable attenuator.

8. The radio frequency signal testing system according to claim 7, characterized in that: In the radio frequency signal testing system, a number is set for each programmable attenuator, and a common external communication interface is used. The firmware identifies the number of the programmable attenuator, and controls the programmable attenuator according to the number.

9. The radio frequency signal testing system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The test control module centrally manages and operates the programmable attenuator through a dedicated software platform; the dedicated software platform automatically generates test commands according to a preset test plan and sends them to the programmable attenuator, monitors the signal attenuation status of each RF channel in real time, and generates a corresponding test report.

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